Torpedograss

Torpedograss is a non-native grass and can grow up to 3 feet tall. The rhizomes (underwater stems) are extensive and rigid. Leaf blades are narrow, up to 10 inches long and approximately 1/4 inch wide. The plant is grayish green with thin hairs on the upper surface. Torpedograss produces spikelets that are stalked with white and yellow flowers.

Impact

  • 1

    Recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating can be impaired and even prevented.

  • 2

    Dense mats of Aquatic weeds can block sunlight from native submerged plants.

  • 3

    Aquatic weeds greatly detract from the aesthetic appeal of a body of water.

  • 4

    Excessive growth can lead to fish stunting and overpopulation. This occurs because the production of too much habitat prevents effective feeding of small fish by larger fish.

  • 5

    Aquatic weeds can cause fish kills.

  • 6

    Aquatic weed growth provides quiet water areas ideal for mosquito breeding.

  • 7

    Weeds impede water flow in drainage ditches, irrigation canals, and culverts and cause water to back up.

  • 8

    It can cut off sunlight to submersed plants and cut off oxygen to fish and other wildlife.

Location

Torpedograss can be found in most of the contiguous states.

Solutions