Purple Crabgrass
Digitaria violascens
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
6"–24" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, FL, GA and 10 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Purple crabgrass is a native annual grass that forms low clumps with purplish-tinged seed heads during summer and fall. Despite being a native species, it has the same weedy appearance as common crabgrass and will die back completely in winter.
In an HOA neighborhood
Purple Crabgrass 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.
- Name includes 'crabgrass' which has negative lawn associations
- Annual nature means gaps and inconsistent appearance
- Can appear weedy and unmanicured to untrained eyes
Wildlife value
The seeds provide food for ground-feeding birds and small mammals. As a native grass, it supports some specialized insects that don't use non-native turf grasses.
Common questions
- How much sun does Purple Crabgrass need?
- Purple Crabgrass grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Purple Crabgrass bloom?
- Purple Crabgrass blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- Where is Purple Crabgrass native?
- Purple Crabgrass (Digitaria violascens) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 10 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Purple Crabgrass HOA-friendly?
- Purple Crabgrass takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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.
Ready to grow Purple Crabgrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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