Rice Cutgrass

Description

Leersia oryzoides, commonly known as Rice Cutgrass or Sickle Grass, is a native cool season grass. The seed ripens in late August to early October, which is more typical of a warm season species. This grass is easily identified by running a hand through it. The sharp leaves can cut skin and occasionally clothing. They are abrasive and sandpapery to the touch. Once the plant has matured, seeds resemble rice and are not easily confused with other native grasses.

The seeds are an important food source for waterfowl, small mammals, and shorebirds. Ducks pull up and consume underground stems (rhizomes). Dense colonies provide cover and habitat for fish, reptiles, and amphibians. The harsh foliage of this grass deters most mammalian herbivores, although muskrats feed on the rootstocks to a limited extent.

This plant is highly palatable to livestock and makes a great forage.

This plant prefers full sun, wet to moist conditions, and fertile soil that is mucky or silty. This adaptable grass tolerates partial sun and other kinds of soil, including those that are gravelly or sandy. It is somewhat aggressive and weedy in disturbed wetlands.

Rice cutgrass is valuable for wildlife habitat improvement, wetland restoration, and erosion control. Tolerant of highly acidic conditions. It is most common near streams, ponds, or beaver areas, and in 1ditches, canals, or freshwater marshes. For natural regeneration, rice cutgrass needs bare mud and an open vegetative structure created by seasonal inundation and regular disturbance.

Videos About This Plant

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