Overview:
Bouteloua hirsuta Lag. var. pectinata (Featherly) Cory is a species of grass that belongs to the family Poaceae. Commonly known as the hairy grama or spreading grama, this plant is widely appreciated in the southwestern US because of its ecological, ornamental, and forage value. It’s a cool-season C4 perennial grass that’s known for its sensitivity to frost and low tolerance to drought and heat. This plant is native to New Mexico, Colorado, and Texas, where it typically grows in open rocky or sandy areas, on hillsides, and along roads.
Characteristics:
The hairy grama is a clumping grass that can reach a height of 30-60 cm. It has unique, delicate-looking, greenish-gray leaves that can grow up to 10 cm long and 1-2 mm wide. The plant is so-named because of the twisted, bristle-like hairs that grow close to the leaf nodes and give the plant its fluffy appearance. In the mid-late summer, hairy grama produces a profusion of open, spreading panicles of erect and drooping spikelets that can grow up to 15 cm long, extending beyond the leaves. The spikelets are typically 4-6 mm long, with awns that are hooked at the base. The plant’s roots are fibrous and can extend deep into the soil, making it useful for soil stabilization and rainwater infiltration.
Uses:
As a cool-season perennial, the hairy grama has significant ecological value as a forage plant, providing forage for a range of large and small animals, including deer, pronghorn, bison, and rodents. It’s also an excellent choice for landscaping because of its attractive gray-green foliage, attractive flowers, and drought tolerance. Landowners can use it as a low-maintenance alternative to traditional turf grasses. Hairy grama is also useful for erosion control, as its fibrous roots can hold onto soil even on steep slopes. The plant’s deep roots can enhance soil health, making it an important species for conservation projects, including prairie restoration.
Cultivation:
The hairy grama is quite hardy and easy to grow from seed. It requires full sunlight and well-drained soil, and its seeds need to be in contact with the soil to germinate. The seeds can be sown in the fall or spring, and the plant benefits from moderate watering, although it can’t handle standing water. The plant is sensitive to frost, so it’s perfect for cooler environments. If you’re looking to plant a low-maintenance, attractive, and ecologically beneficial grass, the hairy grama is a great option.
Light Requirements
Bouteloua hirsuta Lag. var. pectinata grows best in full sunlight. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight to thrive. Insufficient sunlight can cause the plant to take on a leggy or spindly appearance.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is a warm-season perennial and can tolerate high temperatures. It prefers a temperature range of 70-80°F during the day and 50-60°F at night. The plant can survive in temperatures as low as 20°F, but this can cause discoloration and stunted growth.
Soil Requirements
Bouteloua hirsuta Lag. var. pectinata thrives in well-draining soils that have a sandy or loamy texture. It can tolerate soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of around 6.0-7.5. Soil that is too compact can cause poor root development and stunt plant growth. The plant is fairly drought-resistant but benefits from occasional watering during prolonged droughts.
Cultivation methods for Bouteloua hirsuta Lag. var. pectinata (Featherly) Cory
Bouteloua hirsuta Lag. var. pectinata (Featherly) Cory, commonly known as hairy grama or red grama, is a warm-season grass that is indigenous to the grassland prairies of South, West, and Central North America. The plant grows well in hot and arid regions and is ideally suited for naturalized landscaping or ornamental gardens. Here are some useful tips on cultivating this plant:
- Ensure that the planting location receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight every day.
- Use well-drained loamy or sandy soil that is rich in organic matter.
- The planting area should have good air circulation and be sheltered from strong winds.
- Start the planting process in spring or early summer when the soil has warmed up to at least 60°F (16°C).
- The recommended planting depth is around 0.25-0.5 inches (0.6-1.3 cm): the seeds should be sown about 6-10 inches apart.
- Keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate.
Watering needs for Bouteloua hirsuta Lag. var. pectinata (Featherly) Cory
Bouteloua hirsuta Lag. var. pectinata (Featherly) Cory prefers low to moderate amounts of water. Although the plant is drought-tolerant, it needs regular watering during its first growing season to establish a robust root system. Here are some watering tips for this plant:
- Water the plant deeply every seven to ten days during the growing season (April to September).
- Avoid watering the plant too often, as this can lead to overwatering and root rot.
- Allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions: the plant is most vulnerable to overwatering during its dormant period (October to March).
- Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems to deliver water directly to the soil and minimize water waste through evaporation.
Fertilization techniques for Bouteloua hirsuta Lag. var. pectinata (Featherly) Cory
Bouteloua hirsuta Lag. var. pectinata (Featherly) Cory does not require frequent fertilization: excessive fertilization can lead to weaker and disease-prone plants. However, light feeding during the growing season can promote healthy foliage and improve plant vigor. Here are some fertilization tips:
- Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) or a phosphorus-rich fertilizer (5-10-10) in early spring or late fall.
- Avoid fertilizing the plant during the dormant period, as this can cause the plant to focus on creating foliage rather than a strong root system.
- Apply the fertilizer according to the package directions and do not exceed the recommended amounts.
- Water the plant immediately after fertilizing it to prevent fertilizer burn.
Pruning techniques for Bouteloua hirsuta Lag. var. pectinata (Featherly) Cory
Bouteloua hirsuta Lag. var. pectinata (Featherly) Cory requires minimal pruning: only remove diseased or damaged foliage and stems to promote healthy growth. The plant has a naturally tidy and compact habit that requires little maintenance. Here are some pruning tips:
- Use clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid injuring the plant.
- Remove yellowing or brown leaves as soon as they appear and dispose of them outside the garden to prevent the spread of disease.
- Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth appears, if necessary.
- Remove any dead or damaged stems or foliage to promote airflow and reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Propagation of Bouteloua hirsuta Lag. var. pectinata (Featherly) Cory
Bouteloua hirsuta Lag. var. pectinata, commonly known as Sideoats Grama, is a drought-tolerant grass native to North America. This plant is popular among gardeners for its fine-textured, upright foliage and beautiful seed heads that emerge in the summer.
Propagation by Seed
The easiest and most successful way to propagate Bouteloua hirsuta Lag. var. pectinata is by seed. The plant produces a lot of seeds, and they are easy to collect. The best time to collect the seeds is in the fall when they are ripe, and the seed heads are dry and brown. Simply cut the seed heads and place them in a paper bag to catch the seeds as they fall out.
Once you have collected the seeds, you can either store them in a cool, dry place until you are ready to plant them, or you can plant them right away. To plant the seeds, prepare a site with well-draining soil and full sun exposure. In the spring, scatter the seeds on top of the soil and lightly rake them in. Water the soil, and the seeds should germinate within a few weeks.
Propagation by Division
Bouteloua hirsuta Lag. var. pectinata can also be propagated by division. This method works best for mature plants that have formed clumps. In the spring, dig up the clump and separate it into smaller sections, making sure that each section has roots. Replant the sections in a well-draining soil, making sure that they are at the same depth as they were before. Water the newly transplanted sections, and they should start to grow within a few weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Bouteloua hirsuta Lag. var. pectinata (Featherly) Cory
Bouteloua hirsuta Lag. var. pectinata (Featherly) Cory, also commonly known as hairy grama, is a drought-tolerant, warm-season grass that is native to North America. While it is generally a hardy plant, there are several diseases and pests that can affect its growth. Here are some of the common issues that might arise and tips for managing them:
Diseases
Leaf blight: This fungal disease can cause elongated lesions on the leaves, which eventually turn tan and die. To manage leaf blight, it is important to avoid overhead irrigation, water in the early morning, remove infected plant debris, and spray with copper-based fungicides.
Rust: Rust is another fungal disease that can affect the leaves and stems of Bouteloua hirsuta. The infected areas become orange or red and may eventually turn brown. To manage rust, keep the plant well-watered and fertilized, remove infected leaves, and apply fungicides.
Pests
Armyworms: These pests are larvae of certain moth species that feed on the leaves and stems of the plant. The damaged areas look like chewed-up patches. To manage armyworms, apply insecticides and encourage beneficial insects like lady beetles and lacewings.
Wireworms: Wireworms are the larvae of click beetles that feed on the roots of the plant. Infested plants may wilt and die. To manage wireworms, rotate crops, use clean seeds, and apply insecticides.
Cutworms: Cutworms are the larvae of certain moth species that cut off the stems of young plants at soil level. To manage cutworms, place collars around plant stems to prevent the larvae from getting to the plant, apply insecticides, and encourage beneficial insects like parasitic wasps.
By being vigilant about potential disease and pest issues, and taking steps to manage them, Bouteloua hirsuta Lag. var. pectinata can remain a healthy and vibrant addition to any landscape.
