Torpedograss
Panicum repens
Center for Aquatic Plants
of the United States
|
TorpedograssPanicum repens |
| University of Florida, IFAS, Center for Aquatic Plants |
Non-Native Invasive Plants of the United States |
Torpedograss (Panicum repens) is one of many
panic
grasses in Florida--except that this one is an invasive exotic that is environmentally
and economically damaging. It is believed to be a native plant of Australia. It grows rapidly and
extensively throughout Florida, along canal
and ditch banks and along the shores of lakes, often extending into the water to form large
floating mats. It is very difficult to control. It also grows terrestrially and may be found in
pastures, grovelands and even sand dunes.
Torpedograss grows erect or leaning, to about 3
feet tall. Its stems are rigid. Torpedograss looks similar to other, native, panic grasses. It may be
easily confused with maidencane (Panicum hemitomon). Compare the two species. Torpedograss spreads from underground
rhizomes that have hard, pointed torpedo-like tips.
It has narrow
leaves that are only 1/16 to 1/4 inch wide and 2 to
10 inches long. The leaves
have hairs on the upper surface, and often are rolled inward. The inflorescence
of torpedograss is 3 to 9 inches long, branched and somewhat opened, with the branches pointed
upwards.
