Origin and Common Names
Deschampsia caespitosa (L.) Beauv. var. arctica Vasey, commonly known as Arctic Hairgrass, is a cold-tolerant plant species that belongs to the family Poaceae. It is found in the Arctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia, and is often found in tundra and subalpine meadows.
Appearance
Arctic Hairgrass is a perennial herb that grows up to 25 centimeters in height. Its leaves are dark green and narrow, forming dense clumps or bunches. The inflorescence of Arctic Hairgrass is a panicle that is 10 to 20 centimeters long, with a raceme that has slender branches. The plant produces flowers that are greenish-white in color and have pointed spikelets. The fruit produced by Arctic Hairgrass is a caryopsis.
Uses
Arctic Hairgrass is an important plant species that provides food and habitat for a range of wildlife, including arctic hares, muskoxen, and caribou. It is also used by indigenous communities in the Arctic for medicinal purposes, including the treatment of scurvy and respiratory infections.
Aside from its ecological and cultural significance, Arctic Hairgrass is also a popular ornamental plant in landscaping due to its attractive appearance. It is often used in rock gardens, meadows, and as ground cover.
Moreover, this plant plays an important role in reducing soil erosion and increasing soil fertility in the Arctic regions. The roots of Arctic Hairgrass are fibrous and form dense networks that help stabilize the soil against wind and water erosion. Additionally, the plant can trap and retain snow, which helps raise the moisture level of the soil and promote the development of soil microorganisms.
hereLight Requirements
Deschampsia caespitosa var. arctica is a plant that requires moderate to full sunlight exposure for healthy growth. It generally grows well in areas that have 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species is well adapted to grow in cool weather conditions. It is tolerant of cold temperatures and can withstand frosts. In fact, it thrives in temperatures between 55°F and 65°F. Deschampsia caespitosa var. arctica has been known to survive in temperature ranges as low as -40°F
Soil Requirements
Deschampsia caespitosa var. arctica prefers moist, well-drained soils that are moderately fertile. The plant can grow in a wide range of soils—from sandy to heavy clay soils—with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. However, it is important to note that the plant will not thrive in water-logged or dry soils.
Cultivation Methods
Deschampsia caespitosa (L.) Beauv. var. arctica Vasey, commonly known as Arctic hairgrass or tussock grass, is a clump-forming perennial grass that is native to cold regions of North America. To cultivate this plant successfully, it is recommended that it be planted in well-draining soil in an area that receives full sun to partial shade. It grows well in cool and moist environments, and can tolerate temperatures as low as -40°F.
Propagation of Deschampsia caespitosa can be done through division or seeds. Division should be done in the spring or fall, while sowing of seeds can be carried out in the early spring or late fall.
Watering Needs
Deschampsia caespitosa is well adapted to growing in areas with high rainfall, and so it does not require frequent watering if grown in a suitable environment. It is recommended to water the plant deeply once every week during the growing season, with the depth of watering increasing with the age of the plant. Young plants should have a depth of 6 inches, while mature ones should have a depth of 10-12 inches. During periods of drought, it might need to be watered more frequently to maintain moisture levels in the soil.
Fertilization
Deschampsia caespitosa grows best when the soil is rich in organic matter. The addition of compost or well-rotted manure in the soil at the time of planting can be beneficial. Fertilization with a balanced fertilizer (NPK ratio of 10-10-10) should be done twice a year, in spring and fall. Avoid using fertilizers that are high in nitrogen as this can promote leaf growth at the expense of flowering.
Pruning
Deschampsia caespitosa does not require regular pruning. However, dead or yellowing leaves can be removed at any time of the year to maintain the plant's appearance. In the fall after the foliage has died back, it is recommended to cut the plant back to a few inches above the soil to encourage new growth in the spring.
Propagation of Deschampsia caespitosa var. arctica
Deschampsia caespitosa var. arctica can be propagated vegetatively or through seed production.
Vegetative propagation
One of the primary methods of vegetative propagation for Deschampsia caespitosa var. arctica is through division. In the fall or spring, the plant's clumps can be dug up and carefully separated into smaller sections, each containing a portion of the root system. These smaller sections can then be replanted elsewhere, where they will establish new roots and grow into new plants. This method is particularly effective in maintaining the genetic characteristics of the original plant.
Seed propagation
Deschampsia caespitosa var. arctica can also be propagated through seed production. The plant produces large numbers of seeds, which can be collected in the fall and sown immediately or stored for later use. The seeds should be planted just beneath the surface of a well-draining, fertile soil mix. They require light to germinate, so they should not be covered with soil. The ideal temperature range for germination is between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Germination can take up to four weeks, and the resulting seedlings should be transplanted when they are large enough to handle, typically after one growing season.
Disease Management
Deschampsia caespitosa var. arctica is generally a hardy and disease-resistant plant. However, certain infections may cause rotting of roots, and in severe cases, the whole plant dies out. Common diseases affecting these plants include:
- Leaf spots: Caused by fungi, leaf spots appear as yellow or brown patches on the foliage and can reduce photosynthesis.
- Rust: This disease manifests as brown or orange spots on the leaves and causes significant damage to the plant. Severe rust infection can cause the plant to defoliate.
To prevent leaf spots and rust, avoid overhead watering of plants, and regularly remove dead leaves and plant debris. If infections occur, apply fungicide immediately. Using fungicides in combination with regular pruning and good irrigation practices should prevent severe disease outbreaks.
Pest Management
Common pests affecting Deschampsia caespitosa var. arctica are aphids, grasshoppers, and mites. Pests may cause damage to the foliage by feeding on plant sap, and in severe cases, cause defoliation.
To manage pests, inspect plants frequently, and wash off the pests with a forceful spray of water early on. Introduce natural predators like ladybugs and wasps to the garden as they help to control the populations of plant-damaging insects. Additionally, use insecticidal soap sprays or neem oil to control pests which only result in limited damage.
