Overview
Schizachyrium stoloniferum Nash is a warm-season grass native to the southern United States, commonly found in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. The grass typically grows in clumps, reaching a height of 2-3 feet when matured.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Running Beard Grass or Creeper Grass.
Appearance
The perennial grass has a wiry and tough root system which allows it to tolerate droughts. The leaves of the grass are hairless and narrow, growing to about 6-12 inches in length with a width of around 1/4 inch. The flowering stalks grow from the base of the plant and range from 1-3 feet tall. During the summer months, the grass produces an abundance of small seed heads that are a purplish-brown color.
Uses
Schizachyrium stoloniferum Nash is commonly used in rangelands and as a forage grass for livestock. The grass is highly valued for its nutritional quality and palatability. Additionally, it is used for erosion control and restoration of degraded lands in the southern United States.
Light
Schizachyrium stoloniferum Nash typically grows in full sun to partial shade conditions. The majority of plants within this genus require a significant amount of light to thrive. Full sunlight is not a problem as long as it is not too intense. In hot and dry climates, partial shade is beneficial to prevent dehydration and wilting.
Temperature
As for temperature, Schizachyrium stoloniferum Nash requires warm temperatures to grow and develop. It is known to be drought-tolerant but cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures. The optimum temperature range for growth is between 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil
Schizachyrium stoloniferum Nash can adapt to various soil conditions but prefers well-drained, loose, and fertile soil. Sandy or clay soil types can be problematic for this plant; it may not establish well and grow to its fullest potential. It requires a slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil pH level (6.0 to 7.5) for optimal growth.
Cultivation
Schizachyrium stoloniferum Nash is a warm-season grass that is native to the United States and found in prairies, meadows, and savannas. It grows in well-draining soils and prefers full sun. The grass can be propagated through seeds or vegetative propagation. For planting, the seeds should be sowed at a depth of 1/4 inch and spaced 6 to 8 inches apart. Vegetative propagation can be done by dividing the root clumps.
Watering needs
Schizachyrium stoloniferum Nash is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering once established. However, during the establishment phase, it needs consistent watering to help the plant develop deep roots. Watering should be done deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth.
Fertilization
Fertilization of Schizachyrium stoloniferum Nash is generally not necessary. In fact, excess fertilization can lead to decreased plant performance and increased susceptibility to diseases. However, if soil deficiencies are identified, a slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer can be used sparingly.
Pruning
Schizachyrium stoloniferum Nash does not require pruning as it has a naturally tidy appearance. However, some gardeners may choose to trim the plant back in the fall to remove any dead or diseased stems. This is also a good time to shape the plant if needed.
Propagation of Schizachyrium stoloniferum Nash
Schizachyrium stoloniferum Nash, commonly known as stoloniferous schizachyrium, is a perennial grass species native to North and Central America. The plant is commonly used as a forage crop and for soil stabilization due to its extensive root system and stoloniferous growth habit. Propagation of Schizachyrium stoloniferum Nash is typically done vegetatively through stolons or through seeds.
Propagation through Stolons
Propagation through stolons is the most common method of multiplying Schizachyrium stoloniferum Nash. During the late spring and early summer, stolons emerge from the base of the plant and grow horizontally along the surface of the soil. Once the stolon has reached a length of 6-8 inches, it can be easily snipped off from the mother plant and transplanted into a prepared bed.
The stolon should be planted perpendicular to the soil surface and buried about 1-2 inches deep. Watering immediately after planting helps to establish the new plant. Once established, the new plant will produce new stolons and begin to spread out along the soil surface.
Propagation through Seeds
Propagation through seeds is an alternative method of multiplying Schizachyrium stoloniferum Nash. Seeds can be harvested from the plant in the fall once they have matured. The seeds should be cleaned and stratified for a period of 4-6 weeks before planting. Stratification can be achieved by placing the seeds in a moist paper towel in the refrigerator or by planting them outside in the fall so that they experience a period of cold weather.
The seeds should be planted in a prepared bed in the fall or early spring and covered with a thin layer of soil. Watering should be done immediately after planting and continued as needed until the seeds are established. The seedlings should be monitored for the first year to ensure that they are healthy and thriving.
Disease and Pest Management for Schizachyrium stoloniferum Nash
Schizachyrium stoloniferum Nash, commonly known as Running Dropseed, is a warm-season perennial grass that is drought-tolerant and highly ornamental. While it is generally low-maintenance and resistant to most pests and diseases, it can still be susceptible to some common problems.
Common Diseases
The most common disease that affects Schizachyrium stoloniferum Nash is leaf blight, which is caused by the fungus Bipolaris spicifera. Leaf blight causes brown to black spots on the leaves and can cause the blades to die off prematurely. To manage leaf blight, remove and discard any infected plant material and use a fungicide if necessary.
Another common disease to watch for is rust, caused by the fungal pathogen Puccinia spp. Rust causes orange to yellow spots on the leaves and can also harm the blades. Manage rust by using a fungicide and removing infected plant material.
Common Pests
The most common pest that affects Schizachyrium stoloniferum Nash is the fall armyworm. These caterpillars feed on the grass blades, causing brown patches and thinning of the foliage. To manage fall armyworms, remove any weeds, grass clippings, or other debris from the area that could provide a breeding ground for the pests. Use insecticides if necessary.
Schizachyrium stoloniferum Nash is also susceptible to infestations of spider mites, which can cause damage to the leaves and reduce plant vigor. To manage spider mites, hose off the plants to remove the pests, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary.
Preventative Measures
The best way to prevent diseases and pests from affecting Schizachyrium stoloniferum Nash is to maintain proper cultural practices. This includes watering the grass deeply but infrequently, avoiding overhead watering, and fertilizing sparingly. Additionally, planting the grass in well-drained soil and providing good air circulation can also help prevent disease and pest problems.
Regularly inspecting the grass for signs of disease or pests can help catch any problems early and prevent them from spreading. By following these tips, you can ensure that your Schizachyrium stoloniferum Nash remains healthy and thriving.
