Origin
×Elymordeum montanense (Scribn.) Bowden var. pubescens Bowden is a hybrid plant that originates from North America. The plant is a cross between Elymus lanceolatus and Hordeum jubatum.
Common Names
The plant goes by several common names such as mountain wildrye, mountain lyme grass, and pine needle wildrye.
Uses
The plant has several uses. It is often used for soil stabilization, erosion control, and revegetation of disturbed areas. The plant is also used for forage and provides excellent grazing for livestock animals. It is also used as an ornamental plant due to its attractive appearance.
General Appearance
×Elymordeum montanense (Scribn.) Bowden var. pubescens Bowden is a perennial bunchgrass that grows up to 1.5 feet in height. The plant has narrow leaves that are around 10 inches long and 0.5 inches wide. The leaves have a bluish-green color and have a shiny surface. The plant blooms in late summer, producing spikes of flowers that are around 3 to 6 inches long. The flowers have a purple color and are pollinated by wind. The plant has a dense root system that helps in soil stabilization and erosion control.
Light Requirements
The plant ×Elymordeum montanense (Scribn.) Bowden var. pubescens Bowden grows best in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. However, in extremely hot climates, it may need some shade during the hottest part of the day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is typically found in montane and subalpine zones, suggesting that it prefers cooler temperatures. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9, with average minimum temperatures ranging from -40°F to 30°F (-40°C to -1°C). However, it can tolerate some heat and drought stress, making it adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions.
Soil Requirements
×Elymordeum montanense (Scribn.) Bowden var. pubescens Bowden prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. It is commonly found along rocky slopes and in gravelly or sandy soils. It can also grow in clay soils, as long as they are not compacted.
Ideal soil pH range for the plant is 5.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils. Regular watering is important during the establishment period, but once established, the plant is drought tolerant and can survive extended dry periods.
Cultivation methods for ×Elymordeum montanense var. pubescens
×Elymordeum montanense var. pubescens is a resilient plant that can thrive in a variety of growing conditions. The plant prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It can grow in poor soil conditions, making it ideal for rocky or sandy terrain. It is also drought-tolerant, making it a great option for areas with infrequent rainfall.
When planting ×Elymordeum montanense var. pubescens, make sure to space each plant at least two feet apart to allow for proper root development. Plant the seedlings in the spring or fall when the soil has warmed and enriched with nutrients.
Watering needs for ×Elymordeum montanense var. pubescens
×Elymordeum montanense var. pubescens has minimal water requirements and can tolerate drought conditions. However, it is important to ensure that the soil remains slightly moist during the growing season. Watering once a week is typically sufficient, although more frequent watering may be necessary during periods of extreme heat or prolonged dry spells.
Fertilization for ×Elymordeum montanense var. pubescens
×Elymordeum montanense var. pubescens does not require much fertilization and can thrive with minimal nutrients. However, if the soil in your growing area is poor, you can incorporate slow-release fertilizer into the soil when planting. Additionally, a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can help promote growth and flowering.
Pruning for ×Elymordeum montanense var. pubescens
×Elymordeum montanense var. pubescens does not require much pruning, but deadheading spent flowers can help promote continued blooming. To deadhead, remove the spent flowers by cutting the stem just above the bud node. Pruning should be done in the fall after blooming has ended and the plant has gone dormant for the season.
Propagation of ×Elymordeum montanense (Scribn.) Bowden var. pubescens Bowden
There are a few methods of propagating ×Elymordeum montanense (Scribn.) Bowden var. pubescens Bowden:
Seed Propagation
One way to propagate ×Elymordeum montanense (Scribn.) Bowden var. pubescens Bowden is through seeds. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil in the fall or early spring. It is important to keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge.
Division
Dividing the plant is another method of propagation of ×Elymordeum montanense (Scribn.) Bowden var. pubescens Bowden. This should be done in the fall or early spring when the plant is not in active growth. The clumps can be dug up and carefully separated into smaller clumps, ensuring that each clump has a good portion of roots and foliage.
Cuttings
Another method of propagation is through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken in early summer when the plant is actively growing. Using a clean, sharp knife, cut a stem 3-4 inches long and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone and plant it in well-draining potting soil. Keep the soil moist and in a warm, bright location until roots develop.
Disease and Pest Management for ×Elymordeum montanense (Scribn.) Bowden var. pubescens Bowden
×Elymordeum montanense (Scribn.) Bowden var. pubescens Bowden, commonly known as mountain wheatgrass, is a hardy and drought-tolerant cool-season grass that can grow up to three feet tall. While it is a resilient plant, there are still several diseases and pests that can affect its growth. Here are some common plant diseases and pests, as well as ways to manage them:
Diseases
Fusarium root rot: Fusarium root rot is caused by a soil-borne fungus that attacks the roots of mountain wheatgrass. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and stunting of the plant. To manage this disease, it is essential to plant resistant varieties and maintain proper soil drainage. Avoid overwatering as the excess moisture can lead to the spread of the fungus. In some cases, soil fumigation may be necessary.
Crown rot: Crown rot is caused by a fungus that infects the stem's base, causing the plant's crown to rot. Symptoms include yellowing or browning of leaves and wilting of the plant. Avoid overwatering your plant and maintain proper soil drainage. Ensure that the plant is getting adequate sunlight and air circulation. Use a fungicide treatment to manage crown rot.
Pests
Grasshoppers: Grasshoppers chew on the leaves and stems of mountain wheatgrass plants, causing significant damage. Use physical barriers, such as mesh netting, to prevent grasshoppers from reaching the plant. You may also use insecticides or natural predators to manage the population of grasshoppers.
Mites: Mites are tiny creatures that feed on the plant's sap, leading to significant damage and discoloration of leaves. Use insecticidal soaps or oils to manage mite infestations. You can also increase humidity in your plant's immediate environment to prevent these pests.
Wireworms: Wireworms are soil-dwelling pests that feed on the roots of the plant, leading to yellowing and stunted growth. Crop rotation can help manage wireworm infestations, as they prefer certain crops over others. Use insecticide treatments to control the population of these pests and minimize their damage.
By taking proactive measures, you can manage diseases and pests that affect your mountain wheatgrass plants effectively. Always monitor your plants for any signs of damage and take immediate action to prevent further spread of diseases or pests.
