Origin
Digitaria ischaemum (Schreb.) Schreb. ex Muhl. var. violascens (Link) Radford, commonly known as smooth crabgrass or southern crabgrass, is a warm-season perennial grass native to North America.
Common Names
Smooth crabgrass is commonly known as southern crabgrass, summer grass, ["Tifton grass"], ["Tennessee grass"], ["crowfoot grass"] and ["scrambled eggs"].
Uses
Smooth crabgrass is widely used as a forage cereal in many parts of the world. It is also used as temporary ground cover, especially in urban and suburban environments due to its quick growth and resilience to foot traffic. In traditional medicine, smooth crabgrass is used as a remedy for diarrhea and to ease pain of blisters, burns, and sores.
General Appearance
Digitaria ischaemum (Schreb.) Schreb. ex Muhl. var. violascens (Link) Radford has a characteristic appearance due to its light green color and thin, flat, and pointed leaves growing from a central base. It forms a mat-like structure that can grow up to 60 cm tall. The grass produces flowers from late spring to fall, with each seed head containing numerous seeds that are less than 1 mm in diameter.
Light Requirements
Digitaria ischaemum var. violascens prefers full sunlight exposure to allow for optimal growth and development. It is not shade-tolerant and may struggle to survive in areas with low light intensity.
Temperature Requirements
For this plant, optimal growth occurs at temperatures between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). It can tolerate a wide range of temperature fluctuations but is susceptible to freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Digitaria ischaemum var. violascens grows well in a variety of soil types. However, it prefers well-drained soils with medium to low fertility. A pH range of 6 to 7 is optimal for its growth. High fertility soils may lead to excessive foliage growth and decreased seed production.
Cultivation methods
The plant Digitaria ischaemum (Schreb.) Schreb. ex Muhl. var. violascens (Link) Radford is commonly grown as a turfgrass and is ideal for use in lawns, parks, and playgrounds. It prefers well-drained soils and full sun exposure but can tolerate some shade. The plant is adaptable to various soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. The best time to plant Digitaria is in the spring or fall when temperatures are moderate.
Watering needs
To ensure optimal growth, Digitaria requires regular watering. The frequency of watering largely depends on the weather conditions. In dry and hot climates, the plant may need to be watered more frequently to avoid wilting. During the summer months, the grass should be watered deeply once a week rather than shallow watering daily. Young plants will require more frequent watering until their roots have established.
Fertilization
Fertilization is important to maintain healthy grass growth. A complete fertilizer with a balanced ratio of N-P-K (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) can be used throughout the growing season. The amount and frequency of fertilizer application will depend on the growth rate, soil type, and weather conditions. However, excessive fertilization can lead to thatch buildup and weaken the grass, so it should be avoided.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Digitaria ischaemum (Schreb.) Schreb. ex Muhl. var. violascens (Link) Radford since it is a turfgrass. However, regular mowing is necessary to maintain an even height and encourage healthy growth. The first mowing should be done when the grass reaches a height of 3 to 4 inches. Subsequent mowing should be done at a height of 2 to 3 inches. The frequency of mowing will depend on the growth rate of the grass.
Propagation Methods for Digitaria ischaemum (Schreb.) Schreb. ex Muhl. var. violascens (Link) Radford
Digitaria ischaemum (Schreb.) Schreb. ex Muhl. var. violascens (Link) Radford can be propagated through a variety of methods. Here are the three most common methods:
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common way to propagate this plant is through seeds. You can easily get high-quality seeds from a reliable supplier. You can start the seeds indoors in the spring or directly sow them in the garden after the last frost. To directly sow the seeds, prepare the soil by raking it to remove all stones and debris. Next, sprinkle the seeds on the soil and rake them in lightly. Water the soil well, and keep it moist until the seeds germinate.
Division Propagation
You can also propagate Digitaria ischaemum (Schreb.) Schreb. ex Muhl. var. violascens (Link) Radford through division. This method is ideal if you have larger clumps of the plant that you want to spread out. To do this, simply dig up the clump and gently separate the root mass into smaller sections. Replant the smaller sections in a new location and water them well.
Cutting Propagation
Another way to propagate Digitaria ischaemum (Schreb.) Schreb. ex Muhl. var. violascens (Link) Radford is through cuttings. Take cuttings from the parent plant and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder. Next, plant the cutting in a small pot or container with well-draining soil. Keep the soil consistently moist and in a warm location until new growth appears. Once new growth has emerged, transplant the new plant into a larger pot or in the garden.
Disease Management
Digitaria ischaemum var. violascens is known to be susceptible to a number of diseases, including:
- Leaf spot
- Fusarium patch disease
- Anthracnose
- Pythium blight
- Gray leaf spot
To manage these diseases, it is important to maintain good plant health through proper watering, fertilization, and soil management. Additionally, using disease-resistant cultivars and planting in well-draining soils can help prevent disease development.
If necessary, fungicides can be used to control disease outbreaks. It is important to follow all label instructions and safety guidelines when using fungicides.
Pest Management
Digitaria ischaemum var. violascens can be affected by a number of insect pests, including:
- Sod webworms
- Chinch bugs
- Armyworms
- White grubs
To manage these pests, it is important to maintain healthy turf through proper watering, fertilization, and soil management. Additionally, using insect-resistant cultivars and practicing proper mowing techniques can help prevent pest infestations. Chemical insecticides can also be used to control pest outbreaks, if necessary. It is important to carefully follow all label instructions and safety guidelines when applying insecticides.
An integrated pest management approach, which combines cultural, biological, and chemical control methods, can be an effective way to manage both disease and pest problems in Digitaria ischaemum var. violascens.
