Overview:
Aristida dichotoma Michx., commonly known as poverty grass, Intercoastal threeawn, and poverty threeawn, is a perennial bunchgrass plant that belongs to the Poaceae (grass) family.
Origin:
Aristida dichotoma Michx. is native to North America and can be found in many states in the US, including Texas, California, and Michigan.
General Appearance:
The plant's stem grows up to a height of 20 to 80 centimeters, and its leaves are green and short, with a length of 2 to 15 cm. The branches of the plant are short and often curve downwards. The inflorescence grows up to a length of 5 to 14 cm and is usually purplish or reddish in color.
Common Names:
The plant has several common names, including poverty grass, Intercoastal threeawn, and poverty threeawn.
Uses:
Aristida dichotoma Michx. is often cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. The plant is also used for soil stabilization, erosion control, and as a forage for livestock. In addition, some native American tribes used the plant for medicinal purposes, such as treating headaches, dizziness, and stomach problems.
Light requirements
Aristida dichotoma Michx. typically grows best in full sunlight. It requires an ample amount of light to grow and develop properly.
Temperature requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Aristida dichotoma Michx. is 68-86°F (20-30°C). It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but very high and low temperatures might affect its growth rate. This plant can withstand moderate drought conditions and temperature fluctuations.
Soil requirements
Optimal growth of Aristida dichotoma Michx. requires well-drained soils with moderate to poor fertility. It tends to grow in rocky or sandy soils where root growth can easily occur. This plant prefers neutral to alkaline soils (pH 7-8) but can also tolerate slightly acidic soils. It is drought-tolerant and can survive growing in nutrient-poor soils.
Cultivation Methods
Aristida dichotoma Michx., also known as poverty threeawn, likes hot, dry, and sunny regions with well-drained soil. It is not difficult to cultivate and can be grown from seeds or transplants in full sun. If planting from seed, make sure they are sown thinly and water well.
Watering Needs
It is vital to water Aristida dichotoma Michx. regularly, especially during its first year of growth. Water it once every five days for a couple of minutes until the plant becomes established. However, avoid watering too much, as it can cause root rot and lead to stunted growth.
Fertilization
Aristida dichotoma Michx. does not require regular fertilization and is not sensitive to soil quality. However, if you want to fertilize, do so once or twice a year in early spring and late fall using a low-nitrogen fertilizer. This practice encourages the plant to put forth new growth and produce more flowers.
Pruning
Aristida dichotoma Michx. does not require excessive pruning, but it is essential to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased growth. Additionally, cutting back any straggly, weak, or overgrown stems also helps maintain the plant's shape. Do it in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. If you want to promote bushiness, pinch back the stem tips once or twice a year.
Propagation of Aristida dichotoma Michx.
Propagation of Aristida dichotoma Michx. is possible through both sexual and asexual means.
Sexual propagation
The sexual propagation of Aristida dichotoma Michx. involves the collection of mature seeds from healthy plants. The seeds should be collected when they have turned brown and are dry. The seeds are then stored in a cool and dry place until planting time.
Before planting, the seeds should be scarified to break their hard seed coats. This is necessary to allow moisture and air to penetrate the seed for successful germination. Scarification can be done mechanically by rubbing the seeds against a coarse surface, or chemically by soaking the seeds in sulfuric acid for a specified period.
After scarification, the seeds are sown in a well-prepared seedbed with good drainage. The seedbed should be kept moist but not waterlogged until germination occurs. Germination of Aristida dichotoma Michx. seeds occurs within 10 to 20 days under favorable conditions.
Asexual propagation
Aristida dichotoma Michx. can also be propagated asexually through stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the growing season when the plant has enough energy to produce new growth.
The stem cuttings should be taken from healthy and mature plants. The cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches long and should have at least one or two nodes for rooting. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, leaving only a few leaves at the top.
The cuttings are sunk into well-draining soil with adequate moisture and good air circulation. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged until rooting occurs. Rooting of Aristida dichotoma Michx. stem cuttings takes about 3 to 4 weeks under favorable conditions.
Disease Management
Aristida dichotoma Michx. is generally a healthy plant, but there are a few diseases that can affect its growth and development. The most common diseases include:
- Rust: This is a fungal disease that appears as yellowish-orange rust spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage rust, remove any infected plant parts and treat with a fungicide.
- Leaf spot: This is another fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, remove any infected leaves and treat with a fungicide.
- Root rot: This is a soilborne disease that causes the roots to rot and ultimately kill the plant. To manage root rot, ensure that the plant is growing in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
Pest Management
There are several pests that can affect the growth and development of Aristida dichotoma Michx. The most common pests include:
- Grasshoppers: These pests feed on the leaves and stems of the plant and can cause significant damage. To manage grasshoppers, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Cutworms: These pests feed on the stem of the plant at or below the soil line, causing it to wilt and die. To manage cutworms, apply a pesticide to the soil around the plant.
- Aphids: These pests suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to wilt and yellow. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These pests feed on the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow and dry out. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
