Description of Bouteloua hirsuta Lag. var. glandulosa (Cerv.) Gould
Bouteloua hirsuta Lag. var. glandulosa (Cerv.) Gould is a perennial grass native to western United States and Mexico. It is commonly known as hairy grama grass or glandular grama grass, referring to its pubescent and glandular leaf sheaths and blades.
General Appearance
This grass grows up to 50 cm tall and forms dense tufts in dry, rocky, and sandy soils in semi-arid and arid ecosystems. It has deep roots that can reach up to 5 meters, allowing it to access water stored deep in the soil. The leaves are narrow, linear, and up to 10 cm long, with rough edges and a prominent midrib. The flowers are arranged in spikes that grow up to 15 cm long and appear in late spring and summer. The spikelets are small and oval, with one to three flowers per spikelet. The grass produces small and less palatable seeds, which contribute to its survival in harsh environments by reducing grazing pressure.
Uses
Bouteloua hirsuta Lag. var. glandulosa provides food and habitat for wildlife, including birds and insects. It also has ecological and economic importance, as it improves soil quality and stability, reduces erosion, and contributes to carbon sequestration. The grass is drought-tolerant, making it suitable for landscaping and restoration projects in water-limited areas. It is also used in traditional medicine for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
hereGrowth Conditions of Bouteloua hirsuta Lag. var. glandulosa (Cerv.) Gould
Bouteloua hirsuta Lag. var. glandulosa (Cerv.) Gould, commonly known as hairy grama grass, is a perennial grass species found in North America. It is a drought-tolerant species that can grow in a variety of habitats, including prairies, savannas, and open woodlands. The species is a warm-season grass, meaning it grows during the summer months when temperatures are higher.
Light
Hairy grama grass prefers full sun to thrive. It can tolerate partial shade, but its growth will be hampered in such conditions. Therefore, it is recommended to grow the species in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature
As stated earlier, hairy grama grass grows best in warm temperatures. The species can tolerate a wide range of temperatures between 15°C to 35°C. However, during the winter months, the temperature should not drop below -10°C.
Soil Requirements
The species is adaptable to different soil types, but it grows best in well-drained soils. Hairy grama grass can tolerate soils that are low in fertility and pH but cannot grow well in soils that are waterlogged or flooded. These conditions can cause root rot, which can eventually kill the plant. Therefore, it is essential to grow the species in well-drained soils. Additionally, hairy grama grass can thrive in soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.5.
Cultivation Methods
Bouteloua hirsuta Lag. var. glandulosa (Cerv.) Gould requires sandy or gravelly soil with good drainage for proper growth. The plant thrives in full sunlight and tolerates drought conditions; hence abundant watering is needless. However, warm temperatures ranging from 25 to 30°C are necessary for seed germination. Sowing the seeds in late spring ensures successful growth, and the plant thrives in USDA zones 7-10.
Watering Needs
The plant is drought-resistant, and it requires minimal watering. Avoid excessive irrigation, as the plant is susceptible to root rot, especially in poorly drained soils. Too much water may cause the leaves to turn yellow, indicating the onset of disease. Therefore, moderate watering is beneficial, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
Bouteloua hirsuta Lag. var. glandulosa (Cerv.) Gould is a low-maintenance plant and requires little to no fertilization. Heavy fertilization may cause the soil to become too nutrient-rich for proper growth. The plant may only require a fertilizer that applies a balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the ratio of 3-1-2, preferably in small amounts. It is better to apply fertilizers during the growth period, from spring to summer, to aid in the plant's development.
Pruning
Bouteloua hirsuta Lag. var. glandulosa (Cerv.) Gould is a low-maintenance plant and requires little pruning. Only deadheading is necessary by trimming the spent blooms or fading leaves which encourages the growth of new leaves and stems. It also helps maintain a neat appearance of the plant. Deadheading should be done more often during the plant's blooming periods, usually in late summer to prevent it from self-seeding, which can result in overcrowding and affect growth.
Propagation of Bouteloua Hirsuta Lag. var. Glandulosa (Cerv.) Gould
The propagation of Bouteloua hirsuta Lag. var. glandulosa (Cerv.) Gould can be done through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual propagation
Seeds of Bouteloua hirsuta Lag. var. glandulosa (Cerv.) Gould can be collected from the mature plants during the fall season. The seeds can be sown directly in the garden or can be started indoors in pots. The seeds should be sown approximately 1/8 inch deep in the soil and should be kept moist until germination.
The germination of the seeds can take up to four weeks. Once the seeds have germinated, they can be transplanted to their permanent location in the garden.
Asexual propagation
Bouteloua hirsuta Lag. var. glandulosa (Cerv.) Gould can also be propagated asexually through division. Dividing the mature plants can produce new plants with the same characteristics and growth habit as the parent plant.
The division of the plant should be done during the fall season. The plant should be dug up and the roots gently separated into smaller pieces. Each piece should have at least one healthy shoot or crown. The divided plants can be transplanted to their permanent location in the garden.
Bouteloua hirsuta Lag. var. Glandulosa (Cerv.) Gould can also be propagated through stem cuttings. This method involves taking cuttings from the parent plant and planting them in a growing medium until they develop roots.
The cuttings should be taken during the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be approximately 6 inches in length and should be taken from the new growth. The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in a growing medium. The cuttings should be kept moist until they develop roots. Once the cuttings have developed roots, they can be transplanted to their permanent location in the garden.
Disease Management
Bouteloua hirsuta Lag. var. glandulosa (Cerv.) Gould, commonly known as hairy grama grass, is a tough and resilient plant. However, it can be susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Leaf Spots: This is a fungal disease that causes circular, brownish spots on the foliage of the plant. To manage this disease, plants should be spaced properly to ensure good air circulation. Infected debris should be removed, and the use of fungicides may be considered.
- Crown Rots: This is a disease caused by soil-borne fungi that attack the plant's roots and crowns. To manage this disease, plants should be planted in well-draining soil. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed, and the use of fungicides may be considered.
- Viruses: Hairy grama grass may be susceptible to several viruses, including the wheat streak mosaic virus and the barley yellow dwarf virus. There are currently no treatments for viral infections in plants, so prevention is key. The use of clean planting materials and the removal of infected plants can help prevent the spread of viruses.
Pest Management
While not often a target for pests, there are a few insects that may cause damage to hairy grama grass. These include:
- Armyworms: These insects can cause significant damage to the foliage of the plant. To manage armyworms, plants should be inspected regularly and the use of insecticides may be considered.
- Grasshoppers: Grasshoppers may feed on the leaves of the plant, causing damage. To manage grasshoppers, plants should be inspected regularly, and the use of insecticides or physical barriers may be considered.
- Mites: Mites may feed on the leaves of the plant, causing yellowing and stunting. To manage mites, plants should be inspected regularly, and the use of miticides may be considered.
Overall, proper maintenance and care can help prevent and manage diseases and pests in Bouteloua hirsuta Lag. var. glandulosa (Cerv.) Gould.
