Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Tuesday - June 11, 2013
From: Dripping Springs, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives, Plant Identification, Pests, Grasses or Grass-like
Title: What's invading my bermuda grass?
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
Our grass is being totally overrun by this weed.(I don't know what the name is identify it by the description. It is in Bermuda grass and the only way to describe the weed is to say it looks like big patches of St Augustine. It grows in large clumps and has fairly shallow roots.It appears worst after a big rain. I've actually spent hours removing it only to have it return in double amounts. Any ideas?? It appears to have taken over at least a quarter of my lawn. Thank you,ANSWER:
It seems ironic that Bermuda grass (Cyanodon dactylon), introduced into the US from Africa and considered an invasive species , is being overgrown by another invasive species.
Its hard to identify a plant from a written description, but a couple of possibilities for your invader come to mind; Crabgrass and Dallisgrass.
This link for Crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis) has a description, and photos of the plant. Compare these with what’s in your yard. It also has methods for elimination.
This link for Dallisgrass (Paspalum dilitatum) also has a description and plant photos. Compare them with your weeds.
Another source of help is to contact the folks at the Hays County office of Texas AgriLife Extension.
More Grasses or Grass-like Questions
Overwintering Juncus spiralis in a Container in PA
November 06, 2014 - I have been growing a Juncus 'Spiralis' in a self-watering container on my zone 7 patio in Pennsylvania happily all summer. I have read that this plant is native and should survive outdoors over the...
view the full question and answer
When do Habiturf® grasses make seeds?
June 16, 2015 - I planted Habiturf seeds last year near Dripping Springs. It looks like the Buffalo grass has had seeds on it for a week or 2. How long does it need to remain on the live Buffalo Grass before it can b...
view the full question and answer
Invasive phragmites from New Egypt NJ
July 30, 2011 - I have some wetland near a road. It has been taken over by phragmites. How is the best way to remove these grasses and add some diversity to this area. The area in question is approx. 100 by 30 feet.
view the full question and answer
drought-resistant turf grasses for New York City
June 16, 2011 - Hi - I work at the Smithsonian in New York City and we have a very large lawn that is frequently used in the summer for programming. It gets very beat up. I read an article in teh New York Times about...
view the full question and answer
Flowering native perennials for St. Louis
August 09, 2007 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
I'm trying to landscape a yard that sits on rocky clay soil in St. Louis, MO. The front yard has been difficult because of its brutal southern exposure - the afternoon sun ...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |