Origin
Poa nemoralis L. ssp. interior (Rydb.) W.A. Weber, commonly known as the interior woodland bluegrass, is a cool-season grass species belonging to the Poaceae family. The plant is native to North America, specifically in the western part of the continent, including Alaska, Yukon, Northern California, and the Rocky Mountains.
Common Names
The interior woodland bluegrass has several common names, including Nevada bluegrass, alpine bluegrass, Rocky Mountain bluegrass, and inland bluegrass.
Uses
The interior woodland bluegrass has both ornamental and practical uses. As a cool-season grass species, it is often used for turfgrass purposes, such as landscaping, parks, and sports fields. Its high tolerance for cold and drought makes it an ideal grass species for areas with low rainfall and cold temperatures.
In addition, the plant is also used for grazing purposes, providing forage for livestock such as cattle and sheep. The leaves and stems are nutritious and are a source of food for native herbivores such as elk and deer.
General Appearance
The interior woodland bluegrass is a perennial grass species that typically grows up to 60 centimeters in height. The plant has a tufted growth habit, with numerous stems growing outwards from a central point. The stems are erect and have a blue-green color, with narrow leaves measuring about 0.3 to 0.5 centimeters in width. The inflorescences of the plant grow up to 15 centimeters in length and have small spikelets that contain the plant's seeds.
The plant prefers habitats with moist soils, including forests, meadows, and wetlands. It is often found growing in shaded areas such as under trees and shrubs. The interior woodland bluegrass is a self-fertile species, meaning it can propagate through self-pollination.
hereLight Requirements
Poa nemoralis L. ssp. interior is a plant which requires full sunlight to partial shade to grow and thrive. However, it can tolerate moderate shade to some extent but may not tolerate full shade conditions. Hence, planting it in an open area that receives full sunlight for at least 6 hours a day is recommended.
Temperature Requirements
The average temperature range for Poa nemoralis L. ssp. interior is between 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F). It is a cool-season grass and prefers moderate temperatures. During the summer months, it may become dormant if temperatures exceed 30°C (86°F). Therefore, planting it in areas with cooler temperatures is ideal for its growth.
Soil Requirements
Poa nemoralis L. ssp. interior can grow in a variety of soil types, ranging from clayey, loamy to sandy soils, but it prefers well-drained soils. It can grow well in slightly acidic to neutral soils, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. It requires a moderate amount of nutrients to sustain its growth and can benefit from regular fertilization. However, it is important to avoid soil that is too rich and moist, as it may lead to an overgrowth of weeds and moss.
Cultivation Methods
Poa nemoralis L. ssp. interior (Rydb.) W.A. Weber is a cool-season grass that is well adapted to various soil types, including sandy and clay soils. It requires full sun to partial shade for optimum growth and should be grown in areas that receive at least 4 hours of direct sunlight daily.
The ideal planting time for Poa nemoralis is in the fall or spring when the soil temperature is between 50°F and 65°F. The seeds should be planted at a rate of 2 to 3 pounds per 1,000 square feet and should be sown in shallow furrows and covered with 1/4 inch of soil.
Watering Needs
Poa nemoralis requires adequate water to establish a healthy root system. It prefers consistent moisture in the soil, but too much water can cause root rot, leading to plant death. Watering once or twice per week, depending on weather conditions, is generally adequate for established plants.
Young plants require more frequent watering, as the root system is not yet established. It is best to water in the early morning or late afternoon to reduce evaporation and ensure the soil stays consistently moist.
Fertilization
Fertilization with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, is recommended for Poa nemoralis. Fertilizer should be applied in the early spring and again in the late summer or early fall.
It is crucial to follow the application directions on the fertilizer package to avoid over-fertilizing and causing damage to the grass. It is also recommended to do a soil test to determine if any specific nutrient deficiencies need to be addressed.
Pruning
While Poa nemoralis requires minimal maintenance, periodic mowing is necessary to remove dead leaves and promote healthy growth. Mowing should be done when the grass is at least 2 inches tall but not taller than 4 inches.
Never remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade at one time to avoid stressing the plant. It is also important to keep the mower blades sharp to avoid damaging the grass.
Propagation of Poa nemoralis L. ssp. interior
Poa nemoralis L. ssp. interior can be propagated through seeds or by vegetative methods.
Seed Propagation
Seeds are the most common method of propagation for Poa nemoralis L. ssp. interior. The seeds usually germinate easily, and they can be sown directly into the soil during the fall or spring. Before planting, it is essential to prepare the site adequately by removing weeds and other vegetation. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1/4 inch and spaced about 1 inch apart.
It is crucial to keep the seeds consistently moist until germination occurs, which usually takes about two weeks. After that, regular watering is important to ensure that the plants grow well. The seedlings should be thinned out once they reach about 2 to 3 inches in height, leaving about 6 inches of space between each plant.
Vegetative Propagation
Poa nemoralis L. ssp. interior can also be propagated through vegetative methods, including division, stem cuttings, or plugs.
Division involves separating the plant's roots and replanting them in a new location. This method is best done in the spring or fall when the plant is dormant. It is essential to carefully dig up the plant and divide it into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has both roots and shoots. Once replanted, the plant should be watered well and kept moist during the establishment period.
Stem cuttings can be taken from healthy plants during the growing season. These cuttings should be about 3 to 4 inches long and taken with a clean, sharp knife. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be planted in a well-prepared soil mix. Regular watering is essential to keep the cuttings moist until they begin to root.
Plugs can be purchased or taken from existing plants. These small sections of sod can be planted directly into the soil. Regular watering is essential to ensure that the plugs establish well.
Disease Management
One of the most common diseases that affect Poa nemoralis L. ssp. interior (Rydb.) W.A. Weber is powdery mildew. This disease is caused by fungal growth on the surface of the plant's leaves, causing them to become covered in a white or gray powdery substance. To manage powdery mildew, remove any affected leaves and infected plant material from the area. You can also apply fungicides during the spring and fall months when the disease is most likely to occur.
Another disease that can affect Poa nemoralis L. ssp. interior (Rydb.) W.A. Weber is leaf spot, which is caused by a fungus. Symptoms include brown spots on the leaves, which can eventually lead to leaf death and plant decline. To manage leaf spot, remove any infected plant debris from the area and avoid overhead watering, which can increase the likelihood of fungal growth. Fungicides can also be used to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
One of the most common pests that can affect Poa nemoralis L. ssp. interior (Rydb.) W.A. Weber is aphids. These small insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and a decrease in plant health. To manage aphids, release natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings, or apply insecticidal soap to the affected plants.
Another pest that can affect Poa nemoralis L. ssp. interior (Rydb.) W.A. Weber is cutworms. These caterpillars feed on the stems of the plant, causing them to wilt and die. To manage cutworms, remove any plant debris from the area, as they often lay their eggs in the soil. You can also apply a biological insecticide such as Bacillus thuringiensis to the affected plants.
Finally, spider mites can also be a problem for Poa nemoralis L. ssp. interior (Rydb.) W.A. Weber. These small arachnids suck the sap from the plants, causing yellowing leaves and stunted growth. To manage spider mites, remove any damaged or affected leaves and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the remaining foliage.
