Dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum), Photo: Kevin Mathias, UMD
A perennial grass.
Dallisgrass grows in spreading clumps. It has a coarse texture. Leaf blades are a yellow-green color, about ½-inch wide, and have a prominent mid-rib.
Spreads by seeds and short, thick rhizomes.
Adapts to areas of poor drainage.
Maintain healthy, dense turf that can compete and prevent weed establishment. Correct areas of poor drainage.
Hand pulling or using an appropriate weeding tool to dig out the weed are the primary means of mechanical weed control. This is a viable option at the beginning of an infestation and on young weeds. Hand pulling when the soil is moist makes the task easier.
Manage Weeds Without Chemicals
Certain postemergent herbicides labeled to kill crabgrass are also labeled for dallisgrass control. Check product labels. Small infestations can be dug out or sprayed with a non-selective herbicide that contains glyphosate. Reseed the area after you are certain that you have 100% kill. Herbicides that contain MSMA and DSMA, which were classically used to control Dallisgrass, are no longer labeled to be used on home turf.
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