What type of weed is crabgrass classified as?

Crabgrass is classified as a summer annual weed. This means that it completes its life cycle within one growing season, specifically during the warmer months. Crabgrass germinates in the spring as temperatures rise and typically dies off with the onset of cooler temperatures in the fall.

Summer annuals like crabgrass thrive when daytime temperatures are warm, making them well-suited for the peak growing season in many regions. Unlike perennial weeds, which can survive year after year, or biennial weeds, which have a two-year life cycle, summer annuals rely on seed production within a single season to continue their presence in the landscape. Understanding this classification is crucial for effective weed management, as control strategies differ significantly between annuals, perennials, and biennials.