Bothriochloa

Description

Bothriochloa is a genus of grasses that is native to North and South America. It belongs to the Poaceae family, which includes other grasses such as wheat, rice, and corn. Bothriochloa is commonly known as beardgrass due to its long, bristly awns that resemble a beard. This grass is commonly used for forage and erosion control, and it can also be found in prairies, savannas, and other grasslands.

Taxonomic Information

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Appearance

Bothriochloa grasses can reach a height of 3-6 feet and have a spread of up to 5 feet. They have long, narrow, flat leaves that are green to bluish-green in color. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, and the seed heads are usually a purplish-brown color with long, bristly awns that can reach up to 6 inches in length. These awns are often twisted, giving the seed heads a unique appearance.

Care Guide

Bothriochloa grasses are relatively easy to care for, but they do require some attention to ensure their healthy growth. Here are some care tips:

• Water: Bothriochloa grasses prefer well-draining soil, but they also require regular watering during dry spells. Water deeply once a week, rather than giving frequent shallow watering.
• Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer to encourage healthy growth. Follow the package instructions for application rates.
• Soil: Bothriochloa grasses prefer well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost or sand to improve drainage.
• Sunlight: Bothriochloa grasses prefer full sun to partial shade. They can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to weak growth.
• Hardiness Zones: Bothriochloa grasses are hardy in USDA zones 6-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Bothriochloa grasses are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but they can still be affected by some common problems. Here are some to watch out for:

• Armyworms: These pests can cause significant damage to bothriochloa grasses, especially in the fall. Look for signs of chewed leaves and grass blades, and treat with an insecticide if necessary.
• Fungal diseases: Bothriochloa grasses can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as rust and leaf spot. To prevent these diseases, avoid overhead watering and remove any infected plant material promptly.

Habitat

Bothriochloa grasses are native to North and South America, and they can be found in a variety of habitats, including prairies, savannas, and other grasslands. They are also commonly used for forage and erosion control, and they can be found in agricultural fields and pastures. Bothriochloa grasses are adapted to a wide range of growing conditions, and they are relatively tolerant of drought and heat.

Question and Answer

Here are some frequently asked questions about Bothriochloa:

• What is the best time of year to plant Bothriochloa grass? Bothriochloa grasses can be planted in the spring or fall, but fall planting is often preferred to allow for better root establishment before the summer heat.
• Can Bothriochloa be grown in containers? While it is possible to grow bothriochloa grasses in containers, they are typically better suited to growing in the ground where they have room to spread and establish deep roots.
• How often should Bothriochloa be fertilized? Bothriochloa grasses should be fertilized once in the spring and once in the summer with a balanced fertilizer.
• How tall does Bothriochloa grass grow? Bothriochloa grasses can reach a height of 3-6 feet.

Related Plants

Here are some related plants to Bothriochloa:

• Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass)
• Andropogon gerardii (Big bluestem)
• Bouteloua curtipendula (Sideoats grama)
• Schizachyrium scoparium (Little bluestem)

References

• “Bothriochloa.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286306.
• “Beardgrass.” USDA NRCS, plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_bovi.pdf.
• “Bothriochloa.” Wikipedia, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bothriochloa.