Overview
Poa bolanderi Vasey var. howellii (Vasey & Scribn.) M.E. Jones, commonly known as Bolander's bluegrass, is a native grass species that is found in western North America.
Origin
Bolander's bluegrass originated from the western part of North America, particularly from California, Oregon, and Washington. It can also be found in British Columbia, Canada.
Common Names
Bolander's bluegrass is commonly known by the following names:
- Bolander's bluegrass
- Bluegrass
- Howell's bluegrass
Uses
Bolander's bluegrass is a useful species for erosion control and habitat rehabilitation. It is an important component of grassland and meadow ecosystems, providing food and shelter for wildlife. Bolander's bluegrass is also used as a forage grass for livestock and can be used for turfgrass or as an ornamental grass in landscaping projects.
General Appearance
Bolander's bluegrass is a tufted perennial grass species with slender stems that can reach up to 50cm in height. The leaves are bluish-green and up to 15cm long, with a boat-shaped tip. The inflorescence is a compact panicle, up to 10cm long when fully extended. The flowers are green, turning brown as they age. The seeds are oblong-shaped and pointed, light brown in color, and about 3mm long.
Typical Growth Conditions of Poa bolanderi Vasey var. howellii
Poa bolanderi Vasey var. howellii, commonly known as Bolander's bluegrass, is a cool-season grass that grows in a variety of habitats. It is native to California and can be found in the Sierra Nevada, Cascade Range, and Coast Range mountains.
Light Requirements
Bolander's bluegrass prefers partial to full sun exposure. It can tolerate shaded conditions, but growth and development may be restricted. When grown in full sun, this grass has increased growth rates and fuller foliage.
Temperature Requirements
This species of grass thrives in cooler temperatures with high humidity. Optimal temperature ranges for growth are between 10°C and 24°C. Bolander's bluegrass can survive occasional frost or snowfall, but prolonged exposure to extremely low temperatures may cause irreparable damage.
Soil Requirements
Bolander's bluegrass requires well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including loamy, sandy, or clay soils. Soil pH should fall between 4.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate mildly acidic to slightly alkaline soils. However, it cannot grow in waterlogged or compacted soils.
Overall, Bolander's bluegrass is a resilient species that can tolerate a range of environmental conditions. It can be used in a variety of applications such as turf management, erosion control, and wildlife habitat restoration.
Cultivation Methods
Poa bolanderi Vasey var. howellii can be grown both indoors and outdoors. For indoor cultivation, select a container with a good draining system, fill it with well-draining soil mix, and sow the seeds. Keep the container in a bright, warm area, and water regularly. For outdoor cultivation, select a location with well-draining soil and partial shade. Sow the seeds in early spring, and maintain consistent moisture levels throughout the growing season.
Watering Needs
Poa bolanderi Vasey var. howellii requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. Indoor plants should be watered when the soil starts to dry out. Outdoor plants require watering once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot and damage the plant.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth, fertilize Poa bolanderi Vasey var. howellii with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Apply the fertilizer every two to three weeks when watering. Do not fertilize during the winter months as the plant will be dormant.
Pruning
Poa bolanderi Vasey var. howellii does not require pruning. You may remove any diseased or broken leaves and stems regularly to promote a healthy and attractive plant. However, avoid cutting off more than one-third of the plant at once, as it can stress and weaken the plant.
Propagation of Poa bolanderi Vasey var. howellii
Poa bolanderi Vasey var. howellii, also known as Bolander's bluegrass, is a native grass species in California.
Propagation methods
The propagation of Poa bolanderi Vasey var. howellii can be done by seeds or by division.
Propagation by seeds
The seeds of Poa bolanderi Vasey var. howellii can be sown in fall or early spring. The ground should be carefully prepared, removing all weeds and debris. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1/16 to 1/8 inch, and then covered with soil. The soil should be kept moist until germination occurs, which usually takes 2-3 weeks.
Propagation by division
Propagation by division is best done in early spring, just as new growth begins. First, remove the plant from the ground and carefully remove the soil to expose the roots. The roots should be gently teased apart, and then the plant can be divided into smaller sections. Each section should have healthy roots and some shoots. The sections can be replanted into well-prepared soil and kept moist until new growth is established.
Disease Management
Poa bolanderi Vasey var. howellii, commonly known as Bolander's bluegrass, is a hardy and disease-resistant plant. However, like all vegetation, it is susceptible to certain diseases that can affect its health and vibrancy. One such disease is leaf spot, caused by the fungus Drechslera poae. This disease causes brown or grayish spots on the leaves, which eventually turn into large patches and cause the leaves to die. To prevent this from happening, it is important to keep the plant well-ventilated and avoid overcrowding, ensure good drainage, maintain a regular watering schedule, and avoid overhead watering. If leaf spot appears, remove the affected leaves and dispose of them in the trash.
Another disease that can affect this plant is powdery mildew, which is caused by the fungi Erysiphe graminis and Blumeria graminis. The disease appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves, and can cause them to wither and turn yellow. Powdery mildew typically thrives in warm, dry environments, so it is essential to maintain a moist soil and ensure sufficient ventilation. Prune diseased foliage and ensure proper disposal of plant debris to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Bolander's bluegrass is also susceptible to certain pests, including mites, aphids, and cutworms. Mites and aphids can cause severe damage to foliage, while cutworms can cut through the plant's stem at the base, causing the plant to wither and die. To manage these pests, maintain good garden hygiene by removing plant debris and weeds, and avoid overcrowding. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings, and consider using insecticidal soaps or other insecticidal treatments. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is also a safe and effective insecticide that can be used to manage cutworms.
In summary, to maintain the health and vibrancy of Bolander's bluegrass, it is important to keep the plant well-ventilated, maintain good drainage, and avoid overcrowding. Additionally, regular watering and fertilization can help to keep the plant healthy and disease-resistant. In the event of a disease or pest infestation, prompt and proper management and disposal of the affected foliage is crucial to prevent re-infection and protect the overall health of the plant.
