Origin
Poa abbreviata R. Br. ssp. marshii Soreng, also known as marsh bluegrass, is a plant species that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is a native grass of North America, with a broad distribution that ranges from Newfoundland to Alaska and southward through the continent to the northern Great Plains and the Appalachian Mountains.
Common Names
Marsh bluegrass is the most widely accepted common name for Poa abbreviata R. Br. ssp. marshii Soreng due to its preference for wet soils and marshy habitats. It is also known as bog bluegrass, hill bluegrass, upland bluegrass, and northern bluegrass.
Uses
Marsh bluegrass is a highly valued forage grass due to its palatability, high protein content, and ease of establishment. It is an essential component of many grazing systems in the northern regions of the United States and Canada. Marsh bluegrass also provides erosion control, wildlife habitat, and aesthetic value in wetland and riparian areas. It is a successful competitor with invasive species such as reed canary grass and purple loosestrife.
General Appearance
Marsh bluegrass is a perennial grass that grows up to 1 meter in height. Its leaves are flat and up to 10 cm long and 4 mm wide. The inflorescence is a panicle that is 10-20 cm long containing spikelets with a pale blue-green color that turn a golden brown as they mature. Marsh bluegrass is a robust species that forms a dense sod. It grows best in moist soils that are well-drained, but it can also tolerate some seasonal flooding.
hereLight Requirements
Poa abbreviata R. Br. ssp. marshii Soreng is a shade-tolerant perennial grass species that grows well under moderate shade conditions. This species is well-suited for the understory of open woodland, stream banks, and other moist habitats that receive partial to full shade. However, it can also tolerate full sun but may require more moisture.
Temperature Requirements
Poa abbreviata R. Br. ssp. marshii Soreng is a cool-season grass species that occurs in temperate regions. The optimal temperature range for its growth is between 15°C and 25°C (59°F and 77°F).
However, it can withstand freezing temperatures and has been found to grow in areas with an average temperature as low as -10°C (14°F).
Soil Requirements
Poa abbreviata R. Br. ssp. marshii Soreng prefers moist, well-drained soils that are high in organic matter. This grass species has been found to grow in a wide range of soil types, from sandy loams to clay loams. However, it thrives best in soils that are slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5-7.5).
This species has also been observed growing in wetter soils, such as along streambanks and wet meadows, indicating its preference for consistently moist soil conditions.
Cultivation methods
Poa abbreviata R. Br. ssp. marshii Soreng grows well in cool and moist conditions. It prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. This plant can be grown through seeds, sod, or plugs. Planting in the spring or early fall, when the soil temperature is around 50°F (10°C), is recommended.
Watering needs
Keeping the soil moist is necessary for the growth of Poa abbreviata R. Br. ssp. marshii Soreng. Watering should be done deeply and infrequently. It is crucial to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. The soil should not be allowed to dry out completely, as it can damage the plant.
Fertilization
Fertilization is necessary for the healthy growth of Poa abbreviata R. Br. ssp. marshii Soreng. A balanced fertilizer with an equal amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied during the growing season. Excessive fertilization can lead to fungal and pest problems, so it is crucial to avoid overfeeding.
Pruning
Poa abbreviata R. Br. ssp. marshii Soreng can be mowed to a height of 2.5 to 3 inches (6 to 8 cm) during the growing season. It is recommended to leave some grass clippings on the lawn as they decompose and provide nutrients to the soil. Pruning can be done once a week during the active growing season. However, it is essential to avoid mowing too short, as it can damage the plant.
Propagation of Poa abbreviata R. Br. ssp. marshii Soreng
The plant Poa abbreviata R. Br. ssp. marshii Soreng can be propagated through both seeds and vegetative means.
Propagation through Seeds
Poa abbreviata R. Br. ssp. marshii Soreng produces small seeds that can be collected from the plant during its flowering period. The seeds can be sown in a well-draining soil mix in either pots or in the ground during the spring, summer, or autumn. The seedlings may take anywhere from two weeks to three months to germinate, and the resulting plants can take up to two years to reach maturity and produce seeds of their own.
Propagation through Vegetative Means
Another method of propagating Poa abbreviata R. Br. ssp. marshii Soreng is through vegetative means, such as division or taking cuttings. Division involves separating the plant into smaller clumps, each with their own root system and foliage. This can be done during the plant's growing season, usually in the spring or autumn.
Cuttings can be taken from the plant during its growing season as well. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, fully grown stems and should be between 5-10cm in length. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until roots begin to form in approximately 2-4 weeks.
Disease Management
Some common diseases that might affect Poa abbreviata R. Br. ssp. marshii Soreng include:
- Leaf rust
- Gray snow mold
- Yellow patch
- Fusarium patch
To manage these diseases, it is important to ensure proper cultural practices, such as keeping a consistent mowing height and providing adequate irrigation and fertilization. If diseases persist, resistant cultivars can be planted or fungicides can be applied according to label directions.
Pest Management
Some common pests that might affect Poa abbreviata R. Br. ssp. marshii Soreng include:
- White grubs
- Chinch bugs
- Sod webworms
- Cutworms
To manage these pests, it is important to monitor for their presence and implement cultural practices to reduce their impact, such as proper irrigation and fertilization to promote healthy root growth. Additionally, insecticides can be applied according to label directions to control pest populations. It is important to rotate among different chemical classes to prevent resistance from developing.
