Slender Crabgrass
Digitaria filiformis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 26 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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 26 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- 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 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 Slender Crabgrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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