Description
Stipa occidentalis Thurb. ex S. Wats. var. pubescens (Vasey) Maze, Taylor & MacBryde, commonly known as the western needlegrass, is a species of perennial grass that is native to North America. This grass can grow up to 3 feet tall and is identified by its long, delicate seed heads that are thin and wire-like. Western needlegrass usually grows in clumps.
Origin
The western needlegrass originates from the western United States and is found in the Great Basin, Rocky Mountains, and Pacific Northwest regions.
Common Names
In addition to western needlegrass, this plant is also commonly known as purple needlegrass, Nez perce needlegrass, and long-awned needlegrass.
Uses
The western needlegrass is commonly used as a forage for grazing animals and is also used for erosion control. Additionally, it is an important component in restoring native grassland habitats.
General Appearance
Western needlegrass has slender, flat leaves that are about 1/4 inch wide and grow up to 1 foot long. The seed heads are typically 6 to 8 inches long and have a purplish tint. They are also covered in fine hairs that give them a soft and fluffy appearance.
hereLight requirements
Stipa occidentalis var. pubescens thrives well in full sun and requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. This plant is not shade tolerant and may experience stunted growth or decline in low light conditions.
Temperature requirements
This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but grows best in warm to hot conditions. The ideal temperature range for Stipa occidentalis var. pubescens is between 70-90°F (21-32°C). It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°F (-12°C) and as high as 100°F (38°C), but extreme conditions may affect its growth and survival.
Soil requirements
The plant prefers well-drained moderately fertile soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. It can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils but requires good drainage. Poorly drained soils could cause root rot and other diseases that may damage or kill the plant. Stipa occidentalis var. pubescens is tolerant of drought conditions and can survive in soils with low water-holding capacity.
Cultivation
Stipa occidentalis Thurb. ex S. Wats. var. pubescens (Vasey) Maze, Taylor & MacBryde, commonly known as western needlegrass, can be grown in various types of soil, including clay soil, loamy soil, and sandy soil. It is a sun-loving plant that requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. This species is highly tolerant of drought but prefers well-drained soil. They can grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9. They do best in cooler climates and are well-suited for the intermountain West region.
Watering Needs
One of the most advantageous aspects of growing Stipa occidentalis is that they are highly tolerant of drought. This means that they do not require a lot of watering. If you live in an arid climate, it is best to water the plants once a week, making sure the water penetrates deep into the soil. If you live in a region with more rainfall, you can water them every two to four weeks, depending on the moisture content of the soil.
Fertilization
When it comes to fertilizing Stipa occidentalis Thurb. ex S. Wats. var. pubescens (Vasey) Maze, it is important to avoid over-fertilization. These plants are adapted to soil with naturally low nutrient levels and can be damaged if they receive too much fertilizer. A slow-release fertilizer can be applied very sparingly, only once a year, in the spring. Alternatively, a top dressing of compost can be done annually to enrich the soil.
Pruning
Stipa occidentalis is a low-maintenance plant, and it does not require pruning. However, if you want to promote the growth of new leaves or clean up the appearance of the plant, light pruning can be performed in early spring or late winter. The best type of pruning is to remove dead, yellow, or damaged leaves or stems. To do this, use clean and sharp pruning shears, making sure to cut just above the bud. Avoid removing more than 20% of the plant in one season to prevent stress.
Propagation of Stipa occidentalis Thurb. ex S. Wats. var. pubescens (Vasey) Maze, Taylor & MacBryde
Stipa occidentalis Thurb. ex S. Wats. var. pubescens (Vasey) Maze, Taylor & MacBryde can be propagated through seeds or division.
Propagation by Seeds
The best time to collect seeds from Stipa occidentalis Thurb. ex S. Wats. var. pubescens (Vasey) Maze, Taylor & MacBryde is in late summer or early fall when the seeds are mature. The seeds are enclosed in a tough outer seed coat, and scarification or stratification may be necessary for optimal germination.
Scarification involves breaking the hard outer seed coat to allow for water absorption and germination. This can be done manually by rubbing the seeds with sandpaper or with a file, or chemically using concentrated sulfuric acid for a short period of time.
Stratification involves exposing the seeds to cool, moist conditions to simulate winter dormancy and prepare them for germination. The seeds can be stratified by placing them in a plastic bag with a moist medium like sand or vermiculite, and storing them in the refrigerator for several weeks.
Once scarified or stratified, the seeds can be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination. Stipa occidentalis Thurb. ex S. Wats. var. pubescens (Vasey) Maze seeds can take several weeks to several months to germinate.
Propagation by Division
Stipa occidentalis Thurb. ex S. Wats. var. pubescens (Vasey) Maze can be propagated through division in the spring or fall. The plant should be lifted from the ground, and the root ball should be divided into several smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a healthy amount of roots and shoots.
The smaller sections can then be replanted in a well-draining soil mix, and kept moist until established. Division is a faster method of propagation than seeding, but it may take a year or more for the new plants to reach maturity.
Disease and Pest Management for Stipa occidentalis Thurb. ex S. Wats. var. pubescens (Vasey) Maze, Taylor & MacBryde
Stipa occidentalis Thurb. ex S. Wats. var. pubescens (Vasey) Maze is a drought-tolerant plant that is native to arid regions of North America. However, like all plants, it can be affected by diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect this plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Fungal diseases: Fungal diseases such as leaf rust, stem rust, and smut can affect Stipa occidentalis. Symptoms include yellow or brown spots on leaves, stem or flower discoloration, and distorted growth. To manage these diseases, remove and dispose of infected plant debris, avoid overhead watering, promote air circulation by thinning out crowded stems, and apply a fungicide following the label instructions.
Root rot: Root rot is caused by overly damp conditions and can be identified by wilting leaves, stunted growth, and a general decline in the plant's health. To manage root rot, improve soil drainage, and avoid over-watering the plant.
Pests
Grasshoppers: Grasshoppers can feed on the leaves, stems, and flowers of this plant, and cause significant damage. To manage grasshoppers, remove weeds surrounding the plant, use physical barriers like mesh, and apply pesticides following the label instructions.
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck on sap from leaves and stems, causing curling and yellowing of the leaves. To manage aphids, spray the plant with water to knock them off, introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs, or apply an insecticide following the label instructions.
By taking preventive measures, identifying and treating diseases and pests early, and using proper management techniques, you can keep your Stipa occidentalis Thurb. ex S. Wats. var. pubescens (Vasey) Maze healthy and growing strong.
