Origin
Poa arctica R. Br. ssp. williamsii (Nash) Hultén, also known as Williams' arctic bluegrass, is a subspecies of the Poa arctica R. Br. It is an indigenous plant species found in North America where it grows in regions such as Alaska, Canada, and the Rocky Mountains in the United States.
Common Names
Williams' arctic bluegrass is the most common name used to refer to this subspecies of Poa arctica R. Br. Other names for this plant include Arctic Poa, Arctic bluegrass, Williams' bluegrass, and mountain bluegrass.
Uses
The Williams' arctic bluegrass is a valuable plant in the ecosystem. It is a common food source for a variety of wildlife species such as caribou, moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. It also serves as a food source for livestock, especially in regions where vegetation is scarce.
The plant is used by indigenous people for medicinal purposes. They make a tea from the leaves, which is believed to help treat respiratory infections, fever, and stomach aches.
General Appearance
The Williams' arctic bluegrass is a perennial plant that grows to a height of between three and ten inches. The leaves are thin and narrow with a bluish-green color. The plant has an extensive root system that enables it to grow in tough environments such as rocky crevices and gravelly slopes.
The flowers of the Williams' arctic bluegrass are tiny and appear in clusters at the tip of the stem. They bloom from late spring to early summer. The plant's seeds are small and have a light brown color.
hereLight Conditions
Poa arctica R. Br. ssp. williamsii (Nash) Hultén thrives in moderate to full sunlight, making it well-suited for open and semi-open habitats. However, it can also survive in areas with partial shade, although its growth rate may decrease.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is adapted to cold environments and can only grow in areas with a cool climate. As such, it prefers temperatures ranging from 0°C to 10°C. Extreme temperature fluctuations can affect its growth and development, and it may not survive in areas where the temperature exceeds its tolerance range.
Soil Requirements
Poa arctica R. Br. ssp. williamsii (Nash) Hultén grows best in soils that are moist, well-draining, and rich in organic matter. It prefers soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0, but it can tolerate slightly more acidic soils. This plant is also adapted to high-altitude environments and can tolerate soils with low nutrient levels, making it ideal for alpine regions.
Cultivation
Poa arctica R. Br. ssp. williamsii (Nash) Hultén, also known as Arctic Bluegrass, is a hardy plant that can thrive in cold climates. It is easy to grow from seed or sod, and it prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Ensure that the planting area receives full to partial sun exposure and provide adequate protection from extreme winds.
Watering Needs
While Arctic Bluegrass is hardy, it still requires adequate moisture to establish strong roots, which can then absorb nutrients and water more efficiently. Water newly planted grass frequently but avoid over-watering, which can cause the roots to rot. Once established, water only when the surface of the soil looks dry, and ensure that the water penetrates deep into the soil to reach the roots.
Fertilization
Fertilizing is not necessary if you have properly prepared the soil before planting. However, if you want to speed up the growth process, you can apply fertilizer during the growing season. A slow-release nitrogen-based fertilizer is ideal for Arctic Bluegrass. Fertilization should be done sparingly and in accordance with the manufacturer's directions.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Arctic Bluegrass, and it should be allowed to grow naturally. However, if you want to create a more manicured look, you can mow regularly or use shears to trim down the grass. It is important to ensure that the grass is not cut too short, as this can stress the roots and cause the grass to die off.
Propagation of Poa arctica R. Br. ssp. williamsii (Nash) Hultén
Propagation of Poa arctica R. Br. ssp. williamsii (Nash) Hultén is possible through both sexual and asexual methods, though the plant is known to be difficult to propagate.
Sexual propagation
Poa arctica R. Br. ssp. williamsii (Nash) Hultén can be propagated via seed. The plant produces small, green and brown seedheads during the summer. It is recommended to collect seeds before they disperse in late summer or early fall. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mixture and lightly covered.
Asexual propagation
Poa arctica R. Br. ssp. williamsii (Nash) Hultén can also be propagated asexually through division. However, this method is not recommended as the plant is known to have a shallow, delicate root system that can be easily damaged during the process. If division is attempted, it should be done during the plant's dormant, early spring period.
Overall, propagation of Poa arctica R. Br. ssp. williamsii (Nash) Hultén is challenging and requires careful attention to the plant's needs and growth habits.
Disease Management
Poa arctica R. Br. ssp. williamsii (Nash) Hultén is generally a hardy plant that is not prone to significant disease problems. However, certain fungal diseases can attack the turfgrass, causing patchy, discolored areas and thinning.
One such disease is Fusarium patch, which occurs during warm and wet weather conditions. Infected areas show yellow and tan spots which eventually enlarge to form brown patches. Cultural practices such as proper watering, thatch management, and avoidance of excessive nitrogen application can help prevent the occurrence and spread of Fusarium patch. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Another fungal disease that affects Poa arctica R. Br. ssp. williamsii (Nash) Hultén is Dollar Spot. This disease causes small, circular spots with a diameter of up to 3 inches. These spots can merge and form large, straw-colored patches. Proper fertilization, regular mowing, and minimizing the duration of leaf wetness can help reduce the incidence of Dollar Spot. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Pest Management
Aside from fungi, certain pests can also cause damage to Poa arctica R. Br. ssp. williamsii (Nash) Hultén. One such pest is the Sod Webworm, which is the larvae of lawn moths. Larvae feed on the leaves and stems of grass blades, causing irregular brown patches, and reduced vigor. Seflawn insecticide treatments, proper watering practices, and maintaining good soil fertility can prevent sod webworm infestations.
Another pest that can cause damage to Poa arctica R. Br. ssp. williamsii (Nash) Hultén is the White Grub. White grubs are the larvae of various beetles, including Japanese beetles and chafer beetles. They feed on the roots of the turfgrass, causing the plants to wilt, turn yellow and eventually die. To manage white grubs, certain nematodes and bacterial insecticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can be used. Additionally, cultural practices such as proper irrigation and pest-resistant turfgrass cultivars can help prevent white grub infestations.
