Origin
Poa nemoralis L. var. interior (Rydb.) Butters & Abbe, commonly known as Woodland bluegrass, is a perennial plant species belonging to the family Poaceae. It is native to North America and is found in various parts of the United States and Canada.
Common Names
Woodland bluegrass is known by several common names including Interior bluegrass, Wood bluegrass, Bluegrass, and Prairie bluegrass.
Uses
Woodland bluegrass is primarily used as a forage crop for livestock, especially in pastures and hayfields. The plant can withstand heavy grazing and recovers quickly after mowing or grazing. The plant is also used for erosion control, particularly in areas prone to soil erosion. Besides, Woodland bluegrass has ornamental value and is used in landscaping and gardening.
General Appearance
Woodland bluegrass is a low-growing tufted perennial grass. The plant grows to a height of 10 to 50cm (4 to 20 inches) and has short rhizomes. It has narrow, flat leaf blades that grow up to 35cm (14 inches) long and 2 to 5mm wide. The leaf blades are smooth on top and rough on the bottom, with a prominent midvein. The plant has a dense, narrow panicle that is 5 to 15cm (2 to 6 inches) long and 1 to 2cm wide. The panicle contains spikelets that are bluish-green in color and have smooth glumes. Woodland bluegrass flowers from May to June, and the plant reproduces by seed and rhizomes.
hereGrowth Conditions for Poa nemoralis L. var. interior (Rydb.) Butters & Abbe
Light: Poa nemoralis L. var. interior (Rydb.) Butters & Abbe typically grows best in sunny or partially shaded areas. It needs at least 5-6 hours of sunlight daily to grow properly.
Temperature: The ideal temperature range for Poa nemoralis L. var. interior (Rydb.) Butters & Abbe is between 15-25°C. However, it can tolerate a range of temperatures from -40°C to 40°C.
Soil Requirements: The plant prefers well-drained soils and pH range between 5.5 and 7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soil textures including sandy, loamy or clay soils as long as they are well-drained.
It is important to note that proper watering and fertilization are also essential for the healthy growth of Poa nemoralis L. var. interior (Rydb.) Butters & Abbe.
Cultivation
Poa nemoralis L. var. interior (Rydb.) Butters & Abbe can be grown in various soil types ranging from sandy to heavy loams. It is important to ensure the soil is well-draining as this grass prefers moist but not waterlogged conditions. The plant requires full sun to partial shade, and it can tolerate cold temperatures particularly during the winter season.
Watering needs
The grass should be watered immediately after transplanting, and then it should be watered regularly especially during the first growing season to ensure the establishment of a strong root system. Afterward, it requires moderate watering to thrive, and it is advisable to ensure that the soil dries between watering sessions. Overwatering may lead to the development of fungal diseases such as root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential to achieve healthy growth and a beautiful lawn. A balanced fertilizer should be applied during the growing season, and it should be applied in small amounts spread evenly across the plantation area. Over-fertilization may lead to excessive growth and may affect the quality of the grass blades.
Pruning
Pruning is not a crucial maintenance requirement for Poa nemoralis L. var. interior (Rydb.) Butters & Abbe. However, to maintain an attractive lawn, it should be mowed regularly using a lawnmower with sharp blades to avoid tearing the blades. The recommended height is between 1.5 to 3 inches. If the grass is taller than 3 inches, it should be cut gradually to avoid the shock of removing too much of the blade length at once. Removal of more than a third of the blade during mowing should be avoided since it weakens the grass and may slow down its growth rate.
Propagation of Poa nemoralis L. var. interior (Rydb.) Butters & Abbe
Poa nemoralis L. var. interior (Rydb.) Butters & Abbe, commonly known as woodland bluegrass, is a cool-season perennial grass that is well-adapted to shaded areas with moist to mesic soil conditions. Propagation of woodland bluegrass is typically accomplished through seed.
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most reliable way to propagate Poa nemoralis L. var. interior (Rydb.) Butters & Abbe is through seed. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers in the spring, which are followed by seed heads in early summer. To collect the seed, wait until the seed heads have turned brown and then cut them off the plant.
The seeds then need to be separated from the seed head and any debris. Once the seeds have been cleaned, they can be planted in a prepared seedbed. The ideal time to plant Poa nemoralis L. var. interior (Rydb.) Butters & Abbe seeds is in the fall, but they can also be planted in the spring.
The seeds should be sown thinly and covered lightly with soil. Keep the soil moist, but not water-logged, until the seeds germinate. Germination typically occurs within 14-28 days.
Disease Management
Poa nemoralis L. var. interior (Rydb.) Butters & Abbe is prone to several diseases that can affect its growth and productivity. Some of the common diseases include:
- Fusarium patch - This disease is caused by the fungus Fusarium nivale. Symptoms include yellowish-brown patches on the leaves that may become covered in white or pink-ish fungal growth. To manage this disease, avoid applying nitrogen fertilizers in the fall, promote good drainage, and minimize traffic on the turf during high-risk periods.
- Red thread - This is a fungal disease caused by Laetisaria fuciformis or Waitea circinata. It causes the leaves to turn brown or red, with tiny, pink threads and web-like growths visible on the affected leaves. To manage this disease, provide adequate nitrogen fertilizers, avoid humid conditions, and minimize thatch build-up.
- Brown patch - This fungal disease is caused by Rhizoctonia species, and it causes irregularly-shaped reddish-brown patches on the leaves. To manage this disease, avoid applying excessive nitrogen fertilizers in the early season, maintain moderate amounts of moisture throughout the plant, and ensure proper drainage.
Pest Management
Poa nemoralis L. var. interior (Rydb.) Butters & Abbe is also vulnerable to pests that can damage and reduce the plant's productivity. Some of the common pests include:
- Billbugs - These pests attack the crowns and roots of the plants, causing them to wither and die. To manage these pests, use a thatch control program, promote deep rooting, and use insecticides when necessary.
- Chinch bugs - These pests suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and eventually die. To manage these pests, ensure adequate soil moisture, promote good turf density, and use insecticides when necessary.
- White grubs - These larvae of several species of beetles feed on the roots of the plant, causing damage and destruction. To manage these pests, use insecticides, promote regular mowing to discourage egg-laying, and apply nematodes to the soil.
