Indian ricegrass; photo by P. Bovin, National Park Service (used by permission).
Official State Grass of Utah
Utah designated Indian ricegrass (Oryzopsis hymenoides) as the official state grass in 1990. All State Grasses
A tough native perennial bunchgrass; Indian ricegrass was once a food source for native Americans (especially when the corn crop failed). The ricegrass seed was gathered, ground into meal or flour, and then made into bread.
Indian ricegrass has an attractive open, spangled appearance when in flower or fruit. Indian ricegrass now provides food for wildlife and range livestock.