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Description
Digitaria Sanguinalis, commonly known as hairy crabgrass, is an annual grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is native to Europe but can now be found in most parts of the world. The plant has a shallow root system and can grow up to 3 feet tall. Hairy crabgrass can be identified by its flattened stem, which is green or reddish in color. The leaves are 2-6 inches long and 1/4 – 1/2 inch wide, and are hairy on both sides. The plant produces small, green, spike-like flowers that bloom between June and October.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Monocotyledonae |
| Order | Cyperales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Digitaria |
Appearance
Hairy crabgrass is an annual grass that can grow up to 3 feet tall. The stem is flattened, and the leaves are hairy on both sides. The plant produces small, green, spike-like flowers that bloom between June and October. The leaves are 2-6 inches long and 1/4 – 1/2 inch wide. Hairy crabgrass can be identified by its green or reddish stem.
Care Guide
Hairy crabgrass can grow in a wide range of soils and is drought-tolerant, making it a popular choice for lawns. However, it can quickly become invasive and take over a lawn or garden if not properly cared for. Here are some care tips for hairy crabgrass:Water: Hairy crabgrass is drought-tolerant but needs regular watering to thrive. Water the plant deeply once a week during dry spells.Fertilization: Hairy crabgrass does not require fertilizer but can benefit from a slow-release, nitrogen-rich fertilizer in the spring.Soil: Hairy crabgrass can grow in a wide range of soils, but it prefers well-draining soil. It can also grow in compacted soil.Sunlight: Hairy crabgrass requires full sun to grow.Hardiness Zones: Hairy crabgrass can grow in hardiness zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Hairy crabgrass is not typically affected by pests or diseases. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as brown patch and dollar spot. These diseases can be prevented by improving air circulation and avoiding over-watering.
Habitat
Hairy crabgrass is native to Europe but can now be found in most parts of the world. It grows in a wide range of habitats, including lawns, gardens, fields, and roadsides. It can grow in a variety of soil types and is drought-tolerant.
Question and Answer
Q: Is hairy crabgrass toxic to pets?
A: No, hairy crabgrass is not toxic to pets.Q: How do I prevent hairy crabgrass from taking over my lawn?
A: The best way to prevent hairy crabgrass from taking over your lawn is to maintain a healthy lawn through proper watering, fertilization, and mowing. You can also use a pre-emergent herbicide in the spring to prevent the seeds from germinating.Q: Can hairy crabgrass be eaten?
A: Yes, hairy crabgrass is edible and is used as a food source in some cultures.Q: How do I get rid of hairy crabgrass?
A: Hairy crabgrass can be removed by hand or treated with a post-emergent herbicide. However, it’s important to note that the best way to get rid of hairy crabgrass is to prevent it from germinating in the first place.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to hairy crabgrass:- Smooth Crabgrass (Digitaria Ischaemum)- Large Crabgrass (Digitaria Sanguinalis)- Bermuda Grass (Cynodon Dactylon)- Zoysia (Zoysia Japonica)- Buffalo Grass (Buchloe Dactyloides)
References
– Missouri Botanical Garden: Digitaria Sanguinalis– University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources: Hairy Crabgrass– North Carolina State University Extension: Hairy Crabgrass
