California Cottontop , Arizona Cottontop
Digitaria californica
Poaceae
Description
This bunchgrass has hard, stiffly erect, round stems growing from a knotty, swollen, hairy base. Leaves are 3 to 5 inches or 7.6 to 12.7 cm long, flat, and do not clasp the stem firmly. The panicle is 2 to 5 inches or 5 to 12.7 cm long with white to purplish hairs that are longer than the spikelets. This gives the seed head a cottony appearance. Bloom time can occur from March through November. California Cottontop is a perennial, warm-season, native standing about 1 to 4 ft or 0.3 to 1.2 m tall. Good grazing for livestock. Fair grazing for wildlife.Habitat
Grows in open, well-drained areas on a wide variety of soils. It is palatable throughout the year and is frequently overgrazed but responds well to grazing deferment. Native habitat includes prairies, plains, meadows, pastures, and savannas. It is a very drought tolerant species that is rarely found in pure stands. It will go to seed repeatedly if moisture is available.Images
Plant Characteristics
Seed Type: Non-Encapsulated
Duration: Perennial
Stem Texture: Hairless/Smooth
Growth Habit: Bunch grass, Grasses
Leaf Shape : Simple with Pinnate or Parallel Venation
Season: Warm
Distribution : 02 - Gulf Prairies and Marshes, 04 - Blackland Prairies, 05 - Cross Timbers and Prairies, 06 - South Texas Plains, 07 - Edwards Plateau, 08 - Rolling Plains, 09 - High Plains, 10 - Trans-Pecos
Distributions
Distribution refers to the ecological region in Texas that a plant has been found. You can also view a clickable map.
Book: Know Your Grasses (B-182)
Collection: Grasses