How to identify Southern crabgrass (Digitaria ciliaris)

How to identify Southern crabgrass (Digitaria ciliaris)

Southern crabgrass, also known as Manna grass, Polish millet, Henry's crabgrass

Southern crabgrass forms dense clumps, reaching heights of 6-24 inches (15-60 cm). Its stems sprawl across the ground, occasionally rooting at the nodes, and its leaves are linear, tapering to a pointed tip. The leaf blade is typically 2–6 inches (5–15 cm) long, with a distinctive hairy surface. Southern crabgrass produces spikelets arranged on multiple finger-like inflorescences that extend from the main stem. These structures contain the flower and subsequent seeds, enabling its prolific spread.

Lifespan: Annual, Biennial

Plant Type: Grass

Leaf Type: Semi-evergreen

Quickly Identify Southern crabgrass

Linear leaves with hairy surface, 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) long.

Light green racemes up to 8 inches (20 cm) long, with clustered flowers.

Small, light brown seeds in 1-8 inch (2.5-20 cm) long spikelets.

Slender, green stems, 0.1-0.2 inches (2-5 mm) thick, with sparse branching.

Dense clumps reaching 6-24 inches (15-60 cm) in height, sprawling stems with linear leaves.

Detailed Traits of Southern crabgrass

Leaf Features

Southern crabgrass leaves are light green and finely ribbed, with sheaths that alternate along the stem. Each leaf measures approximately 6 inches (15 cm) in length and 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) in width. The margins of the leaves are entire, and there are hairs at the base on the sheath. The leaf shape varies from linear to linear-ovate, offering a distinct texture and appearance that aids in identification.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of southern crabgrass are borne on racemes up to 8 inches (20 cm) long, featuring a light green rachis. These slender racemes are straight and appear atop long stems above the foliage. The tiny flowers are arranged closely along the rachis, giving the racemes a clustered appearance. Each flower is inconspicuous, lacking prominent petals, and they are typically overlooked unless examined closely. The blooming period is during the warmer months.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of southern crabgrass is distinguished by being green and can range from round to flat in shape. Typically, the stem is smooth with a fine texture, and it may exhibit a slight shine. It is relatively slender, often about 0.1-0.2 inches (2-5 mm) in thickness. Branching is generally sparse, often arising near the base. The stem is flexible yet sturdy, supporting the plant's overall structure while allowing it to spread effectively.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of southern crabgrass manifests as small, light brown seeds. These seeds emerge from 2 to 9 delicately arranged spikelets, which adorn seed heads measuring 1 to 8 inches (2.5 to 20 cm) in length. Each seed, nestled within the spikelets, is integral for species proliferation. The tonal quality of the seeds, a pale brown hue, can serve as an identifying characteristic for novices interested in this species' fruit.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

A Botanist in Your Pocket

Scan QR code to download

More Plants You May Like and How to Identify Them

Cape jasmine

Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.

Golden pothos

The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.

Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.

Pepper

The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.

Swiss cheese plant

The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.

Bigleaf hydrangea

The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.

Southern crabgrass and Their Similar Plants

Hairy crabgrass vs. Southern crabgrass: What's The Difference?

Hairy crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis) is a plant species that is known worldwide as a common weed. In certain circumstances, hairy crabgrass is used as animal fodder. This grass species is extremely hardy and almost always requires a detailed control plan, as any chemicals used to eliminate it may also harm surrounding grasses.

Smooth crabgrass vs. Southern crabgrass: What's The Difference?

Smooth crabgrass is a weed commonly found in yards and other turf. This low-growing grass typically reproduces from seed. Although commonly found in lawns, this species of crabgrass is not as aggressive as other types.

Asian crabgrass vs. Southern crabgrass: What's The Difference?

Asian crabgrass is a common weed in lawns and gardens. It has economic value as a forage crop for livestock and is an important food source for birds and insects.

Identify Southern crabgrass easily and quickly

We're also capable of identifying over 12,000 types of plants, flowers, succulents, and trees in your surroundings.

Identify a Plant Online

Key Facts About Southern crabgrass

Attributes of Southern crabgrass

Lifespan

Annual, Biennial

Plant Type

Grass

Plant Height

60 cm

Spread

15 cm to 30 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf type

Semi-evergreen

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Scientific Classification of Southern crabgrass

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Monocotyledons

Order

Grasses, sedges and allies

Family

Grass

Genus

Crabgrasses

Species

Southern crabgrass (Digitaria ciliaris)

Learn More About the Southern crabgrass

Distribution Map of Southern crabgrass

Southern crabgrass is widely distributed across several continents, native to regions that include parts of Asia and Africa, and known to be cultivated. As an introduced species, southern crabgrass has established presence in various parts of Europe, North America, and Oceania. In certain areas, southern crabgrass is sometimes thought to be an invasive species, particularly within ecosystems in parts of Oceania and the Americas, where it may have an impact on local biodiversity and ecological balance.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Southern crabgrass

A Comprehensive Guide to Southern crabgrass How to Grow and Care for Southern crabgrass