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Common Name: Spike Trisetum

General Information

Trisetum spicatum is a perennial plant that can grow up to 0.30 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

N. Europe, N. Asia, Northern N. America as far south as the mountains of California.

Habitat

Rocky places, tundra meadows, stony slopes and mountain rocks in the Arctic and sub-arctic regions[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. It is likely to require a sunny position and a well-drained soil.
A very variable plant, there are many sub-species[, , ]. This extremely polymorphic species is one of the most widespread of all flowering plants, being present in arctic and alpine parts of all continents except Africa[].

Edible Uses

Seed[, , ]. No more details are given but it is likely to be used as a piñole or to be ground into a powder and mixed with cereals when making bread etc.

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame in early spring. Only just cover the seed and do not allow the compost to dry out. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.