Crabgrass
Digitaria sanguinalis
A low-growing, spreading annual grass characterized by wide, light green leaf blades and stems that sprawl outward from a central root, resembling a crab. It often has a reddish tint at the base of the stems.
- Light
- Full sun (6+ hours per day); it is highly shade-intolerant and will not thrive under dense tree canopies.
- Water
- Highly adaptable; thrives in moist conditions but is very drought-tolerant once established. It often stays green when turf grasses go dormant during hot, dry spells.
- Growth
- Summer annual; prostrate/decumbent growth form. Can reach 1-2 feet in height if not mowed, but typically spreads horizontally via rooting at nodes (stolons).
Care instructions
As a common weed, it requires no care to thrive. It flourishes in full sun and disturbed soil with regular watering. In a lawn context, it is usually managed via pre-emergent herbicides in early spring.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun (6+ hours per day); it is highly shade-intolerant and will not thrive under dense tree canopies.
Watering
Highly adaptable; thrives in moist conditions but is very drought-tolerant once established. It often stays green when turf grasses go dormant during hot, dry spells.
Soil
Well-drained to compacted soils; adapts to a wide pH range (5.5 to 7.5). It particularly likes bare, disturbed soil or thin lawns.
Hardiness zone
Generally grown as a summer annual in USDA zones 2-11; dies back at the first hard frost.
Growth habit
Summer annual; prostrate/decumbent growth form. Can reach 1-2 feet in height if not mowed, but typically spreads horizontally via rooting at nodes (stolons).
Bloom season
Mid-summer to early autumn; produces finger-like spikes (racemes) containing hundreds of tiny seeds.
Propagation
Primarily by seeds; a single plant can produce up to 150,000 seeds. Can also spread vegetatively by rooting at the nodes of its stems.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to various fungal leaf spots, but its main 'issue' is being an invasive nuisance in manicured turf and flower beds.
Similar species
Goosegrass (Eleusine indica) which has a tougher, flatter white center; Quackgrass which has auricles (small appendages) at the leaf base.
Interesting facts
The seeds of crabgrass can remain dormant and viable in the soil for up to 30 years before germinating when conditions are right.