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Description
Digitaria Ischaemum, commonly known as smooth crabgrass, is a warm-season annual grass that is native to Eurasia but has become naturalized worldwide. It is a member of the Poaceae family and is typically found in disturbed areas such as lawns, gardens, pastures, and roadsides. This grass can grow up to 30-60 cm tall and has a prostrate growth habit. The leaves are a light green color and are approximately 2-15 cm long and 2-6 mm wide.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Monocotyledonae |
| Order | Cyperales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Digitaria |
| Species | D. ischaemum |
Appearance
Smooth crabgrass has a unique appearance that makes it easily identifiable. The leaves are flat and taper to a point at the tip, with a distinct midrib and parallel veins. The stems are flattened and have a reddish tint, and the seed heads are purplish or greenish and are located at the end of the stems. The seeds themselves are small and brown and are approximately 2 mm long.
Care Guide
Taking care of smooth crabgrass is relatively simple. It requires regular watering, fertilization, and sunlight to thrive. The grass can grow in a variety of soils, but it prefers well-drained, fertile soil. Smooth crabgrass is hardy in USDA zones 6-10 and can survive in temperatures ranging from 60-90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Water
Smooth crabgrass requires regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. The grass should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. It is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Smooth crabgrass benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. It is important to avoid overfertilization, as this can lead to excessive growth and weaken the grass.
Soil
Smooth crabgrass can grow in a variety of soils but prefers well-drained, fertile soil. It is important to avoid compacted soil, as this can lead to poor growth and root development.
Sunlight
Smooth crabgrass requires full sunlight to thrive. It should be planted in an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones
Smooth crabgrass is hardy in USDA zones 6-10 and can survive in temperatures ranging from 60-90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Common Pests & Diseases
Smooth crabgrass is relatively resistant to pests and diseases compared to other grasses. However, it can still be affected by a few common pests and diseases.
Pests
– White grubs- Sod webworms- Armyworms
Diseases
– Dollar spot- Brown patch- Pythium blight
Habitat
Smooth crabgrass is typically found in disturbed areas such as lawns, gardens, pastures, and roadsides. It is native to Eurasia but has become naturalized worldwide.
Question and Answer
Q: Is smooth crabgrass a weed?
A: Smooth crabgrass can be considered a weed if it is growing in an unwanted area such as a garden or flower bed. However, it is commonly used as a lawn grass in some areas.
Q: How do I control smooth crabgrass?
A: Smooth crabgrass can be controlled through regular mowing, hand pulling, and herbicides. It is important to remove the grass before it produces seeds to prevent it from spreading.
Q: Is smooth crabgrass drought tolerant?
A: Smooth crabgrass is relatively drought tolerant compared to other grasses. However, it still requires regular watering for optimal growth.
Q: Can smooth crabgrass be used for forage?
A: Smooth crabgrass can be used for forage, but it is not typically grown for this purpose due to its lower nutritional value compared to other forage crops.
Related Plants
– Digitaria ciliaris- Digitaria sanguinalis- Digitaria violascens
References
– “Digitaria Ischaemum.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed August 18, 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=DIIS.- “Smooth Crabgrass (Digitaria Ischaemum).” Penn State Extension. Accessed August 18, 2021. https://extension.psu.edu/smooth-crabgrass-digitaria-ischaemum.- “Smooth Crabgrass.” The Lawn Institute. Accessed August 18, 2021. https://thelawninstitute.org/pages/lawn-grasses/smooth-crabgrass.
