Water
Water regularly, especially during establishment and hot, dry periods. Southern Crabgrass prefers consistently moist soil but can tolerate brief periods of drought once established.
Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.
Also known as Bamboo Grass · Common Crabgrass · Crabgrass
Southern Crabgrass (Digitaria ciliaris) is an annual weed grass, forming dense mats in lawns and disturbed areas. It thrives in warm conditions and spreads rapidly by see
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Thrives in full sun and warm conditions.
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers consistently moist soil, but tolerates some drought.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm
100% intensity
Prefers warm temperatures, typically germinates when soil temperatures reach 15°C.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Low
25% intensity
Benefits from light fertilization in spring/early summer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially during establishment and hot, dry periods. Southern Crabgrass prefers consistently moist soil but can tolerate brief periods of drought once established.
Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.
Pruning is not typically required for Southern Crabgrass as it is an annual grass. If it becomes an unwanted weed, mowing at a low height helps to manage its spread and prevent seed production.
Southern Crabgrass primarily propagates by seed. Seeds are produced prolifically in summer and fall. It can also spread vegetatively through tillers and stolons, though seed is the main mode of dispersal.
Repotting is not applicable to Southern Crabgrass as it is an annual weed and not typically cultivated in containers. It grows opportunistically in lawns and disturbed areas.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Southern Crabgrass (Digitaria ciliaris)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Digitaria |
| Species | Digitaria ciliaris |
Similar in genus Digitaria
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
