Overview
Paspalum laeviglume Scribn. ex Nash, also known as the smooth husk paspalum, is a perennial grass species that belongs to the Poaceae family. This plant is native to the southeastern part of the United States, including Texas, Florida, and South Carolina.
General Appearance
The smooth husk paspalum typically grows up to 3 feet tall and may form dense mats up to 5 feet wide. It has a strong, fibrous root system that makes it a useful soil stabilizer in erosion-prone areas. The leaves of this grass are flat, smooth, and shiny, measuring around 4-6 inches long and 0.2-0.4 inches wide. The inflorescences, or flowering structures, of Paspalum laeviglume Scribn. ex Nash are spikelike and can be up to 10 inches long.
Common Names
Paspalum laeviglume Scribn. ex Nash is also known by several common names, including smooth paspalum, smoothseed paspalum, thin paspalum, and smoothseed crowngrass.
Uses
As a turfgrass, Paspalum laeviglume Scribn. ex Nash is used for golf courses and athletic fields because of its high tolerance to salt, drought, and heat. It is also used as a forage crop for grazing animals, particularly in coastal areas of the southeastern United States. Some indigenous peoples have used the plant as a medicine for treating a variety of ailments, including kidney problems and inflammation.
Light Requirements
The Paspalum laeviglume Scribn. ex Nash plant requires full sun exposure for healthy growth. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause stunted growth or even death. Therefore, it is best to plant this species in an area that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The Paspalum laeviglume Scribn. ex Nash plant prefers warm temperatures. Optimal growth can occur in temperatures between 18-30°C (65-86°F). Temperatures below 10°C (50°F) can cause extreme damage or death. Therefore, it is best to plant this species in zones 9-11.
Soil Requirements
The Paspalum laeviglume Scribn. ex Nash plant prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils. The pH of the soil should be between 5.5-7.5. Planting in soil that is too acidic or alkaline can cause nutrient deficiencies and stunted growth. It is best to plant this species in moist soils, but it can tolerate some periods of drought.
Cultivation Methods
The Paspalum laeviglume Scribn. ex Nash plant is a warm-season grass that is well-suited for cultivation in tropical and subtropical regions. It requires full sunlight and well-drained soil for optimal growth. You can propagate it through seeds or vegetative means such as sods or plugs. When planting seeds, sow them at a depth of about 1/8 inch and keep the soil evenly moist until germination occurs, which usually takes between 7-21 days.
Watering Needs
Paspalum laeviglume Scribn. ex Nash requires regular watering to thrive, especially during the hot and dry months. Water the plant deeply at least once a week, providing enough water to reach the roots. You can reduce watering during the winter months, but ensure that the soil doesn't dry out completely. Always avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization
For optimal growth and development, Paspalum laeviglume Scribn. ex Nash plant requires regular fertilization. You should apply a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer at least twice a year. Supplement with a phosphorus-rich fertilizer during the establishment phase to encourage root development. However, avoid over-fertilizing, which can result in profuse vegetative growth at the expense of flowering and seed production.
Pruning
Although Paspalum laeviglume Scribn. ex Nash plant does not require regular pruning, you can trim off dead or damaged leaves and stems as needed. Use a sharp blade and sterilize it before and after each cut to prevent the spread of disease. You can also mow the plant to maintain a uniform height and promote denser growth. However, ensure that you adjust the blade height to the appropriate level to avoid scalping.
Propagation of Paspalum laeviglume Scribn. ex Nash
Paspalum laeviglume Scribn. ex Nash, also known as smoothseed paspalum or Southern crowngrass, is a warm-season grass native to the southeastern United States. The plant is commonly used for forage, erosion control, and as a turfgrass. Propagation of Paspalum laeviglume can be achieved through multiple methods, including seeding, sodding, and plugs.
Seeding
Seeding is one of the most common propagation methods for Paspalum laeviglume. Seeds of the plant can be sown directly into a prepared soil bed or in a seedbed for later transplanting. Soil preparation for seeding should involve tilling to a depth of 6-8 inches and the incorporation of organic matter such as compost or manure. Seeds should be planted at a depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch and kept moist until germination occurs, which typically takes around 7-10 days. Adequate rainfall or irrigation is essential for successful seed germination.
Sodding
Sodding involves the transplantation of mature grass and soil from a donor site to the target planting area. Sodding is a quicker method of establishing a new lawn compared to seeding, as the grass does not have to germinate from seed. However, sodding is more expensive and requires careful soil preparation, including tilling and grading. The sod should be carefully cut into small squares and placed on the prepared soil bed, pressing it firmly into place. The soil under the sod should be moist and the new lawn should be watered regularly until it is well established.
Plugs
Propagation through plugs is a relatively new method that has gained popularity in recent years due to its increased success rate and reduced time to establishment. Plugs refer to small sections of mature grass and soil that are transplanted into prepared planting holes. The planting holes should be spaced 9-12 inches apart and should be dug to a depth of the grass roots. The plugs should be firmly pressed into place and watered regularly until they establish well.
Propagation by seed, sodding, and plugs are accepted methods of establishing Paspalum laeviglume. However, the most appropriate method may depend on the time, money, and resources available to the grower.
Disease and Pest Management of Paspalum laeviglume Scribn. ex Nash
Paspalum laeviglume Scribn. ex Nash, commonly known as smoothseed paspalum, is an ornamental grass commonly found in lawns and landscapes across the Southern United States. Although it is known for its resilience against environmental stresses like drought and extreme temperatures, it is still prone to certain diseases and pests that can affect its overall health and appearance.
Common Diseases
One disease that can affect Paspalum laeviglume is dollar spot, caused by Sclerotinia homoeocarpa. This fungal disease appears as small, silver dollar-sized spots on the grass blades and can quickly spread throughout the lawn, resulting in large areas of brown, dead grass. To manage dollar spot, frequent mowing and proper irrigation can help prevent the disease from spreading. In severe cases, fungicides may be necessary.
Brown patch, caused by Rhizoctonia solani, is another common disease that can affect Paspalum laeviglume. It is characterized by circular patches of brown, dead grass that may have a dark border around the edges. Proper maintenance, including good drainage and avoiding excessive irrigation and fertilizer, can help prevent brown patch from occurring. In severe cases, fungicides may be necessary.
Common Pests
A common pest that can affect Paspalum laeviglume is the sod webworm, the larvae of a type of moth. These pests feed on the grass blades, causing brown patches and thinning of the lawn. Insecticides can be used to manage sod webworm infestations, but preventative measures, such as keeping the lawn healthy by proper watering and fertilization, can be effective in avoiding infestations in the first place.
Another pest that can affect Paspalum laeviglume is the armyworm, the larvae of a type of moth. These pests feed on the grass blades, causing significant damage to lawns and landscapes. Insecticides can be used to manage armyworm infestations, but preventative measures, such as regularly inspecting the lawn for signs of infestations and proper maintenance, can be effective in avoiding infestations in the first place.
Conclusion
Overall, proper maintenance and care can help prevent and manage the various diseases and pests that can affect Paspalum laeviglume Scribn. ex Nash. Keeping the lawn healthy through proper watering and fertilization, and regularly inspecting the lawn for signs of disease or pest infestation, can help ensure that the lawn remains healthy and beautiful throughout the year.
