Origin
Andropogon virginicus L. var. abbreviatus (Hack.) Fern. & Grisc. is a plant native to North America, specifically the eastern and southern regions, from Massachusetts to Texas, and as far west as Kansas and Nebraska.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as Virginia broomsedge, bushy broomsedge, yel-low beardgrass, wild sage, and turpentine grass.
Uses
Andropogon virginicus L. var. abbreviatus is commonly used for forage, hay, and erosion control. It is a source of food for grazing livestock. In folk medicine, its extract was used for treatment of cough, diarrhea, and cold.
General Appearance
The Virginia broomsedge is a perennial grass that forms dense thickets in open areas such as fields, pastures, and roadsides. It grows up to 1.5m in height, with a stem that is erect or bent at the base. Its leaves are elongated, narrow, and flat, measuring 20-35 cm in length and generally gray-green in color. This plant has terminal flowering spikes that are 5-30cm long, with stems that are initially green and turn reddish-brown or purplish as they mature. The fruits of this plant are spikes that contain small seeds. Overall, Andropogon virginicus L. var. abbreviatus is an attractive plant with a unique appearance.
Light Requirements
Andropogon virginicus L. var. abbreviatus (Hack.) Fern. & Grisc. is a plant that requires full sun for optimal growth. It is typically found growing in open, sunny areas such as meadows, prairies, and savannas.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to the southeastern part of the United States, where it experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters. It can tolerate temperatures ranging from 20°F to 100°F (-7°C to 38°C), but it prefers temperatures between 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C) for optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
Andropogon virginicus L. var. abbreviatus (Hack.) Fern. & Grisc. prefers well-drained soils that are sandy or loamy. It can tolerate soils that are slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, with pH levels ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. This plant is also drought tolerant and can grow in soils that are low in nutrients.
Cultivation Methods
Andropogon virginicus L. var. abbreviatus (Hack.) Fern. & Grisc. thrives best in well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil with acidic to slightly alkaline pH. It prefers full sunlight and can withstand drought conditions. For successful cultivation, ensure you plant the grass in an area with enough space to accommodate its size when mature. It's best to plant in spring or fall when the soil is workable.
Watering Needs
Andropogon virginicus L. var. abbreviatus (Hack.) Fern. & Grisc. only requires watering during its growing period in the first year after planting. After that, it can withstand drought conditions and relies mainly on rainfall. Ensure to water the grass deeply to encourage deep root systems. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
Andropogon virginicus L. var. abbreviatus (Hack.) Fern. & Grisc. does not require frequent fertilization. However, you may apply a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer during its active growing period in spring to support growth. Ensure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to unnecessary growth and weakening of the grass.
Pruning
The grass does not require frequent pruning. You may remove the dead or damaged blades and stems in early spring before new growth begins. Avoid cutting the grass too short, as it can weaken the plant and lead to weed invasion.
Propagation of Andropogon virginicus L. var. abbreviatus (Hack.) Fern. & Grisc.
Andropogon virginicus L. var. abbreviatus (Hack.) Fern. & Grisc. can be propagated through seeds or vegetative means.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Andropogon virginicus L. var. abbreviatus (Hack.) Fern. & Grisc. can be sown directly onto a well-prepared seedbed during the spring or fall. It is recommended to plant the seeds in rows and cover with a thin layer of soil. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which takes around 10-14 days. Once the plants are established, they can be transplanted into their permanent location.
Propagation by Vegetative Means
Andropogon virginicus L. var. abbreviatus (Hack.) Fern. & Grisc. can also be propagated through vegetative means. This can be done through division, cuttings, or layering.
Division involves digging up an established clump of the plant and dividing it into smaller sections. Each section should have roots and shoots that are healthy. These sections can then be replanted into their permanent location.
Propagation by cuttings involves taking a stem cutting from an established plant and planting it into a well-prepared soil. The soil should be kept moist until roots form from the cutting and it develops into a small plant. Once the plant is established, it can be transplanted into its permanent location.
Propagation by layering involves burying a portion of an established stem into the soil. As the buried portion develops roots, it can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted into its permanent location.
Disease Management
Andropogon virginicus L. var. abbreviatus (Hack.) Fern. & Grisc. is susceptible to a few diseases that can cause significant damage to the plant. These diseases include:
- Fusarium Wilt: Fusarium wilt is a soil-borne fungal disease that causes wilting and yellowing of leaves before the plant eventually dies. To manage Fusarium wilt, it is important to practice crop rotation, maintain proper soil drainage, and avoid over-fertilization.
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a common fungal disease that causes circular, brown spots on leaves that gradually expand, causing leaves to drop prematurely. To manage leaf spot, it is important to remove infected leaves and avoid over-watering the plant.
- Rust: Rust is another fungal disease that causes reddish-orange pustules on leaves and stems, leading to premature leaf drop and stunted growth. To manage rust, it is important to remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
- Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes sunken lesions on leaves, stems, and pods. To manage anthracnose, it is important to remove infected plant debris, maintain proper spacing between plants, and avoid overwatering.
Pest Management
Andropogon virginicus L. var. abbreviatus (Hack.) Fern. & Grisc. is also susceptible to a few pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. These pests include:
- Armyworms: Armyworms are caterpillars that feed on leaves, causing defoliation and reduced plant growth. To manage armyworms, it is important to practice crop rotation and use biological control methods such as the release of parasitic wasps or birds.
- Grasshoppers: Grasshoppers are chewing insects that target the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant, causing severe defoliation and stunted growth. To manage grasshoppers, it is important to use repellents like neem oil or insecticidal soap and provide adequate irrigation to prevent plants from becoming water-stressed.
- Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on plant tissue causing yellowing, stunted growth, and general decline of the plant. To manage mites, it is important to use horticultural oil, insecticidal soap, or other insecticides labeled for use on mites, and practice proper irrigation and sanitation practices.
