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Slender Crabgrass

Digitaria filiformis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Slender Crabgrass (Digitaria filiformis)
Photo: (c) Scott Ward, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Scott Ward

Toxicity unknown

Slender Crabgrass (Digitaria filiformis) 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

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 25 more states

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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Cross TimbersEast Central Texas PlainsSouth Central PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontWestern Corn Belt PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsNortheastern Coastal ZoneMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainSouthern Florida Coastal PlainAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Slender crabgrass is a native annual grass that forms small clumps in summer and fall. It produces delicate, finger-like seed heads and grows to about 2 feet tall before dying back in winter.

In an HOA neighborhood

Slender 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 associations
  • Annual nature creates gaps and inconsistent coverage
  • Can appear weedy and unkempt to conventional homeowners

Wildlife value

This grass provides seed for birds and small wildlife, particularly in late summer and fall when the seed heads mature.

Common questions

How much sun does Slender Crabgrass need?
Slender Crabgrass grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Slender Crabgrass bloom?
Slender Crabgrass blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Slender Crabgrass native?
Slender Crabgrass (Digitaria filiformis) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 25 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Slender Crabgrass HOA-friendly?
Slender 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Slender Crabgrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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