Origin
Poa fendleriana (Steud.) Vasey ssp. fendleriana, commonly known as Fendler's bluegrass, is a native grass species that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is found in western North America, ranging from Alaska to Central Mexico. It usually grows in open or rocky areas, including ponderosa pine forests, meadows, and slopes.
Common Names
Fendler's bluegrass is known by several common names, including Fendler's meadow-grass, bluegrass, and western bluegrass.
Uses
Poa fendleriana has several uses in the environment and for humans. It is an important forage plant for livestock and wildlife. Its root system is deep and extensive, which helps to prevent soil erosion and stabilize soil. Fendler's bluegrass is also used for land restoration projects, such as mine reclamation and road revegetation. Besides, it is known for its ornamental value in landscaping projects, providing attractive foliage and flowers for gardens and borders.
General Appearance
Fendler's bluegrass is a perennial, cool-season grass species that can reach up to 3 feet (90 cm) in height. The leaves are narrow and flat, 1/8 to 1/4 inches (3 to 6 mm) wide, and bluish-green in color. The flowers are arranged in a panicle that is 4 to 10 inches (10 to 25 cm) long and contain spikelets that are 1/4 to 1/3 inches (6 to 9 mm) long. The seeds are small and narrow, 1/16 to 1/8 inches (1.5 to 3 mm) long, and have a sharp apex.
Light Requirements
Poa fendleriana requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade but may become leggy and have reduced vigor in very low light conditions.
Temperature Requirements
This species of Poa is adapted to a range of temperatures but prefers cool growing conditions. It grows best in regions with mild summers and cold winters. Average daily temperatures ranging from 60 to 75°F are ideal for its growth.
Soil Requirements
Poa fendleriana prefers well-drained soils that are moderately fertile. It grows best in soils with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. This plant is also adapted to a variety of soil textures, including fine sandy loam, clay loam, and medium loam.
Cultivation Methods
Poa fendleriana (Steud.) Vasey ssp. fendleriana, commonly known as Fendler's bluegrass, is a cool-season grass that grows best in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soils. It is a drought-resistant grass that can tolerate low water availability and infrequent irrigation.
The grass can be propagated by seed or sod. Sowing seeds in the fall or spring is recommended, and the soil should be kept moist until the grass has fully established. Alternatively, sod can be planted anytime, provided that the soil is not too dry or too hot. The grass should root within 2-3 weeks after planting.
Watering Needs
Poa fendleriana (Steud.) Vasey ssp. fendleriana is drought-tolerant, but regular watering is needed during the establishment phase. The grass can go up to two weeks without water once it has established. When watering, it is advisable to avoid overwatering or underwatering as it can lead to weak grass and pest problems.
The grass prefers to grow in moist soil, making it suitable for areas with low to moderate watering needs. The amount of water needed is dependent on factors such as temperature, humidity, and soil composition. It is best to contact local horticulturists or agricultural extension offices for information on the specific watering needs of your area.
Fertilization
To maximize the growth of Poa fendleriana (Steud.) Vasey ssp. fendleriana, fertilizer should be applied during the growing season. It is recommended to utilize slow-release fertilizers at a rate of 1 lb of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn area approximately four times per year. The application of iron sulfate or iron chelate can improve color and growth without excessive growth.
It is important to avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizers, especially during hot and dry conditions, as it can cause excessive grass growth, leading to an increased need for watering or mowing.
Pruning
Poa fendleriana (Steud.) Vasey ssp. fendleriana is a grass, and, as such, it does not require pruning. However, to maintain the grass's health and encourage denser growth, it is recommended to mow regularly. Mowing should be done at a height of 2 to 2 1/2 inches, and the mower blades should be sharp to prevent damage to the grass.
During the dormant season, the grass may turn brown. It is best to leave the brown grass in place, as it can help protect the grass roots from freezing temperatures. Once the grass starts to grow in the spring, a light raking or dethatching can be performed to remove any dead material and promote new growth.
Propagation methods of Poa fendleriana (Steud.) Vasey ssp. fendleriana
Poa fendleriana (Steud.) Vasey ssp. fendleriana, commonly known as Fendler's bluegrass, is a native plant of North America that grows in bunches and is often found in arid regions. It usually grows up to 12-18 inches tall and consists of light green leaves that are 2-4 mm wide.
The plant can be propagated either sexually or asexually. Sexual propagation involves the use of seeds, while asexual propagation involves the use of vegetative parts of the plant.
Sexual propagation
Seeds of Poa fendleriana can be easily collected from mature plants during the autumn or early winter periods. The collected seeds can be sown in early spring once the ground has warmed up and the threat of frost has passed.
The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix, and the soil should be kept moist. A balanced fertilizer may also be added to the soil to aid in the growth of the seedlings. The seedlings should be transplanted into their permanent location once they have grown to a suitable size.
Asexual propagation
The simplest method of asexual propagation is the division of mature plants. This method involves separating the plant's root system into smaller sections and replanting each section separately.
Another method of asexual propagation involves taking stem cuttings from the mature plant and propagating them in the same way as sexual propagation. The cuttings should be taken in early spring when the new leaves are emerging. The cuttings should be placed in a well-draining soil mix, kept moist and in a warm, bright location. The rooted cuttings can be transplanted into their permanent location once they have grown to a suitable size.
Disease Management
Poa fendleriana (Steud.) Vasey ssp. fendleriana is susceptible to various fungal and bacterial diseases like leaf spots, rust, smut, and root rots. These diseases can affect the plant's growth and health.
To manage fungal diseases, it is important to practice good sanitation practices like removing infected plant debris, avoiding overhead watering, and improving air circulation. Fungicides like copper, sulfur, and neem oil can also be used to control fungal diseases.
Bacterial diseases can be managed by removing infected plant parts, watering the plants early in the day to allow the foliage to dry, and using copper-based bactericides.
Pest Management
Pests that commonly affect Poa fendleriana (Steud.) Vasey ssp. fendleriana include aphids, mites, and grasshoppers.
To manage aphids and mites, it is important to wash off the leaves with a strong jet of water or treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings can also help keep aphid and mite populations in check.
Grasshoppers can be managed by using physical barriers like netting or placing row covers over the plants. Insecticides like pyrethroids or spinosad can also be used to control grasshopper populations.
Overall, it is important to regularly monitor Poa fendleriana (Steud.) Vasey ssp. fendleriana for signs of disease or pest infestations and take appropriate measures to manage them to help keep the plant healthy and productive.
