General Appearance
Eragrostis lehmanniana Nees var. lehmanniana is a perennial grass that belongs to the Poaceae family, commonly known as the Lehmann lovegrass. The plant has long, thin, multiple stems that can grow up to 3 feet tall, and it forms sprawling clumps. As the plant matures, the older stems at the base turn brown while the new growth at the top remains green.
Origin and Distribution
The plant is native to Africa and was first collected by Friedrich Wilhelm Christian Lehmann, a German naturalist, in 1830. The plant was introduced to the United States in 1930 and was used to aid erosion control in the southwest. Currently, Lehmann lovegrass is found throughout the southwestern United States, Mexico, and parts of South America.
Common Uses
The Lehmann lovegrass has several uses, including being used as forage for cattle and as an ornamental grass in gardens. Its ability to grow in arid regions makes it a popular plant for erosion control and remediation projects. The plant also has a high drought tolerance and can grow in soils with low fertility. This plant is a source of feed for large mammals in the wild and in agriculture.
Light Requirements
Eragrostis lehmanniana Nees var. lehmanniana is a sun-loving plant that thrives in full sunlight. To achieve maximum growth and yield, it requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. While it can tolerate partial shade, the plant may not develop full foliage under such conditions.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is adaptable to a wide range of temperatures. However, it does best in warm weather with temperatures ranging between 26 °C to 32 °C. Eragrostis lehmanniana Nees var. lehmanniana can also tolerate colder temperatures as low as 15°C as long as the temperature does not drop below this range. It is, however, sensitive to frost and cannot survive in areas with freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Eragrostis lehmanniana Nees var. lehmanniana grows best in fertile, well-drained soils. The plant requires soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The ideal soil composition for this plant should be rich in organic matter, with adequate levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It can also tolerate slightly saline soils but does not do well in soils with high levels of salt concentration.
Cultivation Methods
Eragrostis lehmanniana Nees var. lehmanniana is a warm-season grass that grows best in sunny environments. It prefers sandy or loamy soil with good drainage. The plant can be seeded directly into the soil or grown from seedlings in the early spring or late fall. When planting, space the seedlings or seeds at least 8-12 inches apart to allow for good air circulation. Water the soil regularly to keep it moist for a few weeks until the plants establish themselves.
Watering Needs
Although Eragrostis lehmanniana Nees var. lehmanniana prefers well-draining soil, it still requires a moderate amount of water to grow. Water the plant when the soil feels dry to the touch or the leaves start to show signs of wilting. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. Watering once or twice a week is sufficient in most cases.
Fertilization
Eragrostis lehmanniana Nees var. lehmanniana is not a heavy feeder and can do well without regular fertilization. However, if you want to improve its growth and vigor, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season. Choose a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions, and avoid getting it on the leaves or stems.
Pruning
Eragrostis lehmanniana Nees var. lehmanniana does not require much pruning, except for the occasional removal of dead or damaged stems or leaves. You can use pruning shears to cut back the stems to the base or remove individual leaves as needed. Avoid cutting back too much at once, as it can weaken the plant and affect its natural growth habit.
Propagation of Eragrostis lehmanniana Nees var. lehmanniana
Eragrostis lehmanniana Nees var. lehmanniana can be propagated by both seed and vegetative methods.
Propagation by Seed
Seeds of Eragrostis lehmanniana Nees var. lehmanniana can be collected, cleaned, dried, and stored in cool and dry conditions for future use. Before sowing, the seeds should be scarified to break the hard seed coat and enhance germination. Scarification can be accomplished by soaking the seeds in hot water for a few hours or by mechanical abrasion. After scarification, the seeds can be sown in trays filled with a well-draining potting mix and kept in a warm and humid environment. The seedlings will emerge in a few weeks, and they can be transplanted to individual pots or directly to the field when they are large enough to handle.
Propagation by Vegetative Methods
Eragrostis lehmanniana Nees var. lehmanniana can also be propagated by division and stem cuttings. Division involves separating clumps of the plant's rhizomes and replanting them in a new location. The best time to divide the plant is during the early spring when new growth is appearing. The rhizomes should be carefully dug out of the ground, separated, and replanted in a well-prepared soil. Stem cuttings can be taken during the active growth period, usually in the summer. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from healthy plants. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining potting medium and kept in a warm and humid environment until they establish roots and new growth.
Disease Management
Eragrostis lehmanniana Nees var. lehmanniana is prone to various diseases, including leaf spots, root rot, and rusts.
To manage leaf spots, the affected leaves should be removed and destroyed. To prevent further infection, avoid overhead watering, and make sure the soil is not too wet. Fungicides can also be used as a preventive measure.
Root rot can be prevented by ensuring the plant is grown in well-draining soil and avoiding overwatering. To manage root rot, remove the infected parts of the plant and make sure the soil is well-drained. Fungicides can also be used to prevent further infection.
Rusts can cause yellowish or reddish-brown spots on the leaves. To manage rusts, the affected parts of the plant should be removed and destroyed, and a fungicide can be applied to prevent further infection.
Pest Management
Eragrostis lehmanniana Nees var. lehmanniana is susceptible to various pests, including aphids, spider mites, and grasshoppers.
Aphids can be removed from the plant by spraying them with a jet of water or using insecticidal soap. Natural predators, such as ladybugs and lacewings, can also be introduced to manage aphids.
Spider mites are tiny pests that can be managed by spraying the plant with water or using insecticidal soap. Natural predators, such as predatory mites, can also be introduced to manage spider mites.
Grasshoppers can cause significant damage to the plant by eating the leaves. To manage grasshoppers, the use of physical barriers, such as nets or fences, can be effective. Insecticides can also be used as a last resort.
