Bermuda Grass (common or hybrid) being encroached by Crabgrass
Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda) and Digitaria sanguinalis (Crabgrass) · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 (Bermuda) with Annual C4 weed (Crabgrass)
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae (Bermuda) and Panicoideae (Crabgrass)
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass (base) with Invasive/Weed Grass (center patch)
Variety / Cultivar
Likely a hybrid variety like 'Tifway 419' for the base turf; Crabgrass is a wild type weed species.
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11; dormant/brown below 50°F (10°C); enters winter dormancy.
About This Grass
Dense, fine-textured dark green base turf maintained at low height. The center features a lighter green, coarser-textured weed with a radiating growth pattern.
Blade Characteristics
Bermuda: Fine (1.5-2mm), pointed tips, folded vernation, hairy ligule. Crabgrass: Broad (5-10mm), flat, often hairy with prominent midvein and membranous ligule.
Root System
Bermuda: Deep fibrous system with extensive rhizomes and stolons; Crabgrass: Shallow fibrous roots that establish quickly from seed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Bermuda: Africa / Middle East origin; Crabgrass: Europe/Asia origin. Adapted to Southern/Transition zones.
Growth Habit
Bermuda: Highly rhizomatous and stoloniferous forming dense mat; Crabgrass: Bunch-type that spreads via tillering and prostrate stems.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun required (>6-8 hours); drought tolerant once established; Bermuda prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowing height 0.5-1.5 inches for Bermuda; higher heights allow Crabgrass to flourish. Requires 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft annually. High maintenance for golf/sports quality.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance and salt tolerance; rapid recovery from injury; susceptible to Large Patch and Spring Dead Spot diseases.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; Bermuda provides soil stabilization; Crabgrass provides seeds for birds but is considered a problematic lawn interloper.