Crab or quack - Ask Extension
Is this crab or quack grass. Winter didnt kill it but how do i get rid of it?
Knowledgebase
Crab or quack #869427
Asked May 21, 2024, 10:59 AM EDT
Is this crab or quack grass. Winter didnt kill it but how do i get rid of it?
Stearns County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for writing.
I appreciate the 7 meg photo, many don't send any or they send a low res 700 k that I can't work with.
This appears to be Wirestem Muhly.
https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/grass-sedge-rush/wirestem-muhly
although it could be another of the many species of Muhlenbergia, such as Nimblewill
https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=MUSC
https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/grass-sedge-rush/nimblewill
The control options are difficult. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/insects-pests-and-problems/weeds/nimblewill#:~:text=Nimblewill%20will%20become%20bleached%20and,actively%20growing%20during%20the%20summer.
Keep in mind that there is no selective herbicide for any grass--toxic to one, toxic to all. Targeted application, no wind. Frankly, if the patch is small, apply with a small paint brush to actively growing plants on a sunny day. Wear gloves. Dilute as instructed.
Ultimately, the answer is improving the soil. This weed likes soil that is inhospitable to grass. Thin turf, too salty for grass makes it happy.
I appreciate the 7 meg photo, many don't send any or they send a low res 700 k that I can't work with.
This appears to be Wirestem Muhly.
https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/grass-sedge-rush/wirestem-muhly
although it could be another of the many species of Muhlenbergia, such as Nimblewill
https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=MUSC
https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/grass-sedge-rush/nimblewill
The control options are difficult. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/insects-pests-and-problems/weeds/nimblewill#:~:text=Nimblewill%20will%20become%20bleached%20and,actively%20growing%20during%20the%20summer.
Keep in mind that there is no selective herbicide for any grass--toxic to one, toxic to all. Targeted application, no wind. Frankly, if the patch is small, apply with a small paint brush to actively growing plants on a sunny day. Wear gloves. Dilute as instructed.
Ultimately, the answer is improving the soil. This weed likes soil that is inhospitable to grass. Thin turf, too salty for grass makes it happy.
