East Indian Crabgrass: What Every Gardener Should Know About This Non-Native Grass
If you’ve noticed a persistent, spreading grass in your garden that seems to pop up everywhere, you might be dealing with East Indian crabgrass (Digitaria setigera). This non-native grass has made itself quite at home in warmer regions of the United States, and understanding what it is can help you make informed decisions about your landscape.
What is East Indian Crabgrass?
East Indian crabgrass is a graminoid – that’s the fancy term for grass-like plants. Originally from tropical regions of Asia and Africa, this annual to perennial grass has established itself in several U.S. locations including Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and various Pacific territories like Guam and Palau. You might also see it listed under its scientific synonyms, including Digitaria microbachne or Digitaria pruriens in older references.
Where You’ll Find It Growing
This adaptable grass shows up in a variety of environments depending on where you live:
- In Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain regions: Can grow in both wet and dry areas
- In Caribbean locations: Prefers drier, upland areas
- In Hawaii: Flexible about moisture, growing in various conditions
Should You Plant East Indian Crabgrass?
Here’s the short answer: probably not intentionally. While this grass isn’t officially listed as invasive or noxious, it’s definitely not native to North America. As a non-native species that reproduces and spreads on its own, it can potentially compete with our native plants that wildlife depends on.
If you’re looking for grass options for your landscape, consider these native alternatives instead:
- Native bunch grasses suited to your specific region
- Indigenous sedges that provide similar texture
- Local prairie grasses that support native wildlife
Managing East Indian Crabgrass
If this grass has already established itself in your yard, don’t panic. While it’s persistent, it’s manageable with consistent care:
- Hand-pull small patches when soil is moist
- Maintain healthy, dense plantings of desirable plants to reduce open spaces
- Consider overseeding with native grasses to outcompete unwanted species
The Bottom Line
East Indian crabgrass is one of those plants that’s neither hero nor villain – it’s just a non-native grass doing what grasses do best: surviving and spreading. While it won’t harm your garden directly, choosing native alternatives will better support local ecosystems and give you more interesting options for your landscape design.
When planning your garden, remember that native plants are almost always the better choice. They’re adapted to local conditions, support native wildlife, and often require less maintenance once established. Your local native plant society or extension office can help you identify the best native grass options for your specific area and growing conditions.
