Overview
Danthonia calycina Roem. & Schult. is a perennial plant from the family Poaceae. It is native to North America and can be found in various habitats, including prairies, woodlands, and rocky slopes.
Common Names
Danthonia calycina is commonly referred to as poverty oatgrass, dwarf oatgrass, and hairy oatgrass.
Uses
Danthonia calycina has limited use as forage for livestock due to its small size, but it does provide food and habitat for small mammals and birds. It is also used as an ornamental grass in gardens and landscaping, due to its attractive appearance and drought tolerance.
Appearance
Danthonia calycina is a small grass species, usually no more than 30 cm tall. Its leaves are narrow, and the stems are hairy. The plant produces clusters of small, oat-like flowers that bloom in the summer and early fall. Danthonia calycina is known for its attractive appearance, particularly when used in landscaping or as a decorative addition to gardens.
Light Requirements
Danthonia calycina requires full sunlight to thrive. The plant needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to grow and produce flowers. Poor light conditions may result in stunted growth or lack of flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Danthonia calycina growth is between 20°C and 30°C. The plant can withstand temperature fluctuations but too much heat or cold can cause damage or death. Temperatures below 10°C are not suitable for growth and may reduce plant vigor.
Soil Requirements
Danthonia calycina prefers well-draining soils with good aeration. The plant can grow in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, or clayey soils. However, the soil should be moist but not waterlogged. The soil pH range should be between 5.0 and 7.5. The addition of organic matter can improve soil quality and promote healthy growth.
Cultivation
When cultivating Danthonia calycina, it is important to note that it is a perennial grass that thrives in well-drained soils that are slightly acidic. The plant is best grown in full sun but can also tolerate some shade. It requires regular watering to establish but is drought tolerant once established.
Watering Needs
Danthonia calycina requires moderate amounts of water to grow. The plant should be given water when the soil is dry to a depth of one inch. Water should be applied slowly and deeply to allow the soil to absorb the moisture, and the plant should be allowed to dry out slightly before watering again. Overwatering can cause root rot, so care should be taken not to water too frequently.
Fertilization
Danthonia calycina does not require fertilization, as excess nutrients can actually harm the plant. However, if the soil is poor, a slow-release fertilizer can be applied during the growing season. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to avoid overfeeding.
Pruning
Pruning of Danthonia calycina is not necessary as it is a grass and does not produce woody growth. However, if the plant has become too tall or leggy, it can be cut back by half or more in early spring to encourage new growth. Care should be taken not to cut into the crown of the plant, as this can damage it.
Propagation of Danthonia calycina Roem. & Schult.
Danthonia calycina Roem. & Schult. can be propagated through both vegetative and seed propagation.
Vegetative propagation
The plant can be propagated through rhizome or tiller division. This method is useful when a large number of plants are required. It involves the separation of rhizomes or tillers from the mother plant and planting them in a suitable growing substrate. The newly separated plants should be kept moist and in a shaded place for the first few days before they are exposed to sunlight.
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagating Danthonia calycina is through seed propagation. The seeds can be collected from mature plants during the flowering season. The seeds should be air-dried and stored in a cool and dry place until planting time. Prior to planting, the seeds should be scarified to improve germination rates. Scarification can be achieved by pricking the seed coat with a needle or by soaking the seeds in warm water for a few hours.
The seeds can be sown in a suitable growing substrate using shallow trays or pots. The substrate should be moist but not waterlogged, and the trays or pots should be kept in a shaded place for the first few days before they are exposed to sunlight. Germination usually occurs within 14-28 days, depending on the growing conditions.
Disease Management
Danthonia calycina is relatively resistant to diseases. However, it can still be affected by fungal infections and leaf spots. To manage these diseases, it is important to keep the plant well-ventilated by providing enough space between plants and pruning out infected plant parts. Fungicides may also be used as a management strategy.
Pest Management
One common pest that may affect Danthonia calycina is the armyworm. Armyworms feed on plant leaves, causing significant damage to the plant. To manage armyworms, it is important to closely monitor the plant and control infestations using appropriate insecticides. Another common pest that may affect Danthonia calycina is aphids. They tend to gather on new leaves, causing them to curl and shrink. To manage aphids, plants can be sprayed with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
