Large Crabgrass
Digitaria sanguinalis · Warm-season, Annual, C4
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Invasive/Weed Grass
Hardiness Zones
Adapted to USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 10 as a summer annual, completing its life cycle in a single growing season and dying with the first hard frost.
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae, tribe Paniceae
Variety / Cultivar
Wild type (no specific named cultivars for this weed species)
About This Grass
A coarse-textured annual grass with a spreading, sprawling habit. Stems can reach up to 1-2 feet long but usually grow close to the ground unless supported. Color is typically light green, turning purplish-red or maroon in the autumn or under stress (as seen in the image). Seed heads consist of 3 to 10 finger-like spikes radiating from the top of the stem.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium to coarse in width (4-10 mm), flat, pointed at the tips, and sparsely hairy on both surfaces. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is a membranous, jagged structure. Auricles are absent. Collar is broad and hairy.
Root System
Shallow, fibrous root system with a strong tendency to form adventitious roots where stems touch the ground. Fast establishment from seed in spring.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and temperate Asia, now widely naturalized globally in temperate and tropical regions
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and prostrate, rooting at the lower nodes, spreading outward from a central crown
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun and thrives in warm temperatures. Moderate to high water needs for active growth, but highly resilient and drought-tolerant once established, going dormant or purpling under severe drought.
Mowing & Maintenance
High maintenance weed; tolerates low mowing and produces seed heads even beneath standard mower heights. Controlled primarily through pre-emergent herbicides, proper turf density, and high mowing heights.
Special Characteristics
Excellent tolerance to compacted soil, heat, and drought. Zero wear tolerance as a lawn turf, but highly aggressive at invading thin turf. Exhibits characteristic purple-red anthocyanin pigmentation under cold stress or maturity.
Ecological Information
Considered an invasive agricultural and turf weed globally. Provides minimal wildlife food value compared to native grasses, though seeds are sometimes consumed by birds. Thrives in disturbed soils, thin lawns, and bare spots.