Description of Schizachyrium Scoparium (Michx.) Nash var. Polycladum (Scribn. & Ball) C.F. Reed
Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash var. polycladum (Scribn. & Ball) C.F. Reed, is a perennial grass that belongs to the Poaceae family, commonly known as little bluestem. The plant is native to the United States, specifically found in Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Common Names of Schizachyrium Scoparium (Michx.) Nash var. Polycladum (Scribn. & Ball) C.F. Reed
The little bluestem grass has several common names, such as beard grass, bluejoint, broom straw, bushy bluestem, and many others depending on the region where it is found.
Uses of Schizachyrium Scoparium (Michx.) Nash var. Polycladum (Scribn. & Ball) C.F. Reed
The little bluestem has several uses depending on its region and community. The plant serves as a valuable forage grass for livestock, especially during winter when other food sources are scarce. The grass also has ornamental value and is used in landscaping to add beauty to gardens, parks, and roadside plantings. Additionally, Native American tribes have used the little bluestem as a traditional medicine for treating toothaches, dysentery, and other illnesses.
General Appearance of Schizachyrium Scoparium (Michx.) Nash var. Polycladum (Scribn. & Ball) C.F. Reed
The little bluestem grass is a drought-tolerant perennial that grows up to 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide. The plant has a densely tufted habit, and its roots can grow up to 6 feet deep. The foliage is blue-green in color, turning to red or purple in autumn, giving it a beautiful aesthetic appearance. The grass also produces seed heads that are covered in fine hairs, giving them a soft and fluffy appearance.
hereLight Requirements
Schizachyrium scoparium var. polycladum requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. It is capable of tolerating partial shade but may result in reduced growth and flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can grow in a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers a climate with warm summers and cooler winters. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°C and as high as 40°C.
Soil Requirements
Schizachyrium scoparium var. polycladum prefers well-draining sandy or loamy soils. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil pH, from acidic to slightly alkaline. The plant is capable of growing in nutrient-poor soils but may benefit from occasional fertilization. Overwatering should be avoided as it can cause root rot and other issues.
Cultivation
When it comes to cultivating Schizachyrium scoparium var. polycladum, it is best to start with well-drained soil. You may use sandy or loamy soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5, which are slightly acidic. This grass is not very demanding about the type of soil, but it prefers dry, rocky, and shallow soils. Therefore, if your soil is too rich, you may add some pumice, perlite, or sand. Schizachyrium scoparium var. polycladum prefers full sun. So, you need to plant it in an area with at least six hours of direct sunlight during the day. This grass can withstand heat very well, but it is not very tolerant of shade.
Watering Needs
Once established, Schizachyrium scoparium var. polycladum is very drought-tolerant and can survive with minimal watering. However, to promote healthy growth, it needs to be watered regularly during the first months after planting. You may need to water it once a week or more often during hot summers. Remember to avoid overwatering, as this grass is sensitive to root rot.
Fertilization
Schizachyrium scoparium var. polycladum rarely needs fertilization. In most cases, it can get all the nutrients it needs from the soil. If you want to encourage faster growth or greater foliage density, you may fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year. However, be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowering.
Pruning
Schizachyrium scoparium var. polycladum does not require much pruning. However, you may want to tidy it up in early spring before the new growth emerges. If you want this plant to look more compact and tidy, you can prune it back to a height of four to six inches during late winter or early spring. This drastic pruning stimulates new growth and promotes the formation of more robust stems and foliage.
Propagation of Schizachyrium scoparium var. polycladum
Schizachyrium scoparium var. polycladum, also known as little bluestem, is a native grass species to North America. The plant is perennial, drought-resistant, and thrives in various soil types, making it an attractive option for land restoration projects, wildlife habitat restoration, and ornamental landscaping.
Propagation Methods
Propagation of Schizachyrium scoparium var. polycladum can be done through seed propagation or vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation of Schizachyrium scoparium var. polycladum can be performed indoors in trays or outside in the field. The ideal time for seed collection is in late summer to early fall when the seed heads have turned brown and are dry. Collect the seed heads and remove the seeds. The seeds need to be scarified to encourage germination, as the seeds have a hard outer layer. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours or use a sulfuric acid solution to soften the seed coat. After scarification, sow the seeds in well-draining soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist and maintain a warm temperature of about 70°F for optimal germination. Little bluestem seeds typically germinate in 2-4 weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Schizachyrium scoparium var. polycladum can be done through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants during the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Choose a mature stem that has no diseased or damaged areas and is about 4-6 inches long. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and water generously. Keep the soil moist and maintain a warm temperature of about 70°F. The cuttings should root in 2-4 weeks and can then be transplanted to their permanent location.
Disease Management
Schizachyrium scoparium var. polycladum is generally resistant to most diseases. However, some fungal infections might affect the plant. One of the most common diseases is the rust fungus Puccinia spp., which causes orange to brown spots on the leaves. To manage the disease, it is advisable to remove and destroy any infected plant parts and control the spread of the fungus by applying fungicides. Another fungal disease is the leaf spot caused by Bipolaris spp. The disease causes small, circular, brown spots on the leaves, and it can be managed by removing and destroying the infected plant parts and applying fungicides.
Pest Management
Although Schizachyrium scoparium var. polycladum is generally pest-resistant, some insects might affect the plant. One of the most common pests is the grasshopper, which feeds on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage the pest, it is advisable to remove any overgrown vegetation surrounding the plant and apply insecticides. Another common pest is the spider mite, which feeds on the sap of the plant, causing yellowish spots on the leaves. It is advisable to control the pest by spraying the plant with a mixture of oil and water or applying insecticides.
