southern crabgrass

Photo by Richard Old | www.xidservices.com

Photo by Richard Old | www.xidservices.com

southern crabgrass

Digitaria ciliaris

Weed Characteristics

Other Names: tropical fingergrass, fingergrass, Henry's crabgrass, kukaepua'a, saulangi, tropical crabgrass, Southern crab grass

Leaf Type: Grassy

Flowers: Pale grey or slightly purple

Leaves: LIght green, finely ribbed

Life Cycle: Annual

A low, spreading weedy annual grass that forms a thick mat at the base but can grow up to 3 ft. tall. Stems typically develop roots at leaf nodes. Leaves are finely ribbed, alternate, and leaf blades and stems are covered with soft hairs. Seedheads are stiff. It reseeds easily. Distribution is typically more southern than large crabgrass.