Overview
Elymus ×vancouverensis Vasey var. crescentianus Bowden, also known as Crescent beach wild rye, is a perennial plant belonging to the grass family, Poaceae. It is a hybrid of E. glaucus and E. lanceolatus and is native to North America.
Appearance
Elymus ×vancouverensis Vasey var. crescentianus Bowden typically grows up to 1.2 meters tall. Its leaves are typically bluish-green and about 10-20 centimeters long and 2-6 millimeters wide. Its spikelets are cylindrical, up to 25 centimeters long, and grow in a panicle inflorescence.
Common Names
The most common name for Elymus ×vancouverensis Vasey var. crescentianus Bowden is Crescent beach wild rye. Other names include beach wildrye and Vancouver wild rye.
Uses
Elymus ×vancouverensis Vasey var. crescentianus Bowden is commonly used as an ornamental grass due to its attractive bluish-green color and tall, graceful appearance. It can also be used for erosion control in coastal areas as it is well-adapted to sandy soils. Furthermore, its seeds provide an important food source for birds, such as sparrows and finches.
Light Requirements
Elymus ×vancouverensis Vasey var. crescentianus Bowden prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to grow and thrive. Therefore, it is best to plant it in a location without any obstacles blocking its exposure to the sun.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is adapted to grow in the cool temperatures of coastal regions. It thrives in temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. In the winter, temperatures as low as -12°C won't kill the plant, although it will become dormant and stop growing until the weather warms up in the spring.
Soil Requirements
Elymus ×vancouverensis Vasey var. crescentianus Bowden requires well-draining soil that is fertile and rich in organic matter. The ideal pH of the soil is between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant prefers a slightly acidic to a neutral soil environment. Good drainage is necessary since the plant does not tolerate standing water or wet soils, as these conditions can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Additionally, this plant can grow in sandy or loamy soil, but it is not suitable for clay soil. If the soil is not fertile enough, it is advisable to add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil to increase its nutrient content.
Cultivation Methods
Elymus ×vancouverensis Vasey var. crescentianus Bowden is a hardy, perennial grass that is relatively easy to grow. This plant thrives in well-draining, fertile soil and can tolerate a wide range of pH levels. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate drought, making it a great choice for xeriscaping.
To cultivate this plant, first, prepare the soil by removing any weeds and adding compost or other organic matter to improve soil quality. Then, sow the seeds in rows about 12-18 inches apart. Cover the seeds with a light layer of soil and water them thoroughly.
Watering Needs
Elymus ×vancouverensis Vasey var. crescentianus Bowden requires moderate watering. In general, the plant should be watered once a week. However, the frequency and amount of watering should be adjusted depending on environmental conditions. During hot, dry periods, the plant may need more frequent watering.
It's important to water the plant deeply, so the roots receive enough moisture. But don't overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot and other problems. Always check the soil moisture before watering by sticking a finger in the soil. If the soil is dry to a depth of 2-3 inches, it's time to water the plant.
Fertilization
Elymus ×vancouverensis Vasey var. crescentianus Bowden doesn't require much fertilization. A light application of balanced fertilizer in the early spring can help encourage growth. However, too much fertilizer can cause the plant to become bushy and floppy, making it less attractive.
If the soil is poor, consider adding compost or other organic matter instead of fertilizer. Organic matter can improve soil structure and provide the plant with the nutrients it needs to thrive.
Pruning
Elymus ×vancouverensis Vasey var. crescentianus Bowden doesn't require much pruning. However, if the plant becomes too large and bushy, it can be trimmed back in the early spring before new growth appears. Use clean, sharp garden shears to cut back the plant by about one-third.
Removing the old, dead growth can also help keep the plant looking tidy and attractive. Simply cut back any dead or damaged stems to the base of the plant.
Propagation of Elymus ×vancouverensis Vasey var. crescentianus Bowden
Elymus ×vancouverensis Vasey var. crescentianus Bowden, commonly called Vancouver wheatgrass, can be propagated through various methods including seeds, division, and transplantation.
Propagation through Seeds
The easiest and most common method of propagating Vancouver wheatgrass is through seeds. The seeds can be collected from the mature plants during the fall season. The collected seeds should be stored in a dry and cool place until the start of the next growing season in spring. The seeds should be then sown in well-drained soil in a sunny spot with sufficient moisture. Once the seedlings grow to a certain height, they can be transplanted to their final locations, keeping a distance of at least 30 cm between each plant.
Propagation through Division
Division is another method of propagating Vancouver wheatgrass which involves separating the mature plant into smaller sections and replanting them as individual plants. This method is useful for rejuvenating old or damaged plants. Division should be done during the very early spring or late fall season.
Propagation through Transplantation
Transplantation is a method of propagating Vancouver wheatgrass that involves moving the entire plant from one location to another. This method is useful for relocating mature plants to new areas. Transplantation should be done during the early spring or late fall season when the plant is dormant. The plant should be carefully dug out, ensuring that the root system is not damaged. The plant should be then immediately transplanted in the desired location and watered generously.
Disease and Pest Management for Elymus ×vancouverensis Vasey var. crescentianus Bowden
Elymus ×vancouverensis Vasey var. crescentianus Bowden, commonly known as Vancouver wheatgrass, is a beautiful and popular ornamental grass that is native to North America. However, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests, which can pose a threat to its growth and survival. Therefore, it is crucial to implement proper disease and pest management practices to keep this grass healthy and thriving. In this article, we will discuss some common diseases and pests that might affect Vancouver wheatgrass and suggest ways to manage them effectively.
Leaf Rust
Leaf rust is a common disease that affects many members of the grass family, including Vancouver wheatgrass. It is caused by the fungus Puccinia festucae var. elymi and usually appears as small reddish-brown spots on the leaves. These spots may coalesce and form long stripes, eventually causing the leaves to turn yellow and die. To manage leaf rust, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected plant debris, practice crop rotation, and apply fungicides if the disease becomes severe.
Pythium Blight
Pythium blight is a fungal disease that thrives in warm and humid conditions and can quickly destroy Vancouver wheatgrass. It appears as circular patches of light brown or tan grass that gradually grow and merge to form irregular areas of dead turf. To manage Pythium blight, it is crucial to prevent the grass from becoming overly wet and to improve soil drainage. Fungicides can also be applied to control the disease.
Cutworms
Cutworms are the larvae of several moth species that feed on the stems of Vancouver wheatgrass and other grasses. They can cut young plants at or near the soil line and cause significant damage to mature plants. To manage cutworms, it is recommended to remove debris and weeds from the planting area, place collars around young plants to protect them, and apply insecticides if necessary.
Grasshoppers
Grasshoppers are common pests that can damage Vancouver wheatgrass by chewing on its leaves and stems. They can also lay their eggs in the soil, which can hatch and produce more pests the following season. To manage grasshoppers, it is recommended to use physical barriers such as netting or fencing to keep them away from the plants and apply insecticides when necessary.
Implementing these disease and pest management practices can help protect Vancouver wheatgrass and keep it healthy and beautiful. Regular monitoring and early intervention are also crucial in preventing and managing diseases and pests effectively.
