Trichachne californica (Benth.) Chase

Scientific Name: Trichachne californica (Benth.) Chase


Classification: Plantae/ Tracheobionta / Spermatophyta / Magnoliophyta / Liliopsida / Commelinidae / Cyperales / Poaceae / Gramineae / Digitaria Haller/ Trichachne californica (Benth.) Chase

<i>Trichachne californica</i> (Benth.) Chase
General Information
Usda SymbolTRCA17
GroupMonocot
Life CyclePerennial
Growth HabitsGraminoid
Native LocationsTRCA17

Plant Guide

Alternative Names

Common Names: cottontop, cotton-top, Arizona cottongrass, cotton grass, punta blanca, California cottontop. Scientific Names: Trichachne californica (Benth.) Chase.

Description

General: Arizona cottontop is a native, warm season perennial bunchgrass. It is 1.65 to 4.93 feet (50 to 150 cm) in height, but most commonly 1.48 to 2.96 ft (45 to 90 cm), with firm culms and a knotty base. Leaf blades are 3.94 to 5.91 inches (10 to 15 cm) long, 0.08 to 0.18 inches (2 to 4.5 mm) wide, pubescent, occasionally glabrous, flat and narrow. The ligules are 0.04 to 0.16 inches (1 to 4 mm) wide. The collars are pubescent, and the sheaths are covered with densely matted woolly hairs. The inflorescence consists of several contracted panicles that are 3.15 to 5.91 inches (8 to 15 cm) long, narrow and each containing 5 to 10 erect densely flowered branches. The spikelet is 0.12 to 0.16 inches (3 to 4 mm) wide, white (occasionally purple) and covered with abundant pubescence, giving a silky cotton-like appearance after the seed ripens (Everitt et al., 2011; Felger et al., 2014; Wasowski, 2000). Distribution: Arizona cottontop is found in the Central Great Plains, Southern Plains, Southern Plateaus, Southern Rocky Mountains, and Southwestern Desert plant growth regions (Thornburg, 1982). It is primarily present from Arizona to Texas, Colorado, the Caribbean and South America (Felger et al., 2014). For current distribution, please consult the Plant Profile page for this species on the PLANTS Web site. Habitat: Arizona cottontop is commonly found among well-drained sites, including hillsides, rocky slopes, arroyos, canyons and dry mesas (Gould, 1978; Kearney et al., 1960). It can be found in Arizona’s chaparral, oak woodland, semidesert grasslands (Mcauliffe, 1993) and broad alluvial plains in the Sonoran Desert (Cox et al., 1982). In Texas, Arizona cottontop exists on deep hard-land range sites (Brock et al., 1978), Trans-Pecos mountains and basins and south Texas plains (Alvarez & Plocheck, 2013). It is typically found at altitudes between 0 and 6,000 feet (0 to 1,820 m) (Humphrey, 1960; Judd, 1962; Maher & Reilley, 2020).

Adaptation

Arizona cottontop is adapted to low rainfall and high temperature environments (Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 2009), It is well adapted on a variety of soils from clay loam to sandy loam, but it grows best on gravelly and sandy loam soils (Leithead et al,, 1971), rather than shallow, stony soils (Cable, 1979), Arizona cottontop is a long-lived grass, with some plants living 10 years or more (Martin, 1966) and it can regrow during wet years after periods of drought and after fire (Wright, 1980), Use soil moisture sensors to measure the soil moisture of Trichachne californica (Benth.) Chase.,

Uses

Arizona cottontop can be used in range seedings, critical stabilization and environmental protection areas (Thornburg, 1982) as it provides good cover and forage for livestock (Maher & Reilley, 2020). Since it is nearly evergreen, it works good as ground cover to prevent soil erosion (Wasowski & Wasowski, 2000). It is highly palatable forage that tolerates heavy grazing use over long periods of time (Cable & Martin, 1975). It is most palatable when green but also provides dry forage for cattle. It is mainly grazed by cattle and horses and occasionally by sheep and goats (Leithead et al., 1971), black-tailed Natural Resources Conservation Service Plant Guide 'Loetta' Arizona cottontop (Photo by Jim Thomas, USDA-NRCS Tucson Plant Materials Center). jackrabbits (Finders & Crawford, 1977) and other wildlife species including the javelina, scaled quail, mule deer, pronghorn antelope and desert cottontail (Pater & Munda, 2000).

Ethnobotany

Unknown. Other species in the genus have multiple uses including medicinal and dietary uses (Akana, 1922).

Status

Threatened or Endangered: No. Wetland Indicator: No. Weedy or Invasive: Arizona cottontop is not known to be an invasive species. Please consult the PLANTS Web site (http://plants.usda.gov/) and your state’s Department of Natural Resources for this plant’s current status (e.g., threatened or endangered species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values).

Planting Guidelines

The recommended seeding rate for Arizona cottontop is 3-4 pure live seed (PLS) pounds per acre if planted with a drill and approximately 6-8 PLS pounds per acre if seed is broadcasted (Dial & Rosales, 2013). The seeding rate should be adjusted accordingly when used as part of a mix. There are approximately 615,000 seeds of Arizona cottontop per pound, as counted at the Tucson Plant Materials Center (Pater & Munda, 2000). Arizona cottontop reproduces primarily from seed and it can remain viable for as long as 10 years (Leithead et al., 1971). The Arizona cottontop planting period in Arizona is from late June through late August, coinciding with seasonal summer moisture (Dial & Rosales, 2013) and in August in south Texas (Maher & Reilley, 2020).

Management

Arizona cottontop grows rapidly following rainfall and continues to grow while moisture is available (Alderson & Sharp, 1994). It makes use of winter precipitation but most of its growth is produced during the summer season (Cable, 1979). Its growth is stimulated by grazing (vegetation responses). Recommendations include grazing 60 days before seed maturity every 2 to 3 years to maintain vigorous growth and limited to no more than 50% of the current year’s growth (Leithead et al., 1971).

Pests and Potential Problems

No severe insect or disease problems have been observed in Arizona cottontop once established (Maher & Reilley, 2020).

Environmental Concerns

Concerns

Concerns

None known.

Seeds and Plant Production

Plant Production

Plant Production

Arizona cottontop should be planted in late summer to early fall at ¼ to ½ inch depth on a weed-free seedbed created by either tillage or herbicides. It is essential during seed development to irrigate to maintain a moist soil surface and to avoid soil crusting. Apply nutrients according to soil test results and recommendations, although established fields may require nitrogen applications each year at a rate of 40-60 pounds per acre. Appropriate herbicide can be used after the 3-5 leaf stage for weed control. Mechanical seed harvests can be completed with a combine, seed stripper or similar type harvester using a speed of 200-350 revolutions per minute. Harvested seed can be cleaned by processing with a brush machine and air screen cleaner using an 8 top screen and a 1/23 bottom screen. Alternatively, air seed shucking equipment can be used (Dial & Rosales, 2013; Pater & Munda, 2000; Maher & Reilley, 2020). Cultivars, Improved, and Selected Materials (and area of origin) Plant materials are widely available from commercial sources. Two germplasms have been released by the USDA NRCS Plant Materials Program with identified ranges of adaptation to different Major Land Resource Areas (USDA, 2006). ‘Loetta’ Germplasm Arizona cottontop (Arizona) was released from the Tucson Plant Materials Center in Tucson, Arizona. Loetta is adapted to MLRA 40 and 41, grows at a wide variety of precipitation regimes, and was collected from an area that receives approximately 11 inches of annual precipitation (Dial & Rosales, 2013). La Salle Germplasm Arizona cottontop (Texas) is a selected class from the E. “Kika” de la Garza Plant Materials Center in Kingsville, Texas. La Salle is adapted to MLRA 42, 81, 83 and 150 (Maher & Reilley, 2020; USDA, 2006). Cultivars should be selected based on the local climate, resistance to local pests, and intended use. Consult with your local land grant university, local extension, or local USDA NRCS office for recommendations on adapted cultivars for use in your area.

http://plants.usda.gov/

Literature Cited

Akana, A. (1922). Honululu: Pacific Book House. Kaaiakamanu, D. M., & Akina, J. K. Hawaiian Herbs of Medicinal Value (55). University Press of the Pacific. Alderson, J., & Sharp, W. C. (1994). Grass varieties in the United States. USDA. Alvarez, E. C., & Plocheck, R. (2013). Texas Almanac. Texas Tech Historical Association. Brock, J. H., Haas, R. H., Shaver, J. C. (1978). Zonation of Herbaceous Vegetation associated with honey mesquite in north central Texas. Society for Range Management Press. Cable, D. R., & Martin, C. S. (1975). Vegetation responses to grazing, rainfall, site condition, and mesquite control on semidesert range. USDA Forest Service. Cable, D. R. (1979). Ecology of Arizona cottontop. USDA Forest Service. Cox, J. R., Morton, H. L., & Johnson, T. N. (1982). Vegetation restoration in the Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts of North America. USDA. Dial, H., & Rosales, M. (2013). Conservation Plant Release Brochure for ‘Loetta’ Arizona cottontop (Digitaria californica), USDA-NRCS, Tucson Plant Materials Center, Tucson, Arizona. USDA. Everitt, J., Drawe, D. L., Little, C. R., & Lonard, R. I. (2011). Grasses of South Texas: A Guide to Identification and Value. Texas Tech University Press. https://doi.org/10.3368/er.31.2.228-a Felger, R. S., Rutman, S., & Malusa, J. (2014). Ajo Peak to Tinajas Altas: A flora of southwestern Arizona Part 6. Poaceae - Grass family. The University of Arizona. Flinders, J. T., & Crawford, J. A. (1977). Composition and degradation of jackrabbit and cottontail fecal pellets, Texas High Plains. Journal of Range Management, 30(3), 217-220. Gould, F. W. (1978) Common Texas Grasses. Texas A&M University Press. Humphrey, R. R. (1970). Arizona Range Grasses. University of Arizona Press. Judd, B. I. (1962). Principal Forage Plants of Southwestern Ranges. USDA Forest Service. Kearney, T. H., Peebles, R. H., Howell, J. T., & McClintock, E. (1960). Arizona Flora, 2nd edition. University of California Press. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. (2009). Plant Database: Digitaria californica. Wildflower. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=DICA8 Leithead, H. L., Yarlett, L. L., & Shiflet, T. N. (1971). 100 native forage grasses in 11 southern states. USDA. Maher, S., & Reilley, J. (2020). Release Brochure for for ‘La Salle’ Germplasm Arizona cottontop (Digitaria californica), USDA-NRCS, E. “Kika” de la Garza Plant Materials Center, Kingsville, Texas. USDA. Martin, C. S. (1966). The Santa Rita Experimental Range. USDA Forest Service. Mcauliffe, B. J. R. (1993). Storm over Desert Grasslands. The Sonoran Quarterly, 47(3), 1, 10. Pater, M., & Munda B. (2000). Notice of Release: ‘Loetta’ Arizona cottontop (Digitaria californica). USDA. Thornburg, A. A. (1982). Plant materials for use on surface-mined lands in arid and semiarid regions. USDA. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). (2006). Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource Areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. USDA. Wasowski, S. (2000). Native landscaping from El Paso to Los Angeles. McGraw Hill Press. Wasowski, A., & Wasowski, S. (2000). The landscaping revolution garden with mother nature, not against her. Contemporary Books Press. Wright, H. A. (1980). The role and use of fire in semi-desert grass-shrub type. USDA Forest Service. Citation Thomas, G. J. (2021). Plant Guide for Arizona cottontop (Digitaria californica). USDA-Natural Resources

Conservation

Service, Tucson Plant Materials Center. Tucson, Arizona. Published September 2021 For more information about this and other plants, please contact your local NRCS field office or Conservation District at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/ and visit the PLANTS Web site at http://plants.usda.gov/ or the Plant Materials Program web site: http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov. PLANTS is not responsible for the content or availability of other Web sites.

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/
http://plants.usda.gov/
http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/ In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Plant Traits

Growth Requirements

Temperature, Minimum (°F)-13
Adapted to Coarse Textured SoilsYes
Adapted to Fine Textured SoilsNo
Adapted to Medium Textured SoilsYes
Anaerobic ToleranceNone
CaCO3 ToleranceMedium
Cold Stratification RequiredNo
Drought ToleranceHigh
Fertility RequirementHigh
Fire ToleranceMedium
Frost Free Days, Minimum150
Hedge ToleranceNone
Moisture UseLow
pH, Maximum8.3
pH, Minimum7.5
Precipitation, Maximum14
Precipitation, Minimum5
Root Depth, Minimum (inches)10
Salinity ToleranceMedium
Shade ToleranceIntolerant


Morphology/Physiology

After Harvest Regrowth RateRapid
ToxicityNone
Shape and OrientationErect
Nitrogen FixationNone
Resprout AbilityNo
Active Growth PeriodSpring and Summer
BloatNone
C:N RatioMedium
Coppice PotentialNo
Fall ConspicuousNo
Fire ResistantNo
Flower ColorWhite
Flower ConspicuousNo
Foliage ColorGreen
Foliage Porosity SummerDense
Foliage TextureMedium
Low Growing GrassNo
LifespanShort
Leaf RetentionNo
Known AllelopathNo
Height, Mature (feet)4.0
Growth RateRapid
Growth FormBunch
Fruit/Seed ConspicuousNo
Fruit/Seed ColorBrown
Foliage Porosity WinterPorous


Reproduction

Vegetative Spread RateNone
Small GrainNo
Seedling VigorHigh
Seed Spread RateSlow
Seed per Pound1002000
Fruit/Seed PersistenceNo
Propagated by TubersNo
Propagated by SprigsNo
Propagated by SodNo
Propagated by SeedYes
Propagated by CormNo
Propagated by ContainerNo
Propagated by BulbNo
Propagated by Bare RootNo
Fruit/Seed Period EndFall
Fruit/Seed Period BeginSummer
Fruit/Seed AbundanceLow
Commercial AvailabilityField Collections Only
Bloom PeriodLate Summer
Propagated by CuttingsNo


Suitability/Use

Veneer ProductNo
Pulpwood ProductNo
Protein PotentialLow
Post ProductNo
Palatable HumanNo
Palatable Graze AnimalHigh
Palatable Browse AnimalMedium
Nursery Stock ProductNo
Naval Store ProductNo
Lumber ProductNo
Fodder ProductYes
Christmas Tree ProductNo
Berry/Nut/Seed ProductNo

<i>Trichachne californica</i> (Benth.) Chase

<i>Trichachne californica</i> (Benth.) Chase

<i>Trichachne californica</i> (Benth.) Chase