Introduction
Bromus vulgaris (Hook.) Shear var. eximius Shear, commonly known as the foxtail brome, is a perennial plant belonging to the grass family Poaceae. It is native to North America and can be found in various regions of the western United States and Canada.Appearance
Foxtail brome is a tall grass that can grow up to 4 feet tall. The plant has an upright, bushy appearance with long, slender leaves that are around 8-20 inches long and 0.2-0.4 inches wide. Its inflorescence is a dense, cylindrical spike, which can vary in size from 4-10 inches long and 0.6-1 inch wide. The spikelets are typically yellow-green in color, and the glumes are awned.Uses
Foxtail brome is a valuable forage plant for livestock. It is highly nutritious and palatable, making it a preferred grass species for grazing or hay production. The grass is also used for soil stabilization and erosion control in disturbed areas, particularly in construction sites or areas affected by wildfires.Common names
In addition to foxtail brome, this grass species is also known by other common names, including brush brome, mountain brome, and wild brome.In summary, Bromus vulgaris (Hook.) Shear var. eximius Shear, commonly known as foxtail brome, is a species of grass native to North America. It has a tall, bushy appearance with slender leaves and cylindrical spikes of yellow-green flowers. Foxtail brome is highly valued as a forage plant for livestock and for its ability to stabilize soil and control erosion. Other common names for this plant include brush brome, mountain brome, and wild brome.
Light Requirements
Bromus vulgaris var. eximius prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and development. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to grow and thrive. Insufficient light may result in spindly growth and reduced productivity.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in areas with a moderately cool climate. Optimal temperature ranges between 15°C to 25°C with low humidity. The plant can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it struggles in areas with hot summers and cold winters. Frost may damage the foliage or kill the entire plant.
Soil Requirements
Bromus vulgaris var. eximius grows best in well-drained loamy soils rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5 for optimal growth. Avoid soils prone to waterlogging or those with poor drainage as they can cause root rots or stunted growth. Additionally, the plant thrives in soils with adequate nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels.
Cultivation
Bromus vulgaris (Hook.) Shear var. eximius Shear is best grown in zones 3 to 8, where the temperatures range from -40°F to 20°F (-40°C to -6.7°C). It grows best in full sun to partial shade and prefers soil that is well-drained, fertile, and moist. This species is adaptable to a range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, or clay soils.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of the Bromus vulgaris (Hook.) Shear var. eximius Shear vary, depending on the environment it is grown in. In general, young plants require more frequent watering than mature plants. Too much water can cause root rot, but too little water can lead to the plant's wilting. It is best to keep the soil around the plant's roots consistently moist. The recommended method of watering is to deeply irrigate once a week during the hot summer months and twice a month during the cooler months.
Fertilization
When it comes to fertilization, Bromus vulgaris (Hook.) Shear var. eximius Shear thrives in fertile soil. A balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, can be applied every 4 to 6 weeks. The fertilizer should be applied on moist soil and should be watered immediately after application to prevent damage to the plant's roots. Following the recommended amount of fertilizer, as too much fertilizer can cause salt burn and leaf scorching.
Pruning
Bromus vulgaris (Hook.) Shear var. eximius Shear does not require frequent pruning. However, it is best to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased portions of the plant as they appear. To promote bushier growth, some gardeners trim back the plant's tips by one-third in the fall. Branches that cross or rub against one another can be pruned to prevent damage to the plant.
Propagation of Bromus vulgaris var. eximius Shear
Bromus vulgaris var. eximius Shear is commonly propagated using two methods: seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Bromus vulgaris var. eximius Shear is through seeds. The seeds are small, light-brown in color, and can be easily collected in late summer or early fall, when the seed heads have dried out on the plant. Once collected, the seeds are cleaned and stored in a dry, cool place until ready to be planted.
To plant the seeds, prepare a seedbed by removing all weeds and debris, and then rake the soil to create a fine, even surface. Scatter the seeds evenly over the surface, and then gently rake them in, making sure they are covered by no more than 1/8 inch of soil. Water the seedbed lightly, and then cover it with a layer of straw or other organic mulch to help retain moisture and keep the seeds from washing away. Keep the seedbed moist, but not waterlogged, until the seeds germinate, which typically occurs in 1-3 weeks.
Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them to a spacing of 6-8 inches apart. This will help ensure that each plant has enough space to grow and develop properly.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Bromus vulgaris var. eximius Shear is less common than seed propagation, but can be done in a few different ways. One method is by root division, which involves digging up an established plant, dividing its root ball into smaller sections, and then replanting each section in a new location. This method is typically done in the fall or spring, when the plant is dormant.
Another method of vegetative propagation is through stem cuttings. This involves taking a cutting from an established plant, typically in the late spring or early summer, and then rooting it in a soilless growing medium such as vermiculite or perlite. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted into a new location.
Common diseases for Bromus vulgaris (Hook.) Shear var. eximius Shear
Several diseases can affect Bromus vulgaris (Hook.) Shear var. eximius Shear. One common disease is stem rust, which can cause significant damage if left untreated. The disease is caused by a fungus and results in elongated orange-brown pustules on the plant's stem and leaves. The disease is common in areas with high humidity, and its spread can be controlled by implementing preventive measures. The best way to prevent stem rust is to plant resistant varieties and avoid planting susceptible varieties in areas where the disease is prevalent. Additionally, providing adequate spacing between plants and promoting good air circulation can also help prevent the spread of the disease.
Another common disease that affects Bromus vulgaris (Hook.) Shear var. eximius Shear is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that results in the formation of a white-grayish powdery coating on the plant's leaves and stems. The disease is common in areas with high humidity and poor air circulation. The disease can be controlled by pruning affected leaves and stems, avoiding overhead irrigation, and applying appropriate fungicides following the manufacturer's instructions.
Common pests for Bromus vulgaris (Hook.) Shear var. eximius Shear
Several pests can affect Bromus vulgaris (Hook.) Shear var. eximius Shear. One common pest is aphids. Aphids are small pear-shaped insects that feed on plant sap, causing distortion of leaves and stunted plant growth. The pest can be controlled by encouraging natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings, washing the plant with soapy water, and using appropriate insecticides. It's always advisable to seek professional advice when considering the use of insecticides.
Another common pest that can affect Bromus vulgaris (Hook.) Shear var. eximius Shear is spider mites. Spider mites are tiny, eight-legged pests that suck the plants' sap, causing yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. Infestations of spider mites can be controlled by prunings affected leaves and stems, employing the appropriate insecticides following manufacturer's instructions, and providing adequate air circulation and humidity.
