SafePlants

Sand Crabgrass (Digitaria arenicola)

Sand crabgrass, scientifically known as Digitaria arenicola, is a perennial, warm-season grass native to North America. It's also known as green sprangletop or sand witchgrass.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is a grass, which animals might be tempted to eat.
• Sandburs (stickers) are associated with crabgrass.

Considerations for Children

• Sandburs (stickers) are associated with crabgrass.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Digitaria arenicola (Swallen) Beetle
• Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
• Rank: Species
• Synonyms: Digitaria cognata var. arenicola, Leptoloma arenicola, Leptoloma cognatum var. arenicola

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to North America.
• Thrives in well-drained soils such as sands, sandy loam, loamy fine sand, loam, and silt loam.
• Can be found in sandy areas, including neglected yards and sand dunes.

Ecological Role

• Can be considered a weed in lawns and gardens.
• Occasionally used for temporary erosion control on stream banks, pond dams, and sand hills.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• A warm-season grass that sprouts in the spring and thrives in summer and early fall.
• Grows very fast in bare and weak areas.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Provides poor grazing for wildlife and fair grazing for livestock.
• Can be controlled by various herbicides, including pre-emergent and post-emergent options.

Quirky Facts

• Crabgrass seed can be used as a flour, couscous, or grain in cooking.