Large Crabgrass
Digitaria sanguinalis · Warm-season, Annual, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae, tribe Paniceae
Grass Category
Invasive/Weed Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common species (no specific ornamental cultivar identified)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3-11 (as an annual); seeds survive extreme cold to germinate in spring when soil temps reach 55°F.
About This Grass
A coarse, prostrate-growing grassy weed that forms dense mats. It is light to medium green and turns purple/red with frost. Seed heads are finger-like spikes arranged in a terminal panicle.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse (4-10mm wide), flat, with a prominent midvein. Blades are typically hairy (pubescent) on both surfaces. Ligule is membranous; auricles are absent. Vernation is rolled.
Root System
Shallow, fibrous root system that expands rapidly; easily establishes from nodes touching soil. Extremely fast establishment in disturbed or bare soil.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and Asia; now globally naturalized as a common weed in temperate and tropical regions
Growth Habit
Decumbent, bunch-type that also spreads via rooting at the nodes (stoloniferous-like behavior)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun preferred; high drought tolerance; thrives in nutrient-rich, moist-to-dry soils with pH 5.5-8.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Grows low to ground to escape mower blades; requires pre-emergent herbicide in early spring for control; maintenance is generally focused on eradication (unwanted in lawns).
Special Characteristics
Prolific seed producer (up to 150,000 seeds per plant); excellent ability to crowd out desired turfgrasses; high traffic tolerance; resistant to many common herbicides once matured.
Ecological Information
Introduced species; serves as a forage for some livestock but considered a major agricultural pest and lawn weed; provides food for small birds and rodents via seeds.