Overview
Elymus hystrix L. var. bigeloviana (Fern.) Bowden, also known as bottlebrush squirreltail or giant wildrye, is a perennial grass species that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in various habitats, including prairies, meadows, and open woodlands.
Appearance
This plant can grow up to 6 feet tall and has erect culms that are typically hairless and have several nodes. The leaves are long and narrow, measuring 3-25 cm in length and 3-10 mm in width, with rough margins and pointed tips. Bottlebrush squirreltail also has large, dense, cylindrical inflorescences that resemble a bottlebrush, which can grow at the top of the culms and measure up to 12 inches in length.
Common Names
Besides bottlebrush squirreltail and giant wildrye, Elymus hystrix L. var. bigeloviana (Fern.) Bowden is also known as tall bottlebrush grass, bottlebrush grass, and squirreltail grass.
Uses
Bottlebrush squirreltail is used for soil stabilization in erosion-prone areas, and it is also used as a forage grass for livestock. Some Native American tribes use the plant for medicinal purposes, such as treating headaches or making a poultice for sores. Some people also use the seeds to make a hot beverage or as a substitute for wheat flour.
Growth Conditions for Elymus hystrix L. var. bigeloviana (Fern.) Bowden
Light Requirements: Elymus hystrix L. var. bigeloviana requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and development. The plant thrives in bright sunlight and can tolerate some shade but cannot sustain in the shaded areas for extended periods.
Temperature Requirements: The plant is known to grow well in a range of temperature conditions. However, it prefers temperate climates with average day temperatures of 20 to 30 °C and night temperatures not dropping below 10 °C. The minimum temperature requirement is 5 °C, and the maximum temperature requirement is 38 °C.
Soil Requirements: Elymus hystrix L. var. bigeloviana grows best in well-drained soils that are moist and nitrogen-rich. The plant can grow in a variety of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and rocky soils. However, the most suitable soil type for optimum growth is a well-drained, sandy-loam soil with a pH level of 5 to 8.
The plant is highly tolerant of drought conditions once established, but regular irrigation is necessary for a healthy growth. Additionally, proper soil drainage is essential for preventing waterlogging and ensuring optimal growth conditions.
Cultivation
Elymus hystrix L. var. bigeloviana (Fern.) Bowden is a cool-season grass that prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. It grows best in fertile, well-draining soils with a pH of 5.0 to 7.5. If grown in areas with strong winds, plant it in a protected location.
Watering Needs
This plant is drought-tolerant but requires consistent moisture. Water the plant deeply once a week, particularly during dry periods and avoid overhead watering. If you are not sure when to water, check the soil's moisture content, and water when the top inch feels dry.
Fertilization
The best time of year to fertilize your Elymus hystrix L. var. bigeloviana (Fern.) Bowden is in early spring before growth begins. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Always follow the package instructions carefully, and do not overuse it.
Pruning
Elymus hystrix L. var. bigeloviana (Fern.) Bowden requires minimal pruning, but it is essential to keep it neat and tidy. In late winter or early spring, cut the grass to about 4 to 6 inches above the soil level. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased leaves by cutting them 1 inch above the soil. Avoid cutting back more than one-third of the plant's height at any one time.
Propagation of Elymus hystrix L. var. bigeloviana (Fern.) Bowden
Elymus hystrix L. var. bigeloviana (Fern.) Bowden is an ornamental grass species that is native to North America. It grows well in USDA zones 3 through 9 and is widely used in landscaping and gardening. Propagation of this plant can be done by different methods, including seeds, division, and transplantation techniques.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation of Elymus hystrix L. var. bigeloviana by seeds is a simple and easy process. The seeds should be sown in a seedbed or directly in the ground during early spring or late fall. Make sure to prepare the seedbed by tilling it to loosen the soil and removing all weeds and rocks. Sow the seeds evenly and lightly cover them with soil. Keep the soil moist, and the seeds should germinate within two to three weeks. Once the seedlings have developed to about two inches in height, they can be transplanted into their final location.
Propagation by Division
Division is an effective method for propagating Elymus hystrix L. var. bigeloviana. This method involves dividing the established clumps of the plant into smaller sections and transplanting them to new locations. This process is best done during early spring or late fall when the plant is dormant. To divide the plant, use a sharp knife or spade to cut the rhizomes into sections, ensuring that each section has several shoots. Replant the divided sections at their new locations, making sure to water them thoroughly.
Propagation by Transplantation
Transplantation is another propagation method that can be used for Elymus hystrix L. var. bigeloviana. In this method, the entire plant is dug out, including the roots, and transplanted to the new location. This method is best done during early spring or late fall when the plant is dormant. Carefully dig out the plant, making sure to handle the roots gently. Place the plant at its new location, making sure to water it thoroughly.
Disease Management
Elymus hystrix L. var. bigeloviana (Fern.) Bowden can be vulnerable to several diseases that can harm its overall growth and production. The most common disease that affects this plant is fungal and bacterial infections. These diseases often attack the plant's leaves, stems, and roots. The best way to manage these diseases is by practicing good cultural practices. It includes proper sanitation and good irrigation practices.
Sanitation is essential in preventing the spread of diseases. Experts recommend removing and destroying infected plants immediately to prevent the spread of disease to other plants. Also, the farmer should clean up the garden and use sterilized tools to prevent disease spread.
Another way to manage diseases is by regulating irrigation practices. Excess moisture can encourage the growth of fungus and bacteria, leading to the spread of disease. Farmers should ensure that the plant's soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Pest Management
Elymus hystrix L. var. bigeloviana (Fern.) Bowden can be affected by many pests, including insects and rodents. The most common pest that affects this plant is aphids. This pest feeds on the plant's sap and can cause damage by affecting the plant's overall growth and development. Farmers can use several methods to manage pests, including chemical and non-chemical methods.
One non-chemical pest management method is crop rotation. This method entails planting different crops in the same area to prevent pests' buildup. It can help reduce pest pressure on a particular crop, hence minimizing the damage caused by the pests.
Another way to manage pests is by using chemical pesticides. Farmers can use insecticides to control aphids' infestation and prevent damage to the plant. They should always follow the provided instructions during application to prevent unintended harm to themselves, the plant, or the environment.
Finally, farmers can use physical methods like traps or barriers to manage pests. This method involves trapping or repelling the pests using sticky traps or physical barriers to prevent them from reaching the plant. It's an eco-friendly method, and it doesn't harm the plant or the environment.
