Zizania palustris Seeds | Wild Rice
LATIN NAME: Zizania palustris
COMMON NAME: Wild Rice
Plant Profile
Zizania palustris, better known as Wild Rice, is an annual in the grass family. Wild rice stands tall, leafy stems with long, broad, drooping leaves and large, open panicles of greenish spikelets, and the whole plant carries the fine, bold look of the shallow water. It is a plant of open, sunny, shallow water with rich, muddy ground below. When it flowers, local bees and other insects make good use of it. It is hard to name another plant that gives this much for this little trouble.
Science & Biotechnology
Zizania palustris sits in the grass family, a group that keeps botanists, horticulturists and plant breeders busy with questions of classification, adaptation and ornamental potential. With present-day seed handling, raising this species well within the reach of any careful grower.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Wild Rice for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. Wild rice is a fine, quiet plant of shallow water and study collection. It is a fine, quiet plant of open, sunny, shallow water with rich, muddy ground below.Sow Wild rice seeds in a warm, bright tray with surface kept just wet. Routine care after establishment is refreshingly light.
Wild rice is a protein-rich, nutty aquatic grain sacred to the Great Lakes peoples and prized by chefs; it is a genuinely whole food.
Growing from Seed
Wild Rice is one of those generous plants that come along well from seed. Surface-sow onto a light, well-drained compost, dust over a thin covering, and keep evenly moist and sunny until the seedlings show. Transplant the sturdiest seedlings to their permanent spots and let them develop without disturbance.
Our Take
Given the right start, Wild Rice is a long-term garden companion. Beginners will find it patient of imperfect technique.
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