Crab Grass
Digitaria sanguinalisfam. Poaceae
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Pl. 38C5 — Digitaria sanguinalis
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IOverview
Overview
Crab Grass (Digitaria sanguinalis) is a light-loving annual graminoid native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, and Algeria. This plant thrives in moist conditions with well-drained, sandy or medium soil, making it adaptable to various environments across its wide range. Known for its edible seeds, which can be harvested for consumption, Crab Grass also serves as an ornamental element due to its distinctive growth habit. Reaching a height of 0.5 meters, this plant is hardy in zones 6-9 and prefers soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Quick answers
What is Crab Grass?
Crab Grass (Digitaria sanguinalis) is a light-loving annual graminoid native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, and Algeria. This plant thrives in moist conditions with well-drained, sandy or medium soil, making it adaptable to various environments across its wide range.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Crab Grass (Digitaria sanguinalis) thrives in light to moist conditions and prefers well-draining, sandy or medium soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It is hardy in temperate regions from zones 6-9 and grows as an annual reaching heights of about 0.5 meters. This plant requires full sun to partial shade and should be watered regularly to maintain moisture levels. For propagation, sow seeds directly into the garden bed or start them indoors before transplanting outdoors. Harvest the edible seed heads for culinary use.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
6-9
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Graminoid
Mature size
0.5 m tall
Soil pH
5.5–6.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Crab Grass for the first time
8steps
Start with crab grass as an easy-to-grow annual, focusing on basic care and maintenance.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a container or garden bed, soil, water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use light, well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Ensure good drainage if using containers.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden or start seedlings indoors and transplant them later.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist, providing about 1-2 inches of water per week. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly to maintain moisture levels but avoid overwatering. Fertilize lightly if needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune or mow the crab grass to keep it tidy, removing any dead or yellowing leaves.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too late in the season, not providing enough light for indoor seedlings.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: The crab grass plant (Digitaria sanguinalis) is edible and its seeds are typically harvested for consumption. These seeds can be eaten raw or cooked, adding a mild flavor to various dishes. They are also suitable for grinding into flour or used in soups and stews. The plant thrives in light to medium soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, making it adaptable to many growing conditions.
Other uses:Animal feedtextiles
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe10 regions
native (10)AlbaniaBulgariaCyprusFranceGreeceHungaryItalyPortugalSpainUkraine
Asia6 regions
native (6)BangladeshChinaIndiaIranIraqKazakhstan
Africa3 regions
native (3)AlgeriaBurundiEgypt
Broader regions
native:Kriti, Kirgizstan, East Himalaya, Gulf States, East Aegean Is., Andaman Is., Borneo
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Poaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Poaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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