Texas Cottontop

Digitaria patens

Native to:
Mexico, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Digitaria
Species:
Digitaria patens
USDA Symbol:
DIPA6

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
100 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jul,aug,sep,oct

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from base after fire; typical of fire-adapted warm-season grasses in coastal plain habitats.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to arid regions, prefers open sandy areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
7–21 days
Notes:
Warm season grass; germinates readily in warm, moist conditions without pretreatment.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI