Dallisgrass
Dallisgrass is a perennial, grassy weed. The leaf blades are 1/4–1/2 inch wide and 4 to 10 inches long, and form slowly spreading clumps. The clumps spread by underground rhizomes, making it a difficult weed to control. If left unmowed, flower stalks can reach upwards of 5 feet high. Dallisgrass seedheads consists of 2 to 10, drooping spikelets originating from different points along the stem and are lined with two rows of egg-shaped seeds.
It sprouts in early spring, but can grow all year round in warm climates—most prominently in low, wet ground and high-cut lawns.
Location
Dallisgrass is mainly found in the warmer Southern states.
Related or Similar Plants
Paspalumgrass, Goosegrass, Crabgrass, Knotgrass, Bahiagrass, Watergrass
Cultural Solutions
- Mow lawns at shorter end of recommended mowing height range.
- Hand pull seedlings and young plants as soon as you notice them.
- Avoid spreading seed on contaminated lawn mowers or hoses.
- Dig out clumps when found in lawn areas.
- Overseed when Dallisgrass is found in turfgrass if bare areas are present.
- If Dallisgrass is found in garden beds, dig them out and lay down a thick layer of mulch.