Eleusine indica
grassy weedUSDA zones 5–10Active: summerSummer annual that germinates later than crabgrass, often in compacted soils. Forms flat rosettes with a distinctive white/silver center.
Flat rosette growth; distinctive pale/white center; coarse dark green blades; zipper-like seed heads arranged in 2-6 finger-like spikes.
Goosegrass indicates compaction. Core aeration removes favorable conditions.
When: Aerate in fall (cool-season) or late spring (warm-season)
Fill thin areas with desirable grass. Goosegrass colonizes bare or thin spots.
When: Overseed in fall for cool-season lawns
Easier to pull than crabgrass due to centralized root system. Remove before seed set.
When: Pull in early summer when plants are small
Goosegrass requires higher pre-emergent rates than crabgrass. Apply a split application.
When: Apply when soil reaches 60F — goosegrass germinates later than crabgrass (soil ≥ 60°F)
Active ingredient: Prodiamine — e.g. Barricade
Whitens and kills goosegrass over 2-3 weeks. Works best on young plants.
When: Apply to young goosegrass (before tillering) for best results
Active ingredient: Mesotrione — e.g. Tenacity
Grass safety: always match herbicides to your grass species — products safe on Kentucky bluegrass can kill St. Augustine or centipede. Lawn Guardian checks this automatically against your lawn profile.
Lawn Guardian turns this guidance into a schedule timed to your USDA zone and this week's actual weather — and adapts every time you log what you've done.
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