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Description
Elymus Longifolius, commonly known as slender wheatgrass, is a perennial grass species that belongs to the Poaceae family. Native to North America, it is widely distributed in the western regions of the United States and Canada. The plant is known for its erect, slender growth habit and long, narrow leaves that grow up to 10 inches in length. The plant is also characterized by its long, slender stems that can grow up to 3 feet in height.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Elymus |
Appearance
Slender wheatgrass has long, narrow leaves that are bluish-green in color. The leaves can grow up to 10 inches in length and are less than 1/4 inch wide. The plant produces long, slender stems that can grow up to 3 feet in height, with small spikelets arranged in a loose panicle at the top of the stem. The spikelets are about 1/4 inch long and have a rough, hairy texture.
Care Guide
Water
Slender wheatgrass prefers moist, well-draining soil. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions and the moisture level of the soil.
Fertilization
Slender wheatgrass does not require a lot of fertilizer. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring, and repeat every six to eight weeks throughout the growing season.
Soil
Slender wheatgrass prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.5.
Sunlight
Slender wheatgrass prefers full sun to partial shade. It will tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause the plant to become leggy and weak.
Hardiness Zones
Slender wheatgrass is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Slender wheatgrass is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to rust, leaf spot, and other fungal diseases if the soil is too moist or the plant is overcrowded.
Habitat
Slender wheatgrass is native to North America and is widely distributed in the western regions of the United States and Canada. It grows in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, meadows, and open forests.
Question and Answer
Q: Is slender wheatgrass a good choice for erosion control?
A: Yes, slender wheatgrass is a good choice for erosion control. Its deep roots help to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.
Q: Can slender wheatgrass be grown in containers?
A: Slender wheatgrass can be grown in containers, but it prefers to be planted in the ground where it can spread out and grow freely.
Q: How often should I fertilize slender wheatgrass?
A: Slender wheatgrass does not require a lot of fertilizer. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring, and repeat every six to eight weeks throughout the growing season.
Q: What is the best time of year to plant slender wheatgrass?
A: The best time to plant slender wheatgrass is in the fall, when the soil is still warm but the weather is cooler. This allows the plant to establish its roots before the winter months.
Related Plants
- Elymus canadensis
- Elymus glaucus
- Elymus repens
- Elymus trachycaulus
- Elymus virginicus
References
- “Elymus longifolius,” Missouri Botanical Garden, accessed August 20, 2021.
- “Slender Wheatgrass,” Colorado State University Extension, accessed August 20, 2021.
- “Elymus longifolius,” USDA Plants Database, accessed August 20, 2021.
