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Native Plant Society of Texas

Indian Ricegrass

Achnatherum hymenoides

Other common name(s):

Indian Millet, Sandgrass

Family:

Poaceae (Grass Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

Chihuahuan Deserts, High Plains
Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands
Canadian/Cimarron High Plains

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Grass & Sedge

Height

1
to
2
ft.

Spread

1
to
2
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Rocky, Calcareous, Deep, Dry

Light Requirement

Sun

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Grassland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Yellow, Green

Bloom Season

Summer

Seasonal Interest

Seeds, Forage, Larval Host

Wildlife Benefit

Browsers, Butterflies, Birds

Maintenance

Very drought tolerant. Foliage turns tan when dormant. Good erosion control for sand dunes and land reclamation projects. This grass can be mowed to 8 in. in early fall. The seed has a hard coat that prolongs dormancy, taking up to two years for an area that has been seeded to become fully established. Propagation: seed, clump division.

Comments

A cool-season bunchgrass. The sage-green, wiry foliage and ivory-colored seed heads give the grass a light, airy appearance. Larval host: Skippers.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Eriocoma cuspidata, Oryzopsis hymenoides, Stipa hymenoides

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed Scarification Seeds must be scarified with sulfuric acid to obtain germination. Mechanical scarification is also useful. Sow seeds 1-2 in. deep. The major factor limiting use of Indian ricegrass is the high percentage of dormant seed. Two types of dormancy have been identified: 1) morphological seed dormancy associated with the hard seed coat, and 2) embryo dormancy (Booth, et al., 1980). Research has shown that mechanical scarification of the seed improves germination of dormant seed (Jones and Nielson, 1992). Scianna, et al., (2012) found a combination of modest seed coat stratification with sandpaper plus a 6-10 month moist chilling period at approximately 38-40° F resulted in the highest germination of Indian ricegrass seeds. Dormant field planting in fall (after soil temperatures reach 40° F or less) with light seed coat scarification is the preferred method for establishment of Indian ricegrass. However, commercial seed is rarely scarified. A practical method to overcome seed coat dormancy is by dormant planting seed that has been properly stored for 4-6 years (Booth et al., 1980). Embryo dormancy can be overcome by use of Gibberlic acid, kinetin, thiorea, and hydrogen peroxide but are only slightly effective and not very practical (Robertson, 1976). As with seed coat dormancy, fall planting seed that has been properly stored for 4-6 years is the most practical method to overcome embryo dormancy in Indian ricegrass (Booth et al., 1980) but older seed may not emerge from seeding depths as well as younger seed. 1) chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/plantmaterials/idpmcpg11641.pdf, 2) https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ACHY
Clump division Division https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ACHY
Seed Stratification The major factor limiting use of Indian ricegrass is the high percentage of dormant seed. Two types of dormancy have been identified: 1) morphological seed dormancy associated with the hard seed coat, and 2) embryo dormancy (Booth, et al., 1980). Research has shown that mechanical scarification of the seed improves germination of dormant seed (Jones and Nielson, 1992). Scianna, et al., (2012) found a combination of modest seed coat stratification with sandpaper plus a 6-10 month moist chilling period at approximately 38-40° F resulted in the highest germination of Indian ricegrass seeds. Dormant field planting in fall (after soil temperatures reach 40° F or less) with light seed coat scarification is the preferred method for establishment of Indian ricegrass. However, commercial seed is rarely scarified. A practical method to overcome seed coat dormancy is by dormant planting seed that has been properly stored for 4-6 years (Booth et al., 1980). Embryo dormancy can be overcome by use of Gibberlic acid, kinetin, thiorea, and hydrogen peroxide but are only slightly effective and not very practical (Robertson, 1976). As with seed coat dormancy, fall planting seed that has been properly stored for 4-6 years is the most practical method to overcome embryo dormancy in Indian ricegrass (Booth et al., 1980) but older seed may not emerge from seeding depths as well as younger seed. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/plantmaterials/idpmcpg11641.pdf

Indian Ricegrass

Achnatherum hymenoides

Other names:

Indian Millet, Sandgrass

Family:

Poaceae (Grass Family)

Characteristics
Growth Form:
Grass & Sedge
Height:
1
to
2
ft.
Spread:
1
to
2
ft.
Leaf Retention:
Deciduous
Lifespan:
Perennial
Soil:
Sand, Rocky, Calcareous, Deep, Dry
Light:
Sun
Water:
Low
Native Habitat:
Grassland
Indian Ricegrass (Achnatherum hymenoides) thrives in nutrient-poor soils and is known for its resilience in arid environments, making it an important species in dry, rocky, and semi-desert regions. Photo by Sally and Andy Wasowski
Photo Credit: Wasowski, Sally and Andy, https://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=23516
Chihuahuan Deserts, High Plains
Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands
Canadian/Cimarron High Plains
Color:
Yellow, Green
Season:
Summer
Seasonal Interest:
Seeds, Forage, Larval Host
Wildlife Benefit:
Browsers, Butterflies, Birds
Very drought tolerant. Foliage turns tan when dormant. Good erosion control for sand dunes and land reclamation projects. This grass can be mowed to 8 in. in early fall. The seed has a hard coat that prolongs dormancy, taking up to two years for an area that has been seeded to become fully established. Propagation: seed, clump division.
A cool-season bunchgrass. The sage-green, wiry foliage and ivory-colored seed heads give the grass a light, airy appearance. Larval host: Skippers.

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed Scarification Seeds must be scarified with sulfuric acid to obtain germination. Mechanical scarification is also useful. Sow seeds 1-2 in. deep. The major factor limiting use of Indian ricegrass is the high percentage of dormant seed. Two types of dormancy have been identified: 1) morphological seed dormancy associated with the hard seed coat, and 2) embryo dormancy (Booth, et al., 1980). Research has shown that mechanical scarification of the seed improves germination of dormant seed (Jones and Nielson, 1992). Scianna, et al., (2012) found a combination of modest seed coat stratification with sandpaper plus a 6-10 month moist chilling period at approximately 38-40° F resulted in the highest germination of Indian ricegrass seeds. Dormant field planting in fall (after soil temperatures reach 40° F or less) with light seed coat scarification is the preferred method for establishment of Indian ricegrass. However, commercial seed is rarely scarified. A practical method to overcome seed coat dormancy is by dormant planting seed that has been properly stored for 4-6 years (Booth et al., 1980). Embryo dormancy can be overcome by use of Gibberlic acid, kinetin, thiorea, and hydrogen peroxide but are only slightly effective and not very practical (Robertson, 1976). As with seed coat dormancy, fall planting seed that has been properly stored for 4-6 years is the most practical method to overcome embryo dormancy in Indian ricegrass (Booth et al., 1980) but older seed may not emerge from seeding depths as well as younger seed. 1) chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/plantmaterials/idpmcpg11641.pdf, 2) https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ACHY
Clump division Division https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ACHY
Seed Stratification The major factor limiting use of Indian ricegrass is the high percentage of dormant seed. Two types of dormancy have been identified: 1) morphological seed dormancy associated with the hard seed coat, and 2) embryo dormancy (Booth, et al., 1980). Research has shown that mechanical scarification of the seed improves germination of dormant seed (Jones and Nielson, 1992). Scianna, et al., (2012) found a combination of modest seed coat stratification with sandpaper plus a 6-10 month moist chilling period at approximately 38-40° F resulted in the highest germination of Indian ricegrass seeds. Dormant field planting in fall (after soil temperatures reach 40° F or less) with light seed coat scarification is the preferred method for establishment of Indian ricegrass. However, commercial seed is rarely scarified. A practical method to overcome seed coat dormancy is by dormant planting seed that has been properly stored for 4-6 years (Booth et al., 1980). Embryo dormancy can be overcome by use of Gibberlic acid, kinetin, thiorea, and hydrogen peroxide but are only slightly effective and not very practical (Robertson, 1976). As with seed coat dormancy, fall planting seed that has been properly stored for 4-6 years is the most practical method to overcome embryo dormancy in Indian ricegrass (Booth et al., 1980) but older seed may not emerge from seeding depths as well as younger seed. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/plantmaterials/idpmcpg11641.pdf
Previous Scientific Name(s): Eriocoma cuspidata, Oryzopsis hymenoides, Stipa hymenoides

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our four host chapters (New Braunfels, Lindheimer, Guadalupe, and the Hill Country chapters) are located in one or both of the ecoregions above. However, the eastern portion of Guadalupe County also falls within the Post Oak Savanna ecoregion. Annual rainfall averages 35 to 45 inches, with higher averages to the east. A wide variety of hardwood trees are found, including several species of oaks, elms, and in the Bastrop area, loblolly pine (Pinus taeda). Grasses and forbs dominate in the open savannas, with most common grass being little bluestem. Ranching, agriculture, and fire suppression have allowed woody species to encroach on the once-open savannas.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason