Feather grass: cultivation and care, characteristics of the plant and its photo. Feather grass: photo, description, features, useful properties Feather grass tyrsa

Feather grass is a perennial grass belonging to the grass family and the Poa subfamily.

The plant has about 300 species growing throughout the globe. In Russia alone you can find approximately 80 varieties of feather grass.

The plant cannot be confused with any other. It has a straight stem with tough leaves. The inflorescences look like a thick bunch, reminiscent of a broom.

Growth and appearance

Feather grass prefers to grow in steppes and semi-deserts. It does not have spreading roots, but instead forms turf.

Leaves the plants are very narrow, sometimes even flat, folded along the stem. Membranous spikelets, in species grown in gardens, can stretch up to 2.5 cm.

The properties of feather grass are used to treat the thyroid gland. Only the leaves are used, crushed and made into a decoction used for goiter.

The grass contains useful substances during the flowering period, from May to July. Before use, the plant is dried, so it retains all its beneficial qualities longer.

Hang on a mesh flooring for better ventilation and to prevent the appearance of mold. Roots and stems are considered important in treatment. Decoctions from these parts of feather grass are usually used for paralysis.

The use of decoctions from the plant is strictly contraindicated for people suffering from asthma and those who are allergic to cereals.

Feather grass is in great demand as decoration. A herbarium is made from it and placed indoors.

Growing and care

Reproduction

Gardeners agree that feather grass is best propagated by dividing the bush. But, if this method is not possible, there is an option to propagate feather grass using seeds.

Varieties suitable for the Russian climate are sown right before winter, that is, in the autumn season and only in the ground. To do this, you will need to make a hole 3 cm deep, moisten the soil and put 3 seeds there. You can plant feather grass in the spring, in exactly the same way, only sowing is done in April or May.

It is worth considering that not all seeds will be able to overwinter or survive spring frosts. The surest way to make feather grass pleasing to the eye is to use not seeds, but seedlings.

Feather grass has no special preferences for soil composition. However, the soil in which it is planted should not be fertile, no matter how strange it may sound.

Conditions for growth

It is advisable to leave a distance of 20 cm between seedlings or plant seeds.

The main thing that is necessary in caring for feather grass is to pull out the weeds in time and, if necessary, loosen the soil.

There is another belief that feather grass is a sacred plant belonging to the spirits of the steppes. If you hide a bunch under your clothes, the perfume will protect and protect you from all adversity.

Feather grass is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Poaceae family. In the natural environment it is found in the steppes and rocky areas of Central Asia, Europe, Western Siberia, and the Caucasus. Capable of climbing to the upper belt of mountains. Tolerates temperatures as low as -23 °C.

Feather grass is a rare plant, protected by the Red Book of the Russian Federation (included in the “Vulnerable” category). Active human economic activity is displacing feather grass from the natural environment: factories and pipelines are being built, pine trees and other conifers are being planted. Natural forests are encroaching on steppe areas in the mountains, causing feather grass plantations to sharply decline.

• Turf plant. Numerous stems are erect and smooth, sometimes with pubescence under the nodes.
• The height of the bush is about 70 cm.

The basal rosette is formed by narrow, long (about 60 cm), straight leaves of dark green color. The stem leaves are shorter, folded along the length of the stems, almost flat, covered with thin hairs and small spines.

• Unlike most cereals, the rhizome of feather grass does not form creeping shoots.
• Another feature of the plant: the grain fruit is located in the lower scale with a pointed apex.

This type of feather grass is called the most beautiful for good reason:

During flowering, its iridescent strands look impressive. The spines of the spikelets are pubescent: the paniculate inflorescence is decorated with a bunch of silky threads. The axis twists in a spiral, and the hairs are directed in the direction opposite to the axis. Smoothly leaning down, they create the impression of a cloud or creeping fog.

Racemose paniculate inflorescences appear compressed and compact. The length of the spine is about 30 cm, and the pubescent hairs reach 3 mm.

When it blooms

Flowering begins at the end of May and lasts about a month.

The plant is unpretentious in care. Tolerates drought. Well-lit areas are preferred for growing.

How to propagate beautiful feather grass

Reproduction in nature

Reproduction is mainly by seed. In the natural environment, the wind picks up the feathery-pubescent grains and carries them long distances from the mother plant. After some time, they land, making their way through the grass, leaves, and reach the surface of the soil. Under the influence of night dew, the spiral-shaped elbow swells, unfolds, the axis is partially adjacent to the ground, and the grain is screwed into the ground. The next morning the stem unbends, the knee curls back, but the grain can no longer rise up - the bristles do not allow this to happen, they are stuck into the soil like an arrow. Over time, the grain germinates.

Sowing seeds in open ground

To grow beautiful feather grass, you will need to stock up on seed material - it can be purchased at specialized sales points or collected in the natural environment.

Feather grass is sown in open ground in the spring. You can try to sow before winter, but after severe frosts they are unlikely to sprout. To be safe, place 3-4 seeds in one hole at a depth of 0.5-1 cm.

Growing seedlings

It is best to grow feather grass for seedlings. Seeds need to be germinated for 1-2 months. Start sowing in March or better at the end of February. You will need boxes of nutrient soil.

• The seeds should be distributed over the surface of the soil, pressing only lightly.
• Moisten the soil with a fine spray.

• You will need warmth (air temperature 22-24 °C) and bright lighting (place on a south-facing windowsill).
• Water moderately - stagnation of moisture at the roots may cause the sprouts to die.

By the time the weather warms up, you will get stronger, healthy plants. Plant in open ground in May. Roll over together with the earthen lump.

It is most likely not advisable to talk about the vegetative method of propagation (by dividing the bush), since the plant tolerates the procedure painfully and may die.

Selecting a site for planting

To grow feather grass you will need a place filled with sunlight. It does not tolerate dampness: the area should not be flooded; if groundwater is close, make a high bed and lay a drainage layer.

The soil is preferably limestone or gypsum. When planting in ordinary garden soil, add lime and a little coarse sand before digging.

Caring for feather grass in the garden

Procedures for caring for feather grass are minimal. Young plants need moderate watering, also remove weeds, and you can mulch the soil around the plants. Adult plants will not need these actions.

No need to feed.

In late autumn, prune: remove faded shoots, do not touch the leaves.

Transfer

Plant immediately in a permanent place of growth, since the plant tolerates transplantation painfully. It grows successfully in one place without transplanting for more than 10 years.

Feather grass in landscape design and floristry

The silvery threads of the most beautiful feather grass remain decorative until late autumn. Original bushes will decorate the alpine hill and effectively complement the mixborder.

Plant in groups with other grains and include them in flower arrangements.

Looks great with barberry, turf, and dwarf conifers. The combination with roses, especially or, turns out stylish.

Feather grass with decorative yarrow and salvia photo

Throughout autumn and winter, the touching thread-like pubescence will retain its beauty in dry bouquets. Because of superstitions, not everyone decides to decorate their home with them, but they will find their place in the office.

Medicinal properties

Feather grass is most often used in traditional medicine.

The raw materials are rich in biologically active substances (cyanogenic compounds). They contain a strong acid - you should be careful in dosage. When used correctly, it has an analgesic and sedative effect and is used in the treatment of problems with the thyroid gland.

Other types of feather grass with photos and names

The genus has more than 300 species; about 80 representatives can be found in our area. Let's look at the species that are popular in gardening.

Cirrus - most often grown in gardens. The height of the bush is 40 cm. Long smooth leaves end in a tuft of hairs.

Hairworm - leaf plates of a grayish tint are rolled into a tube. The awns are fleecy, their length reaches 18 cm. The bush is 40-80 cm high.

Hairy-leaved - in the natural environment it is distributed not only in the steppes, it can be found on rocks. The leaf blades are rolled into a tube with a diameter of about 2 mm; the leaves are covered on all sides with thin soft hairs. The length of the awn is about 40 cm.

Far Eastern - common in China, Japan, Siberia. The tallest type: the majestic stems stretch up to 1.8 m. The width of the linear-lanceolate leaves is 3 cm, they are glossy. The awns are half a meter long.

The thinnest one - originally from Mexico, in our latitudes it is cultivated as an annual plant. The height of the plant is 80 cm. The leaf blades are hard.

Feather grass is a fairly well-known plant that belongs to the cereal family. It is a grass from 30 cm to a meter high, with a short rhizome (not creeping) and a rather dense bush. The feather grass plant is perennial and reproduces by seeds. In nature there are about 300 species of feather grass. About 80 of them grow in our country. Under natural conditions of the steppes it often forms dense turf, but due to active agricultural activity it is now rare.

Feather grass leaves are thin and hard, reminiscent of wire, sometimes even twisted into a tube. The stems are erect and also thin. Feather grass flower releases in the form of a dense paniculate inflorescence-spikelet at the end of May. It has a very original structure, in which the grain is located in the lower flower scale, which has a callus (pointed apex) and an awn. The bristles on the spikelet are located in the opposite direction to the awn, and the awn itself is twisted into a spiral.

Ripe seeds are spread by the wind. But there is another method, due to the unique structure of the spikelet. Under the influence of dew or rain, the stems of the feather grass take root to the ground, the spiral-shaped awn straightens a little from the moisture, and, like a corkscrew, is screwed into the ground. The scales prevent her from getting back out. Then the spikelet dries out and breaks off, and the seeds remain in the soil.

Use in landscape design

Due to its modest and natural beauty, feather grass is often found in gardens and flower beds (what feather grass grass looks like can be seen in the photo below). In addition to its natural charm, this plant has another important advantage - unpretentiousness.
Of course, this does not apply to all varieties, since some of them, due to different natural growing conditions, require special care in the climate of our country. With the help of feather grass, you can create spectacular compositions that imitate the natural combinations of steppe plants. Its thin spikelets are mesmerizing, fluttering in the wind with smooth lines. It looks especially beautiful when it is planted in a large dense group.

For creating naturgarden (natural garden), next to the feather grass it is recommended to plant those plants that will look natural in combination with it, as if they were to be seen in a meadow. These are, of course, other cereals: , foxtail, and others.

Also looking impressive next to scabiosa feather grass, especially in bright, rich shades, poppies, heather, sage, hyssop, chamomile, echinacea, decorative onions or garlic. Moreover, feather grass can act both as the basis of a composition and as a background for more striking opponents.

Lately, landscape designers have been coming up with new and original combinations, and now cereals highlight the beauty. Moreover, they look more advantageous next to varieties with miniature flowers.

Feather grass will fit perfectly into the plant environment of the pond next to irises, sedges and reeds. Although it is better to place it not at the very edge of the water, since this is not a coastal plant, but, for example, along the path to the pond.

Feather grass can grow a thick strip along the plank fence, filling the space between the picket fence, and thus emphasizing the division of garden space. It will look no less beautiful next to a fence or near pergola pillars.

Despite the fact that feather grass is a steppe plant, it can be planted next to ornamental bushes, for example, Thunberg barberry or turf. It harmonizes no less beautifully with some conifers, especially. Therefore, feather grass is quite appropriate for.

The use of feather grass in landscape design is not limited to the above, so designers continue to delight the gardener with new ideas for beautiful compositions.

Growing from seeds

The easiest way to propagate feather grass is by dividing the bush when it reaches good density. However, if it is not yet in the garden, then all that remains is to sow the seeds.

Growing feather grass from seeds does not require any special knowledge or effort. Varieties that grow in the climate of our country can be safely sown before winter - that is, in the fall directly into the ground in a permanent place. To do this, make a hole about 3 cm deep, moisten the soil and pour 3-4 seeds into it. In the same way, sowing is carried out in late April-early May during spring planting.

However, seeds are not always able to survive the winter or withstand spring frosts. Therefore, in order for the feather grass to decorate the garden already this season, it is better to sow it in seedlings. In addition, heat-loving varieties are grown only as seedlings.

The soil can be purchased at the store or prepared in the fall from your garden. Feather grass is not a demanding plant, so it has no special preferences for soil. Rather, he prefers not too fertile soil. You can sow the seeds directly into separate cups, since the feather grass sprouts are thin and fragile and can be easily damaged when planted from a common container.

Sowing is usually done in March. The seeds are not planted deeply and the soil is periodically moistened. Shoots usually appear in 4 days. Seedlings are planted in the ground in May.

Care

The photo shows the finest feather grass “Pony Tails”

When sowing feather grass seeds in the ground or through seedlings, the distance between plants is made about 20 cm. Basic care comes down to periodically weeding out the weeds. If desired, you can mulch the soil.

Frequent watering or fertilizing is not required, since feather grass is the plant is steppe and is accustomed to drought. The main thing is to choose a good sunny place for it, where it will not be threatened by groundwater located close to the surface, since he doesn’t like excess moisture. Also, feather grass does not really like acidic soils, so if the acidity level is high, it is necessary to add lime.

If the feather grass bush has become dense enough, it can be divided in the spring. This is not only a method of propagation, but is also useful for the plant itself, so that it blooms more effectively.

What is feather grass like?

Despite the fact that quite a few varieties of feather grass are known, only a few of them are used for landscape design (photos and descriptions are attached):

• - the most frequent visitor to the gardens and. This is no accident, since he is an original inhabitant of the Russian steppes and is accustomed to all the vagaries of our climate. It reaches a height of about 90 cm. It blooms in May-June. Overwinters without shelter. The stems of the plant are smooth, the panicles are narrow;
  
• - very similar to the feathery one, but unlike it, it has denser panicles, which, under their own weight, bend toward the ground, forming a smooth bend;
  
• Feather grass “Fluffy cloud” is a compact bush no more than 50 cm high, often lower. Its spikelets are erect and lush in shape, which is how this plant got its name;
• comes from Mexico, so winter temperatures below 15° are contraindicated for it, as well as high temperatures (more than 25°). Grown as an annual. The leaves of this plant are quite hard, the spikelets are whitish with a silvery tint. Bush height - about 80 cm;
• Feather grass "Fireworks"- a perennial plant about 80 cm high, in our climate it can be an annual. This feather grass received its name due to the leaves changing their color, which from dark green in the spring at the end of summer become golden-pink, and in the fall they become almost red or brown;
  
• - from the genus of feathery feather grass. It grows on low-humus soils and is also often found on solonetzes. The leaves are covered with hairs and pimples, the panicle is loose and slightly pubescent;
• Feather grass "Hairy"- a plant about 60 cm high. It differs from other feather grasses by its thin and long spine (about 20-25 cm), which resembles horsehair. The color of the spikelet is silver-green;
  
• – about 60 cm in height. The leaves are slightly rough on the outside, curling when dry. The panicles have a purple tint, as can be seen in the photo of the plant.
  

Feather grass in the garden. Signs

Like many other plants, feather grass has its own halo of signs and beliefs. For example, it is generally accepted that this herb cannot be stored in the house, since it is also called widow’s grass, and if it is in someone’s home, he will become a widow. This belief is connected with the fact that in the distant past, the raids of nomads occurred precisely at the time when the feather grass was blooming, and people began to identify the spikelets of the feather grass with the hair of mothers and wives gray from sorrow.

However, there is also a belief that feather grass is a sacred plant of the spirits of the steppes, and if a person hides a bunch of feather grass under his shirt, the spirits of the steppe will take him under their protection and cleanse him of past adversities.

This means that it is better not to place feather grass in the house, but it is quite possible to grow it in the garden!

prairie garden

The video below shows how to create an American-style garden reminiscent of scenes from Western films. Plants like feather grass, and it itself, although it is a typical plant of the Russian steppe, will be able to show their best side in such a garden.

Feather grass (Stipa) is a common herbaceous steppe plant of the grass family. The name is of Greek origin and means “tow.”

Nearly 300 varieties of feather grass have been registered. There are 80 species growing in Russia. In the wild steppe, feather grass forms thick turf, picturesquely filling the entire space.

Description

Externally, feather grass resembles a bush of grass with a height of 30 cm to 1 m. It can be a perennial or annual, depending on climatic conditions. In nature it grows in the steppe, mountainous and semi-desert areas of Eurasia.

Feather grass stems are thin and erect. The rhizome is short, not creeping. The leaves of the plant are hard and very thin, similar to wire. There are leaves twisted in the form of a tube. The bristles of the spikelet are oriented in the direction opposite to the awn. The spine curls like a spiral.

Vigorous flowering begins 2-4 years after planting. During the flowering period, which occurs at the end of May, the feather grass throws out a paniculate inflorescence spike. Inside a spikelet up to 2.5 cm long, a flower is hidden behind two scales before flowering.

The structure of the ear is quite unusual. Seeds in the form of grains are hidden in the flower scales from the lower and upper halves. The scale has a pointed tip (callus) and an awn.

Feather grass reproduces by seeds, which are successfully distributed by the wind, expanding the growing area. But there is another, more interesting method of reproduction related to the structure of the ears.

From dew and with the onset of rain, the stems become heavier and sink lower to the ground. The spine spiral is moistened and gradually straightened. Upon contact with the ground, it twists into it like a corkscrew. The buried part can no longer come out because the scales prevent it. Gradually, the spikelet dries out and breaks off from the stem, but the seeds remain underground.

The plant has no medicinal or nutritional value for humans and livestock.

Propagation by seeds

The best way to plant your favorite feather grass variety in your garden is to plant seeds, especially since this does not require much effort.

Varieties adapted to temperate climate conditions are planted directly into the ground during autumn sowing. Place 3-4 seeds in one hole 3 cm deep. Feather grass is sown in the same way in the spring, with the onset of May.

To eliminate the risk of frost damage, feather grass is grown through seedlings, and then it decorates the garden with the onset of the season. It is worth noting that heat-loving varieties of feather grass are grown only by seedlings.

The substrate for planting is suitable either store-bought or prepared in the fall from a summer cottage. Feather grass is not picky about soil composition; even infertile compositions are preferable.

The seeds are immediately placed in separate cups, 2-3 pieces each, because the sprouts are very delicate and are easily injured when diving. The optimal planting time is March. Seed placement in moist soil is not deep. It is enough to sprinkle with a layer of soil no more than 1 cm. The first shoots can be expected in 4-6 days. Grown seedlings are planted in the garden in May.

Growing

Feather grass is a steppe grass and is drought-resistant. Therefore, in arid soils, one feather grass often survives, filling the area.

The planting site should be dry and sunny, without the threat of flooding with groundwater. The plant does not like excess moisture. It is recommended to add lime to acidic soil.

When planting, a distance of 20 cm is maintained between the feather grass bushes. When sowing in open ground, the seedlings are broken through, and older bushes are planted.

Maintenance includes weed control and mulching. Feather grass does not need watering or fertilizing. Only during the first time after planting, before rooting, and on especially hot days, to preserve the decorative appearance of the grass.

Large, dense bushes are divided into 2-3 parts for the purpose of reproduction and stimulation of flowering. The procedure is carried out in the spring or at the end of August. Plants can grow in one place for 10-15 years.

What kind of feather grass is there?

From the many common varieties of feather grass, landscape designers have selected several of the most attractive species.

Feather grass in landscape design

Despite its modest, natural beauty and some wildness, feather grass has thoroughly settled in the garden and flower beds, giving them natural charm and charm. The main merit in this is its unpretentiousness and unusual appearance.

The most successful use of feather grass in garden design is the formation of compositions that reproduce the vegetation of the steppe. Thin, gray hairs of feather grass roll in smooth waves in the wind and captivate the eye. Planting in dense groups enhances the decorative effect.

Feather grass is used in pond planting along with irises, sedges, heucheras, and reeds. The swaying stripes of feather grass will become an original design along the garden path. Feather grass is planted along the fence line, near fences and posts.

Companion plants

Fashionable trends in landscape design have become the “prairie” and “naturgarden” styles, which means natural garden. Meadow and steppe plants are selected as companions for feather grass so that the plantings look natural. These include cereal species: fescue, foxtail, miscanthus.

Scabiosa of rich, rich tones forms bright combinations with feather grass. Spectacular compositions are obtained with the following plants:

1. poppies,
2. sage
3. heather,
4. chamomile,
5. issol,
6. chamomile, as well as decorative varieties of onions and garlic.

Kovyl is capable of playing a solo part here and being a background for its more colorful neighbors.

An interesting and original solution in landscape design was the use of cereals to highlight the beauty of rose gardens. Particularly winning combinations are obtained with climbing roses and small-flowered varieties.

Steppe grass harmonizes well with conifers, low plants and ornamental shrubs. In any corner of the garden, feather grass allows you to realize new ideas in delightful compositions.

Watch also the video

Residents of megacities are familiar with the word “feather grass” only from a botany textbook. Few people have seen the steppe expanses covered with silver waves of flowering feather grass. And very few people know about the unique properties of this plant. In this article we will talk about whether it is a shrub or a grass. What does the plant look like and in what climatic zone does it grow?

Let's start with a brief description of the flower. Feather grass, popularly called “sheep’s death”, “tyrsa” or “pernik”, - is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Poaceae family, Poataceae subfamily.

It is difficult to confuse it with other plants. A short rhizome, a bunch of narrow, often twisted leaves and a silky panicle inflorescence are typical features of all types of feather grass.

The root system of bluegrass is poorly developed. Therefore, feather grass cannot grow on the thick perennial turf of fertile meadows. But if a certain area experiences several dry years one after another, the turf layer weakens. This means that it will soon be filled with feather grass. The same thing happens with pastures and hayfields, where last year’s grass is burned. This phenomenon is called steppeification (toading) of the meadow.

In addition to meadows and steppes, feather grass can grow on any piece of soil: among stones, in rocks, on sun-scorched gentle hills.

Industrial Applications and Agricultural Significance

Hairy feather grass is valued as pasture fodder for livestock. Its succulent stems, cut at the beginning of summer, are fed to horses and sheep. Cattle don't eat it.

By the time flowering ends, grazing cattle on the steppe meadows becomes impossible. The needle-sharp spines of feather grass pierce the skin and mucous membrane of the animals’ mouths, causing them excruciating pain and causing swelling and inflammation, and often suppuration of the puncture sites. This scourge has its own name – “feather grass disease”.

Another variety of feather grass, esparto, is successfully used in industry. Artificial silk and paper are made from it.

Types of grass feather grass in the steppe

There are more than three hundred species of this plant around the world, of which about a third are herbs.

On the territory of the Russian Federation there are such types of feather grass as:

• pinnate;
• most beautiful;
• hairy;
• Far Eastern;
• pubescent-leaved;
• Zalessky.

The most common types of feather grass are hairy and feathery. They are found in the arid regions of Western Europe, in the steppes of southern Russia and even in Siberia. However, only two reserves remain truly untouched islands of wild nature, where feather grass has been growing since time immemorial - the Khomutovskaya Steppe (in the Donetsk region) and Askania-Nova (in the Kherson region).

Beneficial features

Traditional medicine has long appreciated the beneficial properties of feather grass. It is used in the treatment of goiter, rheumatism, joint pain, multiple sclerosis, and prostate adenoma. In case of paralysis, it is simply irreplaceable.

However, despite its beneficial properties, feather grass also has contraindications. People suffering from asthma and grain allergies should avoid taking medications containing this plant or replace it with another.

Feather grass - steppe plant

Use of natural plants for medicinal purposes

All parts of the plant are used to prepare medicinal decoctions.

The aboveground part of the feather grass begins to be harvested for future use during the flowering period, which occurs at the end of May to mid-June. The cut grass is laid out in the shade and dried for several days. Then finely chop, pour into paper bags and store in a dry place at room temperature.

You need to dry the feather grass on a mesh-covered floor, where it is well ventilated, dries quickly and does not mold.

Rhizomes are harvested in late autumn, when the aboveground part of the plants dies.

If you have no experience in collecting medicinal herbs, it is wiser to purchase dry feather grass at the pharmacy.

Recipes using feathery feather grass

Infusion and compress for goiter

Pour 3 tablespoons of feather grass into a thermos, pour boiling milk (3 cups).

Let the night settle. In the morning, pour two glasses of infusion into another container and sip throughout the day. Wet a cloth with the rest and apply it to the thyroid gland as a compress.

You need to be treated for at least two months.

Lotion for joint pain

Pour boiling water over a handful of dry feather grass stems and simmer over low heat for 5 minutes.

Let it brew until it swells well. When warm, apply to sore joints, with cling film and a woolen scarf on top. Keep for 30 minutes.

Apply lotions until the pain disappears.

To enhance the therapeutic effect, milk is used instead of boiling water.

Siberian recipe for paralysis

Dig up a dried feather grass bush - it is the most useful.

Take a handful of herbs with roots (as much as will fit in your hand), pour in a liter of boiling water. Once it cools down, drink instead of tea until improvement is noticeable. It helps well against paralysis, even lifts those who are repeatedly paralyzed.

When using feather grass for medicinal purposes, do not exceed the dose indicated in the recipe. An overdose can lead to severe poisoning.