Grassy Weeds - Bermuda Lawn - Smooth Crabgrass
BES-TEX Weed ID Guide · Grassy Weeds
Smooth Crabgrass
Digitaria ischaemum
Summer annual Grassy
Common Name
Smooth Crabgrass
Latin Name
Digitaria ischaemum
Family
Poaceae
Life Cycle / Type
Summer annual · Grassy weed
What Is It?
Smooth crabgrass is a summer annual grassy weed with a low, spreading growth habit that forms flat clumps. Unlike large crabgrass, it has smooth leaves with little to no hair. It commonly invades thin turf, compacted soil, and high-traffic areas during warm weather.
Soil Temperature & Germination
Smooth crabgrass germinates as soils warm in spring.
55°F
75°F
Above 55°F
Germination begins
Above 75°F
Peak germination and rapid spread
Decision Question
Is the smooth crabgrass visible above the soil right now?
Why This Weed Comes Back
Missed spring pre-emergent timing
Thin or stressed turf
Compacted or bare soil
Learn the Basics
A healthy, thick lawn is the best defense against weeds.
