The Story
Plant Bio
Digitaria sanguinalis is a warm-season annual grass that forms low, spreading mats by rooting at the stem nodes. The species is native to the Mediterranean region and Asia but has naturalized widely across North American lawns, gardens, and agricultural fields.
This species is distinguished from other crabgrasses by the dense, long hairs covering both the leaf blades and sheaths. The light green to gray-green foliage gives way to finger-like flower spikes that produce abundant seed before the plant dies with the first hard frost.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Grass
Height
20"
Width
24"
Light
Full Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Water
Low to Medium
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Annual
Native To
Mediterranean, North Africa, Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Summer – Fall
In flower about 6 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Monitor lawn and garden beds in late winter and early spring for early germinating seedlings.
- Apply a pre-emergent barrier to turf areas before local dogwoods or forsythias finish blooming.
- Pull young plants by hand before they develop tillers and root at the nodes.
- Mow turf at a higher setting to shade out emerging crabgrass seedlings and encourage desirable grasses.
Pro Tip
Apply pre-emergent herbicides in early spring before soil temperatures reach 55 degrees Fahrenheit, as post-emergent control becomes highly difficult once the grass begins tillering.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Hand-pull individual plants before they set seed in late summer.
- Maintain a dense, healthy lawn to naturally shade out germinating seeds.
Don't
- Do not over-fertilize turfgrass in summer, as this feeds the crabgrass rather than the lawn.
- Do not allow plants to mature and drop seed, which can remain viable in the soil for years.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Hairy Crabgrass questions
What zones can Hairy Crabgrass grow in?
Hairy Crabgrass is hardy in USDA Zones 4–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
When does Hairy Crabgrass bloom?
Hairy Crabgrass typically blooms in summer through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Hairy Crabgrass need full sun?
Hairy Crabgrass does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Hairy Crabgrass drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Hairy Crabgrass handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Digitaria to compare
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Grow Hairy Crabgrass with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.