Large crabgrass
(Digitaria sanguinalis)

Overview

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The species Digitaria sanginalis is a summer annual grassy weed that has widespread distribution throughout North America. It inhabits agricultural lands and other disturbed sites. Once established, it is difficult to remove due to its ability to root, even from portions of lower stems.

Main description

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Seedling
The sheaths and blades of the seedling are usually hairy, with leaves in a typical lanceolate linear shape.

Mature plant
The mature plant of large crabgrass exhibits the characteristics of hairy leaves on both upper and lower surfaces. The stems are initially horizontal and then curvedly ascending and sparsely haired at the nodes, reaching up to 50 cm in height. The flowers of D. sanguinalis are in the form of a seed kernel that is approximately 20 cm long. 

Optimal growth conditions

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The grassy weed D. sanguinalis prefers warm, sandy and fine-textured soils, which are low in lime, but not in nutrient contents. The species can be found commonly growing in disturbed areas of the prairies, as well as in weedy meadows, edges of degraded wetlands, along roads, and in lawns and gardens.