Overview: Schizachyrium Scoparium Var. Frequens
Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash var. frequens (F.T. Hubbard) Gould, commonly referred to as "Little bluestem", is a perennial grass species native to North America. The scientific name of the plant is derived from the Greek words "schizein", meaning to split, and "achyron", which means chaff, referring to the unique characteristic of the plant's lemma and palea splitting at maturity. The plant is a member of the Poaceae family and is found across much of the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Common Names
Little bluestem is the most commonly used name for this species, while other common names include broomsedge, beard grass, and brushwood. In Canada, the plant is commonly referred to as sage grass, while the Mexicans refer to the plant as "zacate barretero", which roughly translates to "hoe grass".
Appearance
The plant has a characteristic blue-green appearance, with leaves that are narrow, upright, and flat. The blades of the leaves are approximately 15-30 cm long and 0.3-0.8 cm wide. The plant's stems can grow up to 1m tall, depending on environmental conditions, and are usually unbranched. At the top of the stems, a cluster of flowers emerges in late summer, typically around August and September. The flowers are a reddish-brown color and are arranged in spikelets of 2-4cm. The flowers later transform into seeds, which are used for plant reproduction and also have commercial value as bird feed.
Uses
The plant is an important component of natural ecosystems, providing essential habitat and food for a variety of wildlife. It is also commonly used for erosion control, particularly in areas that experience frequent dry spells, as it has an extensive, drought-resistant root system. Little bluestem has also become increasingly popular as an ornamental grass for landscaping projects, due to its attractive appearance and minimal maintenance requirements. Additionally, the plant has been used in traditional medicine by the indigenous communities, with some reports indicating that it is useful for the treatment of digestive disorders.
Light Requirements
Schizachyrium scoparium var. frequens thrives in full sunlight. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to grow and develop. In areas with insufficient sunlight, the plant growth tends to be stunted, and the leaves appear elongated.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for growing Schizachyrium scoparium var. frequens is between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. The plant can still grow in temperatures ranging from -20 to 40 degrees Celsius, but it may experience slower growth and development under such conditions.
Soil Requirements
Schizachyrium scoparium var. frequens prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It can thrive in both sandy and clay soil types, although sandy soils are the preferred growing medium. The plant can also grow well in soils with low fertility, although regular application of phosphorous can aid in its growth and development.
Cultivation Methods
Schizachyrium scoparium var. frequens grows best in full sun and well-draining soils. This plant is a warm-season grass that tolerates drought conditions and is perfect for xeric landscaping. In areas with dry summers, this grass can be grown as a perennial. However, in colder regions, it may be grown as an annual plant.
Watering Needs
This plant is known for its drought tolerance and only requires occasional watering. When grown as a perennial, it can survive with natural rainfall, but in dry regions, it may need a weekly watering of about 1 inch during its active growing season. It is recommended not to overwater the plant, as it can lead to root rotting and fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Schizachyrium scoparium var. frequens does not need much fertilization when grown in well-draining soils. Fertilizers rich in nitrogen can lead to excessive foliage growth and affect the plant's blooming. However, in poor soils, it is recommended to apply slow-release fertilizers in early spring. Compost can also be used during planting to enhance fertility and improve soil drainage.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Schizachyrium scoparium var. frequens. However, it is recommended to remove any brown and dead leaves to improve the plant's appearance. It is also vital to cut back the plant in late winter or early spring, before it starts growing new leaves. This will remove any dead stems and improve air circulation around the plant, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
Propagation of Schizachyrium scoparium var. frequens
Schizachyrium scoparium var. frequens, commonly known as little bluestem, is a perennial grass species that is native to North America. It is a popular plant in prairies and grasslands and is also used in landscaping and restoration projects. The plant can be propagated using various methods such as seeds, division, and cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation of Schizachyrium scoparium var. frequens by seeds is the most common and easiest method. The seeds should be collected from mature plants during the fall season when they are fully ripened. The seeds should be stored in a cool and dry place until ready to plant. Prior to planting, the seeds should be stratified for about two weeks by placing them in a mixture of moist sand and peat moss in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. After stratification, the seeds can be sown directly into the soil during the spring or fall season. The soil should be moist and well-drained, and the seeds should be lightly covered with soil. Germination usually occurs within two to three weeks.
Propagation by Division
Another method of propagating Schizachyrium scoparium var. frequens is through division. This can be done in the early spring or fall season when the plant is dormant. The plant should be dug up carefully, and the underground stem and roots should be divided into several sections. Each section should have several shoots and roots. The divisions should be replanted immediately in well-drained soil and watered thoroughly. The new plants should be kept moist until they are established.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation of Schizachyrium scoparium var. frequens using cuttings is also possible, but it is a more challenging method. Cuttings should be taken during the early summer when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be about four to six inches long and should include at least two to three nodes. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and then planted in a pot with moist and well-drained soil. The pot should be covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity, and the cuttings should be kept out of direct sunlight. After a few weeks, the cuttings should start to root, and the plastic bag can be removed. The new plants can be transplanted into the garden once they have become established.
Disease Management
Schizachyrium scoparium var. frequens is susceptible to several fungal diseases, including rust, leaf spot, and stem blight. Rust is a common disease that causes orange or brownish-orange pustules on leaves and stems, while leaf spot causes brown or black spots on leaves. Stem blight usually affects the lower stem and causes wilting and discoloration.
To manage these diseases, it is important to provide proper cultural care, such as avoiding overhead watering and providing adequate air circulation. Fungicides like copper-based products can also be used as a preventive measure. If the disease has already infected the plant, it can be treated with fungicides such as neem oil and azoxystrobin. However, it is important to follow the label instructions and use the recommended protective equipment when handling fungicides.
Pest Management
Schizachyrium scoparium var. frequens is relatively resistant to pests, but it can still be affected by grasshoppers and spider mites.
Grasshoppers can cause extensive damage to the plant by eating its foliage and stems. To manage grasshoppers, physical barrier methods such as netting can be used to protect the plants. Pesticides such as spinosad and pyrethrin can also be used as a last resort if the grasshopper infestation is severe.
Spider mites are small pests that can suck the plant's sap, causing discoloration and wilting. They can be managed through cultural methods such as pruning infested leaves and maintaining adequate soil moisture. Pesticides such as neem oil, insecticidal soap, and abamectin can also be used to manage spider mites.
