Durban Crowfoot
Dactyloctenium aegyptium
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
4"–12" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, CA and 19 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Durban 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.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Durban Crowfoot fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.