Signalgrass, broadleaf (Brachiaria platyphylla)

A spreading summer annual that is commonly found growing along the ground but with tips ascending (decumbent growth habit). Leaf blades are overall short and wide in appearance, approximately 1-1/2 to 6 inches long and 6 to 15 mm wide. Leaves are rolled in the bud and without hairs on either leaf surface except on margins and in the collar region. The ligule is a narrow membrane fringed with hairs, 1/2 to 1 mm long (unlike large or smooth crabgrass). Leaf sheaths are hairy and stems can root at the nodes. The seedhead is a raceme with 2 to 6 "branches," approximately 1 to 3-1/2 inches long.

IPM1007, revised June 2007