Crabgrass Identification Guide

Learn What Crabgrass Is & What It Looks Like

By DoMyOwn staff
Overview

What Is Crabgrass?

Crabgrass is a very common grassy weed, so common that many people simply call many different grassy weeds "crabgrass," even though they're all different.

It's important to know how to identify crabgrass in your lawn so you can control it quickly and effectively.

Appearance

What Does Crabgrass Look Like?
Image and diagram of crabgrass
While crabgrass can resemble your grass at first glance, it does look very different upon further inspection:

  • Newly sprouted crabgrass can appear a light green (lighter than your turf) but may eventually turn a dark, dull green as it continues to grow.
  • The leaves of crabgrass are broader than grass blades.
  • Crabgrass grows in "clumps" low to the ground.
  • The stems of the grass grow laterally, or outward instead of upwards (like grass), and resemble the legs of a crab extending outward from the middle of the plant, hence the name of this weed.

Crabgrass Weed Control Products

Read our how to get rid of crabgrass guide for more information on how and when to apply these crabgrass killers in your lawn.

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