Due to the false application of the name Digitaria ciliaris (Retz.) Koeler and its missleading concept, the real D. ciliaris seems to have thus far been ignored by most Italian florists. The article aims at a better understanding of the concept of this species, actually found in the country, and at drawing the increased attention at florists to it. A detailed determination key for the entire genus is given with special reference to the recognition of D. ciliaris and distinguishing it from the very similar D. sanguinalis.