Also known as Bearded Sprangletop · Common Crabgrass · Crab Finger Grass
Hairy Crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis) is an annual grassy weed known for its sprawling growth habit and shallow root system, often found in lawns and disturbed soils.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Thrives in full sun conditions, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and vigor.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist during active growth, but allow the top layer to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in cooler temperatures.
Loam, Sandy, Clay
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Prefers warm temperatures, typical of summer growing seasons. Growth is inhibited by cold weather and it will not survive frost.
Low
25% intensity
Generally does not require fertilization. Can grow in nutrient-poor soils. Supplemental feeding may promote excessive growth.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Hairy Crabgrass prefers consistently moist soil during its active growth period. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering frequency as temperatures cool and growth slows down.
Pruning is generally not necessary for Hairy Crabgrass, as it is an annual grass that dies back in winter.
If desired for aesthetic reasons or to prevent seeding in unwanted areas, it can be mowed or cut back before it sets seed in late summer or early fall. This prevents unwanted spread.
Hairy Crabgrass primarily propagates through seeds. Seeds are produced in abundance and can remain viable in the soil for several years. Natural dispersal occurs via wind, water, and contaminated soil or equipment.
No intentional propagation is typically required for this species.
Repotting is not applicable to Hairy Crabgrass as it is a naturally occurring annual weed and is not typically cultivated in pots. It germinates from seed in the soil and completes its life cycle within a single growing season before dying back.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Hairy Crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Digitaria |
| Species | Digitaria sanguinalis |
Similar in genus Digitaria
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
