Crabgrass germination coming...
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January 19, 2016
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Although still quite cool, crabgrass germination is just around the corner in the southern United States. In south Florida germination should begin during January. Although there are several species of Digitaria present, the five major species of crabgrass found in Florida are described below. From a pre-emergent control perspective most of these weeds are targeted at approximately the same time.:
India crabgrass (Digitaria longiflora) – Summer annual or perennial (southern Florida) spreads by stolons. Leaf blades are short. Usually found on dry sites.
Southern crabgrass (Digitaria elliaris), also known as hairy crabgrass – clumpy but spreads through rooting at notes Large leaves that are hairy. Found on dry areas.
Blanket crabgrass (Digitaria serotina) also known as rabbit or dwarf crabgrass – annual that can spread by stolons. The leaf blades are short. Differentiated from India by the presence of hairs on the leaves and sheath. Found on moist sites.
Tropical crabgrass (Digitaria bicornis) also known as Asian crabgrass – similar in appearance to southern crabgrass. Seedhead branches from the same point where smooth brances from several points. Found on dry sites.
Smooth crabgrass (Digitaria ischaemum) also known as small crabgrass – clumpy but will spread and root at nodes. The leaves are large. Found on dry sites. In Florida, primarily found in the northern part of the State.