Digitaria eriostachya: The Mystery Grass You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
If you’ve stumbled across the name Digitaria eriostachya in your plant research, you’re likely wondering what exactly this grass is and whether it belongs in your garden. Well, you’re not alone in your curiosity – this particular species is something of an enigma in the plant world.
What We Know (And What We Don’t)
Digitaria eriostachya belongs to the Digitaria genus, which is part of the grass family (Poaceae). The Digitaria genus includes both well-known species like crabgrass and some lesser-known native grasses that can be quite beneficial in the right setting. However, when it comes to D. eriostachya specifically, reliable information is surprisingly scarce.
Here’s what we can tell you with certainty:
- It’s a true grass, not a grass-like plant such as a sedge or rush
- It belongs to the same genus as both weedy and ornamental grass species
- Like other Digitaria species, it’s likely an annual grass
The Information Gap
Unfortunately, details about this species’ native range, common names, growing requirements, and garden suitability are not readily available in standard botanical references. This lack of information could mean several things – it might be a very localized species, a taxonomic name that’s fallen out of use, or simply a grass that hasn’t been widely studied or cultivated.
Should You Plant It?
Given the limited information available about Digitaria eriostachya, we’d recommend exercising caution before adding it to your garden. Without knowing its native status, growth habits, or potential invasiveness, it’s difficult to make an informed planting decision.
If you’re interested in native grasses from the Digitaria genus, consider these better-documented alternatives:
- Smooth crabgrass (Digitaria ischaemum) – where native
- Southern crabgrass (Digitaria ciliaris) – in appropriate regions
- Other native grass species specific to your region
The Bottom Line
While the mystery surrounding Digitaria eriostachya might intrigue the botanically curious among us, the lack of reliable growing information makes it a risky choice for most gardeners. If you’re set on incorporating native grasses into your landscape, we’d suggest consulting with local native plant societies or extension offices to identify well-documented species that will thrive in your specific area.
Sometimes in gardening, as in life, the most mysterious options aren’t necessarily the best ones for your backyard!
