Grassy Weeds - St Augustine Lawn - Crabgrass
BES-TEX Weed ID Guide · Grassy Weeds
Crabgrass
Digitaria spp.
Summer annual Grassy
Common Name
Crabgrass
Latin Name
Digitaria spp.
Family
Poaceae
Life Cycle / Type
Summer annual · Grassy weed
What Is It?
Crabgrass is a summer annual grassy weed with a spreading, low-growing growth habit that forms wide clumps. It thrives in thin turf, compacted soil, and high-traffic areas and quickly takes advantage of open space in warm weather.
Soil Temperature & Germination
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 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.
