this perennial grass spreads via its large, branching rhizomes, which are thick and pointed. the pointed shape of the rhizome tip gives the plant the name torpedograss. the rhizomes creep along the ground or float in water, forming floating mats. they can reach a length of and a soil depth of , and they can form a mat thick. the spreading rhizomes sprout repeatedly to form colonies of stems. the stems are tall, sometimes reaching . they grow erect or bend down. the leaves are stiff and straight, linear in shape, and flat or folded. they are sometimes white in color and waxy in texture. the inflorescence is a loose panicle of branches bearing small spikelets long.