Large Crabgrass
Digitaria sanguinalis · Warm-season, Annual, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae
Grass Category
Invasive/Weed Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Wild type (no specific turf cultivar)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3-10; thrives in warm summer climates; annual life cycle killed by the first heavy frost.
About This Grass
Forms a sprawling, coarse, light green clump with flat, spreading stems that root at the nodes. Unmowed height can reach 1-2 feet. Displays distinct light green to yellowish-green coloring, contrasting with darker turfgrasses. Produces finger-like raceme seed heads in late summer.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse texture, blades are wider than 4mm, flat, pointed tips, light green to grayish-green, rolled in the bud, prominent midrib, membranous ligule, lacks auricles, broad hairy collar region.
Root System
Shallow, fibrous root system with weak resistance to pulling; spreads rapidly via above-ground stolons; low drought tolerance in severe dry spells, going dormant or dying off with first frost.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and temperate Asia; now widely naturalized globally in temperate and tropical regions
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and spreading, rooting at the lower nodes, forming loose mats
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun, cannot tolerate dense shade; moderate to high water needs for active growth; thrives in compacted, warm, poorly-fertilized or thin lawns.
Mowing & Maintenance
High maintenance weed; mowing too low encourages horizontal spread; standard lawn care practices like pre-emergent herbicides, proper fertilization, and thick turf density are required for control.
Special Characteristics
Poor wear tolerance compared to established turf; highly invasive in thin lawns; excellent ability to exploit bare patches and compacted soil; zero winter color retention as it dies in winter.
Ecological Information
Considered an invasive weed in managed turfgrass systems; provides minimal wildlife forage value compared to native grasses; highly competitive against stressed or sparse desirable turf.