Plant Description
Poa laxa Haenke ssp. fernaldiana, also known as Rocky Mountain bluegrass, is a cool-season perennial plant belonging to the family of Poaceae. It has a mat-forming habit, spreading by stolons, and can grow up to a height of 30cm. The leaves are hairless, bright green, and narrow, with a sharp edge. The flowers are arranged in open panicles and bloom from June to August.
Origin
Poa laxa Haenke ssp. fernaldiana is native to the mountainous regions of western North America, including Alaska, western Canada, and the western United States. It is commonly found in subalpine and alpine habitats, along streams, and in meadows.
Common Names
In addition to Rocky Mountain bluegrass, Poa laxa Haenke ssp. fernaldiana is also known by other common names, including alpine bluegrass, loose bluegrass, and western loose bluegrass.
Uses
Poa laxa Haenke ssp. fernaldiana is a valuable forage plant for livestock and wildlife. It is also commonly used for soil stabilization, erosion control, and land reclamation in disturbed areas. In addition, it is often cultivated as an ornamental grass in gardens and landscaping projects, thanks to its attractive appearance and adaptability to various growing conditions.
Growth Conditions for Poa laxa Haenke ssp. fernaldiana
Poa laxa Haenke ssp. fernaldiana is a cool-season grass that is native to the high alpine regions of North America. It typically grows in areas with cold, snowy winters and short, cool summers.
Light Requirements
Poa laxa Haenke ssp. fernaldiana grows best in areas with full sun to partial shade. In its natural habitat, it often grows in areas where there is snow cover, which helps to reflect sunlight and keep the plant cool during the summer months. When grown outside of its natural habitat, it is important to provide the plant with some shade during the hottest parts of the day to prevent leaf scorching.
Temperature Requirements
Poa laxa Haenke ssp. fernaldiana is adapted to cold temperatures and is often found in areas with permafrost. The plant can survive temperatures as low as -40°C (-40°F) and is able to continue growing even when there is snow cover. In cultivation, the plant will grow best when temperatures remain cool, with daytime temperatures between 15-20°C (59-68°F) and nighttime temperatures between 0-5°C (32-41°F).
Soil Requirements
Poa laxa Haenke ssp. fernaldiana grows best in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant prefers soils that are slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.5-6.0. It is also important that the soil has good water-holding capacity, as the plant requires consistent moisture throughout the growing season. In its natural habitat, the plant often grows in gravelly, rocky soils, but can also grow in soils that are more clay-like.
Cultivation
Poa laxa Haenke ssp. fernaldiana (Nannf.) Hyl. is a cool-season grass that grows best in well-draining, fertile soil. It prefers full sunlight but can tolerate some shade. The best time to plant this grass is in early spring or early fall.
The grass should be planted shallowly and covered with a light layer of soil. It should be kept moist until it has established roots and then watered once a week or when the soil becomes dry.
Watering Needs
Poa laxa Haenke ssp. fernaldiana (Nannf.) Hyl. requires regular watering, especially during its growing season. It needs to be watered deeply, but you should allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Overwatering can cause root rot, so be careful not to overwater.
Fertilization
This grass should be fertilized once a year in the early spring or fall with a balanced fertilizer that contains equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The amount of fertilizer you should use will depend on the size of the area you are fertilizing.
Pruning
Poa laxa Haenke ssp. fernaldiana (Nannf.) Hyl. does not really require much pruning, but you can mow it regularly to keep it at a consistent height. During the growing season, you can mow it to a height of 2 to 3 inches, and during winter, you can let it grow to around 4 inches to help insulate it from the cold.
Propagation Methods of Poa laxa Haenke ssp. fernaldiana (Nannf.) Hyl.
The Poa laxa Haenke ssp. fernaldiana (Nannf.) Hyl. is a cool-season grass that can be propagated using several methods. These methods include:
Seed Propagation
This is the most common method of propagating Poa laxa Haenke ssp. fernaldiana (Nannf.) Hyl. The seeds should be sown in late summer or early fall, while the soil is still warm. The soil should be moist but not too wet. The seeds should be broadcasted evenly and tamped lightly to ensure good soil contact. The seedlings should emerge within two weeks, and they can be transplanted when they reach a height of 2-3 inches.
Division
Division is another method that can be used to propagate Poa laxa Haenke ssp. fernaldiana (Nannf.) Hyl. This involves dividing existing clumps into smaller sections and replanting them. The best time to divide the plants is in early spring or early fall. Care should be taken when dividing the plants to avoid damaging the roots.
Stolon Propagation
Poa laxa Haenke ssp. fernaldiana (Nannf.) Hyl. can also be propagated using stolons. Stolons are horizontal stems that grow from the parent plant and produce new plants at the nodes. The stolons can be cut from the parent plant and replanted in a new location. This method is best carried out in the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Overall, Poa laxa Haenke ssp. fernaldiana (Nannf.) Hyl. can be propagated using different methods. The choice of method will depend on the grower's preference and the availability of resources.
Disease Management
Poa laxa Haenke ssp. fernaldiana is known to be susceptible to several fungal diseases, including brown patch, dollar spot, and snow mold. Brown patch is a common disease that usually occurs during hot and humid weather. It appears as circular patches of brown grass but may start as small spots. Dollar spot causes small white spots to form on the grass. Snow mold, on the other hand, is a type of fungus that grows under snow and can damage grass at the crown and root level.
To manage these diseases, regular scouting of the plant is necessary. Fungicides can be used as a preventive measure by applying them before the disease occurs. Reducing soil compaction and improving soil drainage can also help prevent these diseases. Proper watering practices can go a long way in preventing fungal disease, as some diseases occur when the plant is waterlogged or remains damp for an extended period. Aerating and fertilizing the soil are other activities that can help prevent diseases from occurring.
Pest Management
The most common pests that attack Poa laxa Haenke ssp. fernaldiana are chinch bugs, armyworms, and grubs. Chinch bugs suck the plant's sap, causing the leaves to turn yellow or brown, initially appearing as small spots but spreading eventually. Armyworms attack the leaves, cutting them from the grass's base. Grubs, on the other hand, live on the roots of the grass and prevent the plant from absorbing enough nutrients from the soil, causing the plant to die.
The use of insecticides and pesticides is one way to manage pests. However, it is essential to note that these chemicals can harm pollinators, aquatic life, and beneficial insects. Integrated pest management practices would be more beneficial. One such practice involves the use of beneficial nematodes that feed on grubs while not harming the grass. Another practice is to mow the grass at the appropriate height, as pests tend to attack the plant when it is too tall or too short. Additionally, removing thatch, which is a buildup of dead grass, clippings, and other organic debris, will deter insects from inhabiting the lawn.
