Contents
Description
Phacelurus is a genus of grass that belongs to the family Poaceae. It is commonly found in North America, and its species are often used for forage or as groundcover. The grass is known for its tufted habit and long, narrow leaves. The name “Phacelurus” comes from Greek, where “phakelos” means bunch, and “oura” means tail. This refers to the plant’s characteristic bunching and long leaves that resemble tails.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Monocotyledonae |
| Order | Cyperales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Phacelurus |
Appearance
Phacelurus grass is a tufted plant that grows up to 3 feet tall. Its leaves are long and narrow, measuring up to 14 inches in length and 0.4 inches in width. The leaves are usually flat or folded and have a glossy texture. The inflorescence of the plant is a panicle that ranges from 2 to 10 inches in length. The panicle is made up of spikelets that contain small flowers.
Care Guide
Phacelurus grass is relatively low maintenance and easy to care for. Here are some tips to keep it healthy:
- Water: Phacelurus grass requires moderate watering. It should be watered deeply once a week, but make sure the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot.
- Fertilization: The grass should be fertilized once a year with a balanced fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer in the spring or fall.
- Soil: Phacelurus grass prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy or clay soils.
- Sunlight: The grass prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Make sure it gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: Phacelurus grass is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Phacelurus grass is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by some common issues, including:
- Leaf diseases: Rust, leaf spot, and smut can affect the leaves of the plant, causing discoloration and decay.
- Root diseases: Root rot and crown rot can affect the roots of the plant, causing wilting and yellowing of the leaves.
- Grasshoppers: Grasshoppers can eat the leaves of the plant, causing significant damage to the foliage.
Habitat
Phacelurus grass is native to North America and is commonly found in open fields and meadows. It can grow in a wide range of soil types and is tolerant of drought and cold temperatures. The grass is often used as forage for livestock and wildlife.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Phacelurus grass suitable for landscaping?
A: Yes, Phacelurus grass can be used for landscaping, but it is more commonly used for forage or as groundcover.
Q: How often should I water Phacelurus grass?
A: Water Phacelurus grass deeply once a week, but make sure the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot.
Q: Can Phacelurus grass tolerate shade?
A: Yes, Phacelurus grass can tolerate partial shade, but it prefers full sun.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Phacelurus grass?
A: Phacelurus grass is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9.
Related Plants
- Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass)
- Festuca arundinacea (Tall fescue)
- Andropogon gerardii (Big bluestem)
References
- USDA Plants Database: Phacelurus
- University of Wisconsin-Madison: Phacelurus
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Phacelurus
