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Description
Eriochloa Procera, commonly known as Texas cup grass, is a warm-season perennial grass native to the southern United States and northeastern Mexico. It belongs to the Poaceae family and is a valuable forage plant for livestock due to its high protein content. The grass grows up to 4 feet tall and has a coarse texture. It is popularly grown in pastures, rangelands, and disturbed areas.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Monocotyledonae |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Eriochloa |
| Species | Procera |
Appearance
Eriochloa Procera has a bunching growth habit, and its stems are erect and hollow. The leaves are long, narrow, and flat, with a bluish-green color. The inflorescence is a cylindrical, spike-like structure that bears tiny flowers. The grass produces a seed head in the late summer or early fall, and the seeds are carried by the wind.
Care Guide
Eriochloa Procera requires full sun exposure to grow well. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils, but it prefers well-draining soils. The grass should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Fertilizer should be applied in the spring or early summer to promote growth. Eriochloa Procera is hardy in zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Eriochloa Procera is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including armyworms, cutworms, and rust. Armyworms and cutworms can cause significant damage to the grass by feeding on the leaves and stems. Rust is a fungal disease that causes yellow-orange spots on the leaves and can reduce the grass’s vigor.
Habitat
Eriochloa Procera is native to the southern United States and northeastern Mexico. It is commonly found in pastures, rangelands, and disturbed areas. The grass is tolerant of drought and can grow in a wide range of soil types.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Eriochloa Procera a good forage plant?
A: Yes, Eriochloa Procera is a valuable forage plant for livestock due to its high protein content.
Q: What is the growth habit of Eriochloa Procera?
A: Eriochloa Procera has a bunching growth habit, and its stems are erect and hollow.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Eriochloa Procera?
A: Eriochloa Procera is susceptible to armyworms, cutworms, and rust.
Q: What is the hardiness zone of Eriochloa Procera?
A: Eriochloa Procera is hardy in zones 8-11.
Related Plants
- Eriochloa Sericea
- Eriochloa Villosa
- Eriochloa Polystachya
References
- Barkworth, M. E., & Capels, K. M. (2001). Flora of North America North of Mexico.
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. (n.d.). Eriochloa procera (Texas cupgrass).
- Waller, S. S. (2011). Texas Range Plants.
