Crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis)
Care, watering, light and tips for Crabgrass on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Poaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Crabgrass
Digitaria sanguinalis, commonly known as 'crabgrass' or 'blodhirse', is a warm-season annual grass with a prostrate growth habit, forming dense clumps. Its reddish stems at the base and lanceolate leaves make it recognizable, often with a distinctive inflorescence of digitate spikes. Although considered a weed in gardens and lawns, its resilience and adaptability make it interesting for botanical studies or in controlled environments where its rustic properties are valued.
Native range
Europe and Asia
Care tips
This plant is highly adaptable and requires no specific care; in fact, it thrives in poor, compacted soils. It prefers full sun exposure and tolerates drought well, although occasional watering during very dry periods can stimulate its growth. Avoid over-fertilization, as this could promote excessive and uncontrolled growth. A common mistake is attempting to eradicate it with non-selective herbicides, which can harm other desired plants.