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The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

UT Extension UT Plant Sciences Tennessee Turfgrass

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Smooth Crabgrass

Digitaria ischaemum

Smooth crabgrass germinates after soil temperatures reach between 53-58 degrees Farenheight (at the 4-in depth) for three consecutive days. Leaves are smooth on both surfaces, but may have a few sparse hairs at the collar. Smooth crabgrass has a membranous ligule and can have purple coloring near the base. The seedhead consists of 2-6 spike branches at the top of stems.

Visit our library of extension publications for more information on this weed

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Whole Plant
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Leaf
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Stem
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Other

Chemicals exhibiting activity against this weed

Always refer to the product label for specific information on proper product use, tank-mix compatibility, and turfgrass tolerance. Products containing more than one of the chemicals listed below may offer improved control. Read Full Disclaimer

SeasonEmergenceChemical
Cool PreBenefin, bensulide, dithiopyr, mesotrione, oryzalin, oxadiazon, pendimethalin, prodiamine
PostDithiopyr, mesotrione, MSMA, fenoxaprop, fluazifop, quinclorac
WarmPreBenefin, bensulide, dithiopyr, flazasulfuron, mesotrione, oryzalin, oxadiazon, pendimethalin, prodiamine
PostDithiopyr, fenoxaprop, flazasulfuron, fluazifop, mesotrione, metribuzin, MSMA, metribuzin + MSMA, quinclorac, sethoxydim, trifloxysulfuron


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