Digitaria Elegantula Mez

Origin and Common Names

Digitaria elegantula Mez, also known as elegant crabgrass, is a warm-season annual grass that is native to the southeastern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America. It is commonly found in fields, pastures, lawns, and disturbed areas in these regions.

Uses

Digitaria elegantula Mez has limited forage value and is generally considered a weed. However, some wildlife species may consume it, including deer, small mammals, and birds. This plant is also sometimes used in traditional medicine to treat fever, diarrhea, and other ailments. Additionally, it is often used in landscaping as an ornamental grass or as a ground cover.

General Appearance

Digitaria elegantula Mez can reach up to 3 feet (1 meter) tall and has a spread of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters). Its leaves are pale green and hairy, with long tapered blades that are flat or folded along the midvein. The plant has a shallow root system and typically produces numerous branches. The spikelets are arranged in numerous whorls along the stems, and the seeds are small and round. The plant has a very prolific seed production, which makes it an aggressive colonizer of disturbed areas.here

Light requirements

Digitaria elegantula Mez, commonly known as Elegant Crabgrass, is a warm-season grass that thrives in full sunlight. It requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow and develop properly. Lack of sunlight can cause the plant to become weak and susceptible to pests and diseases.

Temperature requirements

Digitaria elegantula Mez is best suited for warm climates and requires a minimum temperature of 18°C (65°F). It grows well in temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F), and it cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures. The plant has a good drought tolerance and can withstand high temperatures.

Soil requirements

Digitaria elegantula Mez prefers well-draining, rich, fertile soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. The ideal pH range is 6.5 to 7.5. Heavy, poorly-draining soils can cause root rot and other diseases, while soils that are too sandy may not retain enough moisture. It is important to ensure that the soil is loose and well-aerated to allow for proper root growth. The plant also benefits from regular fertilization, especially during the growing season.

Cultivation

Digitaria elegantula Mez is a warm-season grass that thrives in a variety of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. It is best to plant this species in the spring after the soil has warmed up to at least 60°F. The planting depth should be shallow, not exceeding 1/4 inch. A spacing of 12-18 inches should be used between plants.

Watering Needs

Digitaria elegantula Mez requires frequent watering to establish and maintain healthy growth. Watering should be done deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out somewhat before the next watering. Generally, the species can tolerate brief periods of drought, but excessive drought may cause leaf blades to curl or turn yellow.

Fertilization

Digitaria elegantula Mez requires regular fertilization to support healthy growth and development. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 blend, every six to eight weeks during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilization, as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth and decreased flowering potential.

Pruning

Digitaria elegantula Mez requires little pruning to maintain a healthy and attractive appearance. However, if the species becomes overgrown or leggy, it is recommended to prune back one-third of the vegetation in the early spring. This will stimulate new growth and encourage fuller foliage. Additionally, the species can benefit from occasional weeding or deadheading of spent flowers to promote continual blooms throughout the growing season.

Propagation of Digitaria elegantula Mez

Digitaria elegantula Mez, commonly known as Elegant Crabgrass, can be propagated through seeds or vegetatively through stem cuttings.

Seed propagation

Collect mature seeds from the plant and store them in a cool, dry place until ready to use. To start the seeds, they must be scarified or treated with sulfuric acid to break down their hard outer coating. Then they can be sown in fertile, well-draining soil that is kept moist until germination. Germination can take up to three weeks.

Stem cutting propagation

Take stem cuttings from the plant and place them in moist soil or water to encourage root development. When roots have formed, the new plants can be transplanted to their permanent location. Vegetative propagation through stem cuttings is a quicker method of propagation compared to seed propagation.

Regardless of the propagation method chosen, it is important to keep the soil moist until the plant is established. Once established, Digitaria elegantula Mez is a hardy plant that can tolerate dry conditions and infrequent watering.

Disease Management

Digitaria elegantula Mez is generally a healthy plant, but it may be prone to several diseases:

• Leaf Blight: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves which enlarge in size. The affected leaves may eventually die and drop off. To manage this disease, remove the affected leaves and apply a fungicide to the plant.
• Anthracnose: This disease is also fungal and causes leaf spotting and browning. The affected plant parts may eventually die. The best way to control this disease is to remove any infected plant parts and apply a fungicide.
• Root Rot: This disease is caused by fungi that thrive in moist soil conditions. Overwatering can lead to this disease where the roots start to turn brown and die. To manage this, avoid overwatering, and create drainage in the soil.

Pest Management

The plant may also be affected by several pests:

• Grasshoppers: These pests chew on the leaves and stems of the plant. They can be controlled by using insecticides or by handpicking them off the plant.
• Aphids: These pests feed on the sap of the plant and can lead to stunted growth. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with water or using an insecticidal soap.
• Mites: These pests also feed on the sap of the plant and cause yellowing of the leaves. They can be controlled by using miticides or insecticidal soap.

Regularly inspecting the plant for signs of disease and pests, and taking immediate action to manage them can help to ensure the health and longevity of the Digitaria elegantula Mez plant.