Bermuda Grass (with Large Crabgrass infestation)
Cynodon dactylon (Common Bermuda) and Digitaria sanguinalis (Crabgrass) · Warm-season, C4. Bermuda is Perennial; Crabgrass is Summer Annual.
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Chloridoideae (Bermuda) and Panicoideae (Crabgrass)
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass (Bermuda) and Invasive/Weed Grass (Crabgrass).
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass; the large weed is likely wild Digitaria sanguinalis.
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11. Bermuda goes dormant (turns brown) after the first hard frost.
About This Grass
The base turf is a low-growing, fine-textured mat of Bermuda grass. The prominent large lighter-green plant in the center is Crabgrass, featuring a coarse texture, thicker stems, and wider leaf blades that grow in a star-pattern from a central hub.
Blade Characteristics
Bermuda: Fine (1.5-3mm), grey-green, pointed tip, folded vernation. Crabgrass: Coarse (>5mm), light green or yellowish, hairy blades, prominent midrib, and a tall membranous ligule.
Root System
Bermuda: Extremely deep fibrous roots with aggressive rhizomes, heavy thatch, fast establishment. Crabgrass: Shallow fibrous roots that can root at nodes (stems) touching the soil.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Bermuda: Africa/Asia, widely naturalized in Southern US. Crabgrass: Europe/Asia, global weed.
Growth Habit
Bermuda is Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous (highly aggressive). Crabgrass is bunch-type/prostrate with rooting nodes.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (6-8+ hours), high drought tolerance for Bermuda. Both thrive in heat; Crabgrass thrives in over-watered or thin turf areas.
Mowing & Maintenance
Bermuda: 0.5-1.5 inches, high frequency, 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft. The Crabgrass requires target removal (pre-emergent or post-emergent herbicide).
Special Characteristics
Bermuda: Exceptional wear tolerance and salt tolerance. Crabgrass: High seed production (thousands per plant) and rapid summer growth that chokes out turf.
Ecological Information
Both are introduced species in North America. Bermuda provides soil stabilization but can be invasive. Crabgrass is a pioneer species that occupies disturbed soils.