Digitaria Sanguinalis is a type of grass commonly known as crabgrass. The spelling of this scientific name can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first word, Digitaria, is pronounced as /ˌdɪdʒɪˈtɛəriə/ and the second word, Sanguinalis, is pronounced as /sæŋˈɡwɪnəlɪs/. The word 'sangui' translates to 'blood' in Latin and refers to the red color of its roots. The spelling of this name is important for scientific classification and identification of this species.
Digitaria sanguinalis, commonly known as hairy crabgrass or large crabgrass, is a warm-season annual grass that belongs to the family Poaceae. It is a widely distributed weed species, originating from Europe but now found in many parts of the world. The name "Digitaria" derives from the Latin term "digitus," meaning finger, referring to the finger-like branches on its flowering structure, called inflorescence. "Sanguinalis" is also derived from Latin and means bloody, possibly relating to the red coloration that can appear on the plant's stem or seedheads.
Hairy crabgrass typically grows in disturbed areas such as lawns, gardens, agricultural fields, and roadsides. It has a prostrate growth habit, with sprawling stems that can root at the nodes, allowing it to spread rapidly. The leaves are pale green and hairy, with a prominent midrib. Hairy crabgrass produces flowering spikes that can reach up to 5 inches long, with numerous finger-like branches. The seeds are small, light brown, and slightly curved.
Considered a troublesome weed, Digitaria sanguinalis can outcompete desirable plants for essential resources such as water, light, and nutrients. It also has the capability to produce a large number of seeds that can remain viable in the soil for several years, ensuring its persistence. Effective crabgrass management strategies include proper lawn maintenance, such as mowing high to shade out the weed, maintaining a healthy turf stand, and using pre-emergent herbicides to prevent seed germination.
The word "Digitaria sanguinalis" is a scientific name given to a species of grass commonly known as "hairy crabgrass" or "large crabgrass".
The etymology of the word "Digitaria" traces back to the Latin word "digitus", which means "finger" or "toe". This name is inspired by the appearance of the seed heads of crabgrass, which resemble the shape of fingers or toes. The word "sanguinalis" is derived from the Latin word "sanguis", meaning "blood", and it refers to the red color of the plant's stems. Thus, "Digitaria sanguinalis" can be understood to describe a grass with finger-like seed heads and blood-colored stems.