It can be tricky to distinguish crabgrass from goosegrass because of their similar growth cycles and appearances. Here, I will break down the characteristics of each to help you distinguish what weeds you are scouting.

Crabgrass

Crabgrasses can be difficult to control because it tolerates high temperatures and dry, compacted soils better than turf grass varieties. Conversely, crabgrass does not well tolerate shaded sites (both from trees and dense turf). In response, to manage crabgrass organically: mow high, judiciously water, aerate compacted areas, and overseed with a turf type tall fescue dominant blend. The two varieties of crabgrass are detailed below…

Smooth Crabgrass (aka Small Crabgrass)

Characteristics of Smooth Crabgrass:

• smooth, light green leaf surface
• mature plants are red at the base
• summer annual lifecycle: germinates spring, grows summer, seeds fall, dies winter
• tolerates low mowing height

Hairy Crabgrass (aka Purple Crabgrass or Large Crabgrass)

Characteristics of Hairy Crabgrass:

• Summer Annual Lifecycle: germinates in the spring when soil temps remain around 55°F, grows summer (competing with turf), seeds fall, die with 1st frost.
• spiky seed head, flat and narrow seeds
• dense hairs on leaves and stems
• fibrous root structure
• flat or oval stem

Goosegrass (aka Indian Goosegrass, Wiregrass, Silver Crabgrass, Crow’s Foot)

Characteristics of Goosegrass:

• thrives in moist, fertile, compacted, sandy soil
• likes full sun
• bud is white-silver color
• stems divide from the center sprout
• hairy at base of leaf
• summer annual
• flat or oval stem
• branched, spiky seed head

Notably, goosegrass germinates 4-6 weeks after crabgrass, which can make it easier to distinguish when doing your scouting. Goosegrass is adaptable to a wide range of site conditions and can do well in nutrient deficient soil, dry soils, landscape beds and turf stands. Its smooth blade structure makes for a very poor playing surface on athletic fields because it impacts ball rolling and foot traction. A tall turf stand is essential in managing goosegrass due to its low growth habit.

Additionally, for more information on controlling these weeds that thrive in the heat of summer, view our blog: “Summer Weeds From Compacted Soil“.