Milium effusum aka Millet Grass

Milium effusum is a perennial grass in the Poaceae family. Common names include wood millet and millet grass. It is native to Britain and much of Europe. Its range reaches east to Siberia and the Himalayas. It grows in damp, shaded woods, including oak and beech woods. These sites often have heavy, humus-rich soils that contain lime.

This evergreen grass keeps its leaves through the year. It forms tufts from a short rootstock, but plants are short-lived. It reaches about 3.3 feet [1 metre] tall. Its spread is about 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. Running roots help it spread and form ground cover. Plants also often sow their own seed. This gives gardeners two ways to build up a patch. The evidence gives no species-level details about leaf shape or colour.

Flowers appear from May to July, and wind carries the pollen. Each flower has both male and female organs. The seeds ripen from July to August. They are edible when cooked. People can also grind the seeds into flour for bread. Plants For A Future gives its food value two out of five. That source lists no known hazards and no known medicinal uses. This does not establish safety for every person or pet.

Choose a shaded spot with fertile soil that drains well. Moist soil suits it, though established plants can withstand drought. It can also grow in dry shade. Sandy, loamy, and clay soils all fall within its range. It accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline ground. Plants For A Future reports cold tolerance near -4°F [-20°C]. It lists USDA zones 5–9. Its shade guidance varies: the growing notes allow full shade. The landscape notes favour dappled shade and shaded edges instead.

Woodland gardens and shaded borders offer places for this grass. Its running roots also make it useful as ground cover. Space ground-cover plants about 1 foot [0.3 metres] apart. Early mowing can help a young planting grow more densely. Leaves provide straw for weaving hats and other items. Sow seed where it will grow in spring. Divide established clumps in spring to make more plants. Grow small divisions on in light shade before planting out. The supplied evidence names no specific pests or diseases.