Rice cutgrass (Leersia oryzoides)

Rice cutgrass

Also known as: Ricegrass

Rice cutgrass is a hardy grass that thrives in full sun and wet soil. It can form dense thickets. The edges of the leaves can be very sharp and may cause cuts from walking through clumps of this grass, giving it the name, cutgrass.

Scientific classification

Species

Rice cutgrass (Leersia oryzoides)

Grasses, sedges and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Grass

Plant Type

Spring, Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

1 m to 1.5 m

Plant Height

30 cm

Spread

0 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Rice cutgrass

Attributes of Rice cutgrass

Growth Rate

With its moderate growth rate during the summer season, rice cutgrass develops an increased canopy density, characterized by ample leaf production and an augmented stem height. At the height of its growth phase, its lush foliage often appears verdant green, reflecting the plant’s energetic summer metabolism. While growth rates may fluctuate seasonally, summer provides the optimal conditions for robust development.

Distribution of Rice cutgrass

Distribution Map

Rice cutgrass is a plant with a broad native range that spans across temperate and tropical regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. It has also found its way as an introduced species to islands in the Caribbean and Pacific, adapting to diverse ecosystems beyond its original habitat.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Swamps, ditches, shores

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Care Guide for Rice cutgrass

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Rice cutgrass thrives in wetland habitats, adapting to high moisture and occasional flooding. It prefers consistent hydration, benefiting from weekly watering to maintain damp soil. As an aquatic grass, rice cutgrass flourishes outdoors where soil remains perpetually saturated yet well-drained.

Fertilize: For rice cutgrass, apply a 1-2 inch layer of organic mulch or compost biannually for growth and soil health. This supports root development and pest resistance. Adjust care for mature plants or varying climates, and use gloves to avoid injury from sharp edges.

Pruning: Rice cutgrass thrives in wet, marshy environments with tough stems. Prune in early spring to control growth and remove damaged stems, using sharp tools for clean cuts. Regular pruning fosters denser foliage and prevents invasiveness, while monitoring regrowth ensures the plant stays robust throughout the season.

Propagation: Rice cutgrass is a wetland grass that thrives in moist soils, propagating primarily through sowing. Maintaining consistently damp conditions is essential for seed germination and early development. A nursery section with controlled water levels helps ensure successful establishment before transplanting.

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