Origin
Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash ssp. neomexicanum (Nash) Gandhi & Smeins, commonly known as Little Bluestem, is a native plant to North America, found in countries such as Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Common Names
Little Bluestem has been known by many names such as Prairie Beardgrass, Sagegrass, Bluejoint, Poorlands, and Beardgrass, among others. Its name "Little Bluestem" has been attributed to its blue-green color during the growing season.
Uses
Little Bluestem has both ornamental and functional uses. In ornamental gardening, Little Bluestem is used to beautify and add texture to landscapes, gardens, and natural areas. The plant's attractive seed heads provide food for birds and small mammals. Little Bluestem has also become an essential component of prairie restoration efforts, contributing to the preservation of natural habitats and ecosystems. Besides, the plant's roots fuel soil stabilization, erosion control, and water retention.
General Appearance
The Little Bluestem plant has a distinctively upright growth form that can reach heights of up to 4 feet. Its slender stems and leaves are usually blue-green to silvery-green in color, turning red or bronze in the fall. As the plant begins to mature, its foliage will gradually become more grayish-green in color before it dies back in the winter months. Little Bluestem produces a spike-like flower tuft that can range in color from green to blue-purple during the summer months.
Light Requirements
Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash ssp. neomexicanum (Nash) Gandhi & Smeins requires full sun to grow and thrive. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. It does not tolerate shade well and may struggle to grow or flower if it does not receive enough sunlight. Therefore, it is best to plant it in an area that receives sun for most of the day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is highly adaptable and can grow in a variety of temperatures. However, it is most commonly found in regions with a continental climate, which means it can tolerate both warm and cold temperatures. It can grow in areas with an average annual temperature range of 2°C - 27°C (35°F - 81°F). It can also withstand frost and snow during the winter months.
Soil Requirements
Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash ssp. neomexicanum (Nash) Gandhi & Smeins can grow in a range of soil types but prefers well-drained soils with a pH of 6.0 - 7.5. It can tolerate poor soil conditions, including sandy, loamy or rocky soils and clay soils. However, the soil must be well-drained, and excessive moisture should be avoided. It can also survive in soils with low fertility, as it has developed adaptive mechanisms that allow it to extract nutrients more efficiently from the soil.
Cultivation
Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash ssp. neomexicanum (Nash) Gandhi & Smeins is a warm-season, native grass species that thrives in full sun. It prefers well-drained soil and can grow in various soil types, including sandy, loamy, or rocky soils. It is drought-tolerant and does not require high fertility to thrive.
Watering Needs
The plant's drought-tolerant nature makes it suitable for areas with low rainfall, but it needs regular watering during its establishment phase. Watering should be done with care to avoid waterlogging the soil, which can cause root rot.
Fertilization
Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash ssp. neomexicanum (Nash) Gandhi & Smeins does not require a lot of fertilization, but some nutrients can be added during its establishment phase to stimulate growth. A low-nitrogen fertilizer can be applied once a month until the plant is well established.
Pruning
The plant requires minimal pruning, and it is only necessary to remove any dead or damaged stems occasionally. The best time to prune the grass is during the early spring before the new growth emerges. Regular pruning helps to promote healthy growth and also helps to maintain the plant's shape.
Propagation of Schizachyrium Scoparium ssp. Neomexicanum
Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash ssp. neomexicanum (Nash) Gandhi & Smeins, commonly known as New Mexico little bluestem, is a native grass species found in the Southwest United States. This plant is an excellent choice for revegetation of disturbed areas, erosion control, and wildlife habitat restoration. Propagation of Schizachyrium scoparium can be achieved through various methods.
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagating Schizachyrium scoparium is through seeds. The best time to collect seeds is in late summer or early fall when the seeds have fully developed and are beginning to turn brown. The seed heads need to be thoroughly dry before they are harvested, cleaned, and stored. To mimic the natural conditions that Schizachyrium scoparium seeds require for germination, it is recommended to store them in a cool, dry place until you are ready to plant them in the fall.
Once your seeds are cleaned and ready for planting, it is best to plant them directly into a prepared seedbed. The seedbed should be free from weeds and have a fine tilth. It can be helpful to mix the seeds with sand or another inert material to help with spreading them evenly across the seedbed. After broadcasting the seeds, they should be covered lightly with soil and watered gently. Germination should occur within 7-14 days, and the seedlings will require regular watering and protection from ravenous animals.
Vegetative propagation
Schizachyrium scoparium can also be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings. This method is more complicated than seed propagation but is more reliable when attempting to propagate specific cultivars or genetic clones. Stem cuttings should be taken from the current year's growth, in late summer or early fall, from healthy plants. Cuttings 6-8 inches in length can be treated with a rooting hormone and placed into sterile medium. The cuttings should be kept warm and moist until they show signs of root development.
Understanding the methods of propagation for Schizachyrium scoparium can provide various options for introducing this plant species in areas where it might be lacking. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, but with a little patience and proper preparation, successful propagation can be achieved, providing many benefits to the native ecosystem.
Disease Management
Several diseases can affect the Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash ssp. neomexicanum (Nash) Gandhi & Smeins plant, including:
- Fungal infections: Fungal diseases like rust, leaf blotch, smut, and root rot are common in this plant. Rust causes yellow-orange pustules on stems and leaves, while leaf blotch forms dark brown spots. Ethrel and copper-based fungicides can effectively treat these diseases.
- Bacterial infections: Bacterial diseases like crown gall and leaf streaks may cause the death of the plant. Crown gall causes the formation of a tumor on the plant's stem while leaf streaks cause yellow lines on leaves. Erwinia herbicola causes crown gall and can be treated through the removal of infected plant parts and the application of copper-based bactericides.
Pest Management
Several pests may attack the Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash ssp. neomexicanum (Nash) Gandhi & Smeins plant, including:
- Insects: Insects like grasshoppers, cutworms, and aphids feed on this plant's leaves and may cause defoliation. Bacillus thuringiensis and insecticidal soaps can help control these pests.
- Mammals: Grazing mammals like rabbits, deer, and elk may eat this plant's leaves. Installing physical barriers like fences and using repellents can help protect the plant from these pests.
