Description
Agrostis scabra Willd. var. geminata (Trin.) Swallen is a perennial grass species that belongs to the family Poaceae. This plant is known for its thin stems, which can grow up to 45 centimeters in height. Its leaves are smooth and narrow with a green-grey hue, and it bears tiny flowers that are typically green or purple in color.
Origin and Common Names
Agrostis scabra Willd. var. geminata (Trin.) Swallen is commonly referred to as two-flowered bentgrass or two-flower agrostis. This plant is native to North America and can be found in various regions including the Pacific Northwest, the Rocky Mountains, and the Great Plains.
Uses
Agrostis scabra Willd. var. geminata (Trin.) Swallen is primarily used for soil conservation as it has a deep, fibrous root system that helps to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. It is also used for landscaping in gardens as it is a low-maintenance plant that adds texture and a natural look to landscapes. Additionally, it is used as forage for grazing livestock and can be grown in pastures as a source of food for animals.
General Appearance
Agrostis scabra Willd. var. geminata (Trin.) Swallen has a delicate appearance due to its thin stems and small flowers. It forms dense mats of vegetation and has a low-growing habit, with its leaves typically reaching around 10 cm in length. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers that bloom in the summer months, and its seeds are small and rounded. Overall, it has a natural, unassuming appearance that makes it ideal for use in wildflower gardens and natural landscapes.
Light Requirements
Agrostis scabra Willd. var. geminata (Trin.) Swallen is known to grow well in full sunlight. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Agrostis scabra is between 18 - 25°C. However, it can also tolerate temperature extremes of up to 40°C and down to -10°C.
Soil Requirements
Agrostis scabra can grow in a wide variety of soils such as sandy loam, clay loam and gravelly loam. It can tolerate soils with a pH range of 5.0 - 7.5. However, it grows best in well-drained soils with a neutral pH of 6.5 - 7.5. The plant requires fertile soils with good organic matter content for optimum growth.
Cultivation Methods
Agrostis scabra Willd. var. geminata (Trin.) Swallen is a grass species that thrives in areas with adequate sunlight and moist soil. It can tolerate partial shade, but excessive shade may hinder its growth and development. The best time to plant this grass is during the spring or fall when the temperatures are cool and the soil is moist. You can propagate it through seed or sod.
Watering Needs
Agrostis scabra Willd. var. geminata (Trin.) Swallen requires regular watering to maintain its lush green appearance. Watering should be done deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. During the establishment phase, you should water the grass regularly until it is well established. After that, watering should be done as needed, depending on the climate and soil conditions.
Fertilization
Agrostis scabra Willd. var. geminata (Trin.) Swallen requires regular fertilization to ensure proper growth and development. Fertilizers that are rich in nitrogen and phosphorus are ideal for this grass species. However, you should avoid over-fertilizing the grass as this may lead to excessive growth and increased susceptibility to diseases.
Pruning
Agrostis scabra Willd. var. geminata (Trin.) Swallen is a low-maintenance grass species that does not require frequent pruning. However, you should trim it occasionally to maintain its neat appearance. You can use a lawnmower or a pair of shears to trim the grass. Ensure that you only remove the top one-third of the grass blades to avoid damaging the grass.
Propagation of Agrostis scabra Willd. var. geminata (Trin.) Swallen
Agrostis scabra Willd. var. geminata (Trin.) Swallen, commonly known as ticklegrass, is a perennial grass species that is indigenous to the United States. The warm-season grass is hardy in zones 6-9 and is best propagated through seed or division.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most commonly used method for Agrostis scabra. The seeds are sown in the fall in areas with moderate to high rainfall to allow sufficient time for the seedlings to establish before the summer heat. The seeds are planted 1/4 inch deep in soil that has been prepared with compost or other organic matter. Regular watering is necessary to ensure germination.
Division
Division is another propagation method for Agrostis scabra. It is best done in the spring or fall, taking care to ensure that each division has a substantial amount of roots and shoots. The soil where the plant is being propagated should be moistened, and a hole dug slightly larger than the plant being transplanted. The plant is then settled into the hole and watered well to ensure that the roots are in contact with the soil.
Care should be taken to ensure that the plant is not damaged during the division process, and the division should be watered regularly for the first few weeks following transplantation.
Disease Management
Agrostis scabra Willd. var. geminata (Trin.) Swallen is relatively resistant to diseases; however, there are certain diseases that may affect this plant. The most common diseases that can affect the plant include:
Leaf Spot Disease
Leaf spot disease is caused by different fungal species. It appears as small to large brown spots on the leaves. The spots may have a red or yellow border, and the center of the spots may turn gray. The disease can be prevented by avoiding overhead watering, improving air circulation around the plants, and removing affected leaves and debris from around the plant. If the problem persists, fungicides can be used to treat the disease.
Crown Rot
Crown rot disease is caused by fungi and can lead to wilting and death of the plant. It can be prevented by avoiding overwatering, improving drainage, and avoiding soil compaction. Chemical fungicides can also be used to manage the disease.
Pest Management
Agrostis scabra Willd. var. geminata (Trin.) Swallen is also relatively resistant to pests. However, some pests may still attack the plant. The most common pests that can affect the plant include:
Chinch Bugs
Chinch bugs suck sap from the plant, causing yellowish-brown spots on the leaves. The bugs can be managed by watering the plant deeply and infrequently, which helps to keep the soil moist. It is also recommended to practice good lawn maintenance, such as mowing at the correct height and fertilizing at the appropriate time.
Armyworms
Armyworms are larvae that usually feed on grass blades, leaving brown spots on the plant. The insects can be deterred by keeping the area around the plant clean and removing debris that can host their eggs. Insecticides can also be used to manage the infestation.
