How to identify Asian crabgrass (Digitaria bicornis)
Asian crabgrass, also known as Tropical crabgrass
Asian crabgrass is characterized by its low, spreading growth habit forming clumped patches. The leaves exhibit a long, narrow blade-like shape, and can root at the nodes when they come into contact with the soil. This plant thrives in warm conditions, displaying a marked resilience by rooting at these nodes, which makes physical removal challenging once it is well-established. Its lifecycle includes producing seeds during the warmer months, with germination occurring in the latter part of winter or early spring.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Grass
Leaf Type: Semi-evergreen
Low spreading growth habit forming clumped patches.
Narrow grass-like leaves with serrated or wavy margins.
Inconspicuous wind-pollinated flowers in racemes with bicornuate appearance.
Smooth, slender green stem without hairs, branching occasionally.
Small achenes enveloped in soft, velvety hairs with winged shape.
The leaves of asian crabgrass are narrow and grass-like, measuring up to 6 inches (15 cm) long. They exhibit a rounded base that tapers to a pointed tip. The margins are serrated or wavy, adding to their distinctive appearance. The leaves are green and may have a few hairs at the base, contributing to a slightly rough texture. The overall shape and features make these leaves easily recognizable to novice plant enthusiasts.
Asian crabgrass features small, inconspicuous flowers arranged in racemes located at the leaf axils. Each flower is typically around 0.1 inches (2-3 mm) in size, displaying a greenish or purplish hue. The flowers are composed of tiny florets, with two lobes giving them a bicornuate appearance. They lack prominent petals and are mostly wind-pollinated, contributing to their subtlety. Blooming occurs primarily during the warm months, providing a delicate touch to the plant's overall structure.
The stem of asian crabgrass is distinctly green and hairless, offering a smooth texture. It exhibits a slender form, typically measuring about 1/8 to 1/4 inch (0.3 to 0.6 cm) in diameter. The stem primarily grows in an upright or slightly spreading manner with occasional branching. It maintains a consistent color throughout its length, contributing to a uniform appearance. Notably, the absence of hair gives the stem a clean and polished look, aiding in its identification.
The fruit of asian crabgrass is an achene, notable for its winged structure adorned with velvety hairs. Measuring typically around 1/8 inch (3 mm) in size, these achenes may or may not be borne on a stalk. Their unique texture and winged design make them easily identifiable among other fruits.
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Scientific Classification of Asian crabgrass
