Origin of Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash ssp. divergens (Hack.) Gandhi & Smeins
Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash ssp. divergens (Hack.) Gandhi & Smeins, commonly known as little bluestem, is a prairie grass native to North America. It is widely distributed across the central and eastern regions of the United States and Canada.
Common Names of Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash ssp. divergens (Hack.) Gandhi & Smeins
In addition to being called little bluestem, Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash ssp. divergens (Hack.) Gandhi & Smeins goes by many other names such as broomsedge, beardgrass, poverty grass, and turkey-foot grass. These common names vary depending on the region and the cultural practices of the locals.
Uses of Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash ssp. divergens (Hack.) Gandhi & Smeins
Historically, Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash ssp. divergens (Hack.) Gandhi & Smeins was used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes, including making teas and poultices for stopping bleeding. In modern times, the grass is used extensively for soil stabilization, wildlife habitat restoration, and erosion control. The stems provide excellent cover for small animals and birds while the seeds are a vital source of food for many wildlife species.
General Appearance of Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash ssp. divergens (Hack.) Gandhi & Smeins
Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash ssp. divergens (Hack.) Gandhi & Smeins is a warm-season perennial grass that grows to a height of 1-4 feet. It has blue-green leaves that turn reddish-brown in the fall, giving a pleasing color to landscapes. The grass has an extensive root system that allows it to adapt to a variety of soil types. During the summer months, it produces a flowering stem that is branched, red-brown in color with green foliage, and it turns silver-white as it matures.
Growth Conditions for Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash ssp. divergens (Hack.) Gandhi & Smeins
Light: Schizachyrium scoparium ssp. divergens requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. It does not tolerate shade well and may suffer from stunted growth or die-back in shaded areas.
Temperature: This plant is adaptable to a range of temperatures but grows best in areas with warm summers and cool winters. It can survive extreme temperature fluctuations, including frost and heatwaves.
Soil Requirements: Schizachyrium scoparium ssp. divergens prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of 5.8-7.2. It grows well in sandy loam, loam, and clay loam soils but does not tolerate waterlogged or poorly-draining soils. This plant is drought-tolerant and does not require heavy watering once established.
Cultivation Methods
Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash ssp. divergens (Hack.) Gandhi & Smeins, commonly known as Little Bluestem, is a warm-season grass that thrives in well-drained soils. It is tolerant of drought and is adaptable to a range of soil types, from sandy to clay soils. The plant grows best in full sun and can tolerate partial shade.
If you plan to cultivate Schizachyrium scoparium, it is recommended to plant it in the spring after the last frost. The grass can either be grown from seeds or transplanted from established plants. It is recommended to plant the grass in groups to create an eye-catching display.
Watering Needs
Schizachyrium scoparium does not require a lot of water, as it is a drought-tolerant plant. However, regular watering is needed during the first growing season to help establish the roots of the grass. Once established, the plant can withstand long periods of drought without water. Overwatering can lead to root rot and disease, so it is essential to avoid watering the plant too frequently.
Fertilization
Schizachyrium scoparium does not require a lot of fertilizer. In fact, over-fertilization can lead to excessive foliage growth, which can make the plant more susceptible to disease and lodging. It is recommended to apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 fertilizer, once a year in the spring before the growing season. Alternatively, you can use an organic fertilizer, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to help improve soil fertility.
Pruning
Schizachyrium scoparium is a low-maintenance grass that requires minimal pruning. It is recommended to prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Pruning should be done to remove any dead or damaged leaves and stems. Additionally, a light pruning can be done to control the size of the plant and promote new growth. Avoid pruning too much as it can reduce the size of the plant and affect its natural form.
Propagation Methods for Schizachyrium Scoparium ssp. Divergens
Schizachyrium scoparium ssp. divergens, also known as the prairie little bluestem, is a native grass species to the United States. It is a sturdy perennial plant that grows in prairies, savannas, and open woodlands. Propagation is one of the vital aspects of growing Schizachyrium scoparium. There are two common methods of propagating this plant: through seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
The seed propagation method is the most common and preferred method of propagating Schizachyrium scoparium ssp. divergens. It is also an inexpensive method. The seeds of this plant species are small, and they require careful handling. Here are the steps to be followed:
- Collect the seeds from the Schizachyrium scoparium ssp. divergens plant between late summer and early fall. The seeds should be dry, brown and harvest-ready before collecting.
- Clean the seeds. This process involves removing the husks and the chaff. You can do this by winnowing, sieving, or hand-sorting the seeds.
- Pre-treat the seeds. Schizachyrium scoparium ssp. divergens seed dormancy may require the use of pre-treatment methods like soaking the seeds in water, treatment with gibberellic acid (GA3), or cold stratification for optimal germination.
- Plant the seeds. Prepare your planting site by tilling the soil to a depth of at least 5 inches. Space the seeds evenly and lightly cover them with soil or sand. Keep the soil moist and warm to encourage the seeds' germination.
- Transplant. Once the seedlings have reached 3-6 inches in height, you can transplant them to their permanent location. Transplant the seedlings when the soil is moist and the weather is cool.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is another method of propagating Schizachyrium scoparium ssp. divergens. This method involves using plant cuttings, dividing the plants, or cloning the plant tissue to produce new plants. The steps involved include:
- Select healthy schizachyrium scoparium ssp. divergens plant specimens that are not blooming or going to seed. That’s when the plant’s energy is concentrated on its roots and leaves, which helps cuttings root better and establish a new plant.
- Take cuttings. Using clean pruning shears, take cuttings from the parent plant. Make sure the cuttings’ base is taken from the softwood between the hard and soft parts.
- Plant the cuttings. Dip the cuttings' base into rooting hormones and keep them moist until roots have developed. Then pot them in clean potting soil and maintain proper watering. Alternatively, you can plant the cuttings directly in the soil outdoors.
- Transplant the cuttings. Once the cuttings have developed roots, you can transplant them to their permanent location. Transplant them when the soil is moist and the weather is cool.
Disease Management for Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash ssp. divergens (Hack.) Gandhi & Smeins
Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash ssp. divergens (Hack.) Gandhi & Smeins, commonly known as little bluestem, is a grass that can be affected by several diseases, including:
- Culm rot: This disease is caused by several fungi that can infect the stem, causing it to rot. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and browning of the stem base. To manage culm rot, avoid overwatering and promote good air circulation around the plant. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed.
- Fusarium blight: This fungal disease can cause discoloration and wilting of the leaves, as well as necrosis of the crown. To manage Fusarium blight, apply fungicides and keep the plant well-watered and nourished.
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by several fungi that can cause circular spots on the leaves. Infected leaves may turn brown and die prematurely. To manage leaf spot, remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Apply a foliar fungicide if necessary.
Pest Management for Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash ssp. divergens (Hack.) Gandhi & Smeins
Little bluestem can also be affected by several pests, including:
- Cutworms: Cutworms can chew through the stems of the plant, causing wilting and death. To manage cutworms, handpick them off the plant and use an insecticide if necessary.
- Grasshoppers: Grasshoppers can also feed on the plant and cause significant damage. To manage grasshoppers, use insecticides or physical barriers to prevent them from accessing the plant.
- Mites: Mites can cause stippling on the leaves and reduce the plant's vigor. To manage mites, apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to the plant.
Regular inspection and monitoring of the plant is key to identifying and managing any diseases or pests that may affect Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash ssp. divergens (Hack.) Gandhi & Smeins successfully.
