Crab Grass - Digitaria sanguinalis & ischaemum, Identification & Removal

[@Notingherern]

You should make a vid about Black Swallow Wort

[@GardenUPLandscape]

I've never actually heard of that one, had to look it up. That's crazy! It looks like a freakish cross between a Hoya and a Nightshade. Vincetoxicum nigrum, I don't even see it on the BONAP list though, so I can't confirm where it's invading. I can say I've never seen it here, it looks like it's another plant invading the east coast 😥 you guys are really getting hammered with invasives over there!

[@GardenUPLandscape]

From some quick research it looks like it has a perennial root and an herbaceous top so it emerges from the root in the spring. The best mechanical controls are to remove the seed pods so it doesn't spread further and to dig out the root. Looking at images of the roots, I'm guessing here, but it does not look like the pieces of root will regrow and make new plants. There is definitely a central crown where all of the meristematic activity happens, meaning where the new shoots come from. So you luckily may not have to dig out the entire root to get it under control. If you miss little pieces you might be okay. But like I said, that's a guess.

[@Notingherern]

It is highly invasive, it is in the same family as milkweed and monarch eggs that are laid on this plant would die. It is everywhere in my area.

[@Notingherern]

It is a vine so it can outcompete native milkweed. It is also allelopathic so it prevents the germination of other seeds. It is toxic and a danger to young children and pets, and the roots and stems can sprout into new plants. It is illegal to propagate, transport, or sell this plant. Apparently it is brought to Massachusetts, and it spreaded everywhere. Not sure how I am going to plant milkweed in my backyard, since this weed is allelopathic and would just weaken or kill the milkweed seeds I plant.

[@Notingherern]

It could spread through broken roots and it is allelopathic so it releases chemicals that affect nearby plants and seeds such as native milkweed. It can also outcompete native milkweed or other native plants. It is all over Massachusetts and near by states.

[@guitarnotator]

is it susceptible to Ergot?

[@GardenUPLandscape]

I would suspect yes, but I'm not positive. This is what Google AI said: Yes, crabgrass can be susceptible to ergot, although it is not as commonly affected as other grasses like rye, bromegrass, or quackgrass; however, under the right conditions, the ergot fungus can infect crabgrass as well. Key points about ergot and crabgrass: Ergot is a fungal disease: It infects the developing florets of various grass species, producing distinctive "ergot bodies" that can be harmful to animals if ingested in large quantities. Not the primary host: While crabgrass can be infected, it is generally considered a less susceptible host compared to other common grasses. Environmental factors: The likelihood of ergot infection on crabgrass increases in conditions like cool, wet weather during flowering. So it sounds like it is, but if you're trying to use this fungus to control it you'll probably kill your desirable grass before this one.

[@guitarnotator]

​@@GardenUPLandscape Thank you like proso millet, I am getting mixed opinions but at least 2 people plus an AI have said yes. So that's minimun amount of witnesses needed!

[@treverthetree]

Comment for engagement!

[@GardenUPLandscape]

I appreciate that, thanks!

[@kilianrussell9509]

I hate jobs like that in the garden 🤐. Makes me want to reach for the weedkiller but both options are pointless . We must learn to embrace weeds they say but i don't think I'll ever make my peace with them. 😐

[@GardenUPLandscape]

I don't know about embracing the weeds. Some maybe. But others, like this one, are just a nuisance. Aside from the job security, I could always stand to have fewer weeds! 😆