Goosegrass

Goosegrass is a tough, low-growing summer annual grass that thrives in compacted, high-traffic areas such as sports fields, lawns, and golf course fairways. Its flattened, silver-colored stems give it a distinctive appearance, and its ability to withstand heat and poor soil conditions makes it one of the most persistent grassy weeds in warm climates.

How to Identify

Goosegrass forms a dense, flattened rosette of dark green to grayish-green leaves that emerge from a white, silvery center. The stems are often shiny and lie close to the ground. Its seed heads are distinctive—radiating like the spokes of a wheel with two to six finger-like spikes extending from a single point, each spike containing tightly packed rows of seeds.

Lifecycle

Goosegrass is a summer annual, germinating later than crabgrass—typically when soil temperatures reach about 60°F to 65°F. It grows rapidly through the summer, produces abundant seed in late summer, and dies after the first frost in fall.

Prevention & Control

Effective management begins with a pre-emergent herbicide applied slightly later than crabgrass treatments, since goosegrass germinates later. For established infestations, selective post-emergent herbicides targeting grassy weeds can help reduce populations. Improving turf density, core aeration, and reducing soil compaction greatly reduce goosegrass establishment.