Overview
Andropogon incompletus J.Presl, commonly known as the Narrowleaf Bluestem, is a perennial grass found in the eastern United States. Although generally known for its ornamental properties, it has several uses in the field of agriculture, horticulture, and land management.
Appearance
The Narrowleaf Bluestem can grow up to 5 feet tall and has fine, delicate leaves that grow from a base at the bottom of its stalk. The leaves themselves can range from 6 inches to 2 feet in length and are a light green color. Its stems are round and smooth, while its flowering parts are delicate and feathery.
Origin
The Narrowleaf Bluestem is native to eastern North America and can be found from the Great Plains to the eastern seaboard, from southern Canada to Florida. It was first described and named by Czech botanist Johann Presl in 1830, who classified it within the genus Andropogon.
Common Names
The Narrowleaf Bluestem is also known by several other names, including Blue Beardgrass, Schizachyrium scoparium, and Andropogon scoparius.
Uses
The Narrowleaf Bluestem has several agricultural uses, such as forage, erosion control, and soil stabilization. It is also used in horticulture for its ornamental value, as it adds a beautiful, natural touch to any wildflower garden. Furthermore, its fine, delicate leaves and flowering parts provide food and shelter for many species of birds and other wildlife.
Light Requirements
The Andropogon incompletus J.Presl plant requires full sunlight and cannot survive in the shade. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. Without adequate light, the plant becomes dormant and fails to grow.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions and requires warm temperatures to grow. The ideal temperature range is between 25°C and 35°C. Temperatures below 15°C cause the plant to become dormant, while temperatures above 40°C cause the plant to wilt.
Soil Requirements
The Andropogon incompletus J.Presl plant grows well in well-draining, fertile soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have good water-holding capacity. It cannot tolerate waterlogged soil or standing water. The plant is resistant to drought and can survive for long periods without rainfall, but it grows better with regular watering.
Cultivation Methods
Andropogon incompletus J.Presl is a native, warm-season grass that is commonly found in open, grassy habitats such as savannas and prairies. It is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 8 through 11 and can be propagated by seed or division. When planting from seed, it is best to sow in the spring after the last frost. The soil should be well-draining with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It is important to give the plant enough space to grow, typically around 2 to 4 feet apart.
Watering Needs
Watering needs for Andropogon incompletus J.Presl will depend on the climate and soil conditions. In general, it is a drought-tolerant plant that can survive with little to no supplemental watering. However, during extended dry periods, it may benefit from occasional deep watering to encourage healthy growth and blooming.
Fertilization
Andropogon incompletus J.Presl typically does not need much fertilization. In fact, excessive fertilization can be harmful to the plant and cause excessive growth that may result in weak stems and an unattractive appearance. If the soil is poor or lacking in nutrients, a slow-release, balanced fertilizer can be applied in the spring to encourage growth.
Pruning
Pruning is not typically necessary for Andropogon incompletus J.Presl. However, if the plant becomes too large and starts to flop over, it can be trimmed back in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This will help encourage a more compact growth habit. Additionally, dead or damaged stems can be removed as needed throughout the growing season.
Propagation of Andropogon incompletus J.Presl
Andropogon incompletus J.Presl is a warm-season perennial grass species that is native to South America. The plant can be propagated by the following methods:
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Andropogon incompletus J.Presl can be done by using seeds. Collect mature seeds from the plant and sow them in trays containing well-draining soil mix. Moisten the soil and place the trays in a warm, brightly lit location. Seed germination can occur within two to four weeks.
After the seedlings have grown several inches tall, they can be transplanted to individual pots or directly into the field. Transplant in the early summer or when the seedlings have developed good root systems.
Vegetative Propagation
Andropogon incompletus J.Presl can also be propagated vegetatively. This is done by dividing mature clumps of the plant, taking stem cuttings or through tissue culture.
Dividing mature clumps can be done in early spring or late fall. Dig up the clumps and separate them into smaller sections, each with several healthy shoots and roots. Transplant the divisions into new planting locations.
Stem cuttings are taken from the top portion of the plant. Cut a section of stem about 6 inches long and remove the lower leaves. Dip the base of the stem cutting into rooting hormone and plant it into a pot of well-draining soil. Keep the soil consistently moist and in a bright location until roots form.
Tissue culture propagation involves using plant cells or tissues in a laboratory environment to multiply plants. This method is typically used by commercial plant nurseries as it can produce numerous plants from a very small amount of tissue.
Disease Management:
Andropogon incompletus J.Presl is generally a healthy plant but can be susceptible to some diseases under certain conditions.
Fungal Diseases: The most common fungal diseases that affect Andropogon incompletus are rust and leaf spot. Rust presents as yellowish-orange spots on leaves, while leaf spot appears as circular or irregularly shaped brown or black spots. To manage fungal diseases, remove any affected plant parts and destroy them. Avoid watering leaves and provide adequate drainage to prevent moisture accumulation. Fungicides can also be applied preventively or during an outbreak.
Viral Diseases: Andropogon incompletus can be affected by sugarcane mosaic virus, which causes stunted growth, yellowing, and leaf distortion. Unfortunately, there is no cure for viral diseases, and infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent spreading the virus to healthy plants.
Bacterial Diseases: Bacterial diseases, such as bacterial leaf blight, can cause wilting, yellowing, and brown lesions on leaves. Affected plants should be removed and destroyed, and planting in well-drained soil and avoiding overhead watering can prevent the spread of bacterial diseases.
Pest Management:
Grasshoppers: Grasshoppers are known to feed on the leaves of Andropogon incompletus, causing significant damage and stunting growth. Using insecticides can manage grasshopper infestations. However, it is essential to read and follow the product label carefully, as some insecticides can be harmful to beneficial insects.
Cutworms: Cutworms can cut down the seedlings of Andropogon incompletus at the base of the stem, leaving them to wilt and die. Placing collars around seedlings and using insecticides can be effective in managing cutworms.
Root-knot nematodes: Andropogon incompletus is vulnerable to root-knot nematodes, which can cause stunted growth, wilting, and yellowing of leaves. Using nematode-resistant varieties, crop rotation, and biocontrol agents such as fungi, bacteria, and nematodes can manage root-knot nematodes infestation.
