Plant Description:
Bothriochloa saccharoides (Sw.) Rydb. var. torreyana (Steud.) Gould, commonly known as Silver Bluestem or Sideoats Grama, is a perennial grass species native to the Southwestern parts of the United States and Mexico. The plant belongs to the Poaceae family and can grow up to 3 feet tall.
Appearance:
The plant is characterized by its densely clustered, fluffy seed heads that emerge from the top stems, which can give the plant a silver appearance. Its narrow, lance-shaped leaves are usually blue-green to blue-gray in color and can grow up to 10 inches long and ½ inch wide. Its roots can extend deep into the soil, making it relatively drought tolerant.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly known as Silver Bluestem due to its silver appearance, while Sideoats Grama is derived from the seed clusters that tend to grow along one side of the stems. Other common names include Long-Spike Grama, Tall Grama, and Blue Grama.
Uses:
Bothriochloa saccharoides (Sw.) Rydb. var. torreyana (Steud.) Gould is widely used in reclamation projects, as it helps improve soil erosion control and provides a good source of food for livestock. It is also used in the biofuel industry and as a natural ground cover in landscaping. Native American tribes have used the plant for medicinal purposes, including treating coughs and soothing sore throats.
hereTypical growth conditions of Bothriochloa saccharoides var. torreyana
Bothriochloa saccharoides var. torreyana, commonly known as Silver Bluestem, is a warm-season grass that is native to Texas, New Mexico, and parts of Mexico. It tolerates drought conditions and is a popular forage grass for livestock.
Light requirements
Silver Bluestem grows best in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. It is not recommended for areas with heavy shade as it may become leggy and weak.
Temperature requirements
This plant is well adapted to hot and dry climates, and can tolerate temperatures up to 110°F. It is hardy in zones 6-10, and can withstand mild winter temperatures down to 10°F.
Soil requirements
Silver Bluestem prefers well-drained soils, but can also tolerate heavy clay soils. It requires a pH range of 6.0-8.2 and can be found growing in calcareous soils, sandy loams, and gravelly soils. It is not recommended for areas with high water tables or poorly-drained soils, as it may suffer from root rot.
Cultivation methods
Bothriochloa saccharoides (Sw.) Rydb. var. torreyana (Steud.) Gould, also known as Torrey's Silver Grama, is a drought-tolerant grass that can grow in a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. It prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0-8.0 and requires full sun exposure.
The best time to plant Torrey's Silver Grama is during the spring or early summer when the soil temperature reaches at least 60°F. The recommended planting depth is 1/8 inch, and the seeds should be spaced 8-12 inches apart.
Watering Needs
Bothriochloa saccharoides (Sw.) Rydb. var. torreyana (Steud.) Gould is a drought-tolerant grass that requires minimal irrigation once established. During the first few weeks after planting, the soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. However, frequent watering should be avoided, as this can lead to root rot. Established Torrey's Silver Grama requires only occasional watering during prolonged droughts.
Fertilization
Bothriochloa saccharoides (Sw.) Rydb. var. torreyana (Steud.) Gould is a low-maintenance grass that does not require regular fertilization. However, if the soil is deficient in nutrients, a slow-release fertilizer with a balanced N-P-K ratio can be applied during the growing season. It is recommended to avoid using a high-nitrogen fertilizer, as this can result in excessive foliage growth and weaker root development.
Pruning
Bothriochloa saccharoides (Sw.) Rydb. var. torreyana (Steud.) Gould requires very little pruning, as it is a low-growing grass. However, if the grass becomes too tall, it can be mowed to a height of 2-3 inches. Mowing should be done when the grass is dry, and the blades should be sharp to avoid damaging the grass. Dead or damaged blades can be removed with a pair of sharp scissors.
Propagation
Bothriochloa saccharoides (Sw.) Rydb. var. torreyana (Steud.) Gould can be propagated through either seeds or division of mature clumps.
Propagation through Seeds
The best time to collect seeds is during the fall when the seedheads have turned brown. The seeds should be kept in a cool and dry place until they are ready to be planted. To promote germination, the seeds can be scarified by rubbing them gently with a piece of sandpaper or by soaking them in hot water for a few hours. Sowing the seeds in early spring when the soil has warmed up is ideal. The seeds should be planted about 1/4 inch deep in well-draining soil and kept moist until they germinate, which usually takes around two weeks.
Propagation through Division
Division is a quicker and more reliable method of propagation. It is best to divide Bothriochloa saccharoides (Sw.) Rydb. var. torreyana (Steud.) Gould in the early spring before new growth appears. The plant should be carefully dug up and the root ball should be separated into sections, ensuring that each section has a good amount of roots and shoots. These sections can be replanted in a similar location in well-draining soil and kept moist until new growth appears.
Disease Management
Bothriochloa saccharoides (Sw.) Rydb. var. torreyana (Steud.) Gould, commonly known as sugarcane plumegrass, is a hardy plant that is resistant to most diseases. However, it can be affected by some diseases if not properly cared for. The main diseases that can affect the plant are:
- Leaf spot: This is caused by the fungus Helminthosporium turcicum. The first sign of infection is small circular spots that appear on the leaves. The spots gradually enlarge and turn dark brown. To manage this disease, avoid overhead irrigation, remove infected leaves, and use fungicides if necessary.
- Root rot: This is caused by the fungus Phytophthora nicotianae. The symptoms of root rot include yellowing and wilting of leaves, stunted growth, and root decay. To prevent this disease, avoid overwatering, use well-draining soil, and plant resistant varieties.
- Powdery mildew: This is caused by the fungus Erysiphe graminis. The symptoms of powdery mildew include a white, powdery coating on the leaves. To manage this disease, provide good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and use fungicides if necessary.
Pest Management
Bothriochloa saccharoides (Sw.) Rydb. var. torreyana (Steud.) Gould can also be affected by pests. The most common pests that can affect the plant are:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests suck the sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and a general decline in plant health. To manage spider mites, use a strong stream of water to dislodge them from the plant, and use insecticidal soap if necessary.
- Cutworms: These pests eat through the stem of the plant, causing the plant to wilt and die. To manage cutworms, use cardboard collars around the base of the plant, use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), or use insecticides if necessary.
- Grasshoppers: These pests eat the leaves of the plant, causing defoliation. To manage grasshoppers, use a physical barrier, such as a mesh netting, or use insecticides if necessary.
