Origin and Common Names
Elymus lanceolatus (Scribn. & J.G. Sm.) Gould ssp. yukonensis auct. non (Scribn. & Merr.) A. Löve, commonly known as the slender wheatgrass or mountain wheatgrass, is a species of wheatgrass native to North America, specifically found in the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains regions. It can also be found in Asia, specifically in the area above the Arctic Circle. The plant is widely cultivated for livestock forage, soil stabilization, and wildlife habitat.
Appearance
The slender wheatgrass grows up to about one to two feet tall and the leaves are generally 1/8 to ¼ inch wide with very pointed tips. The stems of the plant are thin and wiry, typically standing upright and densely packed. The plant also has small spikelets with 4 to 6 flowers, which typically bloom in June, changing from green to a tint with a strong purple base. The spikelets also bear very short teeth, making them easily identified.
Uses
The slender wheatgrass is cultivated for various uses, including forage for livestock such as cattle, horses, sheep, and elk. Many varieties of wheatgrass have been bred for their drought tolerance and superb ability to thrive in diverse and challenging environments. Many conservation programs in western North America also use the grass as a cover crop to reduce soil erosion and prevent soil degradation. It is also used as a revegetation agent in areas with high soil disturbance. The slender wheatgrass is an important food source for numerous wildlife, including grouse, antelope, moose, and elk, among others. The plant also has some medicinal potential, most notably for its possible anti-inflammatory properties and for reducing the risks of developing certain types of cancer.
Light Requirements
Elymus lanceolatus ssp. yukonensis prefers full sunlight to partial shade to grow healthy. It can tolerate some shade but not for an extended period. The plant thrives well in open grasslands, meadows, and disturbed sites with enough sunlight exposure throughout the day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is a cold climate grass that grows well under favorable cool temperatures. The optimum temperature range for Elymus lanceolatus ssp. yukonensis growth is 10 to 20 °C (50 – 68 °F), and can withstand temperatures as low as -40 °C (-40 °F). The species grows well in North America's tundra, subalpine, and alpine habitats, where cold and moisture dominate.
Soil Requirements
Elymus lanceolatus ssp. yukonensis is a versatile grass that can grow in a wide range of soils, including sand, loam, clay, silt, and gravel. The plant prefers moist, well-drained, fertile soils that are slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5 to 7.5). It can withstand some drought, but it prefers moist soils. This plant can also tolerate soils with low nutrient levels, and it can grow in disturbed sites that have been affected by human activities or natural disasters.
Cultivation Method
Elymus lanceolatus (Scribn. & J.G. Sm.) Gould ssp. yukonensis auct. non (Scribn. & Merr.) A. Löve, commonly known as wild rye, is a cool-season grass that thrives in full sun to partial shade. It grows best in well-drained soil and with regular watering.
Watering Needs
When it comes to watering Elymus lanceolatus, it prefers moist soils. So, it is recommended to keep the soil evenly moist during germination and after planting. Once the plant is established, it requires minimal watering and can survive on natural rainfall. However, in the absence of rainfall, it is recommended to water the plant deeply once a week.
Fertilization
As a native grass species, Elymus lanceolatus does not require heavy fertilization. However, applying a light application of a slow-release, balanced fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) can promote healthy plant growth. It is advisable to avoid applying high-nitrogen fertilizers as it can inhibit the plant's ability to form nodules and fix nitrogen.
Pruning
When it comes to pruning, Elymus lanceolatus requires minimal maintenance. Around mid to late spring, after the last frost, the plant can be cut back to encourage new growth. However, be sure to leave at least two-thirds of the stem length to avoid damaging new growth. Apart from that, removing old or dead growth and trimming the plant to maintain shape is all that is required.
Propagation of Elymus lanceolatus (Scribn. & J.G. Sm.) Gould ssp. yukonensis auct. non (Scribn. & Merr.) A. Löve
Elymus lanceolatus (Scribn. & J.G. Sm.) Gould ssp. yukonensis auct. non (Scribn. & Merr.) A. Löve, commonly known as wild rye or bluebunch wheatgrass, can be propagated using both sexual and asexual methods. The plant is a perennial bunchgrass native to North America, and it is commonly used for forage production and soil conservation.
Sexual Propagation
One of the easiest ways to propagate Elymus lanceolatus is by seed. The plant produces viable seeds that can be collected and sown directly into the soil in the fall or early spring. Before sowing, it is advisable to scarify the seeds by nicking or roughening the seed coat to enhance germination. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch and spaced about 8 to 12 inches apart. Germination typically takes about two to three weeks, and the resulting seedlings will require regular water and weed control until they are established.
Asexual Propagation
Elymus lanceolatus can also be propagated asexually by vegetative means, such as cuttings or division. In general, asexual propagation results in plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant, and it can be useful for creating large-scale plantings or maintaining desirable characteristics.
Cuttings can be taken from mature plants in the spring or summer and transplanted into a prepared bed. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long and have at least two nodes. They should be planted at a depth of about 2 inches and should be kept moist until rooted. Once established, the new plants can be transplanted to a permanent location.
Division is another asexual method of propagation that involves separating clumps of mature plants into smaller sections. This method is best done in the spring or early fall when the plant is dormant. The clumps should be dug up carefully, and the root system should be divided into sections using a sharp knife or shears. Each section should have at least one growing point, and the roots should be trimmed to reduce stress. The new divisions can be transplanted into a prepared bed and watered well until established.
Disease Management
Elymus lanceolatus (Scribn. & J.G. Sm.) Gould ssp. yukonensis auct. non (Scribn. & Merr.) A. Löve, also known as Yukon wildrye, can be affected by several diseases. The most common ones include:
- Leaf rust: This fungal disease causes yellow-orange or reddish-brown spots on the leaves. To manage leaf rust, it is recommended to remove the infected leaves and provide good air circulation around the plant.
- Stripe rust: Similar to leaf rust, stripe rust is a fungal disease that causes yellowish stripes on the leaves. The management techniques for this disease are the same as those for leaf rust.
- Scald: Scald is a bacterial disease that causes yellow, water-soaked lesions on the leaves. To manage scald, it is recommended to remove and discard the infected plant parts and avoid overhead watering, which can spread the bacteria.
Pest Management
Yukon wildrye can also be affected by pests. Some of the common pests include:
- Grasshoppers: Grasshoppers can consume the leaves and stems of the plant, leading to significant damage. To manage grasshoppers, it is recommended to introduce natural predators or use insecticidal sprays.
- Wireworms: Wireworms are the larvae of click beetles and can feed on the roots of the plant, causing stunted growth. To manage wireworms, it is recommended to use insecticidal baits.
- Cutworms: Cutworms are moth larvae that can cut through the stem of the plant at ground level, causing the plant to wilt and die. To manage cutworms, it is recommended to use collars made of cardboard or tin foil around the plant stems or use insecticidal sprays.
It is important to regularly monitor the plant for any signs of diseases or pests and take appropriate measures to manage them. Maintaining good plant health through proper watering, fertilization, and pruning can also help to prevent or reduce the impact of diseases and pests.
