Origin
Stipa occidentalis Thurb. ex S. Wats. var. nelsonii (Scribn.) C.L. Hitchc. is a grass species that is native to western North America. It can be found in many parts of the United States, including California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.
Common Names
Stipa occidentalis Thurb. ex S. Wats. var. nelsonii (Scribn.) C.L. Hitchc. has several common names, including Nelson's Feather Grass, Western Needlegrass, and Prairie Needlegrass. It is known as Nelson's Feather Grass because of its feathery-looking inflorescences, which resemble the tufts of feathers on an arrow.
Uses
Stipa occidentalis Thurb. ex S. Wats. var. nelsonii (Scribn.) C.L. Hitchc. has both ornamental and practical uses. It is often used in landscaping and gardening as an accent plant or ground cover. Its durability and ability to withstand drought make it popular with gardeners in low-water regions. Additionally, the grass is used for grazing by livestock and other animals.
General Appearance
Stipa occidentalis Thurb. ex S. Wats. var. nelsonii (Scribn.) C.L. Hitchc. is a perennial grass that typically grows from 1 to 3 feet tall. It has narrow, gray-green leaves that are about 8-12 inches long. In the spring and summer, it produces a feathery-shaped inflorescence that is about 6 inches long and rises above the foliage. The inflorescence is made up of numerous tiny flowers that are beige or green in color.
hereGrowth Conditions for Stipa Occidentalis Thurb. ex S. Wats. var. Nelsonii (Scribn.) C.L. Hitchc.
Light: Stipa occidentalis var. nelsonii thrives in full sun exposure. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow properly. In shaded areas, the growth rate is significantly reduced, and the plant may become leggy and weak.
Temperature: Stipa occidentalis var. nelsonii grows best in areas with a warm-summer Mediterranean climate. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -15 degrees Celsius and as high as 38 degrees Celsius. However, it prefers to grow in regions with a maximum temperature of 30 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature of 12 degrees Celsius.
Soil: Stipa occidentalis var. nelsonii grows well in well-drained soils that are slightly acidic to alkaline. It can tolerate soils with a pH range of 5.0 to 8.5. Soil compaction is not suitable for the plant's growth, and it prefers friable soils that allow its roots to breathe. Sandy loam or clay loam soils are adequate for the Stipa occidentalis var. nelsonii growth.
Water: Stipa occidentalis var. nelsonii is drought-tolerant and can survive in regions with less precipitation. However, it grows best in areas with moderate rainfall. In areas with low precipitation, irrigation may be necessary to encourage growth and keep the plant healthy. Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilizer: Fertilizers are not required for the growth of Stipa occidentalis var. nelsonii. The plant can obtain the necessary nutrients from the soil and decomposing organic materials. If necessary, a small amount of nitrogen-based fertilizer can be applied in the early spring to encourage fast growth.
Cultivation methods
Stipa occidentalis Thurb. ex S. Wats. var. nelsonii (Scribn.) C.L. Hitchc., commonly called Western needlegrass, is a native grass of the western United States that can be grown in a variety of soil types. It is a cool-season grass that grows best in areas with mild summers and wet winters. This grass is highly adaptable to different soil types, from dry rocky slopes to moist meadows and riparian areas. The best time to plant Western needlegrass is in the fall when the soil is still warm enough to promote germination.Watering needs
Western needlegrass is a drought-tolerant grass that does not require frequent watering once established. However, it is essential to water the grass regularly during the first few weeks after planting to ensure proper establishment. After that, you can reduce the frequency of watering to once or twice a month during the growing season. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot or fungal diseases.Fertilization
Fertilization is not necessary for Western needlegrass, as it is adapted to low-nutrient soils. Over-fertilization can cause the grass to become too lush and attract more pests and diseases. However, if you plan to grow Western needlegrass in a highly degraded soil, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer with a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.Pruning
Western needlegrass does not require regular pruning. However, if you want to maintain a tidy appearance or prevent the grass from setting seed, you can mow it once or twice a year in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Mowing can stimulate new growth and make the grass more attractive, but make sure not to cut it too short as it can damage the roots and stress the plant. Leave the grass clippings on the ground to return nutrients back to the soil.Propagation of Stipa occidentalis Thurb. ex S. Wats. var. nelsonii (Scribn.) C.L. Hitchc.
Stipa occidentalis Thurb. ex S. Wats. var. nelsonii (Scribn.) C.L. Hitchc., commonly known as Nelson's needlegrass, can be propagated through several methods. These include seed propagation, division of mature clumps, and transplantation of seedlings.
Seed propagation
The most common and effective method of propagation for Nelson's needlegrass is through seed propagation. The plant produces seeds during late spring to early summer and can be harvested once they have turned brown. The seeds should be sown immediately or stored in a cool, dry place until fall. Before planting, the seeds should be scarified to break the outer layer, increasing germination rates. Nelson's needlegrass seeds require full sun and well-draining soil. The seeds can be planted in the fall or spring, with fall planting providing the best results.
Division of mature clumps
Nelson's needlegrass can be propagated through the division of mature clumps. This method involves dividing the plant's root ball and replanting each section individually. The best time to divide Nelson's needlegrass plants is during early spring or late fall when the plant is dormant. Each divided section should contain both roots and foliage and should be planted in a location that provides full sun and well-draining soil.
Transplantation of seedlings
Transplanting seedlings is also a viable method of propagating Nelson's needlegrass. The seedlings can be grown indoors during the fall or winter and transplanted outside in the spring. Alternatively, the seeds can be sown directly outside in the spring and transplanted to their final location once they have established a strong root system. Transplanting should be done in an area that provides full sun and well-draining soil.
Disease Management
Stipa occidentalis var. nelsonii is generally considered a hardy plant and is not highly susceptible to diseases. However, there are a few diseases that can affect it, one of which is leaf rust caused by the fungus Puccinia stipensis. Symptoms of leaf rust include yellowish or reddish-brown spots on leaves that develop into rust-colored pustules on the underside of the leaves. To manage this disease, it is important to remove and destroy infected plant parts. Fungicides can also be used as a preventive measure.
Another disease that can affect Stipa occidentalis var. nelsonii is powdery mildew caused by the fungus Erysiphe graminis. Symptoms of powdery mildew include a white powdery substance on leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage this disease, it is recommended to improve air circulation and reduce humidity by pruning and spacing plants properly. Fungicides can also be used to control powdery mildew.
Pest Management
Stipa occidentalis var. nelsonii is not highly susceptible to pest infestations, but there are a few pests that can cause damage to the plant. One of these pests is the grasshopper. Grasshoppers can cause significant damage by chewing on leaves and stems of the plant. To manage grasshoppers, it is recommended to remove weeds and tall grasses around the plant, as these can serve as hiding places for grasshoppers. Insecticides can also be used as a last resort.
Another pest that can cause damage to Stipa occidentalis var. nelsonii is the spider mite. Spider mites feed on the plant sap, causing leaves to turn yellow and eventually die. To manage spider mites, it is important to regular check the plant for infestations, increase humidity around the plant, and remove and destroy infested plant parts. Insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils can also be used to control spider mites.
