Overview
Poa cusickii Vasey ssp. pubens Keck, also known as Cusick's bluegrass, is a perennial grass that is native to western North America. This grass is highly valued for its forage potential and is commonly found in mixed grass prairies, on mountain slopes, and in moist meadows.Description
Cusick's bluegrass is a densely tufted grass that grows up to 3 feet tall. The blades are flat and range from 2-10 inches long. The ligules are short and rounded. The flowers are produced in a panicle that can grow up to 12 inches long.Uses
Cusick's bluegrass is commonly used for forage in pastures and hayfields. It is highly palatable to livestock and can provide high quality forage during the growing season. Additionally, it is an important component of restoration efforts in areas where native grasses have been lost due to land use change, such as overgrazing.Interesting Facts
Cusick's bluegrass is named after its discoverer, John Cusick, a botanist who collected the grass during a survey of the Rocky Mountains in the late 1800s. The subspecies pubens is known for its hairy leaves and can be found in areas with higher precipitation.Light Requirements
The Poa cusickii Vasey ssp. pubens Keck, commonly known as Cusick's Bluegrass, prefers full sun to partial shade. It grows optimally in areas where it receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. However, it can tolerate some shade, particularly in hot, dry regions.
Temperature Requirements
Typically found in various elevations of the Pacific Northwest, including intermountain basins, mountain slopes, and prairie grasslands, Cusick's Bluegrass prefers cooler temperatures. It can grow in temperatures averaging around 10-15°C (50-59°F). However, it can handle temperatures as low as -29°C (-20°F) and as high as 37°C (99°F).
Soil Requirements
Cusick's Bluegrass grows best in well-draining soils that are fertile, moist, and loamy. It prefers a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 and can tolerate soils with slightly acidic to slightly alkaline pH levels. Additionally, this type of bluegrass is commonly found in areas with adequate rainfall, especially in the early spring and late fall. It is somewhat drought-tolerant, but soils that are too dry can decrease its growth rate and quality.
Cultivation Methods
Poa cusickii Vasey ssp. pubens Keck, commonly known as Cusick's bluegrass, is a perennial grass that is native to North America. Its natural habitat is in the mountainous regions of the western United States, where it can be found growing in open meadows, along streams and on forest edges.
When cultivating Cusick's bluegrass, choose a location that receives full to partial sun and has well-draining soil. Planting should be done in the spring or early fall, by either seed or sod. For best results, be sure to provide adequate irrigation during the establishment stage, which is about 6-8 weeks.
Watering Needs
Cusick's bluegrass prefers slightly moist soil conditions, so regular watering is necessary to ensure proper growth. The frequency of watering should depend on the climate and soil conditions of your location, but in general, aim to water deeply once or twice a week during the growing season. Avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot. During the dormant season, reduce the frequency of watering.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth and ensure a vibrant green color, fertilizing Cusick's bluegrass is recommended. Apply a balanced fertilizer with a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (N-P-K) ratio of 3-1-2 in early spring and again in early fall. Follow the package instructions for application rates, and always water thoroughly after fertilization. Do not fertilize during periods of drought or heat stress.
Pruning
Cusick's bluegrass does not require pruning in the conventional sense, but removing spent flower heads before they go to seed can prevent the plant from spreading too quickly. It's also recommended to mow the grass in the spring or early fall when it reaches a height of 3-4 inches to promote denser growth. Avoid mowing too low as it can damage the plant.
Propagation of Poa cusickii Vasey ssp. pubens Keck
Poa cusickii Vasey ssp. pubens Keck, commonly known as Cusick's bluegrass, is a perennial grass species that reproduces through seeds and vegetative propagation.
Seed propagation
The most common propagation method for Poa cusickii is through seeds. The seeds should be gathered in the late summer or early fall, when the seed heads have begun to dry and turn brown. The seeds can then be stored in a cool, dry place until spring, when they can be planted in a seed tray or directly in the garden.
Before planting, the seeds can be scarified or stratified to improve germination rates. Scarification involves nicking the seed coat with a small knife or file to allow water to penetrate the seed. Stratification involves exposing the seeds to cold, moist conditions for several weeks to simulate winter conditions.
Once planted, the seeds should be kept moist and in a warm location (around 70°F) until they germinate, which can take up to several weeks. After germination, the seedlings can be transplanted to their final location or grown in containers until they are large enough to be planted.
Vegetative propagation
Poa cusickii can also be propagated through division of established plants or through stem cuttings. Division involves digging up an established plant and separating it into smaller sections, each with its own root system. The sections can then be replanted in their new location and watered regularly until they establish new roots.
Stem cuttings should be taken from the tips of healthy, disease-free plants in the late spring or early summer. The stems should be cut into several sections, each with at least one node. These sections can then be planted in a rooting medium, such as perlite or vermiculite, and kept moist and warm until they develop roots.
Both seed and vegetative propagation methods can be successful for growing Poa cusickii. Depending on the desired outcome, seed propagation may be more practical for large-scale plantings, while vegetative propagation may be more appropriate for small-scale plantings or for establishing new plants from existing ones.
Disease Management
While Poa cusickii Vasey ssp. pubens Keck is relatively resistant to diseases, it can still be susceptible to a few common diseases:
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes circular brown spots on the leaves. To manage it, remove infected leaves and make sure to water the plant early in the day so the foliage has time to dry before night.
- Pythium root rot: This disease is caused by a water mold that attacks the plant's roots. To prevent it, avoid overwatering and improve soil drainage. Infected plants should be removed and the soil should be sterilized before replanting.
Pest Management
Poa cusickii Vasey ssp. pubens Keck is also relatively resistant to pests, but there are a few insects that may attack the plant:
- Cutworms: These caterpillars feed on the plant's stem at soil level, causing wilting and death. To manage them, handpick the caterpillars and destroy them, or use a biological control method such as parasitic nematodes.
- Grasshoppers: These insects can consume the whole plant, causing severe damage. To manage them, use a physical barrier such as a row cover, or use an insecticidal soap or Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray.
