Goosegrass Description

Weed

Goosegrass or silver crabgrass

Scientific Name

Eleusine indica

Family

Grass family (Poaceae)

Life Cycle

Summer annual

Reproduction Method

reproduces by seeds, usually emerging a few weeks after crabgrass

Appearance

Goosegrass is a coarse, bunch-type grass that forms a basal rosette of prostrate to occasionally upright flattened stems up to 2 feet long. The stems do not root at nodes. The root system is fibrous, and the lower portions of stems near the base are silver or white.

Leaves

The leaves of goosegrass are dark green, pubescent near the base, and smooth and keeled below. They grow up to 12 inches long and 1/3 inch wide and are either flat or folded.

Flowers

Goosegrass flowers are composed of 2 to 10 flattened, finger-like spikes that resemble a zipper. They emerge from a common point (windmill-like) in July to September.

Occurrence

This weed occurs in lawns and sports turf areas during the mid to late growing season. It is usually found in full sun and often in poorly drained or compacted soil. Goosegrass tolerates close mowing.

Non Chemical Control

To control goosegrass without chemicals, mechanically remove or hand pull. Maintain turf density and health through proper culture, especially during spring and summer. Increase drainage and avoid light frequent irrigation, summer fertilization, and close mowing or scalping. Reduce soil compaction by limiting traffic, especially when the soils are wet; core aerify when the turf is actively growing.

Chemical Control