Overview
Elymus triticoides Buckl. ssp. simplex (Scribn. & Williams) A. Löve is a perennial bunchgrass in the Poaceae family. It is commonly known as big basin wildrye or mountain rye. This plant is native to western North America, primarily found in the Great Basin region of the United States.
Physical Description
The big basin wildrye typically grows from 1 to 3 feet tall, producing a dense clump of stems with a fibrous root system. The foliage generally has a blue-green color, with numerous long, slender leaves about 6-12 inches long and 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide. The leaves are rolled in the bud and have membranous ligules that are about 1/16 inch long. The flowers are borne on tall stems in a spike-like arrangement, and each spike can be up to 10 inches long. The plant's inflorescence consists of several spikelets with awns that form a prominent V-shaped seedhead, about 3/4 inch to over an inch long.
Uses
Elymus triticoides Buckl. ssp. simplex is primarily used for ecological restoration projects, particularly to stabilize hillsides, capture sediment, and prevent erosion. This grass can also provide cover for wildlife and improve water quality. In addition, big basin wildrye is a good forage plant for livestock animals. Native American tribes used the seeds of this plant as a food source, and it has been used medicinally as a mild diuretic.
Light Requirements
Elymus triticoides Buckl. ssp. simplex (Scribn. & Williams) A. Löve generally requires full sun to grow well. However, it can also tolerate partial shade but it may lead to slower growth and smaller leaves. Therefore, it is recommended to plant it in a place where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.
Temperature Needs
This plant is well adapted to sustain extreme temperatures ranging from -28°F to 109°F (-33°C to 43°C). However, it prefers cooler climates and grows best in regions where the average temperature ranges from 50°F to 75°F (10°C to 24°C).
Soil Requirements
Elymus triticoides Buckl. ssp. simplex (Scribn. & Williams) A. Löve prefers well-drained soil with a pH of about 6.0 to 8.0. It can tolerate moderately saline and alkaline soils but grows best in moderately fertile soils. Adding organic compost to the soil before planting can improve the soil fertility, water retention capacity, and soil structure. It is also important to ensure that the soil is not compacted and has good aeration. This can be achieved by tilling the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches (15 cm) before planting.
Cultivation methods
Elymus triticoides Buckl. ssp. simplex (Scribn. & Williams) A. Löve is commonly known as creeping wild rye and is mostly grown for its dense mat-forming habit. It's a low maintenance plant and is well adapted to dry conditions. This plant is both tolerant of drought and shade, which makes it an ideal choice for gardeners who want to cover their garden floor with a range of plants.
You can start growing Elymus triticoides Buckl. ssp. simplex (Scribn. & Williams) A. Löve from seeds or transplanting. If starting from seed, it's best to plant it in the early spring. The soil should be moist and well-drained to promote healthy growth. Once established, it's essential to smooth out the soil to eliminate any hills or bumps, which can cause water logging. It's also necessary to provide support to the young plants until they become self-sustaining.
Watering needs
Elymus triticoides Buckl. ssp. simplex (Scribn. & Williams) A. Löve is a tough plant, and it can handle dry periods without a problem. However, during the summer months, it needs watering to prevent the plant's leaves from going yellow and dying off. During the first year of growth, the plant should be watered once a week. Once the roots have deepened, you can reduce the frequency of watering. As a general rule, it's better to give the plant a thorough soaking once a week instead of light watering every day.
Fertilization
Elymus triticoides Buckl. ssp. simplex (Scribn. & Williams) A. Löve plant doesn't need much fertilization. It's considered a low-nutrient plant, and applying too much fertilizer can cause more harm than good. In most cases, soil testing is not necessary. During spring, you can apply a light layer of compost or a balanced fertilizer. This would provide sufficient nutrients for the plant's growth.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for any plant as it helps maintain its shape and encourages new growth. Elymus triticoides Buckl. ssp. simplex (Scribn. & Williams) A. Löve doesn't require much pruning. In most cases, you won't have to prune the plant at all. If you feel that the plant is getting too dense, you can selectively trim off the outer leaves and stems to encourage new growth. Pruning should be done in early spring before the plant starts its active growing season.
Propagation of Elymus triticoides Buckl. ssp. simplex (Scribn. & Williams) A. Löve
Elymus triticoides Buckl. ssp. simplex (Scribn. & Williams) A. Löve, commonly known as simple wheatgrass, can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation of Elymus triticoides involves the use of seeds. The seeds should be sown in a well-prepared seedbed during the fall. To enhance germination, the seeds should be scarified and stratified.
Scarification involves the process of breaking, scratching, or cracking the hard seed coat to allow water penetration while stratification involves exposing the seeds to a period of cold temperatures (between 33-41°F) for about three months, simulating winter conditions. The stratification period can be shortened by exposing the seeds to a temperature of about 70-80°F for two weeks before being subjected to a cold period.
The germinating seedlings should be watered regularly and protected from extreme temperatures and pests.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation methods such as cloning can also be used for Elymus triticoides. This method involves the use of vegetative propagation materials such as rhizomes, stolons, or leaf cuttings.
The vegetative materials should be collected from healthy and disease-free plants during the plant's dormant period. The collected materials should be planted in a well-prepared bed, and care similar to that of seed propagation should be taken.
Vegetative propagation is particularly useful for the restoration of plant populations in degraded ecosystems or for the propagation of selected genotypes for reseeding projects.
Disease Management
Elymus triticoides Buckl. ssp. simplex (Scribn. & Williams) A. Löve is susceptible to a few fungal diseases. These include, but are not limited to, leaf rust, stem rust, and common bunt. To manage these diseases, it is important to keep the plant healthy and to avoid planting in areas where the diseases are prevalent. Fungicides can also be used to manage these diseases, but it is important to follow the label instructions carefully to avoid harm to the plant and the environment.
Pest Management
Elymus triticoides Buckl. ssp. simplex (Scribn. & Williams) A. Löve can be affected by a few pests such as aphids, grasshoppers, and cutworms. These pests can cause damage to the plant by feeding on its leaves and stems. To manage these pests, insecticides can be used, but it is important to choose the right one for the specific pest and to follow the label instructions carefully. It is also important to monitor the plants regularly to catch any early signs of infestations.
