How do I identify torpedo grass?
Torpedograss can be identified as a perennial grassy weed with creeping, sharply pointed rhizomes. Its stems are stiff and vertically growing, and its leaves are either folded or flat and hairy on upper surface. The ligule of this lawn weed has a fringe of hairs on its upper margin.
What is torpedo grass?
Torpedograss (Panicum repens) is a perennial that can reach up to 3 ft. (1 m) tall, with long creeping rhizomes (horizontal underground stems), and torpedo-like rhizome tips. The leaves are flat or rolled, 10 in. (26 cm) long, 0.3 in. (5.3 mm) wide, with a white waxy covering.
Is torpedo grass invasive?
Torpedograss (Panicum littorale), also known as quack grass and bullet grass, is an invasive species that was first introduced to the United States in 1876 near Mobile, Alabama. It has since spread throughout the South. Torpedograss is a perennial grass, and the first step to proper control is correctly identifying it.
Where does torpedo grass grow?
Torpedograss (Panicum repens) is native to Asia and Africa and was introduced to North America as a forage crop. Now torpedograss weeds are among the most common and annoying pest plants here. It is a persistent plant that pierces soil with pointed rhizomes that grow a foot (30 cm.) or more into the earth.
What gets rid of torpedo grass?
Glyphosate is likely the best herbicide to kill torpedograss, but it will still need to be applied repeatedly as needed as new shoots appear. Where you cannot limit spraying to the foliage of the torpedograss, use a selective grass killer.
What is the difference between torpedo grass and Bermuda grass?
Torpedo grass has long, folded, linear, or flat leaves while bermudagrass leaves are short, flat, or folded lengthwise. Torpedo leaves are 10 inches long, folded, linear, or flat. The leaves have hairs on the upper surface with a white wax-like coating.
How do I get rid of torpedo grass?
You can kill patches of grassy weeds that grow in summer with glyphosate (keep this off the desirable grass as much as possible). When the grassy weed is brown, remove it and patch the damage with a piece of sod. Doing this repeatedly over the years can maintain a lawn that primarily contains the desirable grass.