Goosegrass, Wiregrass, Crowgrass

eleusine indica

Also known as: ["Silver Crabgrass","Rough Crabgrass"]

Family: Poaceae Genus: Eleusine Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A widespread annual grass species often considered a weed due to its rapid growth and persistence in disturbed areas.

Benefits & Perks

["fast growing","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Genus: Eleusine
Botanical Name: Eleusine indica

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden, lawn, or container in warm climates
  • Suitable For:
    Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–40°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining; poor drainage can lead to root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter; can tolerate sandy or clay soils if amended for drainage.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very low
  • Toughness Level: very high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed; typically after flowering or when deadheading; occasional tidying throughout the growing season.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead, diseased, or overgrown stems; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but may become less vigorous; adjust exposure based on seasonal light intensity.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure adequate light indoors by placing near a south-facing window.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering or poor drainage); stunted growth (nutrient deficiency or compacted soil); mold or fungus on soil surface (poor drainage or overwatering).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
very easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plants weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh sunlight; supplement with grow lights if indoors.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in dormant periods

Water early in the day to minimize evaporation; focus on the root zone; avoid overwatering, especially in heavy soils.

Soil

well-draining, sandy or loamy soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0); adaptable to a range of soil pH levels.

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid compacted soil; test pH if issues arise; amend heavy soils with organic matter.

Temperature

Warm temperatures (20–35°C); thrives in tropical and subtropical climates; sensitive to prolonged cold or frost.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; maintain consistent warmth for optimal growth.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season, not required otherwise

Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause salt buildup; flush soil occasionally to remove excess salts.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; seeds can also be used but may result in genetic variability.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 4–6 inch cutting with at least one node.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Plant in moist medium.
  4. Keep warm and humid until roots form.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing; avoid propagation during dormancy or extreme weather.

Environment

Warm, humid conditions (70–80% humidity); indirect light; maintain temperatures around 20–25°C.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix (e.g., peat-based with perlite or sand); can also root in water initially.

Hormone

Not strictly necessary but can speed up rooting; use a mild rooting hormone if desired.

Timeline

Roots may appear in 1–2 weeks; establish in new pots within 4–6 weeks.

Tools Needed

Sharp scissors or knife, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining medium, plastic wrap or propagator.

Quick Tips

Use clean tools to prevent disease; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip stems just above a leaf node or lateral branch; use clean, sharp tools to avoid tearing.

Pruning Plan

Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or damaged growth to maintain vigor and appearance.

Tools

Hand pruners, scissors, or sharp knife; disinfect tools between cuts to prevent disease spread.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune dead or damaged growth; make clean cuts; avoid over-pruning; dispose of clippings properly.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins; avoid repotting during dormancy or flowering.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–5 cm (1–2 inches) in diameter; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.

Method

Gently remove plant; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.

Suggestions

Repot only when roots fill the container or growth slows; typically every 1–2 years for potted plants.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting; place in shade for a few days to recover.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water early morning; avoid wetting foliage; ensure good drainage; adjust frequency with weather.

How to Apply Water Properly

Apply water directly to the soil at the base of the plant; water deeply to encourage root growth; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging; water in the morning to reduce fungal risk.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to deliver water precisely to the root zone without disturbing foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water lightly and frequently during hot, dry periods; reduce watering in cooler months or during rain; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis or browning of leaves in extreme heat; stunted growth or dieback in cold stress; wilting in sudden temperature fluctuations.

Cold Stress

Growth slows or halts below 10°C; prolonged exposure to cold can cause root damage or death; frost can severely damage or kill the plant.

Solution: Protect with frost cloth or mulch in cold spells; move potted plants indoors; avoid planting in areas prone to frost.

Hot Stress

Leaf scorch or browning in excessive heat; wilting despite adequate water due to high transpiration rates; reduced vigor.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid foliage contact; flush soil periodically; monitor for nutrient burn.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply every 4–6 weeks during active growth; reduce or stop in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Eleusine indica can indicate nutrient deficiencies, water stress, or pathogen infection, often affecting photosynthetic efficiency and overall plant vigor.

Wilting in Eleusine indica typically results from water stress, root damage, or pathogenic infections, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Eleusine indica are commonly caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in reduced photosynthetic area and potential spread of infection to other parts of the plant.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Eleusine indica is often caused by excessive moisture and fungal pathogens, leading to tissue decay and plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Eleusine indica is not considered toxic to cats. The seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in large amounts, but this is rare.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if ingested

Monitor pets if they consume large quantities of the plant, but it is generally safe for cats.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Eleusine indica is not considered toxic to dogs. The seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in large amounts, but this is rare.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if ingested

Monitor pets if they consume large quantities of the plant, but it is generally safe for dogs.
Humans
Non-toxic

Eleusine indica, commonly known as goosegrass or wiregrass, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities of its seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to mechanical irritation.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea abdominal discomfort diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten in large quantities

Avoid consuming large amounts of the seeds, especially in raw form, to prevent potential gastrointestinal upset.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Eleusine indica toxic to pets?

A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: How does Eleusine indica spread?

A: It spreads primarily through seeds and can also propagate vegetatively via tillers.

Q: Is Eleusine indica suitable for lawns?

A: It is often considered a weed in lawns due to its invasive nature, but it can be used in erosion control or as a temporary ground cover.

Quick Reference
Family: Poaceae
Care: very easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers"]
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