Bottle brush rye (Elymus hystrix) is occasionally found on grassy slopes and gravel flats around Haliburton, Ontario. There’s also a northern bottle brush rye (Elymus bigelovianus). Local to Haliburton as well is Virginia wild rye-grass (Elymus virginicus), which prefers a damper habitat like stream borders. These are all uncommon in the wilds of Haliburton. All the above are native here in Ontario.
There are some nonnative species present too, including the aggressively spreading quack grass AKA couch grass (E. repens syn. Agropyron repens), a rye that is featured more in western foraging and herbalism. It’ll be the main focus for edible and medicinal uses in this article, and as per my usual the native species will be the focus for growing.
Elymus species are related to our common bread flour species, all in the grass family. In farmer’s fields and grocery stores, rye typically refers to Secale cereale and wheat and wheatgrass are both from common wheat (Triticum aestivum).
Edible Uses of Wild Rye
The nonnative quack or couch grass (E. repens) has an edible rhizome that can be dried and ground for flour, or dried like dandelion or chicory root for a coffee substitute. It’s also used for craft beer.
Like wheatgrass, the young shoots of couch grass are edible. And the fresh young leaves.
The edible seeds can be mashed. But note, sometimes the seed heads become infected with an ergot fungus, thus making them toxic.
Native to Ontario rye grasses you could cultivate that have edible parts include Canada wild rye (E. Canadensis) and blue wild rye (E. glaucus). Bottle brush rye is “potentially edible” for humans according to one source I found.
Couch grass seeds are high in protein.
Medicinal Uses of Quack grass
Couch grass is primarily said to support these body systems:
- Integumentary
- Respiratory
- Urinary
Medicinal tags include Antiseptic, Astringent, Demulcent and Diuretic. See Medicinal tag key for more information.
Common usage is the rhizomes of quack/couch grass (E. repens) used for bladder infections and other urinary issues.
Alternative Uses of Dog Grass
Couch grass is also called dog grass referring to sick dogs self medicating with it.
You can obtain a green dye from the roots of couch grass.
Grasses can be used for a compost tea.
Growing Elymus Spp.
Both grasses and sedges tend to be overlooked for more showy floral plants, but both have a tremendous wildlife value that cannot be overlooked. The Virginia wild rye (E. virginicus) you may find on a streambank has its seed head and foliage eaten by ducks and other water birds. Other animals eat these grasses too. And a variety of insects as well, including multiple leafhoppers. Some moth larvae feed on the foliage.
Bottle brush (E. hystrix) and Canada wild rye (E. Canadensis) are also popular native ryes. They can both be planted by seed or plugs. Bottle brush prefers partial shade, and wild rye can handle full sun. I remember seeing a great picture of wild rye with coneflowers and blue vervain. Bottle brush rye hosts the caterpillar of the northern pearly-eye (Lethe anthedon), one of my favourites!
If you’re thinking more along the lines of edible uses, Canada wild rye (E. Canadensis) is consumed by humans. So is native blue wild rye (E. glaucus). Another native tall grass that is popular is prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis), which although not a rye, has edible uses. It will be covered here in the future.
WARNINGS
And the Usual Cautions:
1) Most medicinal herbs, if edible, are meant to be eaten in moderation, even sparingly. Some require extra preparation. Tannins are toxic if consumed in excess. Before taking any new supplements, you should consult with a healthcare professional.
2) A vast amount of these herbs are diuretic. (See the Medicinal tags above to check if this featured herb is one of them!) Diuretics are generally safe, but they can be risky for people with other medical conditions or who take certain medications. Please consult your doctor if you have any health conditions.
3) People can be allergic or sensitive to nearly any plant; try new herbs one at a time at your own risk. For instance, saponins commonly cause stomach upset.
4) For serious medicinal use, I must recommend receiving a diagnosis and working with a reputed health care provider. I generally do not post specific treatments and dosages because I think that is best between you and your health care provider, and ideally monitored.
5) Anyone pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs should talk to a health care professional before adding new food items to their diet.
6) Many plants have look-a-likes, and sometimes they are poisonous.
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RESOURCES
My new favourite foraging book is Sam Thayer’s Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants of Eastern & Central North America and this plant IS NOT featured in his book. Which to the least means it isn’t a popular edible. I highly recommend this thorough guide for your bookshelves!
https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/grasses/plants/va_rye.htm
https://data.canadensys.net/vascan/taxon/1135?lang=en
Edible and Medicinal Plants of Canada
The Herbal Apothecary: 100 Medicinal Herbs and How to Use Them
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