Origin
Bromus pumpellianus Scribn. ssp. dicksonii Mitchell & Wilton, commonly known as Dickson's brome or Pumpelly brome, is a species of grass that is native to North America. It can be found from British Columbia to California in the west, and Montana to Wyoming in the east.
Common Names
Dickson's brome is also commonly referred to as Pumpelly brome, named after the American geologist Raphael Pumpelly who collected the first specimen of the plant in Montana in 1866.
Uses
Dickson's brome is primarily used as a forage plant for livestock, particularly grazing animals like cattle and sheep. It is also an important component of grassland ecosystems, providing cover and habitat for wildlife such as birds and small mammals.
General Appearance
Dickson's brome is a perennial grass that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. It has long, slender leaves that are blue-green in color and vary in length from 8-20cm. The plant produces a large, open panicle of yellow-green flowers in the summer and fall. The seeds are small and brown in color, with a membranous wing that helps with wind dispersal.
Light Requirements
Bromus pumpellianus Scribn. ssp. dicksonii will typically grow in areas of full sunlight. It requires an ample amount of direct sunlight to properly develop and produce seeds.
Temperature Requirements
The typical temperature range for the growth of Bromus pumpellianus Scribn. ssp. dicksonii is between 10°C to 20°C. It can grow with temperatures outside of this range, but growth may become difficult and can result in weak plants that are more susceptible to disease.
Soil Requirements
The soil requirement for this plant is generally well-draining soil with a pH range of 4.5 to 8.0. It prefers a loamy or sandy soil texture and requires good aeration to prevent waterlogging. The plant is adapted to soils with low fertility but requires moderate levels of nitrogen for adequate growth.
Cultivation Methods
The best way to cultivate Bromus pumpellianus Scribn. ssp. dicksonii Mitchell & Wilton is to plant them in well-draining soils with a pH between 5.5 - 7.5. These grasses thrive in full sun or partial shade and can grow in a wide range of temperatures from hot summers to cold winters. It is advisable to plant them in the fall when the soil temperature is still warm to give the roots enough time to establish before the onset of winter.
Watering Needs
Bromus pumpellianus Scribn. ssp. dicksonii Mitchell & Wilton requires moderate watering, especially during the establishment phase. However, overwatering should be avoided, as it can result in root rot. Irrigation in the early morning is the best time for watering. Inadequate watering can cause the plants to dry up, particularly during hot and dry weather.
Fertilization
Bromus pumpellianus Scribn. ssp. dicksonii Mitchell & Wilton is a low-maintenance plant that does not require a lot of fertilizers. However, applying a light layer of slow-release nitrogen-rich fertilizer in the early spring helps to promote vigorous growth. Further fertilization may not be necessary if planted in fertile soils.
Pruning
Bromus pumpellianus Scribn. ssp. dicksonii Mitchell & Wilton can be left to grow without any pruning. However, if you want to keep them tidy or stimulate new growth, cut the grass back to a height of two-thirds in the early spring before the new growth begins. This helps to remove old foliage and allows sunlight to penetrate to the base of the plant. Pruning can also be done in the fall to control the plant's height and spread.
Propagation of Bromus pumpellianus Scribn. ssp. dicksonii Mitchell & Wilton
Propagation of Bromus pumpellianus Scribn. ssp. dicksonii Mitchell & Wilton is relatively simple, and can easily take place through two primary methods: seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation of Bromus pumpellianus Scribn. ssp. dicksonii Mitchell & Wilton is the most common method. The seeds can be obtained from mature plants and collected when they are ripe. These seeds can be directly sown into the ground or raised in pots in nurseries. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix, and lightly pressed into the soil. They should then be kept moist, and it is important not to let the soil dry out during the germination period. In general, germination takes place within 2-3 weeks, depending on the quality of the seed and prevailing weather conditions.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Bromus pumpellianus Scribn. ssp. dicksonii Mitchell & Wilton involves rooting the cuttings or divisions of existing plants. This method is usually performed in the spring or fall. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants, and any leaves on the lower part of the cutting should be removed. The cutting should be inserted into a well-draining soil mix, with a plastic cover over it to provide a humid environment. With regular watering, and under optimal conditions, the cutting will root and can be eventually transplanted into its permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Bromus pumpellianus Scribn. ssp. dicksonii Mitchell & Wilton
Bromus pumpellianus Scribn. ssp. dicksonii Mitchell & Wilton is generally resistant to diseases and pests, but it can occasionally suffer from certain issues that can affect its growth and yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Fusarium crown rot: This fungal disease can stunt the growth and reduce the yield of Bromus pumpellianus Scribn. ssp. dicksonii Mitchell & Wilton. The first signs of infection are wilting and yellowing of the leaves, followed by the death of the plant. To manage this disease, avoid planting the grass in areas where it has previously occurred. If the disease is already present, remove the infected plants and avoid planting susceptible crops in the same area for a few years.
Powdery mildew: This fungal disease affects the leaves of Bromus pumpellianus Scribn. ssp. dicksonii Mitchell & Wilton, causing a white, powdery coating on the foliage. In severe cases, it can cause the leaves to curl and die. To manage this disease, ensure that the grass is planted in full sunlight with good air circulation. Apply fungicides as needed, following the label instructions carefully.
Pests
Armyworms: Armyworms are a common pest that can feed on the foliage of Bromus pumpellianus Scribn. ssp. dicksonii Mitchell & Wilton, causing significant damage to the plant. To manage this pest, inspect the grass regularly for the presence of the larvae. Apply insecticides if the infestation is severe, following the label instructions carefully.
Cutworms: Cutworms are another common pest that can damage the roots of Bromus pumpellianus Scribn. ssp. dicksonii Mitchell & Wilton, leading to stunted growth and reduced yield. To manage this pest, inspect the soil for the presence of the larvae. Apply insecticides if the infestation is severe, following the label instructions carefully. You can also use collars around the base of the plant to protect the roots.
By following these disease and pest management practices, you can ensure that Bromus pumpellianus Scribn. ssp. dicksonii Mitchell & Wilton stays healthy and thrives in your garden or field.
