What Is the Herb Crawl Grass?

Description

• Crawl grass is a low-growing, branching and broad-leaved annual. Although this weed has a spreading appearance, it does not send down adventitious roots from the stems and is anchored by a slender, light-colored taproot. Its stems are tough and wiry. Crawl grass leaves are small, oval and bluish-green. The leaves have a distinctive membranous sheath that encircles the stem at the base of the leaf. Its flowers are small, white to pinkish and inconspicuous, appearing in leaf axils. When cut, crawl grass exudes a clear sap.

Habitat and Culture

• Crawl grass is native to Europe, Asia and Russia below altitudes of about 11,800 feet. It is frequently a weed in croplands and areas of heavy foot traffic. Crawl grass performs well in compacted soils in waste areas, pathways and sports fields. it can tolerate salt and drought but not shade. Crawl grass releases a chemical that inhibits the growth of nearby plants and produces hundreds of seeds that can remain viable in the soil for more than five years.

Uses

• The entire crawl grass plant can be utilized, although the leaves are its most valued portion. Crawl grass is used in Ayurveda, a traditional Indian healing science. Crawl grass can also be used as goat and sheep feed or to create an indigo-like dye.

Controlling Unwanted Crawl Grass

• To prevent the establishment of crawl grass, maintain healthy, aerated turf and prevent heavy traffic. A garden with fertile, loose soil will be best able to withstand a crawl grass invasion. It reproduces only by seed, so tilling or pulling before the weed goes to seed is an effective control practice. If necessary, herbicides for broad-leaved weeds, such as 2,4-D or MCPP, can be applied to young crawl grass early in the season.