Origin
Agrostis borealis Hartman var. recta (Hartman) Boivin, also known as Straight Northern Bentgrass, is a perennial grass native to northern regions of North America, including Alaska, Canada, and some parts of the United States.
Common Names
Agrostis borealis Hartman var. recta is commonly known as Straight Northern Bentgrass or simply Northern Bentgrass. In Alaska, it is also called Alaska Bentgrass or Alaskan Agrostis.
Uses
Agrostis borealis Hartman var. recta has several uses. It is commonly used for forage, grazing, and hay for livestock. It is also used in land reclamation and erosion control projects in northern regions. Outside of these uses, it is primarily grown as an ornamental grass for its attractive and dense foliage.
General Appearance
Agrostis borealis Hartman var. recta is a cool-season, clump-forming grass that reaches a height of 30-60 cm. Its stems are slender and erect and are frequently branched. The leaves are thin, narrow, and long, measuring about 2-10 cm in length. They are light green and typically smooth on the upper surface and rough on the lower surface. The inflorescences appear in dense, cylindrical, or slightly flattened panicles that are up to 12 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. The flowers are typically greenish in color and appear in late spring or early summer.
Light Requirements
Agrostis borealis Hartman var. recta (Hartman) Boivin thrives well in full sunlight and partial shade. It is a hardy species that can tolerate a wide range of lighting conditions. However, it is essential to note that insufficient or excess light may affect the growth of the grass plant.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Agrostis borealis Hartman var. recta (Hartman) Boivin growth is between 15°C to 21°C. The species tends to struggle in extremely cold temperatures such as those experienced during the winter months in some regions. However, summer months provide optimal temperatures for fast growth and establishment of the plant.
Soil Requirements
Agrostis borealis Hartman var. recta (Hartman) Boivin prefers moist and well-draining soils. The soil should have a pH range of 5 to 7.5 for optimal growth and establishment. The species can withstand various soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils. However, it is essential to note that the plant's growth rate is affected by soil fertility, moisture content, and nutrient availability.
Cultivation Methods
Agrostis borealis Hartman var. recta (Hartman) Boivin, commonly known as northern bentgrass, thrives in cool and moist environments, making it an ideal plant for regions with mild to cool temperatures. The best time for planting northern bentgrass is during the early spring, as it allows the plant's root system to establish before the summer heat. Additionally, it's best to plant this species in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range between 5.5 to 7.5.Watering Needs
When it comes to watering northern bentgrass, consistency is key. This species prefers moist soil, but overwatering can lead to root rot and other plant diseases. It's best to water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on the soil type and weather conditions. It's also crucial to water the plant early in the morning rather than mid-day or evening, as it helps the plant absorb the moisture before the sun's heat evaporates it.Fertilization
Agrostis borealis Hartman var. recta (Hartman) Boivin requires regular fertilization to ensure healthy growth and development. Using a slow-release fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content is ideal for northern bentgrass, as it helps enhance the plant's green color while promoting root growth. It's best to fertilize the plant during its growing season, which is typically from April to September.Pruning
Pruning northern bentgrass is not necessary as it has a low growing habit and doesn't require regular cutting like other grass species. However, it's crucial to ensure that the plant is mowed consistently to maintain its height between one to two inches. Pruning can be done using a lawnmower or grass shear, but it's best to avoid cutting the plant too low as it can stress the plant and make it susceptible to diseases.Propagation of Agrostis borealis Hartman var. recta (Hartman) Boivin
Agrostis borealis Hartman var. recta (Hartman) Boivin, commonly known as the straight northern bentgrass, is a native perennial plant found in North America's subarctic and Arctic regions. The plant is commonly propagated through seeds. However, vegetative propagation methods such as division and cuttings can also be used.
Propagation through Seeds
Propagation through seeds is the most common method of propagating Agrostis borealis. The seeds of Agrostis borealis var. recta can be sown directly into the ground in the early spring or fall. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil, and it should be kept moist until germination. The seeds of Agrostis borealis require a cold stratification period to break dormancy. The seeds can be stratified by placing them in a container filled with moistened sand and storing them in a refrigerator for four to six weeks.
Propagation through Division
Agrostis borealis var. recta can also be propagated through division. This method involves separating the plant's root ball into halves or smaller sections, each with leaves and stems. The plants' crowns should be handled with care when dividing to ensure a successful outcome. After division, each of the plant parts should be planted in soil with proper drainage. The plant should be monitored regularly to ensure proper growth.
Propagation through Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings involves taking cuttings from a parent plant and planting them in soil. This method of propagation is less common in Agrostis borealis var. recta. The cuttings of the plant are handled delicately, and they should be planted in soil that drains well, kept moist, and misted several times a day. With the correct care, the cuttings will root, and growth will occur.
Disease Management
Agrostis borealis Hartman var. recta (Hartman) Boivin plant is susceptible to various diseases that can negatively affect its growth and development. Some of the common plant diseases that affect Agrostis borealis Hartman var. recta (Hartman) Boivin include:
- Leaf Spot - This is a fungal disease that causes circular spots on the plant leaves. The affected leaves may turn yellow and eventually die. To manage this disease, it is advisable to remove and destroy the affected plant parts. Also, avoid overwatering the plant as it may promote the growth of fungi.
- Brown Patch - This is a fungal disease that causes circular brown patches on the plant. The affected leaves may wither and die. To manage this disease, it is advisable to avoid overwatering and water the plant early in the morning to allow the surface of the leaves to dry.
- Powdery Mildew - This is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery substance on the plant leaves. The affected leaves may turn yellow and eventually die. To manage this disease, it is advisable to remove and destroy the affected plant parts. Also, avoid overcrowding the plants as it promotes the growth of fungi.
Pest Management
Agrostis borealis Hartman var. recta (Hartman) Boivin plant is also susceptible to various pests that can negatively affect its growth and development. Some of the common pests that affect the Agrostis borealis Hartman var. recta (Hartman) Boivin plant include:
- Spider Mites - These are tiny pests that suck sap from the plant leaves, which can cause yellowing and eventual death of the leaves. To manage this pest, it is advisable to wash the plant leaves regularly with water and soap solution.
- Aphids - These are tiny insects that cluster on plant parts and suck sap from the plant, which can cause the leaves to curl and distort. To manage this pest, it is advisable to remove and destroy the affected plant parts. Also, avoid overcrowding the plants as it promotes the growth of aphids.
- Cutworms - These are caterpillar-like pests that cut through plant stems at the soil level, which can cause the plant to wilt and eventually die. To manage this pest, it is advisable to handpick them or use a pesticide that contains Bacillus thuringiensis.
