Large Crabgrass in Legume Vegetable Plantings
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Large crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis) is purplish-green with hairy leaves. Leaves are ¼ to 1/3 inch wide and 2 to 6 inches long. Plants branch heavily and form large mats. Plants tolerate dry, compacted soil. Large crabgrass is often mistaken for goosegrass.
Large crabgrass.
(Photo: Rebekah D. Wallace, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org)
Management:
- Mulch and pre-emergent herbicides prevent seed germination, while tillage and post-emergent herbicides destroy plants.
- Because it does not tolerate shade well, a dense canopy will help manage this weed.