Overview
Digitaria californica, also known as California crabgrass or fonio, is a warm-season, annual grass endemic to California and Baja California, Mexico. This grass species belongs to the Poaceae family, which is one of the largest and economically significant plant families, commonly referred to as grasses or cereals.
General Appearance
The grass blades of Digitaria californica are flat, linear, and can grow up to 2 feet tall. The blades are usually green or slightly bluish-green in color and are typically 2-7 cm long and 2-6 mm wide. The inflorescence is composed of branches, with one to three spikelets that grow up to 2-3 mm long, each containing a few dozen tiny seeds. The seeds are yellowish-brown and about 1 mm in diameter.
Common Names
The common names of this grass species include California Crabgrass, Fonio, Indian Crabgrass, Macagona, and San Diego Crabgrass. The name Fonio is derived from a West African cereal grain, which could be confused with this plant due to its similar size and shape of the seeds.
Uses
Digitaria californica is valued for its forage quality and is commonly used as a grazing and hay crop for livestock. Its drought tolerance also makes it useful for erosion control, roadside stabilization, and restoration of lands that have been degraded by fire or other disturbances. The seeds of this plant are edible but require significant processing to remove the outer hull. It has also been used in traditional medicine to treat urinary tract infections and as a diuretic.
hereLight Requirements
Digitaria californica thrives in full sun to partial shade. It requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and should be planted in locations where it can receive proper exposure to sunlight. In absence of sufficient light, it may become leggy.
Temperature Requirements
This plant has a warm-season growth habit. It grows best in areas with warm to hot temperatures ranging from 60-90°F. Temperatures below 50°F can cause damage or death to the plant. It is usually adapted to regions that have a dry summer or Mediterranean climate.
Soil Requirements
Digitaria californica grows well in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0-7.5 is most suitable for this plant. It is important that the soil is not waterlogged as this can promote soilborne diseases. A soil that is able to retain some moisture is ideal for the plant to thrive.
Cultivation
Digitaria californica, also known as California cottontop grass, thrives in full sun to partial shade. It grows well in various soil types, including sandy loam, clay loam, and rocky soils, as long as they are well-drained. This plant is known to be drought-resistant, making it ideal for arid regions.
Watering Needs
The California cottontop grass requires moderate watering. Adequate irrigation should be provided to support the plant's growth and prevent root rot. Watering should be done early in the morning or late in the afternoon to reduce water loss through evaporation. In dry periods, it is crucial to water the plant more often to maintain the foliage's green color.
Fertilization
Digitaria californica is a low-maintenance plant, and fertilizer application is generally unnecessary. However, if the soil's nutrient content is lacking, a slow-release fertilizer can be used in the spring to boost growth and promote the plant's health. The use of organic fertilizers is preferable, as they can provide essential nutrients without the risk of over-fertilization.
Pruning
Pruning is not essential for California cottontop grass. However, pruning can be done to maintain the plant's shape and improve its appearance. Trimming the plant's tips will promote bushier growth, while removing old and yellowing leaves will enhance the plant's overall look. Pruning should be done in the late winter or early spring before the new growth begins.
Propagation Methods for Digitaria Californica (Benth.) Henr.
There are two main propagation methods for Digitaria californica (Benth.) Henr.: by seeds or by stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
The easiest way to propagate Digitaria californica (Benth.) Henr. is by using seeds. The seeds of this plant can be collected from fully matured plants during the autumn season and sun-dried. Once they are dry, plant the seeds in well-draining soil or in seed trays. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep moist. Seeds generally take two to three weeks to germinate and will require regular watering especially in the beginning to ensure they don’t dry out.
It is recommended to sow the seeds in late fall to early winter as this will help the seedlings to establish themselves before the heat of summer arrives. After about a year, the seedlings can be transplanted to their final growing spot in your garden.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation of Digitaria californica (Benth.) Henr. by stem cuttings is also possible. Choose a mature plant with healthy stems and foliage for this process. Using a sharp, sterile pair of scissors, take a stem cutting from the parent plant that has at least 2-3 nodes.
Remove any leaf from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Then, place the cutting in a pot filled with pre-moistened soil or a mixture of perlite and vermiculite. Make sure that at least one node of the cutting is buried into the soil mixture and that it's main stem is sitting upright. Water the cutting regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. New growth should appear after a few weeks.
Once the cutting has established roots and new growth, usually after 3-4 months, it can be transplanted to its final location in your garden.
Final Thoughts
Propagation of Digitaria californica (Benth.) Henr. can be done using seeds or stem cuttings. Both methods work well and successfully grow new plants. Growing your own plants is a satisfying and cost-effective way to increase the numbers of plants in your garden, plus it will ensure you have the exact cultivar you're interested in.
Disease and Pest Management for Digitaria californica
Digitaria californica, commonly known as California cottontop, is a perennial grass that is native to California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. It is a hardy plant that grows well in a wide range of soils and can tolerate drought conditions. However, like other plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can affect its growth and overall health. Here are some common diseases and pests that may affect Digitaria californica and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Fungal diseases: Some of the common fungal diseases that can affect Digitaria californica include leaf spot, stem rust, and powdery mildew. To manage these diseases, it is important to maintain good sanitation practices, such as removing infected plant debris and avoiding overhead watering. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of fungal diseases.
Viral diseases: Digitaria californica can also be susceptible to some viral diseases, such as mosaic virus. Unfortunately, there is no cure for viral diseases, so prevention is key. Planting virus-free seeds and avoiding contact with infected plants are some ways to prevent the spread of viral diseases.
Pests
Grasshoppers: Grasshoppers are a common pest that can feed on the foliage of Digitaria californica, causing significant damage. To manage grasshopper infestations, physical barriers, such as insect netting, can be used to prevent them from reaching the plants. Insecticides can also be used for severe infestations.
Mites: Spider mites are another common pest that can infest Digitaria californica. They can cause discoloration and yellowing of the foliage, and in severe cases, lead to stunted growth and death. Spraying the plants with a strong jet of water can sometimes dislodge mites, but insecticides may need to be used for more severe infestations.
Thrips: Thrips are small, slender insects that can cause damage to the foliage of Digitaria californica by sucking the sap from the leaves. To manage thrips infestations, insecticides and insecticidal soaps can be used.
Overall, a combination of preventive measures and prompt action can help to manage diseases and pests that may affect Digitaria californica. Keeping the plants healthy and maintaining good sanitation practices are some of the best ways to prevent and manage diseases and pests.
