Large Crabgrass—Digitaria sanguinalis
A grassy annual weed found in fields, lawns, and pastures; it tolerates both high temperatures and dry, compacted soils.
Purplish or green with very hairy leaves and sheaths. Leaves are about ¼ inch wide and 2 to 6 inches long.
Flower spikes radiate from the main stalk in 2 to 9 finger-like branches. Seed is produced on purplish seed heads from midsummer to fall.
Grows in disturbed areas, weak or thin turf areas and in edges of lawns next to sidewalks and drives. When unmowed it may grow upright to a height of 2 feet.
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Identification and Control Information
- Crabgrass Control (PDF) —Cornell Cooperative Extension
- Crabgrass—University of Maryland Extension, Home & Garden Information Center
More Information
- Read Your "Weeds"—A Simple Guide to Creating A Healthy Lawn (PDF) —National Coalition for Pesticide-Free Lawns
- Establishing a Home Lawn—University of Maine Cooperative Extension
- Guide to Controlling Weeds in Cool Season Turf (PDF) —Maryland Cooperative Extension Home & Garden
- UC Guide to Healthy Lawns: Identification Key to Weeds—University of California Integrated Pest Management Program
- Integrated Pest Management for Home Gardeners and Landscape Professionals: Weed Management in Landscapes (PDF) —University of California
- Weeds and Your Garden brochure (PDF) —New York State IPM Program and Cornell Cooperative Extension
- Weed Management in the Home Garden (PDF) —Iowa State University Extension
[Photos, left to right: Rebekah D. Wallace, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org; Steve Dewey, Utah State University, Bugwood.org; Richard Old, XID Services, Inc., Bugwood.org]