Large Crabgrass
Digitaria sanguinalis · Warm-season, Annual, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae, tribe Paniceae
Grass Category
Invasive/Weed Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Wild type (No specific cultivars as it is considered a weed)
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-10 as a warm-season summer annual. Dies with the first hard frost.
About This Grass
Forms coarse, sprawling patches with light to medium green leaves, often showing purplish tints at the base. Unmowed plants can grow 1 to 2 feet tall or spread laterally along the ground. Seed heads consist of 3 to 13 finger-like spikes radiating from the top of the stem.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium-coarse width (3-10 mm), flat, with pointed tips and a light green to gray-green color. Rolled in the bud (vernation). Features a membranous ligule, prominent veins, and hairs on the leaf blades and sheaths. Auricles are absent.
Root System
Shallow, fibrous root system with adventitious roots developing at the lower nodes where stems touch the moist soil. Fast establishment from seed, poor drought tolerance without supplemental water, low wear recovery.
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 nodes when touching the ground, forming loose, sprawling clumps or mats
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (minimum 6-8 hours of direct sunlight) and thrives in warm, moist soils. Moderate to high water needs during germination and active summer growth. Tolerates drought by going dormant or producing seeds rapidly. Prefers compacted, disturbed soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
Mowing & Maintenance
Grows vigorously and requires frequent mowing. Best managed by maintaining a dense turfgrass canopy at a height of 2.5 to 3 inches to shade out seedlings. High maintenance if attempting eradication, requiring pre-emergent herbicides in early spring and post-emergent controls.
Special Characteristics
Low traffic and wear tolerance compared to established turf. Highly aggressive weed that invades thin lawns, bare spots, and edges along sidewalks. Excellent ability to produce thousands of seeds per plant, ensuring rapid spread.
Ecological Information
Considered a noxious weed in turfgrass settings. Provides minimal wildlife food value compared to native grasses. Roots help stabilize bare soil prone to erosion in disturbed areas, but outcompetes desirable vegetation.