As a homeowner trying to maintain a lush, weed-free lawn, crabgrass can be a frustrating foe. This annual grass weed is sneaky, spreading through seed to pop up all over your yard. Before you can get rid of crabgrass, you first need to identify it. So what does crabgrass look like? Read on for a deep dive into recognizing this common lawn invader.

The Lowdown on Crabgrass

Crabgrass (Digitaria spp.) is a summer annual weed, meaning it germinates in spring, grows through summer, sets seed in fall, then dies with winter frosts. Below are key facts about crabgrass:

• Grows low, spreading out instead of upright.
• Has wide, light green blades with pointed tips.
• Forms dense clumps that can smother lawn grass.
• Thrives in hot, dry conditions.
• Spreads by seed, not roots or rhizomes.

There are two main types smooth crabgrass and hairy crabgrass Smooth is more widespread,

The Signature Look of Crabgrass

Crabgrass has a distinct appearance that, once learned, is easy to spot:

• Coarse texture – The blades are wide compared to typical lawn grass. Up to 1/2 inch wide.

• Light green color – Much lighter and brighter than lawn grass. Lacks a healthy dark green hue.

• Blades taper to points – The tips of crabgrass blades come to pointed tips versus the flat ends of lawn grass.

• Starburst growth pattern – Lower leaves radiate outward from a central point, like a starburst

• Sprawling growth habit – Stems creep along the ground instead of growing upright.

• Thick dense clumps – Mature plants form thick mats of vegetation that can crowd out lawn grass.

Comparing Crabgrass vs. Lawn Grass

One of the best ways to hone your crabgrass identification skills is by comparing it directly to typical lawn grasses:

• Blade width – Crabgrass blades are over 1/4 inch wide. Lawn grass is narrower.

• Color – Crabgrass is pale light green. Lawn grass is deep green.

• Growth habit – Crabgrass grows prostrate along the ground. Lawn grasses grow upright.

• Texture – Crabgrass is coarse with wide blades. Lawn grass has fine, thin blades.

• Feel – Crabgrass feels rough. Lawn grass is smooth to the touch.

The differences become very apparent when crabgrass invades a lawn!

Appearance of Crabgrass at Various Growth Stages

Crabgrass looks slightly different as it progresses through its lifecycle:

Seedling – Resembles corn stalks. Light green, upright growth.

Young plant – Stems begin spreading. Leaves widen and lengthen.

Mature plant – Full sprawling habit. Thick, low clumps with pointed light green blades.

Dormant – Dies back to straw-like tan stems after frost. Leaves deteriorate.

Knowing its appearance at each stage helps identify crabgrass year-round.

Noteworthy Variations Between Smooth and Hairy Crabgrass

While smooth and hairy crabgrass share the same general traits, some subtle differences help tell them apart:

Smooth crabgrass

• No hairs on leaves or stems
• Shorter overall, around 2 feet maximum
• Sometimes red tinted stems
• Leaves up to 6 inches long

Hairy crabgrass

• Tiny hairs on leaves and stems
• Grows taller, around 3 feet long
• Wider leaves up to 1/2 inch wide
• More coarse texture

Hairy crabgrass tends to be the larger, more robust variety.

Common Areas for Crabgrass Growth

Crabgrass invades lawns and also pops up in:

• Cracks in driveways or sidewalks
• Garden beds, flower borders, and landscaped areas
• Fields, pastures, and along roadsides

Any patch of open ground can nurture crabgrass. It exploits areas where lawn grass struggles to thrive.

Easily Confused With These Other Lawn Weeds

While crabgrass has distinctive traits, some other weeds can look deceptively similar:

• Goosegrass – Also spreads out but has finer texture and zipper-like blades.

• Dallisgrass – Also low-growing but has a white center stripe on blades.

• Foxtail grass – Also clumping but has wider, drooping seed heads.

• Carpetweed – Also forms mats but has smooth, rounded leaves.

Upon close inspection, the differences become more apparent. But at first glance, these weeds can masquerade as crabgrass.

When Is Crabgrass Most Noticeable in Lawns?

Crabgrass becomes most visible and problematic during summer when it matures. The timeline is:

• Spring – Germinates when soil temperature hits 55°F. Emerges as small seedlings.

• Early summer – Grows rapidly and starts spreading. Still low and inconspicuous when mowed.

• Mid to late summer – Reaches full size. Extensive spreading and seed production. Heavy infestations visible.

• Fall – Growth slows then dies after frost. Seeds drop to the ground.

So be especially watchful for crabgrass during summer and deal with it before the fall seed drop.

Tips for Early Detection of Young Crabgrass

Catching crabgrass early saves headaches later. Here are tips for spotting newly sprouted crabgrass:

• Inspect the lawn closely after spring soil temperatures rise.

• Look for light green seedlings with upright shoots near the roots of lawn grass.

• Check for clumps spreading outward from a central point.

• Focus on bare or thin spots first, as crabgrass exploits weaknesses.

• Feel for coarse emerging foliage of crabgrass mixed in the lawn.

Finding those first few crabgrass clumps quickly lets you target removal before infestation.

Conclusion

Now that you know the visual hallmarks of crabgrass, scouting for its presence and confirming an infestation becomes much easier. Keep an eye out for its telltale coarse texture, light green color, sprawling habit, and starburst growth pattern. When you can positively identify crabgrass, you can take action to kick it out of your lawn for good. Removing it at the first signs prevents a major crabgrass problem from developing. Your lawn will thank you!