Origin
Digitaria cognata (J.A. Schultes) Pilger var. cognata belongs to the family Poaceae. This plant is native to South America and is widely distributed in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Common Names
Digitaria cognata var. cognata has several common names, including Brazilian fingergrass and woolly fingergrass. In Portuguese-speaking countries, it is known as Capim-colchão.
Uses
The Digitaria cognata var. cognata is a very versatile plant. It is often used as a forage crop for livestock and can also be used as a ground cover. Additionally, it is used for soil stabilization, erosion control, and is an excellent source of biomass.
General Appearance
The Digitaria cognata var. cognata is a perennial grass that can grow up to 4 feet tall. It has a dense and fibrous root system that helps with soil stabilization. The leaves are narrow and long, measuring about 5-20 cm in length and 3-7 mm in width. The inflorescence is cylindrical, with spikes that can reach up to 25 cm long. The plant's seeds are oval-shaped and about 1 mm in length.
This plant is bright green and has a soft, almost fluffy look due to the fine hairs that cover the blades of grass. The leaves feel velvety to the touch and lend a beautiful texture to the surrounding landscape.
If you're looking for a rugged and reliable grass that can withstand a variety of growing conditions, the Digitaria cognata var. cognata is an excellent choice.
Light requirements
Digitaria cognata (J.A. Schultes) Pilger var. cognata thrives best in areas with full sun. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day for optimal growth and development. The plant also needs exposure to sunlight to initiate photosynthesis and produce food for growth.
Temperature requirements
The plant can grow well in a wide range of temperatures. A temperature range of 20-30°C is ideal. Temperatures higher than 30°C can be detrimental to the plant's growth while those lower than 20°C can delay plant growth and development.
Soil requirements
Digitaria cognata (J.A. Schultes) Pilger var. cognata requires well-draining soils with a pH of 5.5-6.5. The soil should be moderately fertile, with enough organic matter to support the plant's growth and development. The plant can also grow in sandy soils, provided they have good drainage. It is sensitive to waterlogged soils and is unlikely to grow well in such areas.
Cultivation Methods
Digitaria cognata (J.A. Schultes) Pilger var. cognata is a warm-season, perennial grass species that thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. Plant this species in the early spring when the soil temperature reaches around 60°F to 65°F.
Digitaria cognata requires full sun to grow vigorously, and it does not tolerant shade well. This species prefers well-draining soils that are slightly acidic; however, it can tolerate a wide range of soil types.
When planting, space seedlings between 6 to 12 inches apart, depending on the desired level of coverage.
To propagate from seed, sow the seeds directly onto the soil surface in late spring or early summer. Cover the seed lightly with soil and keep moist until germination.
Watering Needs
Digitaria cognata requires regular, consistent moisture levels during its establishment period; however, once it is established, it can tolerate drought conditions well. Water deeply and infrequently rather than frequent shallow watering, which can lead to root rot or weak growth.
Taper off the watering in the late fall and winter months when the grass goes dormant.
Fertilization
Digitaria cognata requires moderate to high amounts of nutrients to grow healthily. Before planting, amend the soil with compost or aged manure. Additionally, apply a complete, balanced fertilizer that includes nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to the soil after planting.
During the growing season, apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 6 weeks or as needed to keep the grass growing vigorously.
Pruning
Digitaria cognata does not require regular pruning; however, it can benefit from an annual pruning in the early spring before new growth resumes.
Prune away any dead or diseased blades to promote healthy growth and maintain the desired shape and size.
Propagation of Digitaria cognata (J.A. Schultes) Pilger var. cognata
Digitaria cognata (J.A. Schultes) Pilger var. cognata, commonly known as fall witchgrass, is a perennial grass species that is native to North America. It is a popular choice for landscaping due to its attractive foliage and ease of care. Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods that include seed propagation, division, and transplantation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is one of the most common and easiest methods to propagate Digitaria cognata. Seeds can be collected from mature plants during the fall season when they are fully ripe and dry. The collected seeds need to be cleaned to remove any debris and stored in a cool, dry place until planting season. Seeds can be planted directly in the ground or in seed trays filled with a potting mix. The ideal time for planting is in the spring when the soil has warmed up.
The soil should be prepared by tilling and removing any weeds and debris. The seeds should be planted at a depth of ¼ inch and watered regularly to keep the soil moist. Germination can take up to two weeks, and after the seedlings have grown 2-3 inches tall, thinning can be done to remove weaker plants. After two years, mature plants can be transplanted to their final location.
Division
Division is another propagation method that is commonly used for Digitaria cognata. This method involves separating the plant's clumps into smaller sections and replanting them. The best time to divide the plant is in early spring before new growth begins. The clumps should be dug up carefully, and the soil should be shaken off to expose the roots. The clumps can then be separated into smaller sections, each with a healthy root mass.
The separated sections should be replanted in a prepared bed, with compost added to improve soil fertility. The plants should be watered regularly to maintain soil moisture until they are established.
Transplantation
Transplantation involves moving mature plants to their final location. This method is best done in the early spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing. The plant should be dug out carefully, and the soil should be shaken off to expose the roots. The plant should then be transplanted to a prepared bed, with compost added to improve soil fertility. The plant should be watered regularly until it is established.
Propagation of Digitaria cognata can be done through various methods and is a simple process. However, it is crucial to follow proper planting and care procedures to ensure the successful growth and establishment of the plants.
Disease Management
Digitaria cognata is generally disease-resistant, but there are a few diseases that can affect it:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease appears as circular, sunken spots on the leaves, surrounded by a yellow halo. To manage the disease, remove any infected plant material and treat the plant with a fungicide containing chlorothalonil.
- Leaf Blight: Leaf blight is a fungal disease that causes brown patches on the leaves. Infected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and the plant should be treated with a fungicide that contains chlorothalonil.
- Rust: Rust appears as orange spots on the leaves and stems. To manage rust, remove any infected plant material and treat the plant with a fungicide containing myclobutanil.
Pest Management
Digitaria cognata is also generally resistant to pests, but there are a few pests that can cause damage:
- Cutworms: Cutworms are the larvae of moths that cut through the stems of plants, causing them to wither and die. To manage cutworms, handpick them from the plant or use a pesticide that contains bifenthrin.
- Aphids: Aphids suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves. To manage aphids, remove them from the plant by washing them off with a hose or use an insecticidal soap.
- Grasshoppers: Grasshoppers can eat large amounts of plant material, causing significant damage. To manage grasshoppers, use a pesticide that contains carbaryl or spinosad.
