Overview of Digitaria violascens Link
Digitaria violascens Link, also known as purple crabgrass, is a species of annual grass belonging to the Poaceae family. The plant is native to the United States, specifically the southeastern region from Texas to Virginia, and can also be found in Central and South America. It is a common weed that grows in fields, pastures, lawns, and disturbed areas.
Common Names
Purple crabgrass is the most common name for this plant due to its purple inflorescence. Other names include smooth crabgrass, tropical crabgrass, violet crabgrass, and summer grass.
Appearance
Digitaria violascens has a spreading growth habit and can grow up to 2 feet tall. Its stems are smooth, and its leaves are light green and up to 6 inches long. The plant produces flowers and seeds from June to October. The inflorescence is a cylindrical spike that is purple in color and up to 5 inches long. The spike contains numerous florets arranged in rows and covered with small hairs.
Uses
Although Digitaria violascens is considered a weed, the plant has some beneficial uses. It is used in traditional medicine to treat fever, diarrhea, and dysentery. The plant is also used in livestock feed as it is highly nutritious and palatable. Additionally, it can serve as a green manure crop, adding organic matter and nitrogen to the soil.
Light Requirements:
Digitaria violascens is a sun-loving plant that thrives in areas that receive full sunlight. For optimal growth, it is necessary to provide this plant with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day.
Temperature Requirements:
This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from 20°C to 35°C. However, it prefers warmer temperatures and grows best in areas with a mean annual temperature of around 30°C. Temperatures below 10°C can lead to stunted growth or death of this plant.
Soil Requirements:
Digitaria violascens prefers well-draining soils with a pH range from 6 to 7.5. It can grow in a range of soil types, including loamy, sandy or clay soils. However, it requires moist soils with good water retention capacity. This plant can tolerate occasional flooding but does not tolerate drought or waterlogged soils.
Cultivation Methods
Digitaria violascens Link, commonly known as violet crabgrass, grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It can tolerate a wide range of soils from sandy to loamy but prefers neutral to slightly acidic soils. The plant can be propagated by seed, which should be sown in late spring when the soil has warmed up to about 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Although it is an annual plant, it can reseed itself and become a perennial in some areas.
Watering Needs
Digitaria violascens Link requires moderate watering. It is drought-tolerant but grows best when the soil is kept evenly moist. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more often during periods of extreme heat or drought, to keep the soil from drying out. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot and other problems.
Fertilization
Violet crabgrass does not require a lot of fertilization. A light application of a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, in the spring when growth starts is usually sufficient. Overfertilization can lead to more vegetative growth and fewer blooms. If the soil is poor, you can also amend it with compost or well-rotted manure.
Pruning
Digitaria violascens Link does not require much pruning. However, if you prefer a more compact plant with fewer seed heads, you can pinch back the stems at the tips. If the plant becomes unwieldy or too tall, you can also cut it back by one-third in the middle of the growing season. Deadheading or removing the spent flowers can also encourage the plant to produce more blooms.
Propagation of Digitaria violascens Link
Digitaria violascens Link, also known as purple crabgrass, is a perennial plant that is commonly widespread in the eastern regions of the United States. Propagation of this plant requires attention and care to ensure proper establishment of new growth.
Propagation Methods
The propagation methods for Digitaria violascens include seed collection and division.
Seed Collection
Seed collection for Digitaria violascens is best done during the fall season when the seedheads are ripe and the seeds are easily identifiable. The seedheads should be cut off from the plant and dried indoors to promote the release of viable seeds. After drying, the seeds should be removed from the seedheads, stored in a cool and dry place, and planted in the spring for optimal germination.
Division
Propagation through division can occur in the early spring when the plants start to show new growth. The plant should be carefully dug up from the ground, taking care to avoid damaging the roots. By using a sharp tool, the plant can be divided into several clumps with roots and leaves. Each clump should then be planted in a new location and watered thoroughly to promote root growth.
Both seed collection and division methods have their benefits and drawbacks, but both can be successful in propagating Digitaria violascens. It is important to take care when handling the plants to ensure proper establishment and healthy growth.
Disease Management:
Digitaria violascens Link is capable of withstanding most diseases, but some may cause harm to the plant. Rust is a common disease of D. violascens, characterized by rusty-colored pustules on the leaves. To control rust, remove any infected plant debris and avoid planting too close together. Leaf spot and gray leaf spot are also diseases that can harm the plant. The use of appropriate fungicides can help control these diseases.
Pest Management:
Like any other plant, D. violascens is also susceptible to pest infestations. Cutworms can cause serious damage to young plants, while armyworms can cause problems later in the growing season. Aphids are another common pest that feed on the plant's sap, causing stunted growth and leaf curl. To control pests, it is recommended to maintain good sanitation, which includes removing plant debris, and preventing weeds from growing. Also, regularly check for any signs of damage and use appropriate insecticides. Neem oil is a natural and effective pesticide that can be used to control most insects.
