Goosegrass

What it looks like

It grows in a low, flattened clump with a white or silvery crown right at the base, kind of like a wagon wheel. The stems are flat and it sends up thin seed spikes from the top. Unlike crabgrass, it doesn't root down at the stem joints.

Often mistaken for: Crabgrass

When it shows up in the Triangle

Shows up a couple weeks after crabgrass once soil warms up in late spring, and keeps growing and spreading through the summer into August.

Where you’ll see it

Found in thin, compacted, close-mowed lawns, especially areas with heavy foot traffic like paths, gates, and driveway edges.

What you can do

• Core aerate to relieve soil compaction, since goosegrass is a sign your lawn is compacted
• Avoid mowing too short
• Water deeply but less often instead of frequent shallow watering
• Overseed or thicken up thin turf so goosegrass has less room to move in
• Reduce foot traffic on worn paths through the yard where you can