Origin
Elymus crescendus L.C. Wheeler, commonly known as Wheatgrass or Mountain Wheatgrass, is an indigenous perennial bunchgrass found in parts of North America. It is mostly found in western United States, from Alaska to California. It can grow in altitudes ranging from 600 m to 2,700 m above sea level.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Wheatgrass or Mountain Wheatgrass.
Uses
Elymus crescendus L.C. Wheeler is extensively used in ecological restoration, erosion control, and reclamation of disturbed lands. It is used for grazing by livestock, wildlife, and for seed production. The plant is also used in landscaping, soil conservation, and as an ornamental plant.
General Appearance
Elymus crescendus L.C. Wheeler typically grows up to 70 cm tall, but can grow up to 120 cm tall in some cases. It has deep and extensive roots that help in soil stabilization and erosion control. The plant has a dense foliage that forms a dense mat-like structure. The leaves are usually flat and narrow, with a length of about 3 mm to 8 mm and a width of about 2 mm to 4 mm. The inflorescence is a spike-like structure that grows up to 15 cm long and is usually unbranched, with a whitish or purplish hue. The flowers are long and slender, and the seeds are typically small.
Light Requirements
Elymus crescendus L.C. Wheeler grows best in areas with full sunlight exposure. In fact, the plant requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. This is because the plant utilizes sunlight to produce energy through photosynthesis, which is essential to its growth and development. However, the plant can still grow in partial shade, but its growth may be stunted and it may not produce as many seeds compared to plants grown in full sun.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for growing Elymus crescendus L.C. Wheeler is between 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). This cool-season grass species thrives in areas with mild temperatures. Temperatures that are too hot or too cold can negatively affect the plant's growth and survival. In areas with hot summers, the plant may become dormant or die, while in areas with freezing winters, the plant may become damaged and wilted.
Soil Requirements
Elymus crescendus L.C. Wheeler grows well in a variety of soil types, but it prefers well-draining, sandy loam soils. Soil with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.0 is optimal for the plant's growth and development. The plant can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils, but it may not grow as well in extreme soil conditions. The soil should also be rich in nutrients, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, to support the plant's growth and seed production.
Cultivation
Elymus crescendus L.C. Wheeler, commonly known as ‘crested wheatgrass,’ is a cool-season, hardy perennial grass that is well adapted to a wide range of soil and climatic conditions. It is a good forage plant for livestock and can be used for cover crops, erosion control, and wildlife habitat. The plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and spreads through rhizomes that form dense sod. The ideal time to plant crested wheatgrass is in early spring or late summer, as this gives the plant enough time to establish its root system before the onset of winter.
Watering Needs
Elymus crescendus L.C. Wheeler requires moderate amounts of water, especially during its establishment phase. During this phase, the soil should be kept moist to a depth of 6 inches. After the plant has established, it requires less water, and it is drought-tolerant. The frequency of watering depends on the soil type, weather conditions, and age of the plant. Younger plants need more frequent watering than mature plants. It is advisable to water the plant deeply but infrequently, to encourage the roots to grow deeper and become more drought-tolerant.
Fertilization
Elymus crescendus L.C. Wheeler requires minimal fertilization, as it has low nutrient requirements. However, if the soil is poor or the plant shows signs of nutrient deficiency, such as stunted growth or yellowing leaves, it may be necessary to apply nitrogenous fertilizer. The fertilizer should be applied in early spring, before the plant starts its active growth. It is recommended to conduct a soil test to determine the amount of fertilizer needed. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive vegetative growth, which can make the plant more susceptible to diseases and pests.
Pruning
Elymus crescendus L.C. Wheeler does not require regular pruning, as it is a low-maintenance plant. However, if the plant becomes too tall or starts encroaching on neighboring plants or structures, it can be trimmed to the desired size and shape. The best time to prune the plant is in late winter or early spring, before the new growth begins. The plant should be pruned using sharp, sterile tools to prevent the spread of diseases. The pruned material can be left on the ground to decompose and add nutrients to the soil.
Propagation of Elymus crescendus L.C. Wheeler
Elymus crescendus L.C. Wheeler, commonly known as creeping wild rye, can be propagated through seeds or vegetative methods.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds of Elymus crescendus can be collected from mature plants in late summer or fall when they start to turn brown. The seeds should be stored in a cool and dry place until they are ready to be propagated.
Before sowing the seeds, they should be scarified to help break the hard outer seed coat and allow water to penetrate. Scarification can be done by rubbing the seeds with sandpaper or soaking them in hot water for a few hours.
After scarification, the seeds can be sown in a seedbed or directly on the site where the plants are intended to grow. The seedbed should be prepared by removing debris and loosening the soil. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about ¼ inch and covered lightly with soil.
The seedlings should be watered regularly and kept moist until they establish themselves. They can be transplanted to their permanent location in spring or fall.
Propagation through Vegetative Methods
Elymus crescendus can also be propagated through vegetative methods such as division or rhizome cuttings.
Division can be done in spring or fall when the plants are actively growing. The clumps should be lifted carefully to avoid damaging the roots and divided into smaller sections. The sections can be replanted in prepared soil and watered regularly until they establish themselves.
Rhizome cuttings are another vegetative method of propagation. Rhizomes are underground horizontal stems that produce roots and shoots. Cuttings of rhizomes should be taken in late fall or early spring when the plants are dormant. The cuttings should be about 3 to 4 inches long and planted horizontally in prepared soil. They should be watered regularly until they establish themselves.
Disease Management
Elymus crescendus L.C. Wheeler is often infected by fungal diseases such as leaf rust, stripe rust, and stem rust. To manage these diseases, it is recommended to plant resistant varieties of the plant. In case of infection, prompt removal of infected plant parts and application of fungicides can prevent the spread of disease. Crop rotation also helps to minimize the impact of these fungal diseases.
Pest Management
The plant is susceptible to damage by pests like the wheat stem sawfly, army cutworm, and aphids. These pests can cause significant damage to the crops, reducing yield. To manage these pests, it is advisable to implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices. These methods include crop rotation, monitoring pests, planting resistant varieties, and the use of insecticides as a last resort. It is essential to start pest control measures early in the growing season to prevent severe damage to the crop.
