Psathyrostachys juncea
| Psathyrostachys juncea | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Monocots |
| (unranked): | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Genus: | Psathyrostachys |
| Species: | P. juncea |
| Binomial name | |
| Psathyrostachys juncea L. | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Elymus junceus | |
Psathyrostachys juncea is a species of grass known by the common name Russian wildrye. It was formerly classified as Elymus junceus.
It is native to Russia and China, and has been introduced to other parts of the world, such as Canada and the United States.[1]
Description
Psathyrostachys juncea is a perennial bunch grass that grows in tufts that may be up to 1 metre (3.3 ft) tall or taller. The grass is long-lived and known to persist in cultivation for 25 years or more.
The grass has a dense root network beneath each clump; there are no rhizomes or stolons. The roots can reach 3 metres (9.8 ft) deep into the soil.
The leaves are located around the stem bases, and are straight or curled. Old leaf sheaths become shreddy. The inflorescence is a spike up to 11 to 16 centimetres (4.3 to 6.3 in) long.[1][2]
Cultivars
Many cultivars of Psathyrostachys juncea have been developed, including 'Vinall', 'Bozoisky-Select', and 'Bozoisky II'.[1]
Uses
Psathyrostachys juncea was introduced to North America as a forage grass and for rangeland rehabilitation and soil stabilization. The grass is "one of the most versatile forage grasses available for dryland pastures."[3] It is palatable to livestock, though it does not make a good hay due to its basal leaves. It is also palatable for wild ungulates, such as elk. The grass is a particularly good forage when planted in alternating rows with a legume, such as alfalfa.[3]
It is not generally invasive and usually does not become a noxious weed. It rarely grows outside of plots where it has been planted. The Southwestern United States has some invasive occurrences, such as on the Grand Canyon plateaus.
It is drought-resistant, flood-resistant most of the year, and is tolerant of cold. It is also tolerant of high soil salinity.
It is not easy to establish via seed; if the seeds are planted more than 1.9 centimeters deep the seedlings do not emerge in large numbers. The seedlings are weak. Once it has established, however, it is tough and competes well for water and nutrients. It is tolerant of fire because the dense clumpiness of the stems protects the axillary buds, which can produce tillers and resprout after destruction by fire.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Taylor, Jane E. (2005). Psathyrostachys juncea. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory. Retrieved January 18, 2012.
- ↑ Psathyrostachys juncea. Grass Manual Treatment. Retrieved January 18, 2012.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Psathryrostachys juncea. USDA NRCS Plant Guide. Retrieved January 18, 2012.
External links
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