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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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.

Arizona Cottontop

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Digitaria californica

Last reviewed: July 2026

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 411 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain Sonoran Basin and Range

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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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 the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Arizona Cottontop? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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