Common Name:

General Information

Leymus multicaulis is a somewhat clump-forming perennial grass with erect culms around 40 - 80cm tall. The plant spreads by underground roots, sometimes forming distinct clumps[].
The plant is used in soil conservation and restoration projects, particularly in the reclamation of saline soils.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Eurasia - southeastern European Russia, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Tadzhikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Altay, western China (Xinjiang)

Habitat

Alkaline meadows and saline soils, and as a weed in fields, roadsides, and around human habitations; at elevations from bottomlands to upland slopes[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.60 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Cultivated

Cultivation Details

Leymus multicaulis is a plant of continental temperate climates, growing in areas with cold winters and a mean annual rainfall within the range 300 - 450mm[].
Grows best in a sunny position, though the plant is moderately shade tolerant[]. It does well on moderately coarse or sandy to poorly drained soils[]. It succeeds in neutral to strongly alkaline soils ranging from a pH of6.6 - 9.0, and in soils classified as strongly saline[].
This species is known to produce fertile hybrids with Leymus triticoides[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is primarily used for the reclamation of wet, saline soils. It can be used effectively on saline-affected, irrigated cropland and pastureland, and on lands where the water table is within 90cm of the soil surface. It is also used for the reclamation of saline seep discharge areas on dry cropland, where water tables are typically deeper
than 90cm and annual precipitation may range from 300 - 450mm[].
The plant is also recommended for use in soil stabilization projects for the prevention of wind and water erosion, and in wildlife cover plantings[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow in autumn in situ and only just cover the seed[]. Germination should take place in the spring. The seed coat needs to break down before the seed will germinate, so if sowing the seed in spring it needs to be mechanically scarified first. Seedlings have poor vigour, develop slowly, and compete poorly with weeds and other grasses in the first year of establishment. It is thus very important to minimize weed competition[].
If the supply of seed is limited, it can also be sown in a cold frame. Only just cover the seed. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in summer[]
Division in spring or summer[]. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring. Establishment can be slow during the first year, but once established rhizomes spread rapidly[].