Digitaria sanguinalis

Harig vingergras plant (Digitaria sanguinalis)

Digitaria sanguinalis, commonly known as large crabgrass or hairy crabgrass, is a species of grass in the family Poaceae. It is native to Europe, but it has spread to many other parts of the world, including North America, where it is often considered a weed.

Description

Digitaria sanguinalis is an annual grass that can grow up to 1 meter in height. The stems are typically prostrate, rooting at the nodes, and can form dense mats. The leaves are linear to lanceolate, measuring up to 20 cm in length and 1 cm in width. The leaf sheaths and blades are often hairy, which gives the plant its common name, hairy crabgrass.

The inflorescence consists of several slender, finger-like spikes that are arranged in a digitate pattern. Each spike can be up to 15 cm long and bears numerous small spikelets. The spikelets are typically 2-3 mm long and contain one fertile floret.

Habitat and Distribution

Digitaria sanguinalis thrives in a variety of habitats, including agricultural fields, gardens, lawns, and waste areas. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to clayey. The species is highly adaptable and can grow in both full sun and partial shade.

Life Cycle

As an annual plant, Digitaria sanguinalis completes its life cycle within one growing season. It germinates in the spring or early summer, flowers in mid to late summer, and sets seed before dying in the fall. The seeds can remain viable in the soil for several years, contributing to the persistence of the species in infested areas.

Control and Management

Managing Digitaria sanguinalis can be challenging due to its prolific seed production and ability to root at the nodes. Effective control methods include cultural practices such as maintaining a healthy, dense lawn to outcompete the weed, mechanical removal by hand-pulling or mowing before seed set, and the use of pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides.

Related Species

Digitaria sanguinalis is closely related to other species in the genus Digitaria, such as Digitaria ischaemum (smooth crabgrass) and Digitaria ciliaris (southern crabgrass). These species share similar morphological characteristics and habitats but can be distinguished by differences in their leaf and spikelet morphology.

See Also

• Poaceae
• Weed
• Annual plant
• Herbicide