Beckmannia eruciformis aka Slough Grass

Beckmannia eruciformis is a perennial grass in the Poaceae family. Its common names include sloughgrass and European slough grass. Its native range spans east-central Europe, the Russian Far East, and Iran. It grows in temperate regions and is not native to Britain or Ireland. Wild habitats include wet meadows, marshes, swamps, and shallow water. These habitats help explain its need for a wet growing site.

The plant reaches about 5 feet [1.5 metres] in height. Its perennial habit makes it a lasting planting rather than an annual crop. Flowers appear from May to June. Each flower has both male and female organs, and wind carries the pollen. Seeds ripen from July to August, after the flowering season. The seeds are small and have husks that need removing before food use.

This grass suits pond edges and bog gardens where soil stays damp. It can also grow in shallow water. It accepts sandy, loamy, and clay soils, including those with salt. The reported soil pH range is 5.8 to 7.6. It grows in full sun or light shade. Plants For A Future describes it as frost hardy. The source reports successful outdoor growth in Cornwall. It suggests wider British hardiness from the plant’s range, but gives no tested hardiness zone.

Gardeners can raise plants from seed or divide them in spring. Sow seeds on the surface of compost in a cold frame. Keep the compost damp; germination can be very quick. Move seedlings into separate pots once they are large enough. Plant them into their final sites in summer. Spring sowing straight into the growing site is another option. Large divisions can go straight into their final positions. Grow smaller divisions in pots under cold-frame cover until well established.

The cooked seeds have a mild taste and can supply flour for cereal use. Harvesting them is easy, but removing their husks takes care and time. Plants For A Future gives their food value a modest rating. It records no known hazards, though this does not establish safety for every use. It lists no medicinal use. The plant also supplies material for bedding and pillows. The same source does not flag weed potential.