El Nardus stricta it is an invasive perennial species, belonging to the Poaceae family, the only known species of the genus Nardus. Slow growing and long lasting can exceed 30 cm in height, presents very dense locks. It spreads particularly thanks to the mud that sticks to the hooves of animals. Likewise, its seeds adhere to the wool of sheep.
Origin and habitat
It is a plant native to Eastern Europe and the Caucasus and Siberia regions, it grows essentially in grasslands and swamps. Hence its characteristic of being a species of acidic and humid soils, although not unchangingly moist. It can be seen on the edges of asphalt roads, wetlands, swamps, and grazing lands, among other sites. Nardus has spread to northern Europe, in Great Britain, Denmark and Sweden.
Characteristics of the Nardus stricta
El Nardus stricta It is a small plant that has a fairly narrow surface of rough, rigid, smooth, dark green to bluish-green leaves, somewhat spicy, ribbed, at first they look erect, therefore particularly divergent, the lower ones are small leaves like yellowish scales ovadas.
The leaf sheaths are dull, rough and resistant. It produces a straight, unbranched flower spike that can extend up to 10 cm long. Solitary, sessile, purple spikelets emerge near the rachis. The distinctive flower heads have 2 rows of elemental inflorescence on one side of the panicle, forming a bristle. Nardus produces very compact tufts, which tend to inhibit growth.
Its development is not restricted by topography or high temperatures. In relation to rain, they do not grow in dry regions. It does not tolerate shade, in the wild it tolerates up to 3500 meters above sea level. It is difficult to remove due to the difficulty of locating it in mixed places. Untreated plants develop seeds and perpetuate infestations for decades.
It grows mainly during the month of April and flowers in late May or early June. Because they are eminently self-fertile, individual plants are capable of establishing new colonies, remember that it is an invasive plant. The seeds ripen in June, then the plant expels them in the vicinity.
Usually in the seedbeds they achieve a diameter that can go from 1/2 inch to 1 inch. Each of them can grow 3 to 4 inches in diameter and once winter is over, they reveal a tuft of yellowish withered leaves in the center.
Impacts produced
El Nardus stricta it does not serve as pasture for animals, because of its unpleasant taste. For this reason, it is a problem that every day this species forms more colonies, which result in the displacement of valuable forage crops, which turns meadows and pastures into less productive places. Undoubtedly, the loss of forage crops causes significant economic damage to livestock farming..
The extensions of land infected by the plant lose value and become less valuable as grass producers. In some places, it is classified as a threat. This plant colonizes the subalpine meadows, peat soils and those soils with a humid and acid tendency. As the invaded space increases, it displaces all types of native vegetation in the area of the colony.
Control
It can be controlled using broad spectrum herbicides such as glyphosate. Now, placing the seedlings in the middle of other grasses is not an easy task due to their tiny size. Manually removing the plant is not recommended, as it can only stimulate the germination of existing seeds.
Definitely the most effective control is the chemical diffusion treatment not only in the infested area, but also to extend it around for a long time until the seed bank is exhausted on the site.
Factors that favor its presence
The movement of contaminated pasture or livestock plays a significant role in the spread of the Nardus stricta. It should be borne in mind that seeds embedded in the hooves of animals are a feasible risk factor. The owners of infested land They should be aware of the risk involved in making hay and raising livestock on Nardus-infested land.