Poa Juncifolia Scribn. Var. Ampla (merr.) Dorn - >>poa Secunda

Overview

Poa juncifolia Scribn. var. ampla (Merr.) Dorn, commonly known as the pine bluegrass, is a cool-season perennial grass that is native to the western parts of North America, particularly in the states of Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. It was first described by American botanist Frank Lamson Scribner in 1897 as a variety of Poa juncifolia and later recognized as a distinct species in 1924 by William C. Muenscher.

General Appearance

Poa juncifolia Scribn. var. ampla typically grows in dense tufts that can reach up to 50 cm in height. The leaves of this plant are narrow, linear, and range from green to bluish-green in color, giving the plant a distinctive blue-gray appearance. The bluegrass blooms in summer, producing inflorescences that are panicles up to 25 cm high. The seeds are small, averaging around 1 mm in diameter, and feature a flat, elongated shape.

Common Names

Poa juncifolia Scribn. var. ampla is commonly known as the pine bluegrass, as it is often found growing in areas with pine forests. Other regional names include Junegrass, Fescue-bluegrass, and Crinklehair.

Uses

The pine bluegrass is preferred by wildlife for cover and forage. It serves as an important food source for elk, deer, and pronghorn. The grass can also be crucial to the soil, as the deep roots help to stabilize soil and protect against erosion. Additionally, the grass can be used for erosion control and habitat restoration projects, as it can be successfully grown in harsh and sloping terrains. Though it is not as commonly used for forage as other grass species, some ranchers and farmers have found success using pine bluegrass as a forage crop for livestock. Overall, Poa juncifolia Scribn. var. ampla is an important native grass species for wildlife, ranchers, and restorationists in the western United States.

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Light Requirements

Poa juncifolia Scribn. var. ampla typically grows in full sun to partial shade environments. The plant can tolerate some shade but does require a minimum of 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive.

Temperature Requirements

This plant thrives in cooler temperatures and is often found in areas with an average temperature range between 60-75°F during the growth season. Poa juncifolia Scribn. var. ampla is adapted to higher altitudes and can withstand some frost. However, it cannot tolerate extreme cold and hot temperature fluctuations and should be protected from extreme weather conditions.

Soil Requirements

Poa juncifolia Scribn. var. ampla grows best in well-draining soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.5. The soil should be moderately fertile and rich in organic matter. It flourishes in soils with high moisture retention capacity. Loamy soils with good nutrient-holding capacity are ideal for its growth.

Cultivation

Poa juncifolia Scribn. var. ampla (Merr.) Dorn grows best in loamy or sandy soils with good drainage. It requires full sunlight and a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Avoid planting in areas with shade or heavy winds.

The ideal planting time for this species is in early spring or autumn when the temperature is mild. Sow the seeds ¼ - ½ inch deep in the soil and keep the soil moist until the grass becomes established. It can also be propagated using vegetative methods such as sod, plugs, or sprigs.

Watering Needs

When watering Poa juncifolia Scribn. var. ampla (Merr.) Dorn, it is important to maintain consistent moisture levels in the soil. Do not let the soil dry out completely, but also avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. A good way to monitor soil moisture levels is to stick your finger in the soil to a depth of 1-2 inches. If the soil feels dry at that depth, it's time to water the grass.

Watering should be done in the morning or evening when the sun is not too high. This helps prevent evaporation and allows the water to penetrate the soil properly.

Fertilization

Poa juncifolia Scribn. var. ampla (Merr.) Dorn does not require heavy fertilization, but it can benefit from occasional applications of a balanced fertilizer. Apply a slow-release fertilizer in the early spring and again in the late summer or early fall.

Do not apply fertilizer during hot, dry weather as this can damage the grass. Also, avoid applying too much nitrogen fertilizer as this can cause excessive growth and lead to disease and pest problems.

Pruning

Poa juncifolia Scribn. var. ampla (Merr.) Dorn is a low-growing species that does not require frequent pruning. However, it can benefit from occasional mowing to maintain a neat and healthy appearance.

It is recommended to mow the grass to a height of 2-3 inches. Mow the grass in the morning or evening when the temperature is cooler to prevent stress on the grass. Avoid mowing during hot, dry weather as this can damage the grass.

Propagation of Poa juncifolia Scribn. var. ampla (Merr.) Dorn

Poa juncifolia Scribn. var. ampla (Merr.) Dorn, commonly known as thickspike bluegrass, can be propagated through several methods. These include seed propagation and vegetative propagation.

Seed Propagation

Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Poa juncifolia Scribn. var. ampla (Merr.) Dorn. Seeds can be collected from the plant when they are mature and dried. They can be directly sown in the soil during the fall when the temperature is optimal for the growth of the plant. Pre-treatment methods like cold stratification can be used to improve germination rates.

Vegetative Propagation

Vegetative propagation is another method of propagating Poa juncifolia Scribn. var. ampla (Merr.) Dorn. The plant can be propagated through division, cuttings, or layering. Division involves separating the parent plant into smaller sections which can then be planted and grown as individual units. Cuttings are taken from the parent plant and rooted in a suitable medium. Layering involves laying a branch or stem of the parent plant in contact with the soil to promote root growth.

Regardless of the propagation method used, Poa juncifolia Scribn. var. ampla (Merr.) Dorn requires optimal growing conditions to ensure healthy growth and successful propagation. Proper soil, light, and moisture levels must be maintained to ensure the plant's success.

Disease Management

Poa juncifolia Scribn. var. ampla (Merr.) Dorn is susceptible to several diseases that can cause severe damage to the plant, affecting its growth and healthy appearance. The most common diseases affecting this plant are:

• Crown Rust: This fungal disease can cause yellowish-orange pustules to form on the leaves and stems. The disease spreads quickly, especially in wet and humid conditions.
• Leaf Spot: Several fungal species can cause this disease, leading to the appearance of small dark spots on the leaves. The disease can spread during wet weather conditions.
• Anthracnose: This fungal disease affects the leaves, stems, and crowns of the plant, causing yellowish-brown spots and cankers. The disease is more common during rainy seasons.

To manage these diseases, it is vital to maintain proper plant hygiene by removing and disposing of infected plant debris. Additionally, avoid overhead watering and irrigate the plants only at the base to prevent the leaves and stems' wetness. Fungicides containing copper or sulfur can also be applied to the plants to control fungal infections.

Pest Management

Several pests can infest Poa juncifolia Scribn. var. ampla (Merr.) Dorn, causing significant damage to the plants. The most common pests are:

• White Grubs: These are the larvae of beetles, such as Japanese beetles and June bugs, that can feed on the roots of the plant, causing wilting and death of the plant.
• Cutworms: These caterpillars can cut off the young plants at the stem level, leading to stunted growth and reduced yield.
• Sod Webworms: These caterpillars can damage the turfgrass leaves by feeding on them, resulting in an irregular pattern of dead patches on the grass.

To manage these pests, it is vital to monitor the plants regularly, especially during the growing season, and take immediate actions if any infestation is detected. Cultural practices, such as ensuring proper watering and fertilization, can help the plants withstand pest attacks. Insecticidal treatments can also be applied when pest populations reach damaging levels, following the label instructions and safety guidelines to avoid harming beneficial insects or the environment.