Dallisgrass
Paspalum dilatatum
Dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum) is a perennial grassy weed characterized by large coarse bunch-type grassy clumps; short thick rhizomes with prominent hairy collar; caterpillar-like seed heads.. It anchors via a underground tubers/nutlets root system and is selectively controlled using MSMA (golf/sports only) or Tribute Total / Celsius in southern warm-season lawns applied during late summer or early fall when dallisgrass is vigorously transporting carbohydrates..
MSMA (golf/sports only) or Tribute Total / Celsius in southern warm-season lawns
Large coarse bunch-type grassy clumps; short thick rhizomes with prominent hairy collar; caterpillar-like seed heads.
Always read and follow the manufacturer's EPA-approved pesticide product label. The label is the law under federal FIFRA (Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act) regulations. Application rates, personal protective equipment (PPE), target weed maturity stages, temperature restrictions, and grazing or re-entry intervals specified on the EPA container label supersede all online recommendations. Local state regulations may restrict certain active ingredients.
University-Verified Herbicide Formulations
Professional active formulations cross-referenced against university weed science trials.
Tenacity Herbicide (Mesotrione 8 oz)
Active: 40% Mesotrione Selective Systemic
Gold standard selective pre- and post-emergent targeting crabgrass, ground ivy, yellow nutsedge, and clover during overseeding.
SedgeHammer+ Turf Herbicide (Halosulfuron 0.5 oz)
Active: 5% Halosulfuron-methyl with Surfactant
Pre-mixed with surfactant for 1-gallon sprayers. Translocates into underground nutlets without injuring cool or warm season lawns.
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Botanical Identification Key for Dallisgrass
Accurately identifying Paspalum dilatatum is essential because spraying non-selective chemicals like glyphosate risks killing desirable lawn grass. Look for these botanical hallmarks:
- Foliar Morphology: Large coarse bunch-type grassy clumps; short thick rhizomes with prominent hairy collar; caterpillar-like seed heads..
- Root Architecture: Anchored by a underground tubers/nutlets, making manual pulling ineffective unless the entire root crown is extracted.
- Growth Period: Active during perennial cycles, flourishing when lawn turf is stressed or cut too short.
Eradication Protocol & Selective Herbicide Selection
To eradicate Dallisgrass while preserving your lawn turfgrass, apply MSMA (golf/sports only) or Tribute Total / Celsius in southern warm-season lawns during Late summer or early fall when dallisgrass is vigorously transporting carbohydrates.. Ensure that the active ingredients match your host turfgrass tolerances:
- Temperature Safety Band: Apply when ambient air temperatures range between 65°F and 85°F. Never apply volatile ester herbicides in temperatures exceeding 85°F to prevent herbicide vapor drift and leaf burn.
- Adjuvant / Surfactant: For waxy or hairy weed foliage, mix with a methylated seed oil (MSO) or non-ionic surfactant according to EPA label instructions to enhance chemical cuticle penetration.
- Mowing Holdback: Do not mow the lawn 2 days prior to spraying or 2 days after application to maximize foliar surface area for chemical absorption.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dallisgrass
01 How do I kill Dallisgrass without harming my lawn?
Use a selective herbicide labeled for your specific turfgrass species containing MSMA (golf/sports only) or Tribute Total / Celsius in southern warm-season lawns. Spray when Dallisgrass is actively growing during late summer or early fall when dallisgrass is vigorously transporting carbohydrates.. Always check your host grass in our weed triage tool before application.
02 Why does pulling Dallisgrass by hand often fail?
Dallisgrass anchors via a underground tubers/nutlets. Hand-pulling often breaks the crown or leaves underground root fragments, rhizomes, or nutlets behind, which triggers rapid regrowth. Systemic selective herbicides translocate down through the vascular tissue to destroy the entire root structure.
03 What class of weed is Dallisgrass?
Dallisgrass is classified botanically as a Grassy weed with a Perennial life cycle.
04 When is the best time of year to treat Dallisgrass?
The optimal eradication window is Late summer or early fall when dallisgrass is vigorously transporting carbohydrates.. Applying when temperatures are between 60°F and 85°F ensures maximum chemical absorption and prevents foliar heat stress to your desirable lawn.