Overview
Elymus ×maltei Bowden var. churchii Bowden is a perennial grass that is a member of the Poaceae family. It is a hybrid of Elymus hispidus and Elymus lanceolatus. It is known for its tolerance to drought and cold temperatures.
Origin
Elymus ×maltei Bowden var. churchii Bowden is native to North America. It was originally discovered in the mid-20th century in the Great Plains region of the United States.
Common Names
Elymus ×maltei Bowden var. churchii Bowden goes by several common names, including Maltei wheatgrass, Church's wheatgrass, and western wheatgrass.
Appearance
Maltei wheatgrass grows in dense clusters and has very fine, long leaves. It can grow up to a height of 3 feet and has a deep root system, which allows it to tolerate drought well. It has a cool-season growth habit, and its seeds are long and slender.
Uses
Elymus ×maltei Bowden var. churchii Bowden is commonly used in prairie restoration projects due to its ability to tolerate drought and cold temperatures. It is also used as forage for livestock because of its high nutritional value. Additionally, it has been used in erosion control and land reclamation projects due to its deep root system.
Light Requirements
The Elymus ×maltei Bowden var. churchii Bowden requires full sun exposure to grow properly. It cannot grow in the shade or in partial shade. Therefore, it is necessary to plant it in an area that receives plenty of sunlight throughout the day.
Temperature Requirements
The Elymus ×maltei Bowden var. churchii Bowden can thrive in a wide range of temperature conditions. However, it prefers cool temperatures and can survive in temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius. It does not thrive in hot temperatures, especially those that go beyond 25 degrees Celsius.
Soil Requirements
This plant grows best in well-draining soils that are rich in nutrients and organic matter. It can survive in soils with different textures, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the soil should have a pH that is within the range of 5.5-7.5. It requires moderate watering and does not do well in waterlogged soils.
Conclusion
The Elymus ×maltei Bowden var. churchii Bowden is an easy-to-grow plant if the right growing conditions are provided. Full sun exposure, cool temperatures, and well-draining soils that are rich in nutrients and organic matter are the key elements that this plant requires to thrive.
Cultivation Methods
Elymus ×maltei Bowden var. churchii Bowden, commonly known as Maltese or Church's Wild Rye, is a hybrid cool-season grass that grows best in well-drained soils and sunny locations. It prefers full to partial sunlight exposure and can tolerate moderate levels of drought, but it is not drought-tolerant.
It thrives in climate zones 6-9 and grows well both in clay and sandy soils, being an excellent pick for soil stabilization projects and erosion control. Moreover, this grass species can grow up to 3 feet in height and spreads through underground shoots, making it an ideal ornamental plant.
Watering Needs
Elymus ×maltei Bowden var. churchii Bowden requires at least 1 inch of water each week or more if the soil is dry due to a lack of rain. However, you must ensure that the water is well-drained, as this grass species is sensitive to overwatering.
It is advisable to water the plant in the early morning hours to prevent water evaporation, which can harm the plant's roots. Furthermore, you should reduce watering during the winter months as the plant's growth rate is slower, and it requires minimal moisture.
Fertilization
Elymus ×maltei Bowden var. churchii Bowden requires at least one annual fertilization during its active growth season, which is early spring. You should apply a complete fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, following the instructions provided on the product packaging.
Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as it can burn the roots and reduce its growth rate. Moreover, you can apply compost or organic manure on the soil surface to improve soil fertility levels and provide essential nutrients to the plant.
Pruning
Elymus ×maltei Bowden var. churchii Bowden requires minimal pruning, but you can cut back the plant to nearly 3 inches of height during its dormant season in late fall or early winter. It is advisable to rake away fallen foliage and debris to prevent the buildup of pests and diseases.
Furthermore, you can divide the plant every 2-3 years to control its spread and rejuvenate its growth. Ensure that you handle the plant with care and replant it in well-drained soil in a new location.
Propagation of Elymus ×maltei Bowden var. churchii Bowden
Elymus ×maltei Bowden var. churchii Bowden, commonly known as Malte's wild rye, is a perennial grass that is native to the western United States. It is an excellent plant for revegetation and erosion control projects, and it also provides habitat for wildlife. There are several effective propagation methods that can be used to reproduce Elymus ×maltei Bowden var. churchii Bowden.
Propagation by Seed
Propagating Elymus ×maltei Bowden var. churchii Bowden by seed is a relatively simple and effective method. The seeds of this plant should be collected in late summer or early fall, when they are mature but have not yet fallen from the plant. To collect the seeds, shake the seed heads over a container to separate the seeds from the chaff. The seeds can then be stored in a cool, dry place until you are ready to use them.
Before sowing the seeds, it is important to scarify them. Scarification is the process of breaking down the seed coat to facilitate germination. To scarify the seeds of Elymus ×maltei Bowden var. churchii Bowden, you can rub them between two sheets of sandpaper or nick them with a knife. After scarification, sow the seeds in a 1:1 mixture of sand and peat and cover them lightly with soil.
Propagation by Division
Another method of propagating Elymus ×maltei Bowden var. churchii Bowden is by division. This method is best done in the spring, just as the plant begins to emerge from dormancy. To divide the plant, use a shovel or knife to separate the roots and rhizomes into sections. Each section should have at least one healthy shoot and a good root system. Replant the sections in a prepared bed, and water them well.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is not a common method for Elymus ×maltei Bowden var. churchii Bowden, but it is possible. Take cuttings in the spring or fall, and ensure that each cutting has several nodes and at least one bud. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone to encourage root growth, and then plant them in a moist planting medium. Cover the cuttings with a plastic bag to maintain humidity, and keep them out of direct sunlight until they have rooted.
Disease Management
Elymus ×maltei Bowden var. churchii Bowden is generally a hardy plant with good resistance to many diseases. However, in certain conditions, it can be susceptible to several fungal diseases such as rust, leaf spot, and stem blight.
To manage rust, ensure the plant is in a well-ventilated location and avoid watering the leaves. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of rust. For leaf spot, remove any infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides can also be used for effective disease management. However, it is recommended to use a fungicide alternatively with other management practices to avoid developing resistance to the fungicide. For stem blight, there are no chemical controls available. Therefore, managing the spread by removing and destroying infected plants or plant parts is crucial.
Pest Management
Elymus ×maltei Bowden var. churchii Bowden is also generally resistant to most pests. However, some insects like aphids and grasshoppers may eat the plant resulting in stunted growth and reduced yield.
To manage aphids, use a strong jet of water to remove them from the plant. Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators of aphids and can help control their spread. In severe cases, insecticides like neem oil or insecticidal soap can be used. Grasshoppers can be managed by removing the weeds around the plant and using exclusion barriers like nets. For severe grasshopper infestations, trapping or chemical controls like insecticides can be used.
It is important to note that overuse of insecticides and fungicides can harm beneficial insects and lead to the development of resistance. Therefore, it is important to follow the recommended usage guidelines and explore other management practices before resorting to chemical controls.
