Origin of Elymus trachycaulus (Link) Gould ex Shinners ssp. glaucus (Pease & Moore) Cody
Elymus trachycaulus (Link) Gould ex Shinners ssp. glaucus (Pease & Moore) Cody, commonly known as blue wheatgrass, is a subspecies of the Elymus trachycaulus plant, a member of the Poaceae family native to North America.
Common names for Elymus trachycaulus (Link) Gould ex Shinners ssp. glaucus (Pease & Moore) Cody
In addition to blue wheatgrass, Elymus trachycaulus is also commonly known as roughleaf wheatgrass, thickspike wheatgrass, and bluebunch wheatgrass.
Uses of Elymus trachycaulus (Link) Gould ex Shinners ssp. glaucus (Pease & Moore) Cody
Elymus trachycaulus is a highly valued forage crop for livestock and wildlife, as it has a high protein content and is rich in minerals. In addition to being a food source, it is also used in land reclamation and erosion control projects due to its robust root system and ability to establish quickly.
General appearance of Elymus trachycaulus (Link) Gould ex Shinners ssp. glaucus (Pease & Moore) Cody
Elymus trachycaulus is a perennial plant that typically grows between 20-80 cm in height, with bluish-green leaves that are rough and serrated. It produces dense spikes of flowers that mature into seed heads, which are a distinguishing feature of the plant. The seeds are dark brown and pointed, with a twisted, pubescent awn at one end.
hereLight requirements
The Elymus trachycaulus (Link) Gould ex Shinners ssp. glaucus (Pease & Moore) Cody plant prefers to grow in full sun exposure. It requires several hours of direct sunlight every day to maintain healthy growth and strong stems. Inadequate sunlight can lead to poor growth and reduced yield.
Temperature requirements
The plant prefers to grow in cooler temperatures, usually found in regions with an average temperature between 50 – 60°F (10 – 15.5°C). Elymus trachycaulus (Link) Gould ex Shinners ssp. glaucus (Pease & Moore) Cody is capable of tolerating cold temperatures, which normally come at higher altitude regions. Such weather conditions stimulate the plant's growth, especially during the vegetative phase, that is, before it flowers.
Soil requirements
The Elymus trachycaulus (Link) Gould ex Shinners ssp. glaucus (Pease & Moore) Cody plant prefers well-drained, high-quality soil. Ideal soil conditions are medium-textured soil types such as loam, silt loam, sandy loam, and clay loam. The soil pH should be between 6 and 8. It is necessary to ensure that the soil is fertile enough to provide the required nutrients for the plant's healthy growth.
Cultivation Methods
Elymus trachycaulus ssp. glaucus is a hardy perennial grass that is native to North America. It prefers to grow in full sun but can also tolerate some shade. This plant can grow in a variety of soil types but prefers well-drained soils. It is also tolerant of drought and cold temperatures but may not thrive in hot and humid conditions. Propagation is done through seed germination or by dividing established clumps.
Watering Needs
Elymus trachycaulus ssp. glaucus is a low-maintenance grass and does not require frequent watering. It can tolerate dry periods and prefers to be watered deeply but infrequently. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, so ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization
Elymus trachycaulus ssp. glaucus does not require heavy fertilization. A light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring or fall will suffice. Avoid over-fertilization as this can cause the grass to grow too quickly and become weak.
Pruning
Elymus trachycaulus ssp. glaucus is a low-maintenance plant that does not require frequent pruning. However, to maintain its neat appearance, it is best to remove any dead or damaged foliage in the spring. This will also prevent any diseases or pests from spreading. You may also consider pruning the plant down to its base in late fall or early spring to encourage new growth.
Propagation of Elymus trachycaulus ssp. glaucus
Elymus trachycaulus ssp. glaucus is commonly propagated by seed, division, and cuttings. Here is a brief overview of each method:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method for propagating Elymus trachycaulus ssp. glaucus. The plant produces ample seeds that mature in mid-summer. Sow the seeds directly into loose, well-draining soil and firmly press the seeds down with your hand. Water the soil thoroughly after sowing, then keep the soil moist. The seeds of Elymus trachycaulus ssp. glaucus will germinate in about two to three weeks.
Division Propagation
Elymus trachycaulus ssp. glaucus can be propagated by division once it has matured and established. Divide the plant in early spring, just before new growth begins. Dig up the plant and gently separate the root mass into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has some roots and shoots. After dividing, plant each section into a new site with well-draining soil.
Cutting Propagation
Elymus trachycaulus ssp. glaucus can also be propagated by taking stem cuttings. Take cuttings from new growth in early spring before the plant starts to flower. Cut a 6-inch stem from the parent plant, remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting, then dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Plant the cutting into well-drained soil and water thoroughly. Keep the cutting in a warm, humid location until roots develop.
Disease Management
There are several diseases that can potentially affect Elymus trachycaulus ssp. glaucus. One of the most common is leaf rust, caused by the fungus Puccinia emaculata. This disease presents as orange-yellow pustules on leaf blades and sheaths, eventually causing leaves to die prematurely. Another common fungal disease is stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis. This disease presents as yellow stripes on leaves that develop into orange pustules and can cause the plant to weaken and become less productive.
To manage these diseases, it is important to maintain good plant health and grow plants under conditions that are less favorable to the development of fungi. Avoid overcrowding plants and provide adequate ventilation. If leaf rust or stripe rust is detected, remove affected leaves and dispose of them immediately to prevent further spread. Fungicides may also be used preventatively, as recommended by a local extension service or plant specialist.
Pest Management
There are several pests that may damage Elymus trachycaulus ssp. glaucus. One of the most common is the wheat stem sawfly, which can cause significant damage to the plant during the larval stage. This pest feeds on the stem of the plant, causing it to weaken and potentially break. Another potential pest is the Hessian fly, which can also cause significant damage to the stem and leaves of the plant.
To manage these pests, it is important to monitor their populations and detect them early. Crop rotation and removing crop residue may help disrupt the pest life cycle and prevent infestations. Insecticides may also be used, as recommended by a local extension service or plant specialist. It is important to follow all safety guidelines when using pesticides and to use them only as a last resort.
