Description of Poa gracillima Vasey var. multnomae (Piper) C.L. Hitchc.
Poa gracillima Vasey var. multnomae (Piper) C.L. Hitchc. is a perennial grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is native to western North America, particularly in the Pacific Northwest region, where it is abundant in moist and shady areas. This grass is commonly known as the Pacific bluegrass or Oregon bluegrass.
General Appearance
Poa gracillima Vasey var. multnomae (Piper) C.L. Hitchc. has a slender, erect stem that can grow up to 50cm tall. Its leaves are flat, narrow, and have a bluish-green color, measuring around 10-15cm long and 2-3mm wide. The inflorescence is a panicle, with branches extending up to 20cm long, and the spikelets are arranged in pairs. The spikelets are around 2-3mm long and have pointed lemmas.
Uses
Poa gracillima Vasey var. multnomae (Piper) C.L. Hitchc. has several uses. It is a great ornamental grass and is often used in landscaping. It is also known for its erosion control capabilities and is used for revegetation projects in degraded areas. Additionally, it serves as a forage plant for grazing animals such as cattle, horses, and deer.
Conservation Status
Poa gracillima Vasey var. multnomae (Piper) C.L. Hitchc. is listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, it is considered as a sensitive species by the US Forest Service and is protected under their guidelines.
hereGrowth Conditions for Poa gracillima Vasey var. multnomae (Piper) C.L. Hitchc.
Light: Poa gracillima Vasey var. multnomae prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. In areas with extremely hot summers, some shade during the hottest period of the day may be necessary to prevent heat stress.
Temperature: This species is adapted to cool temperate climates and can tolerate cold temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C). Optimal growth occurs between 60-75°F (15-24°C). High temperatures above 85°F (29°C) can cause stress or even death to the plant.
Soil: Poa gracillima Vasey var. multnomae prefers well-drained soils and can thrive in a wide range of soil types including sandy, loamy, or rocky soils. However, it requires moderately fertile soils with a pH range of 5.5-7.5 for optimal growth. It can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils.
Moisture: This plant species prefers moderate soil moisture, not too wet or too dry. It can tolerate short periods of drought but does not thrive in consistently dry conditions. During periods of prolonged drought, supplemental watering may be necessary to maintain growth and health.
Nutrition: Poa gracillima Vasey var. multnomae requires moderate levels of nutrients to sustain proper growth. However, excessive fertilization can lead to overgrowth and weakened resistance to diseases. A balanced fertilizer with a 3:1:2 ratio of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) is recommended for optimal growth.
Cultivation methods
Poa gracillima Vasey var. multnomae (Piper) C.L. Hitchc. or the inland bluegrass is a cool-season perennial that thrives in well-draining soils. It requires full to partial sunlight and cooler temperatures, making it an ideal plant for gardens in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 to 9.
To cultivate, plant the seeds in late summer to early fall at a depth of ¼ inch and maintain soil moisture levels of at least 1 inch per week to ensure proper germination. When the plant reaches 2 inches in height, thin out the seedlings to about 6 inches apart to prevent overcrowding.
Watering needs
Poa gracillima Vasey var. multnomae is a drought-tolerant plant that requires consistent moisture levels to thrive. To avoid waterlogging the soil, water the plant deeply once a week and allow the topsoil to dry between watering sessions. During the hot summer months, increase watering frequency to prevent the plant from drying out.
Fertilization
Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer 3 to 4 times per year; once during early spring, twice during the growing season, and once in late summer to early fall. Avoid fertilizing during winter when the plant is in its dormant state.
Pruning
Regular pruning helps Poa gracillima Vasey var. multnomae maintain healthy growth and prevents seed formation, which can otherwise lead to self-seeding and weediness. Prune the plant during the growing season to a height of 2 to 3 inches to promote denser foliage and discourage weed growth. In fall, cut the plant back to 1 inch to stimulate new growth and to prepare for winter dormancy.
Propagation of Poa gracillima Vasey var. multnomae (Piper) C.L. Hitchc.
Poa gracillima Vasey var. multnomae (Piper) C.L. Hitchc. commonly known as 'Bluegrass' is propagated through seeds and division, depending on the availability of parent plants.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Poa gracillima can be sown outdoors or indoors, depending on the grower's preference. Outdoors, the seedbed area should be prepared thoroughly, removing any weed seeds and making the soil fine and crumbly. Seeds should be sown on the surface and lightly pressed into the soil. The seedbed should be kept moist to aid in germination. Germination typically takes two to three weeks.
Indoors, seeds can be started in trays or pots filled with a soilless seed-starting mix. The soil should be lightly watered and seeds placed on the surface. The flat should be covered with plastic wrap or a clear plastic dome to hold moisture. Seeds should be kept in a warm, bright location, and the soil should be kept moist.
Division Propagation
Poa gracillima can also be propagated through division. This method requires an established plant that can be divided into smaller sections. Before division, the plant should be watered thoroughly to make the roots easier to separate. Using a sharp, clean garden knife, cut through the root ball, ensuring each section has both roots and shoots. The divided sections can then be replanted in prepared soil and kept moist to encourage new growth.
Propagation of Poa gracillima Vasey var. multnomae (Piper) C.L. Hitchc. through seed and division methods is a great way to ensure the availability of this plant for ornamental purposes or ecological restoration projects.
Disease Management
The grass species Poa gracillima Vasey var. multnomae (Piper) C.L. Hitchc. is generally a healthy plant, but it can sometimes be affected by certain diseases. The most common diseases that can affect this plant are:
- Fusarium patch: This is a fungal disease that appears as small yellow or brown patches on the grass leaves. To manage this disease, it is essential to avoid overwatering the plant, avoid mowing when the grass is wet, and keep the area around the grass dry.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease appears as small red or purple spots on the grass leaves. To manage this disease, it is essential to remove any debris from around the plant, avoid overfertilizing the plant, and reduce the amount of shade that the plant receives.
- Pythium blight: This is a fungal disease that appears as circular patches of dead grass. To manage this disease, it is essential to reduce the amount of watering, avoid overfertilizing, and mow the grass at the correct height.
Pest Management
Poa gracillima Vasey var. multnomae (Piper) C.L. Hitchc. is also prone to certain pests that can cause damage to the plant. The most common pests that can affect this plant are:
- Grubs: These are the larvae of certain beetles and can cause damage to the roots of the plant. To manage this pest, it is essential to use a biological control like insecticidal nematodes or a chemical control.
- Sod webworms: These are the larvae of certain moths that can damage the grass blades. To manage this pest, it is essential to cut the grass regularly and reduce thatch buildup. A biological pesticide can also be used to control this insect.
- Chinch bugs: These are small insects that suck the sap from the blades of the grass. To manage this pest, it is essential to keep the grass healthy by watering and fertilizing it regularly. A biological or chemical pesticide can be used to control this pest.
Regular inspections and proper maintenance can significantly reduce the chances of disease and pest infestations in Poa gracillima Vasey var. multnomae (Piper) C.L. Hitchc..
