Roots
Fibrous, stems root at lower nodes

Stem
Erect, branched, sprawling
Lower stem purple

True Leaves
Smooth, tuft of hairs at base of lower leaves
No auricle, membranous ligule
Rolled in the bud

Flowers
Branched panicle
Flowers from July to September
Forked, finger-like stalks

Habitat
Cultivated fields, waste areas, roadsides

Note
Large crabgrass is similar except it is hairy and larger Often the first grass to escape control of
atrazine treated fields