Origin
The Andropogon pratensis Hochst. ex A.Braun, commonly known as the Purpletop grass, is a perennial plant that grows in the warm season. It belongs to the Poaceae family and is native to North America.
Common Names
Andropogon pratensis is commonly known as Purpletop grass, Shates grass, and Tall Bluestem grass. The name 'Purpletop' stems from its unique dark purple to reddish-purple inflorescences.
Uses
The Andropogon pratensis has a wide array of uses. The plant is highly valued as a forage crop for livestock and wildlife due to its palatability and high nutrient content. It is also used in streambank and erosion control due to its sturdy root system and ability to provide dense cover. In addition, the grass is commonly used for landscaping and beautification projects, especially on roadways, medians, and parks.
General Appearance
The Andropogon pratensis grass has a clumping growth habit and can grow up to 6 feet tall. Its stem is upright, and its leaves are long, slender, and drooping. The inflorescences are dark purple to reddish-purple, giving the plant its unique name 'Purpletop.' The plant has a deep, fibrous root system. It is a warm-season grass and blooms from late summer through early fall.
Growth Conditions for Andropogon pratensis Hochst. ex A.Braun
Light Requirements: Andropogon pratensis Hochst. ex A.Braun thrives in full sunlight. It is an open grassland species that is intolerant of shade. Therefore, it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Any less than that, and the plant may not grow as well or may grow leggy and thin.
Temperature Requirements: Andropogon pratensis Hochst. ex A.Braun is well adapted to temperate climates and can tolerate both hot and cold weather. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60-80°F. However, they can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 100°F. It thrives well in areas with moderate rainfall and requires little maintenance to survive.
Soil Requirements: Andropogon pratensis Hochst. ex A.Braun prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should be moderately fertile, not too rich or too poor, and should not be compacted. Sandy loams, loamy sands, and silt loams are some of the best soils for this plant. It is drought resistant and can withstand short periods of flooding in the wet season.
Overall, Andropogon pratensis Hochst. ex A.Braun is a hardy plant that can grow well under different growing conditions. Once planted in the right environment, this plant requires minimal care to thrive.
Cultivation of Andropogon pratensis Hochst. ex A.Braun
Andropogon pratensis Hochst. ex A.Braun is a perennial plant that grows well in a wide range of soils, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. It prefers well-draining soils, and planting should be done in the spring or fall.
When planting, dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and amend the soil with organic matter. Ensure that the plant is well-watered after planting, and the surrounding soil is firm.
Watering Needs
Andropogon pratensis Hochst. ex A.Braun requires moderate watering, and it's essential to ensure its roots stay moist but not waterlogged. Watering should be done once a week or when the soil feels dry to touch. Deep watering is preferable compared to frequent light watering to encourage deep root growth.
Fertilization
Fertilize Andropogon pratensis Hochst. ex A.Braun plant in the spring and fall using a balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant and water it well to ensure it's absorbed into the soil.
Pruning
Andropogon pratensis Hochst. ex A.Braun does not require pruning, but removing dead leaves and stems in the spring can improve the plant's appearance. Cut the leaves and stems at the base, and ensure that the pruning tools are sharp and clean to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Andropogon pratensis Hochst. ex A.Braun
Andropogon pratensis Hochst. ex A.Braun, also known as tall bluestem, is a warm-season perennial grass commonly found in prairies and fields of North America. This grass can be propagated through two main methods: seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Andropogon pratensis. Seeds are easily harvested from the inflorescences of mature plants and stored until the following growing season. Germination occurs best when seeds are sown in early to mid-spring. The seeds require a cold period to break dormancy, so they should be stratified for 2-3 months at temperatures of 1-4°C. After stratification, seeds can be sown in pots or directly in the ground. For best results, seeds should be sown about 1 cm deep and kept moist until germination, which usually occurs within 2-3 weeks.
Vegetative propagation
Andropogon pratensis can also be propagated through vegetative means. This is useful for producing clonal plants that have the same characteristics as the parent plant. The most common method of vegetative propagation is through rhizome division. Rhizomes are underground stems that grow horizontally and produce roots and shoots at the nodes. To propagate plants through rhizome division, simply dig up a clump of the plants and cut the rhizomes into sections. Each section should contain at least one node and a few shoots or roots. Plant the rhizome segments at the same depth as the original plant and keep them well-watered until they are established.
Disease and Pest Management for Andropogon pratensis Hochst. ex A.Braun
Andropogon pratensis Hochst. ex A.Braun, also known as tall bluestem, is a perennial grass native to North America that is popular in ornamental plantings, prairie restoration, and forage production. While generally resistant to pests and diseases, there are a few issues that may arise that could affect the plant's health. Here are some common diseases and pests that may affect Andropogon pratensis and how to manage them:
Diseases
Fungal Leaf Spot: This is a common fungal disease that affects many types of plants, including Andropogon pratensis. Symptoms include small, round spots on leaves that may be yellow or brown with a red or purple border. The spots may also have a tan center. In severe cases, the spots may merge to cover large areas of the leaf. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected leaves, increase air circulation to prevent humidity buildup and avoid overhead watering.
Anthracnose: This fungal disease is characterized by dark, necrotic lesions that appear on leaves and stems. The lesions may be circular or irregular in shape and may have a yellow halo. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant debris in the fall, practice proper irrigation practices and avoid overhead watering.
Pests
Spider Mites: These small pests can cause significant damage by feeding on the plant's tissues. Infested plants may have yellowed leaves and fine webbing on the undersides of leaves. To manage spider mites, encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings, increase humidity around the plant to deter mite activity, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil and wash the leaves with a strong stream of water.
Grasshoppers: These pests can cause significant damage by feeding on the plant's leaves and stems. Infested plants may have ragged holes and chewing damage. To manage grasshoppers, use barriers like row covers to prevent adults from landing on the plant or use insecticides containing carbaryl, malathion or spinosad. However, be cautious with using insecticides as they can harm beneficial insects as well.
By following the above tips, you can help preserve the health and longevity of your Andropogon pratensis plant.
