Agropyron pseudorepens Scribn. & J.G. Sm. var. vulpinum (Rydb.) Boivin
Agropyron pseudorepens Scribn. & J.G. Sm. var. vulpinum (Rydb.) Boivin, also known by its common name foxtail wheatgrass, is a tough and hardy perennial grass native to North America.
Origin
Foxtail wheatgrass is native to the western United States where it grows in arid and semi-arid prairies, rangelands, and along roadsides.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as foxtail wheatgrass. It gets its name from the fox-like appearance of the inflorescence.
Uses
Foxtail wheatgrass has been used for a variety of purposes including forage and erosion control. It is also commonly used for revegetation projects due to its hardiness and ability to tolerate a range of soil types and moisture conditions. Additionally, it is a useful component of restoration projects, where its deep root system promotes soil stabilization and moisture uptake. In the home garden, foxtail wheatgrass can be used as an attractive ornamental grass.
Appearance
Foxtail wheatgrass is a cool-season, clump-forming grass that typically grows up to three feet tall. The leaves are typically flat and can reach up to ten inches in length. The inflorescence is a dense, cylindrical spike that can reach up to five inches in length. It emerges in early summer and is initially a pale green color, turning to a golden brown as it matures. The plant has a deep root system, allowing it to tolerate drought conditions.
Light Conditions
The Agropyron pseudorepens Scribn. & J.G. Sm. var. vulpinum (Rydb.) Boivin is a hardy plant that thrives in bright light conditions. It grows best in areas where it receives full sun exposure throughout the day. However, it can also tolerate a moderate amount of shade, making it a versatile plant for various settings.
Temperature Requirements
The Agropyron pseudorepens Scribn. & J.G. Sm. var. vulpinum (Rydb.) Boivin is naturally found in regions with cool to moderate temperatures. It thrives in temperatures between 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) in ideal conditions. However, it can also grow in temperatures outside its ideal range as long as it is not too extreme. It is essential to note that this plant can tolerate frosts and freezing temperatures well.
Soil Needs
For optimal growth of the Agropyron pseudorepens Scribn. & J.G. Sm. var. vulpinum (Rydb.) Boivin, the soil must be well-draining and fertile. This plant prefers alkaline soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. The soil should also be rich in organic matter to provide the necessary nutrients for growth. It is essential to ensure that the soil is consistently moist and not waterlogged, which can damage the plant's roots.
Cultivation Methods
Agropyron pseudorepens Scribn. & J.G. Sm. var. vulpinum (Rydb.) Boivin, commonly known as Vulpine wheatgrass, is a hardy and adaptable grass native to North America. The plant can grow in a wide range of soil types and weather conditions. It is best cultivated in well-draining soils with a neutral pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. The plant grows well in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Vulpine wheatgrass can be propagated by seeds, sod, or vegetative means. When planting by seed, the seeds should be sown in late fall or early spring and lightly covered with soil. The plant should be spaced at intervals of 6 to 12 inches to allow for growth.
Watering Needs
Vulpine wheatgrass is drought-resistant, but regular watering promotes healthy growth. Water the plant deeply but infrequently to prevent root rot. Newly planted Vulpine wheatgrass should be watered twice a week until the roots are established. Mature Vulpine wheatgrass requires watering every 7 to 10 days, depending on weather conditions. The plant can survive long periods of drought, but watering during drought periods enhances its growth.
Fertilization
Vulpine wheatgrass does not require heavy fertilization. A light application of nitrogen-based fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season is sufficient to ensure healthy growth. To avoid over-fertilization, use a low-nitrogen fertilizer. When applying the fertilizer, ensure that it is watered thoroughly to prevent root damage. Organic fertilizers are ideal for promoting steady growth and improving soil quality.
Pruning
Vulpine wheatgrass does not require frequent pruning. Mow the plant after the first frost of the season, leaving a height of 3 to 4 inches. This helps the plant to recover in time for the next growing season. Mowing also helps to control weed growth and improves the plant's appearance. When pruning, ensure the blades are sharp to prevent tissue damage.
Propagation of Agropyron pseudorepens Scribn. & J.G. Sm. var. vulpinum (Rydb.) Boivin
Agropyron pseudorepens Scribn. & J.G. Sm. var. vulpinum (Rydb.) Boivin, commonly known as Beardless Wildrye, can be propagated by vegetative or seed propagation methods.
Vegetative Propagation
In vegetative propagation, the plant can be multiplied from root or stem cuttings. Beardless Wildrye root cuttings should be taken during the dormancy period and planted in a high-quality seed-starting mix. The stem cuttings should be taken during the late spring or early summer and rooted in a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be kept at a cool temperature and provided with misting to improve chances of survival.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method for Beardless Wildrye. The seeds can be planted directly into the garden during the fall season. Make sure to prepare the soil before planting and cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. The seeds will germinate in the spring, and the plants will grow during the summer. It is important to keep the top layer of soil moist until the seedlings establish.
Disease Management
Agropyron pseudorepens Scribn. & J.G. Sm. var. vulpinum (Rydb.) Boivin is susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Cereal rust: Caused by the fungus Puccinia spp., cereal rust can cause yellow rust or brown rust on the leaves and stems of the plant. The infected parts of the plant may wither and die, reducing yield. To manage this disease, farmers can plant rust-resistant varieties of the plant and should apply fungicides as a last resort.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and spikes of the plant. It can weaken the plant and reduce yield. To manage this disease, farmers should practice crop rotation and plant resistant varieties. They should also keep the field free of weeds and debris, which can harbor the fungus.
- Fusarium root rot: This soil-borne fungus causes wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth of the plant. In severe cases, the plant may die. To manage this disease, farmers should practice crop rotation and avoid overwatering the plant. They can also apply fungicides to the soil, but they should be used sparingly.
Pest Management
Agropyron pseudorepens Scribn. & J.G. Sm. var. vulpinum (Rydb.) Boivin is also susceptible to several pests, including:
- Wireworms: These are the larvae of click beetles and can cause extensive damage to the plant by feeding on the roots and stems. To manage this pest, farmers can practice crop rotation and avoid excess moisture in the soil. They can also use insecticides, but they should be used sparingly.
- Grasshoppers: These pests can consume large quantities of the plant's foliage, leading to reduced growth and yield. To manage this pest, farmers can use physical barriers such as netting or apply insecticides. They should also consider using natural predators, such as birds or insects.
- Cutworms: These larvae cut the stems of the plant at ground level, causing the plant to wilt and die. Farmers can manage this pest by using physical barriers such as collars around the stems of the plant. They can also apply insecticides, but again they should be used sparingly.
