Family: Poaceae
Author: (L.) Koeler
Bibliography: Descr. Gramin.: 26 (1802)
Year: 1802
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Digitaria
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & E. U.S.A. to C. America, Caribbean, Bolivia to Paraguay
Description
Slender crabgrass, scientifically known as Digitaria filiformis, is a notable species belonging to the Poaceae family. First described in the early 19th century in the work “Descr. Gramin.” by (L.) Koeler, this grass has held ecological importance across various regions.
Native to the central and eastern United States, this versatile plant finds its habitat extending through Central America, into the Caribbean, and as far south as Bolivia and Paraguay. Repeated observations across these regions have demonstrated its adaptability and its role in the local flora.
Slender crabgrass is generally characterized by its delicate, slender stems, which inspire its common name. It thrives in a variety of soil types, showing a remarkable ability to sustain itself under different climatic conditions. Its presence is significant in maintaining soil stability and providing an essential component of the ground cover in several ecosystems.
As a member of the Poaceae family, Digitaria filiformis is related to many economically and ecologically important grasses. This connection places it within a broader context of agricultural and environmental studies, where its growth patterns and resilience are often subjects of scientific examination.
Through its broad distribution and adaptable nature, slender crabgrass continues to be a subject of interest both for botanists and ecologists who aim to understand the dynamics of grass species in diverse environments.
Common Names
Eng: slender crabgrass
En: Slender crabgrass
Synonyms
- Digitaria laeviglumis (Fernald)
- Digitaria dolichophylla (Henrard)
- Syntherisma filiformis ((L.) Nash)
- Digitaria filiformis var. laeviglumis ((Fernald) Wipff)
- Agrostis amaicensis (Poir.)
- Paspalum furcatum var. filiforme ((L.) Döll)
- Panicum filiferum (Garcke ex Sagorski & Gus.Schneid.)
- Digitaria filiformis var. dolichophylla ((Henrard) Wipff)
- Panicum filiforme (L.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Argentina Northwest (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Bahamas (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Missouri (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Equatorial Guinea (introduced)
- Tubuai Is. (introduced)
Additional Images
Fruit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5289985)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1206086-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Digitaria filiformis (L.) Koeler)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Graminoid