Digitaria ischaemum

This species appears to require alternating temperatures for good seed germination, with temperatures of 68-104 F (20-40 C) yielding highest germination percentages. Moist prechilling at 35-40 F (2-5 C) for 8 weeks, and acid scarification with concentrated sulfuric acid for 1/2-1 minute both speeded germination. Germination improves in time as seeds after-ripen when stored dry. Light has no effect on germination (Toole and Toole 1941).

This information is for the genus Digitaria with note that D. ischaemum, D. anguinalis, and D. filiformis are especially valuable to wildlife. Animals that eat its seeds: Ground dove, Mourning dove, Bobwhite quail, Wild turkey, Cowbird, Slate-colored junco, American pipit, Chipping, field, savannah and tree sparrows, Clay-colored and english sparrow, Pine-woods, song, swamp and white-crowned sparrows. Animals that eat the plants: Cottontail rabbit (Martin et al. 1951).

The genus name, Digitaria, refers to the Latin word "digitus" or finger-like and describes the type of seed head common to this group. A native to Europe now naturalized through most of the United States. Found throughout Louisiana except the western most parishes. Smooth crabgrass apparently does not occur in Texas.