Not a grass (likely Prostrate Knotweed or similar broadleaf weed)
Polygonum aviculare · Not applicable (broadleaf annual weed, neither cool nor warm-season grass)
Grass Family
Polygonaceae (Smartweed family)
Grass Category
Invasive/Weed Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Wild type
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 2 through 10
About This Grass
Low-growing, mat-forming herbaceous plant with slender, wiry, jointed stems and small, blue-green elliptical leaves. Not a true grass.
Blade Characteristics
Leaves are alternate, simple, lanceolate to elliptical, bluish-green, with silvery membranous sheaths (ocrea) surrounding the stem at the nodes.
Root System
Deep, tough taproot system allowing survival in compacted soils and dry conditions
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and Asia, now globally distributed
Growth Habit
Prostrate, mat-forming annual weed with wiry stems spreading radially
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun, highly adaptable to dry, compacted soils with low moisture needs
Mowing & Maintenance
Grows flat along the ground below standard mower heights, requiring hand-pulling or herbicide for control
Special Characteristics
Exceptional tolerance to heavy foot traffic and soil compaction, often indicating compacted soil conditions
Ecological Information
Introduced weed species, provides minor food for birds, but generally considered an undesirable weed in lawns and turf