Are Crabgrass Seeds Edible for Humans? A Surprising History

January 13, 2026 •

3 min read

Crabgrass, commonly despised as a lawn weed, was once a significant global food crop. Historical records show Stone Age dwellers in Switzerland cultivated it, and it was an important food source in China by 2700 B.C.. Yes, the seeds of certain Digitaria species are indeed edible for humans, a fact often lost in modern lawn care culture.

Quick Summary

The seeds from specific crabgrass species, notably Digitaria sanguinalis (large crabgrass) and African varieties like fonio, are edible for humans. Historically, these were consumed as a nutritious grain, ground into flour for bread or made into porridge in parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia. Proper identification and ensuring the plant has not been treated with chemicals are essential for safety.

Key Points

Edible Seeds: The seeds of Digitaria species, or crabgrass, are indeed edible for human consumption.
Global Staple: Crabgrass was a significant food crop in ancient China and Europe (known as Polish millet) and remains a staple in parts of Africa (called fonio).
Nutritious Grain: The grain is noted for its high protein content and digestibility, making it a valuable food and forage source.
Versatile Uses: Seeds can be used to make flour, porridge, or fermented into beer.
Chemical Caution: Never eat crabgrass from lawns or areas treated with herbicides or pesticides, as many of these chemicals are toxic.
Identification Required: Proper plant identification is crucial to avoid misidentification with potentially harmful plants.
High Yield: A single crabgrass plant can produce as many as 150,000 seeds, highlighting its potential as a resilient food source.

For most homeowners in the United States, crabgrass (Digitaria species) is the bane of a manicured lawn, a fast-growing, resilient invader that turns brown after the first frost. The thought of eating it seems absurd. However, a wealth of historical and agricultural information reveals that are crabgrass seeds edible? They are, and they have been a valuable food source for millennia across the world.

The Forgotten Grain: Crabgrass as a Staple Food

Crabgrass wasn't always a 'weed.' It was cultivated by Slavic peoples in Eastern Europe during the Middle Ages, where it was known as 'Polish millet' and used in soups and porridges. In parts of Africa, specific Digitaria species, especially Digitaria exilis and Digitaria iburua (known as fonio), remain staple grains, celebrated for their ability to grow quickly in poor, dry soils.

The plant was even introduced to the United States in the mid-19th century by the U.S. Patent Office as a potential forage crop for livestock due to its high nutritional value. Immigrants from Central Europe brought their own seeds, calling the grain "manna grits". The shift from a valued crop to a detested weed largely occurred when more profitable and easily machine-harvested grains like corn and wheat became agricultural staples.

Nutritional Profile and Uses

Crabgrass is surprisingly nutritious, especially before it exhausts itself producing seed. The seeds are high in protein and readily digestible for livestock, with crude protein levels ranging from 11% to 22% in some varieties. While information specific to human nutrition is less detailed in modern sources, its historical use as a grain suggests a valuable energy source.

Traditional Preparation Methods

The tiny seeds require some effort to harvest and process (husking can be time-consuming), but they are versatile in the kitchen.

Porridge: The seeds can be boiled with water, much like oatmeal or other cereals.
Flour: Toasted and ground, the seeds make a fine white flour that can be used for semolina or flatbreads.
Whole Grain Substitute: Untoasted, the seeds can be used as a rice substitute.
Beverages: The grain can also be sprouted, heated, and fermented to make beer.

Safety and Identification: Foraging with Caution

If you are considering foraging for crabgrass seeds, safety is paramount. The primary concern with wild-harvested plants is contamination.

Comparison: Forage vs. Lawn Weed


Feature	Forage Crabgrass (e.g., 'Mojo', 'Quick-N-Big')	Lawn Crabgrass (Wild Digitaria sanguinalis)
Cultivation	Intentionally grown for livestock feed; managed fields.	Grows as a weed in lawns, gardens, waste places.
Chemical Exposure	Generally free from harmful herbicides/pesticides if managed for feed.	High risk of exposure to a wide range of lawn chemicals and pollutants.
Nutritional Value	High crude protein (up to 22%), high digestibility.	Value depends on growing conditions; potentially high.
Harvest Method	Can be machine harvested in managed fields.	Must be hand-harvested in small quantities.

Disclaimer: Only consume crabgrass that you are 100% certain has been correctly identified and, crucially, has grown in a completely chemical-free environment. Many herbicides used for crabgrass control, such as those containing arsonates (DMA, AMA), are poisonous to humans and animals. Avoid any plants with purple or black mold, as this could indicate ergot poisoning risk.

Conclusion

Crabgrass is far more than a simple weed; it's a historical and globally recognized edible grain. While modern agriculture has marginalized it in the West, its resilience, fast growth, and nutritional content make it a potential candidate for sustainable small-scale farming or a surprising, if labor-intensive, wild edible for the knowledgeable forager. Ensuring the source is free from harmful chemicals is the most critical step before consumption.

For more information on wild edibles, consult reliable foraging guides or university extension resources, such as those provided by UC Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most well-known edible species are Digitaria sanguinalis (large or hairy crabgrass), Digitaria exilis, and Digitaria iburua (fonio). These have a long history of human consumption.

Edible crabgrass is a mat-forming grass with long, alternate, grass-like leaves and small flowers arranged along finger-like branches. It often develops a red or purple tint at the base. Crucially, only forage from areas you are certain are free of all chemical treatments, and consult an expert if you are unsure of identification.

When prepared as a grain, crabgrass has been described as a fine-textured food, sometimes referred to as "manna grits," and can be used in place of rice or couscous.

While the primary edible part is the seed (grain), young, tender leaves can be added to salads or smoothies for nutritional benefits. The leaves and stems are high in cellulose and offer minimal nutrition for humans compared to the seeds.

Yes, in traditional medicine, various parts of the crabgrass plant have been used as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory agent, and for treating skin irritations and kidney problems.

Fonio (Digitaria exilis and D. iburua) is a type of crabgrass native to West Africa. It is a highly valued and drought-resistant staple crop there, belonging to the same Digitaria genus as the common lawn weed.

Crabgrass fell out of favor as a food crop in the U.S. primarily because other grains like corn and wheat were more profitable and easier to harvest with machinery. Crabgrass requires hand-harvesting because it produces grain throughout the season rather than all at once.