Origin
Asthenatherum glaucum (Nees) Nevski var. lasiophyllum (Pilg.) Conert, commonly known as Silver Bluestem, belongs to the family Poaceae. Native to North America, the plant is found in the western United States, including California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. It grows in a variety of habitats such as meadows, valleys, and open slopes.
Common names
Some of the common names of Asthenatherum glaucum var. lasiophyllum include Silver Bluestem, Indian Ricegrass, and Blue Grama. These names reflect its silvery-blue foliage and its importance as a source of food for Native American tribes.
Uses
Asthenatherum glaucum var. lasiophyllum plays an important role in the ecology and economy of the western United States. It provides a valuable forage crop for livestock, particularly in arid regions where other plants are scarce. It also has medicinal properties and has been used as a natural remedy for various ailments such as indigestion and diarrhea.
General appearance
Asthenatherum glaucum var. lasiophyllum is a perennial grass that can grow up to three feet tall. It has a clumping growth habit and produces slender stems that are topped with spikelets. The leaves are narrow and have a bluish-green color that gives the plant its distinctive silvery appearance. The flowers are unremarkable and are followed by small seeds.
Light
Asthenatherum glaucum (Nees) Nevski var. lasiophyllum (Pilg.) Conert prefers full sunlight to partial shade. It can be grown successfully in areas with direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. Partial shade is tolerated but it may affect flowering, with less intense color and shorter flower stems.
Temperature
This plant variety is adapted to a wide range of temperature conditions. It can grow in areas with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 32°C. However, it thrives best in temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. Temperatures higher than 32°C for extended periods may cause stress on the plant and affect growth.
Soil Requirements
Asthenatherum glaucum (Nees) Nevski var. lasiophyllum (Pilg.) Conert requires well-draining soils with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.5. It grows well in sandy loam, loam, and clay soils, but it cannot tolerate heavy clay soils with poor drainage. Soil fertility should be moderate, without excessive nitrogen, as it may cause an excessive growth of the foliage and little or no flowering.
Cultivation Methods:
Asthenatherum glaucum (Nees) Nevski var. lasiophyllum (Pilg.) Conert is typically grown in dry or well-drained soils and prefers to be placed in an area that receives full sunlight. This plant can also be grown in containers but ensure that the container has ample drainage holes for excess water to drain out.
Watering Needs:
Asthenatherum glaucum (Nees) Nevski var. lasiophyllum (Pilg.) Conert requires little watering and can tolerate short periods of drought. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot and damage the plant.
Fertilization:
Asthenatherum glaucum (Nees) Nevski var. lasiophyllum (Pilg.) Conert does not require regular fertilization. However, adding a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season can help improve plant growth and soil quality. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers as it can lead to excessive foliage growth and damage the plant.
Pruning:
Asthenatherum glaucum (Nees) Nevski var. lasiophyllum (Pilg.) Conert does not require regular pruning. However, trimming back damaged or dead foliage can help improve its overall appearance. Additionally, cutting back the plant during the fall can help promote new growth during the next growing season.
Propagation of Asthenatherum glaucum var. lasiophyllum
Asthenatherum glaucum (Nees) Nevski var. lasiophyllum (Pilg.) Conert can be propagated by both seeds and division. The following are the propagation methods for this plant:
Propagation by Seeds
Propagating this plant through seeds requires collecting the seeds during the fall season. The seeds should be fully matured and have turned brown. After collecting the seeds, they should be stored in a cool and dry place.
When it's time to plant the seeds, the soil should be well-prepared by loosening and adding organic matter. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 1/4 inch and watered regularly. Germination usually occurs within two weeks.
Propagation by Division
Propagation through division requires digging up the plant and dividing it into smaller sections. The ideal time for division is during the spring season when new growth begins. The plant should be gently dug up and the roots should be carefully separated into sections.
The divided sections should be replanted immediately into well-prepared soil that is moist but well-drained. The plant should be watered regularly until new growth appears.
Both propagation methods are effective in producing new plants of Asthenatherum glaucum var. lasiophyllum. Proper care should be taken to ensure successful propagation and establishment of the plant.
Disease Management
Asthenatherum glaucum (Nees) Nevski var. lasiophyllum (Pilg.) Conert is susceptible to a range of fungal and viral diseases. One of the most common fungal diseases affecting the plant is Powdery Mildew, which causes a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems, eventually leading to the yellowing and death of the infected parts.
To manage Powdery Mildew, it is recommended to avoid overhead watering, keep the area surrounding the plant clean and remove infected parts immediately. Fungicides can also be used to manage the disease but should be chosen based on the severity of the infection.
Another fungal disease affecting the plant is Rust, which causes yellow-orange pustules on the leaves, stems and flowers. To manage rust, remove infected parts promptly and practice crop rotation. Fungicides can also be used to manage the disease.
Viral diseases such as Maize Mosaic Virus and Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus can also affect the plant and are spread by aphids. Infected plants should be removed immediately and aphids controlled through the use of insecticides.
Pest Management
The most common pests affecting Asthenatherum glaucum (Nees) Nevski var. lasiophyllum (Pilg.) Conert are aphids, grasshoppers and spider mites.
Aphids feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. They can be controlled through the use of insecticides or through the introduction of natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings. Grasshoppers can also feed on the leaves and stems of the plant, causing significant damage to the plant. They can be controlled through the use of insecticides or through the use of physical barriers.
Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and stunted growth. They can be controlled through the use of miticides or through the introduction of natural predators such as predatory mites and ladybugs.
It is important to regularly monitor the plant for pests and diseases and take prompt action to manage them to ensure healthy growth and productivity of the plant.
