Torpedograss

Panicum repens

Torpedograss is a perennial grassy weed that is also known as Bullet Grass, Coastal Bermuda Grass, Couch Panicum, Creeping Panic, Dogtooth Grass, Panic Rampant, Quack Grass or by its scientific name, Panicum repens. This lawn weed is difficult to eradicate once established.

Identify

Rhizomes

Folded

Membranous

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. It is rare for this grass-like weed to reproduce by seeds. Main reproduction is done by rhizomes.

Life Cycle

This lawn weed is typically found growing in marshy shores, disturbed sites, canals and poorly drained soils. Torpedograss commonly grows in tropical and subtropical climates, including the southeastern, southwestern and Gulf coasts of North America. These perennial grassy weeds can germinate and spread from seeds, but they also produce a root structure (tubers, bulbs or corms) that can birth new weeds from your lawn's surface (using stolons) or from underground (using rhizomes). Perennial grassy weeds live two or more years and have a deeper root structure that can give rise to new weeds—even if you no longer see the weeds in your lawn.

Control

Torpedograss is a difficult grassy weed to eradicate once established in your lawn or landscaping. It is tolerant of drought and partial shade, requiring professionally applied herbicides for weed removal.