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Native Plant Society of Texas

Arizona Cottontop

Digitaria californica

Other common name(s):

California Cottontop, California Crab Grass, Cottontop

Family:

Poaceae (Grass Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Central Great Plains, Chihuahuan Deserts, Edwards Plateau, Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, Southern Texas Plains, Southwestern Tablelands
Broken Red Plains, Limestone Plains, Red Prairie
Chihuahuan Basins and Playas, Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands, Chihuahuan Montane Woodlands, Low Mountains and Bajadas, Stockton Plateau
Western Cross Timbers
Balcones Canyonlands, Edwards Plateau Woodland, Llano Uplift, Semiarid Edwards Plateau
Coastal Sand Plain, Lower Rio Grande Alluvial Floodplain, Lower Rio Grande Valley
Northern Nueces Alluvial Plains, Rio Grande Floodplain and Terraces, Semiarid Edwards Bajada, Texas-Tamaulipan Thornscrub
Canadian/Cimarron Breaks, Caprock Canyons Badlands Breaks, Flat Tablelands and Valleys, Semiarid Canadian Breaks

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Grass & Sedge

Height

2
to
4
ft.

Spread

1
to
2
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Clay, Well Drained, Dry

Light Requirement

Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Grassland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Seeds, Forage

Wildlife Benefit

Browsers, Birds, Small Mammals

Maintenance

Drought tolerant. Grows in a variety of soils. Rarely found in pure stands. Native habitat: prairie, plains, meadows, pastures, savannas. It will go to seed repeatedly if moisture is available. Not common in plant nurseries but seeds are available commercially. Propagation: seed, root division.

Comments

Blooms March-November. A warm-season bunchgrass with erect stems, from a knotty base. Numerous leaves surround the stems, which bear attractive white to purplish, cottony seedheads.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Trichachne californica, Eriachne rigida, Panicum californicum, Panicum friesii, Panicum lachnanthum, Panicum saccharatum, Trichachne saccharatum, Valota saccharata, Panicum insulare var. lachnanthum

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed No Treatment Gently crush the dried seed heads to release the seeds. Prepare a container with a suitable planting mix, ensuring good drainage. Sow the seeds on the surface of the planting mix, lightly pressing them into the soil. Moisten the planting mix gently, either by misting with water or using a fine spray nozzle. Place the container in a warm, well-lit area, preferably under a grow light or in a greenhouse. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination may take a few weeks to several months, depending on the conditions and the plant's natural dormancy period. Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves, transplant them into individual pots or into the desired planting location. When seeds are mature is usually indicated by a change in color from green to brown. Carefully collect the seed heads or stalks by clipping or cutting them from the plant. Place the seed heads or stalks in a paper bag or envelope to dry for a few weeks until they become brittle. 1) https://seedsource.com/az-cottontop/ 2) https://plantiary.com/plant/digitaria-californica_33166.html
Root Division Prepare a planting site with well-draining soil and sufficient sunlight. Gently divide the plant by separating the root ball into smaller sections, making sure each section has enough roots and shoots. Transplant the divided sections into individual pots or directly into the intended growing area. Water the newly divided plants thoroughly and regularly until they establish themselves. Carefully dig up the plant, ensuring that the roots remain intact. https://plantiary.com/plant/digitaria-californica_33166.html

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason