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Zizania aquatica Wild rice (1 Page of 5) The Zizania aquatica plant species is found in Eastern N. America - New Brunswick to Manitoba, south to Florida and Texas. It is a member of the Gramineae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Wild rice. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Zizania aquatica Common Name: Wild rice Family: Gramineae Author: L. Known Hazards: None known Mature Height: 3.5 Mature Width: 0.2 Habitat: Shallow waters of rivers and lakes, preferring a slow moving current[20, 43].
Cultivation Notes: Easily grown in water up to 60cm deep, it tolerates water up to 1 metre deep though it prefers growing in water 10 - 20cm deep[136]. It dislikes stagnant water[20].
A very ornamental plant[1], it grows, flowers and fruits well in the lake and lily pond at Kew[136]. Plants can self-sow in Britain, but the seed tends to germinate too late to mature a fresh crop of seed in this country, so the plant gradually dies out[136]. It would possibly maintain itself in areas such as the Isle of Wight, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk[136]. It is a very hardy plant, the seed survives being frozen in ice[136]. Plants grown at a 30cm square spacing can produce 20 or more flowering shoots[136].
Often collected from the wild, this plant is now being cultivated commercially for its edible seed[183]. It is considered a gourmet's delicacy and is sold in many parts of the world, usually in health food shops and usually at a very high price[136].
Plants require protection from wild fowl otherwise thay will devour the young growth[136]. Plants are occasionally sown by lakes and rivers in Europe to attract wild fowl[50].
For further Zizania aquatica gardening information click on one of the blue links below Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'. View their bibliography

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