Durban Crowfoot
Dactyloctenium aegyptium
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Durban Crowfoot (Dactyloctenium aegyptium) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
4"–12" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native alternatives to Durban Crowfoot
Durban Crowfoot is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaDurban crowfoot is a low-growing annual grass that forms spreading clumps in sunny, dry areas. This warm-season grass produces finger-like seed heads during summer and fall months. It thrives in poor soils and requires minimal water once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Durban Crowfoot takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Often considered a weedy grass by homeowners
- Irregular growth pattern looks unkempt
- Annual lifecycle creates bare patches when it dies back
Wildlife value
As a grass species, it provides some seed for small birds and ground-dwelling wildlife. The low growth habit offers limited shelter for small insects and ground fauna.
Common questions
- How much sun does Durban Crowfoot need?
- Durban Crowfoot grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Durban Crowfoot bloom?
- Durban Crowfoot blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- Is Durban Crowfoot HOA-friendly?
- Durban Crowfoot takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Durban Crowfoot? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz