Arizona Cottontop
Digitaria californica
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Arizona Cottontop (Digitaria californica) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Arizona Cottontop as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
low
Size
24"–48" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
AZ, CO, NM, OK and 1 more states
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Arizona Cottontop is a native bunch grass that forms attractive clumps with feathery seed heads from spring through fall. This drought-tolerant perennial adds soft texture to landscapes and requires minimal water once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Arizona Cottontop is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, mid zone.
- Cut back in late winter
Wildlife value
The seeds provide food for quail, doves, and other birds. The grass also serves as cover for small wildlife.
Common questions
- How much sun does Arizona Cottontop need?
- Arizona Cottontop grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Arizona Cottontop bloom?
- Arizona Cottontop blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.
- Where is Arizona Cottontop native?
- Arizona Cottontop (Digitaria californica) is native to AZ, CO, NM, OK and 1 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Arizona Cottontop toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Arizona Cottontop as toxic to livestock.
- Is Arizona Cottontop HOA-friendly?
- Arizona Cottontop is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Arizona Cottontop? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz