Overview of Elymus elymoides (Raf.) Swezey var. brevifolius (J.G. Sm.) Dorn
Elymus elymoides (Raf.) Swezey var. brevifolius (J.G. Sm.) Dorn, commonly known as short-leaved squirreltail or simply short squirreltail, is a perennial bunchgrass that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is native to western North America, including Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The plant is mostly found in the Great Basin region of the Western United States, where it grows in dry, rocky sites, sagebrush steppe, and pinyon-juniper woodlands.
Appearance
Short squirreltail has a dense, tufted growth habit, with erect stems that can reach up to 100 cm in height. Its leaves are narrow and short, measuring around 3 to 10 cm in length and no more than 2 mm in width. They have a rolled or folded appearance and are typically glaucous, giving them a blue-green color. The inflorescence of the plant is a terminal spike that can be up to 15 cm long, with rigid, bristly, and silky awns that are 4 to 6 cm long. The spikelets of Elymus elymoides var. brevifolius are typically two-flowered.
Uses
Elymus elymoides var. brevifolius is a valuable plant species for ecological restoration, as it provides erosion control, habitat for wildlife, and forage for livestock. The thick, fibrous roots of the plant help to stabilize soils and prevent wind and water erosion. The seeds of the plant are consumed by many bird species, including turkeys, quails, and grouse, while the foliage is grazed by livestock and other herbivores.
Aside from its ecological uses, Elymus elymoides var. brevifolius has also been used for traditional medicine by indigenous peoples in North America. The roots are believed to possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties and have been used to treat various ailments, including rheumatism, headache, and fever. The seeds of the plant were also used as a food source, either eaten fresh or ground into a flour and used to make porridge or baked goods.
Light Requirements
Elymus elymoides var. brevifolius prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but the plant will not grow as tall as it would in full sunshine. Inadequate lighting can lead to stunted or weak growth, as well as a decreased rate of photosynthesis.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is well-suited to desert climates and can handle high temperatures with ease. It is able to tolerate temperatures as high as 95°F and as low as -20°F. Overall, warmer temperatures are favorable, but the plant can still grow and thrive in cooler conditions.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Elymus elymoides var. brevifolius needs to be well-drained and not too rich in nutrients. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the plant prefers alkaline soil, with a pH range between 7.0 and 8.5. The plant's roots need to have proper aeration, and soils that are too dense can prevent this.
Cultivation Methods
Elymus elymoides (Raf.) Swezey var. brevifolius (J.G. Sm.) Dorn, commonly known as short-leaf wild-rice, is a perennial grass species that requires specific cultivation methods to thrive. It grows best in well-draining soils, preferably sandy or loamy, and prefers full sunlight to partial shade. The plant can be propagated through seed or by dividing established clumps in early spring.
Watering Needs
The short-leaf wild-rice plant requires a consistent level of moisture in the soil. Ensure that the soil remains evenly moist, but not waterlogged, as excess water can result in root rot. It is essential to monitor the soil moisture regularly and adjust the watering schedule as needed to avoid drying out.
Fertilization
The short-leaf wild-rice plant does not require frequent fertilization, and in most cases, the soil's natural nutrients are sufficient to support its growth. However, if the soil is nutrient-deficient, a balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium applied once or twice a year in spring and fall would be beneficial.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Elymus elymoides (Raf.) Swezey var. brevifolius (J.G. Sm.) Dorn, although removing dead leaves or stems would not harm it. However, if the plant becomes too invasive, creating limitations in the garden, cutting it back to ground level in fall or early spring can help manage its size.
Propagation of Elymus elymoides var. brevifolius
Elymus elymoides var. brevifolius, commonly known as Squirreltail, is a native grass species that is found in western North America. This plant can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation:
The most common method of sexual propagation of Elymus elymoides var. brevifolius is through seed sowing. The seeds should be collected from mature plants, dried and cleaned before sowing. The best time to sow these seeds is during the fall season as it allows them to stratify naturally over winter, which enhances the germination rate. The seeds should be sown about 1 cm deep into the soil, and the soil needs to be kept moist until germination.
Asexual Propagation:
Elymus elymoides var. brevifolius can also be propagated through asexual methods such as division and transplanting.
Division involves splitting large clumps of the plant into smaller sections. This method is best done in early spring before the new growth appears. The clumps should be lifted from the soil and divided using a clean knife or spade. The divided sections should then be planted in their new location immediately and kept well-watered until they are established.
Transplanting involves moving the seedlings from their original location to another location. This method is best done during the early spring season. The seedlings should be carefully lifted from their original location, and replanted into their new location with as little disturbance as possible. It is important to ensure the soil is kept moist until the seedlings are well-established.
Disease and Pest Management for Elymus elymoides (Raf.) Swezey var. brevifolius (J.G. Sm.) Dorn
Elymus elymoides (Raf.) Swezey var. brevifolius (J.G. Sm.) Dorn, commonly known as creeping wheatgrass, is a drought-tolerant species that is resistant to insects and diseases to some extent. However, it is not completely immune to pests and diseases. Here's a list of common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Crown and Root Rot: This disease is caused by various soil-borne fungi, including Fusarium, Pythium, and Rhizoctonia. It causes decay of crown and roots and eventually leads to plant death. To manage this disease, avoid planting in poorly drained soils, improve soil drainage by adding soil amendments, and practice crop rotation.
Rust: Rust is caused by the fungus Puccinia spp. and appears as small, orange or reddish-brown pustules on the leaves. It can cause significant yield losses if not managed properly. To manage rust, use rust-resistant cultivars, practice crop rotation, and apply fungicides when needed.
Barley Yellow Dwarf: This viral disease is transmitted by aphids and causes yellowing and stunting of the plants. There are no effective treatments for this disease, so the best management strategy is to control aphids through insecticide applications and row covers.
Pests
Grasshoppers and Crickets: These pests can cause significant damage to creeping wheatgrass plants by feeding on the leaves. To manage grasshoppers and crickets, use insecticides when necessary and remove vegetation that serves as breeding sites.
Wireworms: These pests are the larvae of click beetles and can cause damage by feeding on the roots and stems of plants. To manage wireworms, use insecticides when necessary and practice crop rotation.
Cutworms: These pests are moth larvae and can cause damage by cutting off the stems of young plants. To manage cutworms, use insecticides when necessary and protect plants with row covers.
By following these disease and pest management strategies, growers can maintain healthy Elymus elymoides (Raf.) Swezey var. brevifolius (J.G. Sm.) Dorn plants and ensure optimal yields.
