Overview
Agropyron pauciflorum (Schwein.) A.S. Hitchc. var. novae-angliae (Scribn.) Taylor & MacBryde, also known as New England wheatgrass, is a perennial grass widely distributed across North America. This plant is a valuable source of forage and erosion control, as well as a helpful component in habitat restoration efforts.
Origin and Distribution
Agropyron pauciflorum var. novae-angliae is native to North America, with a range that extends from Alaska and Canada to the southwestern United States and eastward to the Atlantic coast. It is commonly found in prairies, meadows, and open woods, as well as disturbed areas such as roadsides and abandoned fields.
Common Names
Aside from New England wheatgrass, this plant is known by a variety of other common names such as Rocky Mountain wheatgrass, few-flower wheatgrass, and slender wheatgrass.
Appearance
Agropyron pauciflorum var. novae-angliae typically grows to be about 2-3 feet tall, with slender green leaves that are usually less than 1/4-inch wide. The plant produces flowering spikes that rise above the rest of the foliage and have several tiny flowers on them. The seeds produced by this plant are a valuable food source for birds and small mammals.
Uses
This plant is commonly used for erosion control and land restoration efforts due to its deep root system, which helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion. Additionally, it is a valuable forage source for livestock and wildlife. Agropyron pauciflorum var. novae-angliae can also be used in ornamental landscaping, as it has an attractive appearance and is relatively low maintenance.
Light
Agropyron pauciflorum var. novae-angliae typically grows in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but will grow best in full sun. In shaded areas, the plant may become leggy and not form as dense a growth habit as it would in full sun.
Temperature
The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-9 and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can tolerate hot summers and cold winters, making it a good choice for areas with variable climates. However, it is not tolerant of extreme heat or extreme cold.
Soil
Agropyron pauciflorum var. novae-angliae prefers well-draining soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. It is moderately drought-tolerant but will grow best if watered regularly during dry periods.
Cultivation
The Agropyron pauciflorum (Schwein.) A.S. Hitchc. var. novae-angliae (Scribn.) Taylor & MacBryde can be propagated through the division of its roots or through seeds. It grows best in well-drained soil with fertile, loamy texture and a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5. This plant also requires an adequate amount of sunlight, usually 6 hours daily.
Watering Needs
The Agropyron pauciflorum (Schwein.) A.S. Hitchc. var. novae-angliae (Scribn.) Taylor & MacBryde prefers moderate watering, keeping the soil wet but not waterlogged. This plant is drought tolerant and can survive with infrequent watering but needs consistent moisture during dry periods.
Fertilization
This plant does not require fertilizers frequently as they can build a nitrogen supply in the soil. Fertilizers can be applied once a year during the early spring; the preferred type of fertilizer includes a balanced mixture of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium (NPK).
Pruning
The Agropyron pauciflorum (Schwein.) A.S. Hitchc. var. novae-angliae (Scribn.) Taylor & MacBryde can be pruned in several ways to maintain the optimal health and growth of the plant. Deadheading and trimming the plant in the early spring are one of the pruning methods. Cutting the grass down to the ground level allows the plant to rejuvenate, removing the old growth, and allowing the new leaves to grow more rapidly. Mowing is also an option; an approximate length of 2 to 3 inches is ideal.
Propagation of Agropyron pauciflorum var. novae-angliae
Agropyron pauciflorum var. novae-angliae, commonly known as New England wheatgrass, can be propagated through different methods, including seed germination and vegetative propagation.
Seed Germination
Seed propagation is the most common method of growing Agropyron pauciflorum var. novae-angliae. The seeds of this plant can be directly sown into the soil in the spring or fall. Before sowing the seeds, the soil must be prepared by removing any weeds and adding organic matter to improve its fertility.
Agropyron pauciflorum var. novae-angliae seeds should be sown thinly and covered with a thin layer of soil. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes about 2 to 3 weeks. After the seedlings have emerged, they should be thinned out to a spacing of about 8 inches apart.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation can also be used to grow Agropyron pauciflorum var. novae-angliae. This method involves taking stem cuttings from the plant and planting them in a growing medium to develop roots.
To propagate Agropyron pauciflorum var. novae-angliae through stem cuttings, select healthy and mature stems from the parent plant. Cut the stems into sections of about 2 inches long and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone and plant them in moist soil or a growing medium. Water the cuttings regularly and keep them in a warm and bright location until they develop roots.
Overall, Agropyron pauciflorum var. novae-angliae can be easily propagated through either seed germination or vegetative propagation, making it a versatile plant for gardeners and farmers alike.
Disease Management
Agropyron pauciflorum can be susceptible to fungal and bacterial diseases, such as rust, smut, and fire blight. Rust appears as small, orange pustules on leaves, which can spread and cause defoliation. Smut causes black, powdery spores to form on the plant, affecting its growth. Fire blight causes wilting of the leaves and stems.
To manage these diseases, it is important to practice good sanitation measures, such as removing and burning infected plant material. Fungicides and bactericides approved for use on Agropyron pauciflorum can also be applied preventively or when symptoms appear. Crop rotation and avoiding overhead irrigation can also help prevent disease outbreaks.
Pest Management
The most common pests affecting Agropyron pauciflorum are aphids, grasshoppers, and mites. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant and can transmit viruses. Grasshoppers can eat large amounts of plant material, causing significant damage. Mites feed on the plant, causing it to look yellowed and stunted.
To manage these pests, it is important to regularly monitor the plants for signs of infestation and to encourage natural predators, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on aphids. Insecticides and acaricides approved for use on Agropyron pauciflorum can also be applied as needed. Physical measures, such as placing sticky traps or using row covers, can also be effective in controlling pests.
