Contents
Description
Digitaria Bicornis, commonly known as the Buffalo grass, is a warm-season perennial grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. This grass is native to the United States and is found in a variety of habitats, including prairies, meadows, and disturbed sites. It can grow up to 3 feet tall and has a spread of about 2 feet. The leaves of this grass are narrow and flat, ranging from green to bluish-green in color. The flowers are arranged in spikes and are greenish-white to yellowish in color.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Cyperales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Digitaria |
Appearance
Digitaria Bicornis is a warm-season grass that grows in clumps. Its leaves are narrow, flat, and can grow up to 12 inches long. The color of the leaves ranges from green to bluish-green. The flowers of this grass are arranged in spikes that can grow up to 6 inches long. The flowers are greenish-white to yellowish in color and bloom in the summer and fall. This grass has a deep root system that allows it to tolerate drought and heat.
Care Guide
Digitaria Bicornis is a low maintenance grass that requires little care. It is drought tolerant and can survive in a variety of soil types. Here are some care tips for this grass:
- Water: Water the grass deeply once a week during the growing season.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the grass once in the spring with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer.
- Soil: The grass can grow in a variety of soil types, but prefers well-drained soil.
- Sunlight: This grass requires full sun to thrive.
- Hardiness Zones: Digitaria Bicornis is hardy in zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Digitaria Bicornis is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, it can be susceptible to armyworms, chinch bugs, and leaf spots. Here are some common pests and diseases that affect this grass:
- Armyworms: Armyworms are caterpillars that feed on the foliage of the grass, causing damage to the leaves.
- Chinch bugs: Chinch bugs are small insects that suck the sap from the grass, causing yellowing and browning of the leaves.
- Leaf spots: Leaf spots are caused by fungal infections and can cause discoloration and death of the leaves.
Habitat
Digitaria Bicornis is native to the United States and can be found in a variety of habitats, including prairies, meadows, and disturbed sites. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun. This grass is drought tolerant and can survive in dry conditions.
Questions and Answers
Q: Is Digitaria Bicornis a good grass for a lawn?
A: Yes, Digitaria Bicornis can be used in a lawn, but it is more commonly used in meadows and prairies.
Q: How often should I water Digitaria Bicornis?
A: Water the grass deeply once a week during the growing season.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Digitaria Bicornis?
A: Digitaria Bicornis is hardy in zones 6-9.
Q: How tall does Digitaria Bicornis grow?
A: Digitaria Bicornis can grow up to 3 feet tall.
Related Plants
- Digitaria Ciliaris
- Digitaria Sanguinalis
- Digitaria Ischaemum
References
- “Digitaria Bicornis – Plant Finder.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287106. Accessed 7 Dec. 2021.
- “Buffalograss | University of Maryland Extension.” Extension.umd.edu, extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/buffalograss. Accessed 7 Dec. 2021.
- “Digitaria Bicornis (Buffalograss) – Practical Plants.” Practical Plants, www.practicalplants.org/wiki/Digitaria_bicornis. Accessed 7 Dec. 2021.
