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:~ ~? ~ - . ~- - - _ ~; ._- . .~I--r.~- f . ~~ ( ) t.. _i_; _;~ ..~ ~ ,_ _ -..•~ ~y~~~ ~,~ayo ::~ `-_ ~~~- ~>!: ;~, -; y'=== + == SE_;!" :+AT;VE ~.iA55E5 INDIAN R1C:.GRASS {Oryzopsis hymenoides) is a perennial, native, cool- season grass. It occurs naturally on coarse-textured soils in and and semiarid climates throughout the Intermountain Zone of the West. It is most abundant where there is little competition from other perennials. Indian Ricegrass is hard seeded. The seed coat prolongs dormancy which may last for many years. Growth begins in early spring but stands tend to be short-lived {3 to 4 years). It is a very drought tolerant grass and is often a pioneer species on disturbed sites and sandy soils. Indian Ricegrass is also called Sandgrass, Indian Moun- tain Rice, Indian Millet, Sandrice or Silkygrass. The nutritious seed was a staple food of the Indians, thus giving it the common name Indian Ricegrass. FACTS ABCUT INDIAN RICEGRASS: ' Indian Ricegrass is not tolerant of poorlydrained soils or.high watertables. ' A good stand of Indian Ricegrass on sandy land wiil ccntrol wind erosion. ' Indian Ricegrass is an excellent for- age, both as standing winter hay and for early spring grazing. ' Seed of Indian Ricegrass is relished by livestock and rodents because ii is high in protein and fai. Indian Ricegrass ' Birds favor the seed because it shat- ters easily and `ails to the ground; with the high fat content, the seeds can sustain life of upland birds during the critical feeding periods of winter. ' Indian ~ic~yras~ dces tclerate weakly saline or alkaline soils but does better on neutral soils. ' It car, tolerate fire ~.vhen Dormant; it does not tolerate shade. ' This spec'e_= !s ~:~.° of 'he mcst drought enduring of the native grasses. ' Its ~orm~~, a -. ~._ - en cr •r~inter and early spring forage for sheep.