- Indian ricegrass
Taxobox
name = Indian Ricegrass
regnum =Plant ae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis =Liliopsida
ordo =Poales
familia =Poaceae
genus = "Oryzopsis "
species = "O. hymenoides"
binomial = "Oryzopsis hymenoides"
binomial_authority = Ricker ex Piper
synonyms="Achnatherum hymenoides "Indian ricegrass ("Oryzopsis hymenoides") is a perennial
bunchgrass , native toNevada andUtah in the southwesternUnited States .In the past, the grass was used as a food staple by the Native Americans, especially when the
maize crop failed. Seed of the ricegrass was gathered and ground into meal or flour and made into bread.This tough grass is known for its ability to reseed and establish itself on sites damaged by fire or overgrazing. It is a fine addition to any xeriscape and will grow quite large if given sufficient space. The open, spangled appearance when in flower or fruit is very attractive, especially in backlight.
It was officially recognized as the Nevada state grass in 1977 [ [http://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-235.html#NRS235Sec055 Nevada Revised Statutes, Chapter 235 Section 055] . Retrieved on
2008-03-27 ] [ [http://www.leg.state.nv.us/General/FACTS.cfm Nevada Facts - State grass] . Retrieved on2008-03-27 .] and as the Utah state grass in 1990. [ [http://www.le.state.ut.us/~code/TITLE63/htm/63_0B006.htm Utah Code Section 63-13-5.5. State symbols.] Retrieved on2008-03-27 .] [ [http://pioneer.utah.gov/utah_on_the_web/utah_symbols/grass.html Utah Symbols - Indian Ricegrass] from utah.gov "Pioneer - Utah's Online Library" page. Retrieved on2008-03-27 ]The Utah Section of the
Society for Range Management began campaigning for a state grass in the mid-1980s and after studying many species the field was narrowed to four candidates, Indian ricegrass,Bluebunch wheatgrass , Galleta grass, and Great Basin wildrye. Indian ricegrass was then selected as the favorite. The state grass bill was introduced by SenatorAlarik Myrin , a member of the Society, in 1989.Notes
References
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