Overview of Poa cusickii Vasey ssp. cusickii
Poa cusickii Vasey ssp. cusickii is a perennial grass species that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is also commonly known as Cusick's bluegrass, which is named after the botanist Edward Sherman Cusick who studied the flora of the western United States.
Origin and Distribution
Poa cusickii Vasey ssp. cusickii is native to the western part of North America, specifically in the United States. It is found in the states of California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington, as well as in British Columbia, Canada. The plant is commonly found in open, dry, and rocky habitats such as cliffs, meadows, and forest openings at elevations ranging from 900 to 3500 meters.
General Appearance
Poa cusickii Vasey ssp. cusickii usually grows up to 30-50 centimeters tall, forming dense clumps. Its leaves are thin and can grow up to 20 centimeters long. The plant's inflorescence is composed of several spikelets that are arranged in an open panicle. The flowers of the plant are small and usually have a bluish-green color, which is why it is commonly referred to as Cusick's bluegrass.
Uses
Poa cusickii Vasey ssp. cusickii is not widely used in the horticultural industry or as a forage crop. It is mostly valued for its aesthetic qualities and its ability to stabilize soil in erosion-prone areas. The plant is also known to be used as a habitat and food source for native wildlife such as birds and rodents.
Light Requirements
Poa cusickii Vasey ssp. cusickii requires full sunlight exposure to grow properly. It cannot tolerate shade or partial sunlight conditions. If it is grown in a shaded area, its growth will be limited, and it will not produce ample leaves as required by the plant's basic description.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives well in cool temperatures. It cannot stand up to high temperatures or severe heat conditions. Its optimal growth temperature ranges between 50-70°F. When the temperature exceeds the above range, the plant's opportunities for survival decrease as it starts to age and produce fewer flowers.
Soil Requirements
Poa cusickii Vasey ssp. cusickii grows well in well-drained, fine-textured soils that have medium to fine gravel. It cannot tolerate heavy-textured soils that hold water because such soils drain poorly, leading to the buildup of stagnant water around the plant's roots, which can cause them to rot. The soil must be kept moist enough for the plant to grow, but not saturated throughout its growth period. Additionally, the soil's pH level should be between 5.5 - 6.5 to make it easier for the plant to absorb the necessary nutrients.
Cultivation Methods for Poa cusickii Vasey ssp. cusickii
Poa cusickii Vasey ssp. cusickii, commonly known as Cusick's bluegrass, requires well-drained soils and is tolerant of a wide range of light levels. This plant prefers full sun but can also grow in partial shade. It can be grown from seed or sod, and the ideal planting time is in late summer to fall.
Watering Needs for Poa cusickii Vasey ssp. cusickii
Cusick's bluegrass requires moderate to low amounts of water. It prefers moist but not waterlogged soils. The best watering schedule is to water deeply once a week rather than frequent shallow watering. However, the frequency and amount of water needed will vary based on soil type and climatic conditions.
Fertilization of Poa cusickii Vasey ssp. cusickii
Cusick's bluegrass performs well with a well-balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied annually in the spring or fall. It is essential to ensure that the fertilizer's nitrogen content is not too high, as it can encourage excessive growth that can lead to disease and insect issues. Apply the fertilizer following the manufacturer's instructions, and water it in well after application.
Pruning Poa cusickii Vasey ssp. cusickii
Poa cusickii Vasey ssp. cusickii does not require regular pruning. However, removing dead or damaged leaves can promote healthy growth and improve the plant's overall appearance. If the grass becomes too tall or unkempt, it can be mowed to a height of 2-3 inches. However, avoid mowing too low, as it can damage the plant and reduce its vigor.
Propagation of Poa cusickii Vasey ssp. cusickii
Poa cusickii Vasey ssp. cusickii, commonly known as Cusick's bluegrass, is a grass species native to North America. It is primarily found in the western U.S. and Canada, where it grows in meadows, forests, and other open habitats. Propagation of Poa cusickii can be achieved through different methods, including seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and easiest method of propagating Poa cusickii. Seeds can be collected in the fall when they begin to turn brown. Collecting and storing seeds in a dry, cool place allows for seed viability and successful germination. Seeds can be sown in the late fall to early spring when soil temperatures reach above 50°F.
The soil should be moist, and the seed should be sowed evenly over the surface of the soil. The seeds should barely be covered with soil, as they require light to germinate. The seeds should be watered regularly to ensure they are kept moist. Germination typically occurs within 10-20 days.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation can also be used to propagate Poa cusickii. This method involves taking a division or cutting of the parent plant and planting it in a new location. Divisions should be taken in the early spring before the growing season starts, or in the late summer or early fall after the growing season ends.
The roots should be separated with care and planted in a suitable location, ensuring that the soil is kept moist, but not waterlogged. Once planted firmly, the plant should be watered as needed, and the soil should be kept moist until new shoots appear. Vegetative propagation is useful for maintaining clonal diversity or propagating variants with improved traits.
Both seed and vegetative propagation methods can be successful for propagating Poa cusickii. It is essential to select a propagation method that is best suited for resources and available space for the new plants.
Disease Management
Poa cusickii Vasey ssp. cusickii is a hardy plant that does not usually succumb to diseases. However, under certain growing conditions, it can become susceptible to fungal infections such as Pythium root rot and dollar spot.
Proper cultural practices such as avoiding over-watering, adequate soil drainage, and proper fertilization can prevent or minimize the incidence of these diseases. Fungicides can also be used as a preventive measure. Fungicidal sprays should be applied according to the manufacturer’s recommendations if an infection is observed.
Pest Management
Common pests that can attack Poa cusickii Vasey ssp. cusickii include cutworms, armyworms, and root weevils. These pests can cause extensive damage to the plant if left uncontrolled.
Cutworms and armyworms can be controlled through proper cultural practices such as removing plant debris and keeping the area around the plant free of weeds. Insecticides are also available and can be sprayed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations if an infestation is observed.
Root weevils are challenging to control as they spend most of their time underground. However, soil drenches or granular insecticides can be applied to the area around the plant to control these pests.
Regular monitoring of the plant for any signs of pest or disease infestations can help in early detection and effective management. It is also recommended to choose disease-resistant varieties of Poa cusickii Vasey ssp. cusickii to minimize the incidence of disease and pest attacks.