Plant Description
Calamagrostis lapponica (Wahlenb.) Hartman var. alpina Hartman, also known as Alpine Arctic Reedgrass, is a perennial plant native to the circumpolar regions of the Northern Hemisphere. This plant belongs to the Poaceae family, which is characterized by hollow stems, leaves with parallel veins, and inconspicuous flowers.
This reedgrass has a deep root system that helps it survive harsh environmental conditions. It can grow up to 10-60 cm in height, with an inflorescence that can reach up to 30 cm in length.
General Appearance
C. lapponica var. alpina has erect stems that are slender and leafy, with blade-like leaves that are greenish-grey in color and can reach up to 10 cm in length. The inflorescence appears in late summer and consists of dense flower spikes that are modeled in a panicle shape. The spikelets are green at first and then turn purplish-brown as they mature.
Overall, this plant presents a soft and delicate appearance, despite its hardiness to extreme environmental conditions.
Uses
Calamagrostis lapponica var. alpina has a few practical uses related to its natural habitat. Its deep-rooted system allows it to stabilize soil in alpine regions and prevent soil erosion. It also serves as a source of food for herbivorous animals, such as deer and reindeer.
Additionally, this plant can be a beautiful addition to horticultural environments, as it adds height, texture, and movement in gardens and landscapes.
Common Names
Calamagrostis lapponica var. alpina is also called Alpine Arctic Reedgrass, Lapland Reedgrass, and Arctic Small Reedgrass.
Growth Conditions for Calamagrostis lapponica var. alpina
Light: Calamagrostis lapponica var. alpina prefers partial to full sunlight exposure. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can result in poor growth and reduced flowering.
Temperature: This plant can thrive in a range of temperatures from cool to cold climates, including subarctic and tundra regions. It has been found growing in areas with temperatures ranging from -20°C to 20°C.
Soil: Calamagrostis lapponica var. alpina prefers well-draining soils that are moist but not waterlogged. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils. This plant is adapted to grow in soils with a low pH and high acidity levels.
Irrigation: This plant requires moderate watering during the growing season, but it is important to avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization: Calamagrostis lapponica var. alpina does not typically require fertilization as it is adapted to grow in nutrient-poor soils. However, if the plant is not growing well, a light application of a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, can be beneficial.
Propagation: This plant can be propagated through division in the spring or fall. Seeds can also be sown in the fall and overwintered outside or in a cold frame before planting in the spring.
Cultivation Methods
Calamagrostis lapponica (Wahlenb.) Hartman var. alpina Hartman, also known as Alpine Tufted Hairgrass, is a hardy plant that can grow in various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils. Plant the seedlings in early spring or autumn when the soil is warm enough for them to germinate. Choose a location that receives full sunlight or partial shade to grow the plant.
Watering Needs
Water the plant immediately after planting and water it periodically during the growing season. Once established, the Alpine Tufted Hairgrass can tolerate periods of drought, but it is best to keep the soil moist. Water the plant deeply about once a week, especially during hot and dry weather, and reduce watering in the winter months.
Fertilization
The Alpine Tufted Hairgrass prefers nutrient-rich soil. Apply a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to provide the necessary nutrients. You can also use organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause the plant to develop weak growth and become prone to diseases.
Pruning
Although the Alpine Tufted Hairgrass does not require regular pruning, you can cut back the plant in early spring to remove any dead or damaged foliage. This will encourage new growth and keep the plant looking tidy. You can also divide the plant every few years to prevent overcrowding and maintain the vigor of the plant.
Propagation of Calamagrostis lapponica var. alpina
Calamagrostis lapponica var. alpina, commonly known as Alpine Bluegrass, can be propagated through various methods including seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Calamagrostis lapponica var. alpina can be collected in late summer or early autumn and sowed immediately. The seedlings usually emerge in the following spring. To increase the germination rate, the collected seeds can be stratified at 4°C for six weeks before sowing. The seeds should be planted in a well-draining soil mix in a tray or a pot. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and place the container in a location with bright, indirect light.
Vegetative Propagation
Calamagrostis lapponica var. alpina can also be propagated through division or cuttings. Division is the easiest and most common method. In spring or autumn, dig up the mature clump of the plant and carefully divide it into smaller sections, making sure that each section has some roots and shoots. Replant the divided sections into well-draining soil and keep them moist. Cuttings can be taken in spring or summer by snipping off young shoots with a sharp and clean pair of scissors. The cutting should be around 10-15 cm long and planted in a well-draining soil mix. Place the pot in a location with bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist.
Disease Management
The Calamagrostis lapponica (Wahlenb.) Hartman var. alpina Hartman plant is relatively disease-resistant and generally not prone to many diseases. However, they can still be affected by certain fungal diseases such as rust and leaf spot.
Rust diseases manifest as yellow or orange powdery spots on the leaves and stems. To manage this, remove all infected parts of the plant as soon as possible and dispose of them properly. Increasing air circulation by thinning out crowded areas can also help prevent the spread of rust diseases.
Leaf spot diseases, on the other hand, appear as brown or black spots on the foliage, which can cause defoliation. To manage this, remove infected parts of the plant and maintain good sanitation practices by removing fallen leaves and other plant debris from the area. Avoid overhead watering and space plants appropriately to prevent overcrowding and promote better air circulation.
Pest Management
While Calamagrostis lapponica (Wahlenb.) Hartman var. alpina Hartman is not typically affected by many pests, certain insects can still cause damage to these plants. Common pests that may infest this plant include aphids, spider mites, and grasshoppers.
Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that suck the sap of the plant, causing distorted and yellowed foliage. To manage this pest, use insecticidal soap or neem oil solutions. Introducing natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings can also help control aphid populations.
Spider mites are tiny, spider-like pests that live on the undersides of leaves and cause stippling and discoloration of the foliage. To manage this pest, spray the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge the mites and maintain good sanitation practices by removing infested leaves. Introducing natural predators such as predatory mites or lacewings can also help control spider mite populations.
Grasshoppers can cause damage to the plant by chewing on the foliage, which can lead to defoliation and stunted growth. To manage this pest, use physical barriers such as nets or row covers to prevent grasshoppers from accessing the plants. Introducing natural predators such as birds or praying mantis can also help control grasshopper populations.
