Having a garden is also about dealing with many known and unknown weeds or unwanted plants. We can’t blame nature for blessing our gardens with such, but we can do something to eliminate them, especially if they compete with our plants’ nutrients.
One type of annual grass which is also considered a weed is the crabgrass. It’s a type of unwanted plant famous for being aggressive and fast-grower. If you have this in your garden, you might be surprised how quickly it can take over your space. But do you know what does crabgrass look like?
If not, then you’re in the right place because this article will share the different characteristics of crabgrass and some practices on getting rid of it.
Knowing what does crabgrass looks like is important if you want a healthy, attractive lawn or garden. As we said earlier, they’re quick and aggressive, so it’s important to control them as soon as possible.
In addition, many weed control methods are most effective when applied to young, actively growing crabgrass plants. This is why early identification is key to effective control. Knowing what does crabgrass look like can also help in distinguishing it from other grasses, which can be important for managing turf and lawn health!
What does crabgrass look like?
Crabgrass differs from ordinary weeds in a garden, and if you wonder what does crabgrass look like, here are some of its features.
1. Leaf shape and size
Crabgrass has flat and narrow leaves with a slightly bluish-green color. They normally grow up to 4-8 inches long and 0.5-1 inch wide. Additionally, the leaves are smooth and have a slightly glossy appearance.
2. Stem and root structure
When it comes to the stems, it’s thin and delicate that can grow up to 6-12 inches tall. They are also often sprawling along the ground or slightly upright. You’ll also notice that its stems are branching, and the plant can form dense mats or clumps of growth.
Meanwhile, the roots of crabgrass are shallow and fibrous. This allows the plant to quickly spread and establish itself in new areas.
3. Color and texture
As we said earlier, it has slightly bluish-green leaves. But it can still vary depending on the growing conditions and age of the plant. It has smooth, glossy leaves and more red or green stems.
As crabgrass matures and produces seeds, the stems and leaves become stiff and woody. Plus, its texture will begin to be rough. Overall, crabgrass has a distinctive look that can help in its identification.
What are the characteristics of crabgrass in different stages of growth?
Now, let’s see what does crabgrass look like during its growth.
Stage 1. Germination and Early Growth
It’s interesting to know that crabgrass germinates in late spring or early summer and begins as a small seedling with just a few leaves.
You’ll see that the seedling will have thin, delicate stems and develop a small root system at this first stage. As the plant grows, the spreading of leaves and stems becomes quick.
Stage 2. Mature Crabgrass
After the germination stage and the crabgrass has established itself, it will reach maturity and begin to produce seed.
You’ll find that mature crabgrass plants is several inches tall and have a sprawling growth habit. They’ll have lots of stems, leaves, and seeds and will form dense mats or clumps of growth, as we said earlier. The leaves will also become flat and narrow with a bluish-green color.
Stage 3. Reproductive Stage
During this stage, crabgrass will bear seeds dispersed by wind or other means.
But crabgrass will continue to grow and produce seeds until it reaches the end of its life cycle. It will stop producing seeds, usually in late summer or early fall. Once the plant has completed its life cycle, it will die off. Any seeds produced will germinate in the following year, beginning a new cycle.
This is also why you need to eliminate crabgrass as early as possible before it reaches its reproductive stage.
How to identify crabgrass in your lawn?
It’s important that you know what does crabgrass look like so you can identify and eliminate it quickly. Here’s a brief guide on how you can identify this unwanted plant in your garden.
Seasonal Changes
One of the most noticeable signs of crabgrass infestation is the appearance of new, green growth in your lawn during summer.
You’ll immediately find this because it’s distinctive from other surrounding grass and may appear as patches or clumps of fast-growing, dense vegetation. Meanwhile, during fall, the presence of mature crabgrass plants with seed heads and a dying or dead appearance can also indicate infestation.
Comparison to Other Grass Types
Another way to determine crabgrass infestation is to compare it to the other grass in your lawn.
You can tell it by looking at your lawn, and when you spot something different in appearance from the grass that you have intentionally planted, then that could be crabgrass. Note that it’s lighter green color, different leaf shape, and different growth habits. By comparing the appearance of the crabgrass to your lawn grass, you can determine whether you have an infestation.
Other Signs of Infestation
Aside from visual cues, there are also other signs that can indicate the presence of crabgrass in your garden.
These may include the following signs.
- A sudden increase in thatch or dead grass
- Increased weed pressure
- A decline in the health and appearance of your lawn
If you are unsure whether you have a crabgrass infestation, you might want to consult with a lawn care professional or horticulturist to help you make an accurate diagnosis.
Beware of crabgrass!
To recapitulate what we’ve discussed, crabgrass is an annual weed that grows in lawns, gardens, and other cultivated areas. You can easily recognize it through its flat, narrow leaves, delicate stems, and fast-growth habit.
Remember that crabgrass can quickly spread and overtake vegetation in your garden or lawn. This is why it’s important to identify and control them as soon as you discover them.
Again, knowing what does crabgrass looks like, including its different stages of growth, can help you make a diagnosis and take appropriate action to control it. This way, you can save the aesthetic and appearance of your lawn and other plants.