Quack Grass

About 100 species make up this genus of perennial grasses common in northern temperate regions. Though a pernicious weed to gardeners, quack grass (Agropyron repens syn. Elymus repens) is an important medicinal plant that has appeared in herbals and pharmacopoeias since the time of Dioscorides (first century CE). It is a gentle, well-tolerated remedy, included in many preparations for the treatment of prostatitis, with no side-effects. The name Elymus comes from the Greek elymos, "a cereal".

Perennial with numerous rhizomes, to 3mm (1/8in) across, and dull green, linear leaves. Stiff erect flower spikes, with spikelets arranged in zigzag formation, are produced on long stalks in summer.


Common Name:
Quack Grass
Other Names:
Twitch, couch grass
Botanical Name:
Agropyron repens syn. Elymus repens
Genus:
Agropyron
Family:
Poaceae
Native Location:
Europe, N Africa, Siberia, N America
Cultivation:
Most soils in sun or shade. Light, sandy soils give highes yields of rhizomes. Agropyron repens is extremely invasive and difficult to eradicate. It should be grown in containers and not allowed to seed.
Propagation:
By division in autumn or spring
Harvest:
Rhizomes are dug in spring and used fresh in homeopathic preparations, or cut into 5cm (2in) sections, and dried below 30°C (86°F) for use in decoctions, liquid extracts, and tinctures.
Height:
30cm-1m (1-3ft)
:Width
Indefinite
Hardiness:
Z3-9
Parts Used:
Rhizomes
Properties:
A soothing herb that improves excretion from kidneys and bowels, lowers cholesterol levels, and clears infection.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for kidney and bladder complaints (especially enlarged prostate and cystitis), gout, and rheumatism. Combines well with Agathosma spp. (see oval-leaf buchu) for cystitis and Hydrangea arborescens (see wild hydrangea) for prostatitis.
Bibliography:
Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pp 107, 201