Goosegrass
Eleusine indica · Warm-season, annual, C4 grass
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Invasive/Weed Grass, Turf Weed
Hardiness Zones
Thrives across USDA Hardiness Zones 4-10, demonstrating high adaptability to varying climatic conditions within tropical, subtropical, and temperate zones.
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Variety / Cultivar
Wild type (no specific named cultivars for turf weed applications)
About This Grass
Forms a flat, rosette-like clump with pale green to whitish-silver stems at the base. Highly compacted and low-growing, making it very difficult to mow cleanly. Height reaches up to 12-24 inches when mature and producing seed heads, but hugs the ground when mown. Seed heads consist of 2 to 10 stiff, finger-like spikes radiating from the top of the stem, often with one spike slightly below the terminal cluster.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium-coarse, 3-8 mm wide, flat or folded, with pointed to blunt tips. Color is typically medium to dark green, sometimes with a whitish or pale base. Vernation is folded in the bud. The ligule is a membranous fringe, often notched or split at the center. Auricles are absent. The collar region is broad and continuous, often whitish and sparsely hairy.
Root System
Extremely tough, deep, fibrous root system that anchors the plant firmly in compacted soils. Establishes rapidly by seed. Does not form stolons or rhizomes, spreading strictly by seed production.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to old world tropics and subtropics; now widely distributed globally in temperate and tropical regions
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) with a very flattened, prostrate to ascending growth habit
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun and thrives in compacted, poorly drained soils where other turfgrasses struggle. Moderate to high water needs during establishment, but exhibits good drought tolerance once mature due to its deep root system. Prefers heavy, compacted soils and tolerates low soil oxygen.
Mowing & Maintenance
Extremely difficult to mow due to its tough, prostrate stems and flattened growth habit, which easily slip underneath mower blades. Requires manual removal or selective chemical control as part of weed management. Not intentionally maintained as a turfgrass.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional tolerance to heavy foot traffic and heavily compacted, abused soils. Resistant to many standard mowing practices because of its flat growth structure. High seed production capability allows it to quickly colonize bare spots in lawns, sports fields, and paths.
Ecological Information
Generally considered an aggressive weed in turf and agricultural settings worldwide. Provides minimal wildlife value compared to native grasses. Its presence is typically a strong indicator of severe soil compaction and poor drainage in turfgrass environments.