Large Crabgrass
Digitaria sanguinalis · Warm-season, Annual, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Panicoideae, Tribe Paniceae
Grass Category
Invasive/Weed Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Standard species (wild type)
Hardiness Zones
Grown as an annual in USDA Zones 2-11. Dies with the first hard frost/freeze. Prolific seed producer for the following spring.
About This Grass
A low-growing, spreading annual grass that forms dense mats. It is pale to medium green with a coarse texture. When unmowed, it can reach 1-2 feet. Seed heads consist of 3-13 finger-like spikes (digitate) arranged at the top of the stem.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blades, 4-10mm wide, flat, with a sharp pointed tip. Color is typically a lighter, lime-green compared to turf. Vernation is rolled. Features a prominent midvein and long, stiff hairs at the base of the blade/sheath (distinguishing it from Smooth Crabgrass). Ligule is membranous and jagged; auricles are absent.
Root System
Shallow, fibrous root system. It does not form a deep permanent sod but roots aggressively at stem nodes. High establishment speed in disturbed or bare soil.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia; widely naturalized in North America and temperate/tropical regions globally.
Growth Habit
Prostrate, spreading stoloniferous habit; can root at the lower nodes where they touch the soil.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun is preferred; very high drought tolerance. Requires minimal water to thrive and outcompete desirable turf during hot, dry summer months. High heat preference.
Mowing & Maintenance
Not maintained as turf; usually target of eradication. Mowing height: adaptable, but it thrives under low mowing which exposes more soil. Maintenance level: Very Low (as it is opportunistic). High nitrogen levels in lawns favor its growth.
Special Characteristics
Extremely high traffic tolerance and ability to crowd out desirable grasses. Notable for germinating when soil temperatures reach 55 degrees Fahrenheit for several consecutive days.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Invasive in most lawn settings. Seeds provide food for some songbirds and small rodents, but it is generally considered an ecological nuisance in managed landscapes due to its aggressive spread and displacement of native or intended vegetation.