Origin
Calamagrostis expansa is a species of grass that is native to North America. They are commonly found growing in moist meadows, bogs, and swamps.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as Arctic reedgrass, tundra reedgrass, or northern reedgrass.
Uses
Calamagrostis expansa has been used in traditional medicine by indigenous people to treat various ailments such as coughs, sore throats, and fevers. It is also used as a food source by wildlife such as caribou and muskoxen.
General Appearance
This plant is a perennial grass that can grow up to 90 centimeters tall. It has long and narrow leaves that are dark green in color. The inflorescence is a dense, cylindrical panicle that can grow up to 15 centimeters long. The flowers are wind-pollinated and produces seeds that are dispersed by the wind. Overall, Calamagrostis expansa is a hardy plant that can survive in harsh and cold environments.
Growth Conditions for Calamagrostis expansa (Munro ex Hbd.) A.S. Hitchc.
Light: The Calamagrostis expansa requires full sun exposure to grow. It responds well to bright and intense sunlight. Planting it in a shaded area may hinder its growth and development.
Temperature: This plant can tolerate a range of temperatures. However, it prefers cooler temperatures between 13°C and 18°C (55°F and 64°F) for optimal growth. It is a cold-hardy plant capable of surviving under snow cover at temperatures as low as -40°C (-40°F).
Soil Requirements: The Calamagrostis expansa prefers well-draining, moist soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a wide range of soils, including sand, loam, and clay soils. However, it does not grow well in soils with poor drainage. It thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5.
This grass does well in coastal meadows, forest clearings, and tundra habitats that are frequently moistened by precipitation. It can also grow in areas with partial snow cover, like in high-altitude regions. The Calamagrostis expansa plant is an excellent choice if you're looking to establish a plant in a cold, shaded, and moist area. Its cold-tolerance and relatively high biomass production make it an excellent choice for plant breeders and forest restoration efforts.
Cultivation Methods
Calamagrostis expansa is a cool-season grass and can be grown in almost all types of soils. The plant requires well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. The seeds of the plant must be sown in early spring or fall, at a depth of ¼ inch. Before sowing the seeds, the soil must be well-tilled with organic matter to ensure optimal growth. The plant requires full sunlight for around 6-8 hours a day.
Watering Needs
Calamagrostis expansa needs moderate watering during its growing period. It is essential to keep the soil moist but not wet, as the plant can not withstand waterlogged soil. To avoid overwatering, the water requirements should be based on the overall climate conditions, and the plants must be watered only when the top 2 inches of the soil are dry. Overwatering may result in root rot, which can harm the plant.
Fertilization
Calamagrostis expansa does not require much fertilization, but it can benefit from a balanced slow-release fertilizer every six months. The best time to fertilize is during the spring when the plant starts to grow, and in the fall. Too much fertilizer can harm the plant, so it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions and not exceed the recommended amounts.
Pruning
Calamagrostis expansa generally does not require much pruning, but it is essential to cut back the dead foliage in the early spring to promote the growth of new shoots. If the plant has become too large, it can be divided in the early spring or fall. It is also essential to remove any seed heads before they mature to prevent self-seeding.
Propagation of Calamagrostis expansa
Calamagrostis expansa (Munro ex Hbd.) A.S. Hitchc, commonly known as Feather Reed grass, is a perennial grass that is native to North America. It is a popular ornamental grass due to its tall plumes of silvery-green foliage that can grow up to five feet tall. Propagation of this grass can be done through several methods, including seed propagation, division, and stem cuttings.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and easiest method for propagating Calamagrostis expansa. The best time to sow seeds is in the spring when the soil is warming up. Start by clearing the ground of any weeds and debris and then scatter the seeds on the soil surface. Lightly rake the soil to ensure the seeds are in contact with the soil. Water the area well and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which usually occurs within three weeks.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is another effective method for propagating Calamagrostis expansa. The best time to divide the grass is in the spring or fall. Start by digging up the clump of grass carefully, taking care not to damage the roots. Use a sharp spade to divide the clump into smaller sections, making sure each section has roots and at least one emerging shoot. Replant the sections immediately in a well-drained soil mix and water well.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Stem cutting propagation is less commonly used for Calamagrostis expansa but can still be effective, especially if the plant is old and established. Take 4- to 6-inch cuttings from the grass in early spring, ensuring that each cutting has at least one node. Remove any leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and then dip the end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix and keep it in a warm, bright location. Keep the soil moist, and in about four weeks, the cutting should take root and be ready to transplant into the ground or a larger pot.
Disease Management
Calamagrostis expansa can be susceptible to certain diseases, including rust, leaf spot, and powdery mildew.
Rust
Rust is caused by various fungi and can appear as orange or brown pustules on the leaves. To manage rust, it's important to remove and destroy infected leaves and plants. Also, avoid overhead irrigation to prevent water from sitting on the leaves and promote good air circulation around the plant. Fungicides can also be applied preventatively to reduce the risk of rust.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is caused by the fungus Drechslera spp and can appear as small to large spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, remove infected leaves and promote good air circulation around the plant to reduce humidity. Fungicides can be applied preventatively to reduce the risk of leaf spot.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is caused by various fungi and appears as a powdery white coating on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, remove and destroy infected leaves and reduce humidity around the plant by promoting good air circulation. Fungicides can be applied preventatively to reduce the risk of powdery mildew.
Pest Management
Calamagrostis expansa can also be susceptible to certain pests, including aphids and spider mites.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can suck sap from the leaves and stems. To manage aphids, spray the plant with water to dislodge them and introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings that will feed on them. Insecticidal soaps can also be used to control aphids.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny insects that can cause leaf yellowing and discoloration. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water to dislodge them and introduce beneficial insects like predatory mites that will feed on them. Insecticidal soaps can also be used to control spider mites.
