Origin
Stipa comata Trin. & Rupr. var. suksdorfii St. John is a distinctive perennial grass species native to western North America. It is commonly found in dry grasslands, sagebrush steppe, and open forests.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as Siskiyou hairgrass or Suksdorf's needlegrass. Siskiyou hairgrass is its most common name and is derived from the Siskiyou Mountains in California and Oregon where this grass is commonly found.
Uses
Stipa comata Trin. & Rupr. var. suksdorfii St. John is a valuable forage grass for livestock and wildlife, providing food and shelter to a variety of species. This plant is also an important component of the native grassland ecosystem, balancing the nutrient and water cycles and providing soil stabilization.
General Appearance
Stipa comata Trin. & Rupr. var. suksdorfii St. John is a perennial grass that grows up to three feet tall and two feet wide. It has long, narrow leaves that grow from the base of the plant. The flowering stems are slender and wiry, with one to four flowers per stem. The flowers are pale green to purple and produce small, hairy seeds that disperse by wind.
The most striking feature of this plant is its long, wispy awns that extend up to six inches beyond the seed. The awns are twisted and bent, giving the plant a unique, tousled appearance that has earned it the common name of hairgrass.
Light Requirements:
Stipa comata Trin. & Rupr. var. suksdorfii St. John prefers full sun exposure for optimal growth and development. The plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive.
Temperature Requirements:
The plant is native to the prairies and open woodlands of North America and requires a specific temperature range for optimal growth. Stipa comata Trin. & Rupr. var. suksdorfii St. John grows best in areas with a temperature range of 10-30°C (50-86°F). The plant can tolerate cold temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F) but may struggle in excessively hot temperatures above 30°C (86°F).
Soil Requirements:
Stipa comata Trin. & Rupr. var. suksdorfii St. John thrives in well-draining soils with sandy or loamy texture. The soil must be well-aerated and have a neutral to slightly alkaline pH level between 6.0 and 8.5. The plant can tolerate different types of soils ranging from clay to gravelly soils, but it prefers moderately fertile soils with good drainage. The presence of organic matter in the soil is also beneficial for the plant's growth.
Cultivation Methods
Stipa comata Trin. & Rupr. var. suksdorfii St. John is best cultivated in full sun to partial shade. When planting, make sure the soil is well-draining and moderately fertile. Plant the seeds in the early spring, approximately ¼ inch deep, and keep them evenly moist until germination, which usually takes around 2-3 weeks. For optimal growth, space the plants at least 2 feet apart.
Watering Needs
This plant is drought-tolerant but performs best when provided with consistent moisture. Water the plant deeply once a week or when the soil is noticeably dry to the touch. Ensure that the soil drains well as standing water can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilize Stipa comata Trin. & Rupr. var. suksdorfii St. John once a year in the spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers as they can promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering. Apply the fertilizer evenly around the base of the plant and water in well.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Stipa comata Trin. & Rupr. var. suksdorfii St. John, but if you want to remove the spent flower stalks or tidy up the foliage, do so in late autumn or early winter. Use sharp, clean secateurs to cut the stems down to the base of the plant. Avoid trimming the foliage as it can impact the plant's ability to photosynthesize and produce energy for the following season.
Propagation of Stipa comata Trin. & Rupr. var. suksdorfii St. John
Stipa comata Trin. & Rupr. var. suksdorfii St. John, commonly known as Suisun meadowfoam, is a perennial grass that is native to California, USA. It is a beautiful grass that produces delicate inflorescences and lush foliage, making it an excellent choice for landscaping and restoration projects.
There are two main methods for propagating Stipa comata var. suksdorfii St. John:
1. Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and effective method for Stipa comata var. suksdorfii St. John. The grass produces viable seeds that can be sown directly into the ground or into seed trays for later planting. Here are the basic steps for propagating Stipa comata var. suksdorfii St. John from seed:
- Collect the seeds from mature plants in late spring or early summer.
- Store the seeds in a cool, dry place until ready to plant.
- Prepare the soil by removing weeds and debris and tilling the soil to a depth of about 6 inches.
- Sow the seeds thinly and evenly on the soil surface, pressing them lightly into the soil but not burying them.
- Water the seeds gently but thoroughly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Wait for the seeds to germinate, which can take several weeks to a few months, depending on growing conditions.
- Thin the seedlings to a spacing of about 6-8 inches apart once they are about 2-3 inches tall.
- Continue to water and care for the seedlings until they are established, which can take up to a year.
2. Vegetative propagation
While seed propagation is the most common method for Stipa comata var. suksdorfii St. John, it is also possible to propagate the plant vegetatively. However, this method is less reliable and is generally not recommended for large-scale projects. Here are the basic steps for vegetative propagation of Stipa comata var. suksdorfii St. John:
- Collect the rhizomes or root cuttings from mature plants in spring or fall.
- Prepare a planting bed with well-draining soil in a sunny location.
- Plant the rhizomes or root cuttings about 1-2 inches deep and 6-8 inches apart.
- Water the planting bed lightly but regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist.
- Wait for the plants to become established, which can take several months.
- Continue to water and care for the plants until they are mature and producing new growth.
Disease Management
Stipa comata Trin. & Rupr. var. suksdorfii St. John is typically resistant to many diseases due to its tough, drought-tolerant nature. However, some common diseases that may affect the plant include root rots, leaf spots, and powdery mildew.
To manage root rots, it is essential to improve drainage and avoid overwatering. Fungicides can also be used, but precaution must be taken to avoid harming beneficial soil organisms. Leaf spots can be managed by removing infected plant material and avoiding overhead watering. Fungicides can also be used, but these should be applied before symptoms appear. Powdery mildew can be managed by removing infected plant material, avoiding overhead watering, and ensuring proper air circulation around plants. Fungicides can also be used, but early application is crucial for effective control.
Pest Management
Stipa comata Trin. & Rupr. var. suksdorfii St. John is also relatively resistant to pests. However, some common pests that may affect the plant include grasshoppers, mites, and aphids.
To manage grasshoppers, physical barriers such as netting or fencing can be used to prevent access to the plant. Insecticides can also be used, but care must be taken to avoid harming beneficial insects. Mites can be managed by providing adequate moisture and avoiding dusty conditions. Insecticidal soaps and oils can also be used, but care must be taken to avoid damaging the plant. Aphids can be managed by removing infected plant material and releasing predatory insects such as ladybugs or lacewings. Insecticidal soaps and oils can also be used, but early application is crucial for effective control.
