Origin
Digitaria sanguinalis is a warm-season, annual grass that is native to Europe, but is now found throughout the world.
Common Names
It has several common names, such as hairy finger-grass, crabgrass, large crabgrass, and purple crabgrass.
General Appearance
The plant can reach up to 30-90cm tall and has sprawling stems that can root where they touch the ground, forming a dense mat. The leaves are about 1-3cm wide and 4-15cm long, with a prominent midrib. The plant also produces distinctive seedheads that are about 2-7cm long, and resemble fingers or claws. These seedheads are purplish-green in color and contain numerous small, brown seeds.
Uses
Digitaria sanguinalis is considered a weed by many, as it can quickly invade lawns and gardens. However, it has several uses. Some people use it as a forage crop to feed livestock, while others use it as fodder for poultry. The plant is also known for its medicinal properties. It has been used in traditional medicine to treat several ailments, such as malaria, digestive problems, and wounds. The seeds are also edible and have been used as a cereal grain in some cultures.
Light Requirements
Digitaria sanguinalis is a grass species that grows well in full sunlight. Hence, it requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day to thrive. Lack of adequate sunlight exposure can result in the growth of weak and spindly stems.
Soil Requirements
Digitaria sanguinalis can grow in various types of soils, including loamy soils, clay soils, and sandy soils. However, it thrives best in fertile, well-draining soils that are enriched with organic matter. Also, the pH level of the soil should range from neutral to slightly acidic.
Temperature Requirements
Digitaria sanguinalis grows well in warm environments, making it a summer to fall plant. It can tolerate temperatures ranging from 25 to 35°C. However, it cannot withstand frost or freezing temperatures, which would eventually kill the plant.
Water Requirements
Digitaria sanguinalis requires moderate amounts of water for optimal growth. However, overwatering may cause root rot, while underwatering may lead to stunted growth. Hence, The plant should be watered regularly, following the soil's drying up entirely in between watering periods.
Fertilizer Requirements
Digitaria sanguinalis requires adequate nutrients for it to grow optimally. In poor soil conditions, you can add fertilizer to the soil to supply the necessary nutrients. When doing so, make sure only to apply the recommended amount of fertilizer according to the instructions on the pack, as overfertilizing may kill the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Digitaria sanguinalis is a warm-season grass that is commonly grown in many parts of the world. It is easy to grow and is drought-tolerant, making it suitable for cultivation in arid regions. The plant prefers well-drained sandy soils and full sunlight exposure. To cultivate Digitaria sanguinalis, you need to prepare the soil bed by tilling and leveling it to a fine texture. Sow the seeds in early spring when the temperature is above 18°C. The seedlings will germinate within 14-21 days, and you can thin them out or transplant them to a spacing of 30cm apart.
Watering Needs
Digitaria sanguinalis is a drought-tolerant plant and requires minimal watering. However, it would be best if you watered it occasionally to keep the soil moist. You can water the plant once every week during the growing season. Avoid overwatering the plant as it can lead to root rot and fungal diseases. Instead, ensure that the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization
Digitaria sanguinalis is a light feeder and does not require much fertilizer. However, you can supplement the soil with nitrogenous fertilizers if the soil is poor. Apply the nitrogenous fertilizer during the growing season and water the plant immediately after fertilizing. This will help the fertilizer reach the roots and stimulate growth. Over-fertilization can lead to the growth of excessive foliage and stunted growth.
Pruning
Digitaria sanguinalis requires minimal pruning as it is self-cleaning. However, you can prune the plant to remove dead or diseased leaves and stems. Prune the plant during the dormant season to help stimulate new growth and maintain a good shape. You can use a pruning shear to cut back the plant to a desirable size and shape. Dispose of the pruned plant material away from the plant to reduce the risk of disease spread.
Propagation Methods for Digitaria Sanguinalis
Digitaria sanguinalis, commonly known as hairy crabgrass, is a type of grass that is native to Europe but has spread all over the world. Since it is a common lawn weed, propagation methods are important for controlling its spread.
Seed Propagation
One of the most common methods of propagating Digitaria sanguinalis is through seed. The grass produces abundant seeds that can remain viable in the soil for several years. The propagation through seed is thus easy, and the seeds can be collected by removing the seed heads and storing them in a dry place. You can then sow the seeds in the desired area in the spring or late summer.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is another common method of propagating Digitaria sanguinalis. Hairy crabgrass sends out runners or stolons that root at the nodes and produce new plants. This means that when the grass propagates vegetatively, it spreads horizontally. Since stolons are capable of rooting in the soil, propagating hairy crabgrass becomes straightforward. Simply cut sections of the stolons and transplant them in the desired area.
Management of Propagation
Propagation of Digitaria sanguinalis can become problematic if left unchecked. If you are a landscaper or homeowner, you should continuously pull out the plants or apply herbicides to manage propagation. When using herbicides, you should apply them only during the active growing period, which is in the spring or early summer when the grass is producing new growth. Proper management can reduce the potential damage that hairy crabgrass can cause.
Since Digitaria sanguinalis is aggressive in its propagation, preventing its spread can become a challenge. Keeping the lawn well maintained with good mowing practices can prevent the grass from flowering and producing seeds. Trim the grass to the appropriate height while leaving it dense enough to fill in thin spots. This could potentially prevent any vegetative propagation and limit the growth of the grass patch.
Disease and Pest Management for Digitaria sanguinalis
Digitaria sanguinalis, commonly known as hairy crabgrass, is a weed species that is highly invasive, fast-growing, and difficult to control. To keep this weed from taking over your lawn or garden, it is important to pay close attention to disease and pest management. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Anthracnose: This disease is caused by a fungus and can cause yellowing of the leaves, dieback, and stunted growth. To manage anthracnose, remove all infected plant material and ensure good air circulation around plants. Fungal sprays may also be helpful.
Rust: Rust appears as yellow to orange pustules on the leaves of the plant. To manage rust, remove infected plant material and ensure good air circulation. Fungicidal sprays may also be helpful.
Leaf spot: This disease is caused by a fungus and can cause small, dark spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage leaf spot, remove infected plant material and avoid overhead watering.
Pests
Cutworms: Cutworms are caterpillars that feed on the stems of the plant, causing wilting and death. To manage cutworms, remove all debris from the garden and till the soil to expose any overwintering larvae. Applying a biological insecticide may also be helpful.
Armyworms: Armyworms are caterpillars that feed on the foliage of the plant and can cause significant damage. To manage armyworms, remove all debris from the garden and apply a biological insecticide.
Mites: Mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant sap and can cause discoloration and curling of the leaves. To manage mites, apply a miticide or release predatory mites.
By implementing these disease and pest management techniques, you can keep your Digitaria sanguinalis healthy and free from damage caused by diseases and pests.
