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Description
Bothriochloa Springfieldii is a perennial grass that is native to the United States. It is a member of the Poaceae family and is commonly known as the Springfield Beardgrass. This grass is known for its tolerance to drought and heat, making it a popular choice for landscaping in areas with hot and dry climates.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Bothriochloa |
Appearance
Bothriochloa Springfieldii has a clumping growth habit and can grow up to 3 feet tall. Its leaves are narrow and flat, with a blue-green color. The grass produces dense flower spikes that can reach up to 6 inches long, and they are typically a reddish-purple color. The seeds of this grass are small and oval-shaped, with a brown color.
Care Guide
Bothriochloa Springfieldii is relatively easy to care for, but it does require some attention to keep it healthy and looking its best. Here are some tips for caring for this grass:
Water: This grass is drought-tolerant but will benefit from occasional watering during dry periods. Water the grass deeply once a week, rather than frequent shallow watering.
Fertilization: Fertilize the grass in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Do not over-fertilize, as this can cause the grass to become too lush and floppy.
Soil: Bothriochloa Springfieldii prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter to improve drainage.
Sunlight: This grass prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. It will not grow as vigorously in shady areas.
Hardiness Zones: Bothriochloa Springfieldii is hardy in USDA zones 6-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Bothriochloa Springfieldii is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can sometimes be affected by the following:
Leaf rust: This fungal disease can cause yellow or orange spots on the leaves. It is most common in wet conditions.
Armyworms: These pests can eat large areas of grass in a short amount of time. They are most common in hot, dry conditions.
Grasshoppers: These pests can cause significant damage to the grass by eating the leaves and stems.
Habitat
Bothriochloa Springfieldii is native to the United States and is commonly found in prairies, meadows, and other open areas. It prefers well-draining soil and hot, dry conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Bothriochloa Springfieldii a good choice for landscaping in hot, dry areas?
A: Yes, this grass is tolerant of drought and heat, making it an excellent choice for landscaping in hot, dry areas.
Q: How tall does Bothriochloa Springfieldii grow?
A: Bothriochloa Springfieldii can grow up to 3 feet tall.
Q: Does Bothriochloa Springfieldii require a lot of maintenance?
A: No, this grass is relatively low-maintenance but will benefit from occasional watering and fertilization.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Bothriochloa Springfieldii?
A: Bothriochloa Springfieldii is hardy in USDA zones 6-10.
Related Plants
- Bothriochloa barbinodis
- Bothriochloa bladhii
- Bothriochloa ischaemum
- Bothriochloa laguroides
- Bothriochloa saccharoides
References
- Bonner, F. T. (1986). Bothriochloa. In: G. W. Harman & L. T. Collins (eds), Flora of the Great Plains, pp. 366-368. University Press of Kansas.
- Bonner, F. T., & Hoveland, C. S. (1990). Springfield beardgrass. In: C. S. Hoveland & J. H. Baker (eds), Warm-Season (C4) Grasses, ASA-CSSA-SSSA, Madison, WI, pp. 537-543.
- USDA Plants Database: Bothriochloa Springfieldii
