Plant Profile: Digitaria ischaemum

Smooth Crabgrass is a summer annual belonging to the Poaceae family. This weed thrives in warm weather, sprouting in the spring and continuing to grow throughout the summer, during which it produces seeds. The germination process typically begins in late winter to early spring. Characterized by its low-growing, clumping growth pattern, it can establish roots at its leaf nodes, making it particularly difficult to remove once it matures. To effectively manage this weed, it is advisable to hand-pull it while it is still small, before it develops secondary roots. Additionally, applying mulch to garden beds can help inhibit its germination. Frost will effectively eliminate this weed.