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Torpedograss

Panicum repens

Non-Native

Torpedo Grass Locations in North America
Torpedo Grass Locations in Southeast US
torpedograss side view

torpedograss drawing
torpedograss in water

USDA, NRCS. 2018. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 28 March 2018). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.
Illustration courtesy of University of Florida/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. Used with permission.

What is Torpedograss?

Physical Characteristics

  • Up to 3 feet tall

Leaves:

  • Sharply pointed tips
  • Hairy sheaths
  • Stiff
  • Linear
  • Flat or folded
  • Surface has waxy or white coating

Flowers:

  • 3-9 inches long

Stem:

  • Spreads by rhizome breaking or expanding

Where Does it Grow?

Non-Native

Torpedograss is a perennial grass native to Australia.

Pros and Cons of Torpedograss

This is a non-native plant that should not be grown as it is invasive and illegal to possess or transport this species in Texas. Please report sightings to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at (512) 389-4800.

How to manage this plant
Plant glossary

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Photo Credits: The majority of the aquatic plant line drawings are the copyright of the University of Florida Center for Aquatic Plants (Gainsville). They are used with permission.

Aquatic plant photographs were provided by David Bayne, Jim Davis, Kelly Duffie, Billy Higginbotham, Michael Masser, John Clayton, Chetta Owens, Diane Smith, Joe Snow, Don Steinbach, Bridget Robinson Lassiter and Peter Woods.

You may use these photos, so long as you give credit to AquaPlant.

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