Overview
Elymus lanceolatus (Scribn. & J.G. Sm.) Gould ssp. psammophilus (Gillett & Senn) A. Löve, commonly known as psammophile wildrye, is a subspecies of Elymus lanceolatus. This grass species is native to North America, specifically the Great Plains region, and can be found in areas such as dunes, sandy soils, and rocky ridges.
Appearance
Psammophile wildrye typically grows up to 1 meter tall and has long, flat leaves that can reach up to 30 cm in length. The inflorescence is a spike-like structure that can range from 10 to 25 cm long and contains small flowers that are green or purplish in color. The stems of the psammophile wildrye have small hairs, and the roots can grow to be relatively long and deep.
Uses
Due to its ability to grow in sandy and rocky soils, psammophile wildrye is often used for erosion control and for revegetation projects in disturbed areas. It is also an important species for forage, providing valuable grazing resources for livestock. Psammophile wildrye is not typically used for human consumption, but historically, the seeds of the Elymus genus were used by Native American tribes as a food source.
hereLight Requirements
Elymus lanceolatus ssp. psammophilus typically requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade; however, it will not thrive in areas with insufficient light.
Temperature Requirements
Elymus lanceolatus ssp. psammophilus can tolerate a wide range of temperature fluctuations, making it an adaptable plant. It can thrive in hot and dry climates, as well as cooler temperate regions. The optimal temperature range for this plant is between 60-90 degrees Fahrenheit (15-32 degrees Celsius). However, it can withstand temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 degrees Celsius) in its native range.
Soil Requirements
Elymus lanceolatus ssp. psammophilus has a preference for well-draining sandy or loamy soils. It can tolerate soils with a slightly acidic to alkaline pH ranging from 6.5-8.5. Additionally, this plant can withstand dry and infertile soils, making it an excellent option for xeriscaping and other low-maintenance landscaping practices.
Cultivation of Elymus lanceolatus ssp. psammophilus
Elymus lanceolatus ssp. psammophilus is a warm-season grass that is native to North America. It thrives in well-drained soils, particularly sandy soils, and is drought tolerant.
Plant Elymus lanceolatus ssp. psammophilus in full sun, as it requires plenty of sunlight to grow and produce blooms. The ideal soil pH is between 5.8 and 7.2, and it should be fertile with plenty of organic matter.
When planting Elymus lanceolatus ssp. psammophilus, provide enough space between plants to allow them to grow and spread. The recommended spacing is 18 to 24 inches between plants, depending on the cultivar.
Watering Needs for Elymus lanceolatus ssp. psammophilus
Elymus lanceolatus ssp. psammophilus has low to moderate watering needs, depending on the conditions. It is drought tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering during hot and dry periods.
When watering, ensure that the soil is well-drained to avoid the risk of root rot. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.
Fertilization for Elymus lanceolatus ssp. psammophilus
Elymus lanceolatus ssp. psammophilus benefits from regular fertilization to provide nutrients for growth and blooming. Apply a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer in the spring as new growth appears, and again in early summer.
Use a slow-release fertilizer and follow the package guidelines for the application rate. Avoid fertilizing in late summer to prevent stimulating new growth that may not have time to harden off before winter.
Pruning for Elymus lanceolatus ssp. psammophilus
Elymus lanceolatus ssp. psammophilus is a low-maintenance plant and does not require pruning to maintain its shape or promote growth. However, deadheading spent blooms can encourage reblooming and prolong the flowering period.
Remove any dead or damaged foliage at the base of the plant to maintain its overall health and appearance. Use clean, sharp tools to avoid injuring the plant and to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Elymus lanceolatus ssp. psammophilus
Elymus lanceolatus ssp. psammophilus, commonly known as sand dune wildrye, is a plant species that grows in sand dune ecosystems.
Propagation by Seed
The most common propagation method for Elymus lanceolatus ssp. psammophilus is through seed. The seeds of this plant are easily collected from mature seed heads, which typically ripen in late summer or early autumn. The collected seeds can be directly sown in the desired location or stored for future use. For best results, the seeds should be stratified for several weeks to break down any dormancy.
Propagation by Division
Elymus lanceolatus ssp. psammophilus can also be propagated through division. This method involves separating the clumps of the parent plant into smaller sections, each with their own roots and growing points. The best time to divide the plant is typically in early spring before new growth appears. The newly divided sections can be transplanted to a new location.
Propagation by Rhizome
Elymus lanceolatus ssp. psammophilus can also be propagated through its rhizomes. The rhizome is an underground stem that can produce new shoots and roots. To propagate using rhizomes, select a healthy parent plant and carefully dig up the rhizome. Cut the rhizome into sections, making sure each section has at least one growing point and several roots. The sections can then be replanted in a new location.
Disease Management
Elymus lanceolatus (Scribn. & J.G. Sm.) Gould ssp. psammophilus (Gillett & Senn) A. Löve is generally healthy and resistant to most plant diseases. However, it can be susceptible to leaf rust caused by Puccinia and stem rust caused by Puccinia graminis. These rusts can cause yellow and reddish-brown spots on the leaves and stems, respectively, which can eventually lead to defoliation and reduced plant vigor.
To manage rust diseases, it's essential to remove and destroy any infected plant debris in the fall to reduce the number of overwintering spores. Additionally, planting resistant cultivars and providing adequate air circulation and irrigation can help prevent the spread of rust diseases. Fungicides can also be used to manage severe infections, but they should be used only as a last resort and according to label instructions.
Pest Management
Elymus lanceolatus (Scribn. & J.G. Sm.) Gould ssp. psammophilus (Gillett & Senn) A. Löve is relatively resistant to pests. However, several insects can infest the plant, including the wheat stem sawfly, the wheat stem maggot, and the Hessian fly. These insects can cause physical damage to the stem, reduce plant vigor, and increase the risk of fungal infections.
Controlling these pests can be challenging, but it's essential to practice good cultural practices, such as crop rotation, tillage, and timely planting, to reduce the number of overwintering insects. Additionally, scouting the fields for signs of infestation and using insecticides can also help manage severe pest problems. However, as with any pesticide, it's essential to follow label instructions carefully and avoid applying the pesticide when pollinators are active to prevent harm to beneficial insects.
