Calamagrostis Canadensis (Michx.) Beauv. ssp. Langsdorfii (Link) Hultén
Calamagrostis Canadensis (Michx.) Beauv. ssp. Langsdorfii (Link) Hultén, also known as bluejoint grass, is a species of perennial grass in the Poaceae family that is native to North America and can be found in various habitats such as wetlands, meadows, and streambanks. It is most commonly found in the northern parts of North America, including Canada and Alaska.
Common Names
Bluejoint grass is the most commonly used common name for Calamagrostis Canadensis (Michx.) Beauv. ssp. Langsdorfii (Link) Hultén. Other names for this species include Canadian reedgrass and tall reedgrass.
Uses
Calamagrostis Canadensis (Michx.) Beauv. ssp. Langsdorfii (Link) Hultén has a variety of uses in landscaping, conservation, and agriculture. Due to its tolerance for wet soils, bluejoint grass is often used in wetland restoration projects. In landscaping, it can be used as an ornamental grass in rain gardens, water features, or other moist areas. The grass also serves as an important forage source for livestock in the northern parts of North America, and has been used in the making of traditional Native American baskets.
General Appearance
Calamagrostis Canadensis (Michx.) Beauv. ssp. Langsdorfii (Link) Hultén has a clustered bunch-like growth habit, with stems that can grow up to 6 feet tall. The leaves are long and narrow, and the flowers are typically green or purple in color. The inflorescence is a panicle, which is a cluster of flowers that branches out from the main stem. The panicle can grow up to 16 inches long and is typically purple or green in color during the summer months.
Light Requirements
The Calamagrostis canadensis (Michx.) Beauv. ssp. langsdorfii (Link) Hultén requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can result in weaker stems and less flowering.
Temperature Requirements
Calamagrostis canadensis (Michx.) Beauv. ssp. langsdorfii (Link) Hultén is a cool-season grass that thrives in temperatures ranging from 60-70°F. It can tolerate colder temperatures of up to 20°F, but not extreme heat.
Soil Requirements
The soil where Calamagrostis canadensis (Michx.) Beauv. ssp. langsdorfii (Link) Hultén is planted must be well-draining and moist. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH of 6-7.5. High-quality garden soil or loam is ideal. The soil should also be rich in organic matter and fertile, with plenty of necessary nutrients for the plant's growth and development. It is important to avoid waterlogging the soil as it can result in root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Calamagrostis canadensis (Michx.) Beauv. ssp. langsdorfii (Link) Hultén, commonly known as Canada bluejoint grass, prefers moist to wet soils and full to partial sun. It can tolerate a range of soil pH levels but prefers slightly acidic soils. The plant is native to North America and is hardy in Zones 3 to 7.
The plant can be propagated through division in the spring, or through seed in the fall. When planting, make sure to space each plant about 18 inches apart to allow for adequate root and foliage growth.
Watering Needs
Consistent watering is essential for Calamagrostis canadensis (Michx.) Beauv. ssp. langsdorfii (Link) Hultén as it prefers moist to wet soils. During the summer months, the plant should be watered at least once a week. If the soil becomes dry between waterings, increase the frequency of watering.
During periods of heavy rainfall or if the plant is growing in a particularly wet area, make sure to keep an eye on the plant as it may become waterlogged. If this occurs, reduce watering frequency to prevent root rot.
Fertilization
Calamagrostis canadensis (Michx.) Beauv. ssp. langsdorfii (Link) Hultén generally does not require fertilization as it can obtain the necessary nutrients from the surrounding soil. However, if growth is slow or foliage appears yellowish, a slow-release fertilizer may be added in the early spring. Follow the fertilizer manufacturer's instructions for application rates.
Do not over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive growth and weaken the plant's structure.
Pruning
Calamagrostis canadensis (Michx.) Beauv. ssp. langsdorfii (Link) Hultén does not require regular pruning as it maintains an attractive, upright habit. However, if the plant becomes too tall or begins to lose its shape, it may be pruned back in the early spring before new growth emerges.
Use sharp, clean pruning shears to cut the plant back to around 6 to 8 inches from the ground. Make sure to remove any dead or damaged foliage as well. Over-pruning can weaken the plant, so only remove as much growth as necessary to maintain its shape.
Propagation of Calamagrostis canadensis (Michx.) Beauv. ssp. langsdorfii (Link) Hultén
Calamagrostis canadensis (Michx.) Beauv. ssp. langsdorfii (Link) Hultén, or more commonly known as bluejoint grass, is a native perennial that is commonly found in wet and marshy areas such as swamps and meadows. Propagation of this plant can be done through different methods, which include:
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Calamagrostis canadensis can be done through seeds. The ideal time for seed collection is during the fall when the seeds are mature enough for collection. The collected seeds should be dried thoroughly and stored in a cool and dry place until the following spring. Seeds should be sowed in flats or pots containing a well-draining soil mix. The seeds should be placed at a depth of around ¼ inch and kept moist until germination. Germination typically occurs within 10-15 days.
Division Propagation
Another method of propagation is through division. This method involves separating clumps of the grass and replanting them in their desired location. This propagation method should be done during the spring season when the plant has started growing actively. The clump should be dug up carefully and separated into smaller clumps, making sure that each division has enough roots attached. The newly separated plants should be replanted in a prepared area and watered regularly, ensuring that the soil is kept moist.
Disease Management
The Calamagrostis canadensis ssp. langsdorfii plant is typically disease-resistant. However, it may be susceptible to specific diseases, such as fungal infections. One common fungus that may infect the plant is rust.
To manage rust on Calamagrostis canadensis ssp. langsdorfii, it is essential to remove any infected plant material and dispose of it in the trash. Avoid watering the plant from overhead, as this may facilitate the spread of rust spores. You may also apply a fungicide to help prevent the development of rust on the plant.
Pest Management
The Calamagrostis canadensis ssp. langsdorfii plant may be infested by different types of pests, including aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. These pests may feed on the plant's sap and cause damage to the stems, leaves, and flowers of the plant.
One effective way to manage pests on Calamagrostis canadensis ssp. langsdorfii is to regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation. If you identify any pests, you can use insecticidal soaps or neem oil to control their population. You may also use physical barriers like row covers or netting to prevent pests from accessing the plant.
Another effective pest management technique is to encourage the presence of natural predators, such as ladybugs or lacewings. These insects feed on pests like aphids and help keep their population in check.
