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 (each will open in a new window)

Crabgrass Control [PDF]—Cornell Cooperative Extension
Integrated Pest Management for Home Gardeners and Landscape Professionals: Crabgrass [PDF]—University of California

More Information (each will open in a new window)

Read Your "Weeds"—A Simple Guide to Creating A Healthy Lawn [PDF]—National Coalition for Pesticide-Free Lawns
Weeds and Your Lawn—University of Connecticut Integrated Pest Management
Establishing a Home Lawn—University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Guide to Controlling Weeds in Cool Season Turf [PDF]—Maryland Cooperative Extension Home & Garden
Managing Lawn Weeds—Cornell University
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]

It is the policy of the State of Maine to minimize reliance on pesticides. The Maine Department of Agriculture and the Maine IPM Council encourage everyone to practice integrated pest management and to use pesticides only as a last resort. The mention of pesticides in the fact sheets linked to these pages does not imply an endorsement of any product. Be sure that any product used is currently registered and follow all label directions.

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Large Crabgrass—Digitaria sanguinalis

Identification and Control Information (each will open in a new window)

More Information (each will open in a new window)

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