Grasses that spread by rhizomes are among the most challenging turf invaders for homeowners and landscapers to manage. These aggressive grass species utilize underground stems that travel horizontally beneath the soil surface, producing new shoots at each node and rapidly colonizing lawns, gardens, and natural areas. Understanding which grasses spread by rhizomes is essential for effective control and prevention strategies.

Rhizomes are modified stems that grow horizontally underground, storing energy and enabling grasses to survive adverse conditions, regenerate from fragments, and spread extensively across landscapes. Unlike bunch-type grasses that form discrete clumps, rhizomatous grasses create dense, interconnected networks that can quickly overtake desirable turf and invade adjacent garden beds. Some aggressive species can extend their rhizome networks 10-20 feet in a single growing season.

Identifying rhizomatous grasses early is crucial for preventing widespread infestations. These grasses often appear as patches that expand outward year after year, with stolons (above-ground runners) sometimes accompanying their underground spread. The most problematic species feature robust rhizome systems that penetrate deep into the soil, making them particularly resistant to control efforts.

This comprehensive guide examines the ten most problematic grasses that spread through rhizomes, providing reliable identification characteristics, details on their growth patterns, and expert recommendations for managing these persistent landscape invaders across various settings.

Top 10 Grasses That Spread By Rhizomes

1. Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon) – The Warm-Season Spread Champion

Bermuda grass is the most aggressive warm-season grass spreader, utilizing both rhizomes and stolons to create dense, invasive mats. This perennial grass features a robust, two-part spreading system that allows it to dominate lawns, sports fields, and disturbed areas across southern and transition zones. Its rhizome network can penetrate 6-12 inches deep, with fine, wiry stems that travel extensively through the soil profile.

Key identification features: Fine-textured, grayish-green leaves with prominent ligules and auricles; creeping stolons that root at nodes above ground; extensive, wiry rhizome system that is white to light brown; seed heads with 3-7 finger-like spikes; deep root system reaching 6 feet or more. The plant turns straw-brown in winter and greens up in late spring.

Spread pattern: Rhizomes travel 10-15 feet per season, producing multiple shoots along their length. A single plant can produce over 100 feet of rhizomes in one growing season. Fragments as small as 1 inch can regenerate new plants, making cultivation a potential spread mechanism. The extensive network enables rapid recovery from damage and drought.

Control: Systemic herbicides containing glyphosate applied in late summer to fall when plants actively transport nutrients to rhizomes. Physical barriers installed 6-8 inches deep help prevent spread into garden beds. Solarization during summer months can kill rhizomes in the top 4-6 inches of soil. Multiple herbicide applications over two growing seasons are typically necessary for eradication. Regular mowing at low heights can weaken plants but rarely eliminates them.

Pros:

• Effective systemic control
• Barriers prevent spread
• Solarization option
• Proven methods
• Long-term results
• Versatile approach
• Integrated management

Cons:

• Multiple seasons required
• Labor intensive
• Persistence needed

2. Quackgrass (Elymus repens) – The Cool-Season Rhizome Invader

Quackgrass is a cool-season perennial grass that spreads aggressively through extensive, white, wiry rhizomes. This invasive grass invades lawns, gardens, and agricultural fields across North America, forming dense patches that outcompete desirable vegetation. Its rhizomes feature sharp, pointed tips that can pierce through soil, landscape fabric, and even thin root barriers, making containment particularly challenging.

Key identification features: Broad, flat leaves with clasping auricles at the base; bluish-green coloration; tall, slender seed heads with alternating spikelets; extensive white rhizome network that is distinctly jointed and pointed at the tips; fibrous root system that is shallow but extensive. The plant reaches 1-4 feet in height and produces seed heads in early summer.

Spread pattern: Rhizomes extend horizontally 1-3 feet per year, with each node capable of producing new shoots and roots. Rhizome fragments as small as 1 inch can generate new plants, making cultivation a dispersal mechanism. The rhizome network can penetrate 12-18 inches deep, storing energy and enabling rapid regeneration after disturbance.

Control: Systemic herbicides containing glyphosate applied in spring or fall when plants are actively growing. Deep cultivation to remove rhizomes followed by monitoring for regrowth. Solarization during hot summer months can kill rhizomes in the top 6 inches of soil. Multiple control methods combined over 2-3 years are necessary for eradication. Prevent spread by cleaning equipment thoroughly when working in infested areas.

Pros:

• Systemic control works
• Cultivation option
• Solarization effective
• Integrated approach
• Proven methods
• Versatile strategies
• Long-term success

Cons:

• 2-3 years needed
• Labor intensive
• Persistent regrowth

3. Johnson Grass (Sorghum halepense) – The Agricultural Rhizome Menace

Johnson grass spreads through thick, scaly rhizomes that travel horizontally and vertically through soil, making it one of the most damaging agricultural weeds in the southern United States. This warm-season perennial grass invades pastures, croplands, and roadsides, forming dense stands that reduce crop yields and degrade forage quality. Its extensive rhizome network allows it to survive cultivation, herbicide applications, and adverse weather conditions.

Key identification features: Broad, flat leaves with prominent white midvein; tall seed heads with purplish-brown panicles; thick, fleshy rhizomes with distinct scale-like nodes; robust stems reaching 4-8 feet in height when mature. The plant resembles corn or sorghum, making it difficult to distinguish from desirable crops in agricultural settings.

Spread pattern: Rhizomes travel horizontally 10-20 feet from the parent plant, with vertical penetration reaching 6 feet or more. A single plant can produce 200 feet of rhizome in one growing season, making it a particularly aggressive colonizer. Rhizome fragments as small as 2 inches can produce new plants, and the extensive network enables rapid recovery from cultivation.

Control: Systemic herbicides containing glyphosate applied when plants are actively growing, particularly in late summer to fall. Cultivation that exposes rhizomes to drying and freezing conditions can help reduce populations. Fall-applied herbicides are often most effective as plants transport nutrients to rhizomes. Multiple applications over several seasons are necessary for long-term control. Integrated approaches combining chemical, cultural, and mechanical methods provide the best results.

Pros:

• Systemic control
• Cultivation helps
• Fall application best
• Proven methods
• Integrated approach
• Long-term management
• Suppression possible

Cons:

• Several seasons needed
• Aggressive spreader
• Labor intensive

4. Zoysia Grass (Zoysia spp.) – The Hybrid Rhizome Spreader

Zoysia grass spreads through both rhizomes and stolons, creating dense, carpet-like lawns that are highly invasive in some regions. This warm-season grass is valued for its drought tolerance and wear resistance, but its aggressive spreading habit makes it difficult to contain. The extensive rhizome network enables zoysia to invade adjacent lawns, flower beds, and natural areas, often creating management challenges for homeowners.

Key identification features: Fine to medium-textured leaves that are stiff and pointed; light green to grayish-green coloration; dense, mat-forming growth habit; extensive stolon and rhizome network; seed heads that are less conspicuous than other grasses. The plant goes dormant and turns brown in winter, recovering slowly in spring.

Spread pattern: Rhizomes travel 6-12 inches per season, with stolons extending 2-4 feet annually. The combined spreading system allows zoysia to fill in bare spots quickly and invade surrounding areas. Fragments as small as 1 inch can regenerate, and the network enables rapid recovery from damage.

Control: Systemic herbicides containing glyphosate applied when plants are actively growing. Physical barriers installed 6-8 inches deep help prevent spread into garden beds. Regular edging to sever rhizomes and stolons at borders provides containment. Complete eradication requires multiple herbicide applications over 2-3 years. For lawn situations, maintaining a dense, healthy turf of desirable species helps resist invasion.

Pros:

• Systemic options
• Barriers effective
• Regular edging helps
• Dense turf resists
• Integrated approach
• Long-term management
• Containment possible

Cons:

• 2-3 years for eradication
• Labor intensive
• Persistent regrowth

5. Creeping Bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) – The Rhizome Lawn Invader

Creeping bentgrass spreads through extensive stolons and rhizomes, forming dense, velvety mats that dominate cool-season lawns and golf courses. This fine-textured grass is prized for putting greens but becomes a problematic weed in home lawns and mixed turf situations. Its aggressive spreading habit allows it to invade and overtake desirable turf species, creating uniform but invasive stands.

Key identification features: Fine, narrow leaves that are bright green and soft; prostrate growth habit with stolons that root at nodes; distinctive seed heads that appear as fine, airy panicles; shallow root system with extensive rhizome network in upper soil layers; excellent tolerance to low mowing heights.

Spread pattern: Stolons and rhizomes extend 3-6 feet from the parent plant, producing new shoots at nodes throughout the growing season. The network is relatively shallow, typically within the top 4-6 inches of soil, but is dense and aggressive. Fragments can regenerate, making mechanical removal challenging.

Control: Systemic herbicides containing glyphosate applied when plants are actively growing. Raising mowing heights and maintaining dense, healthy turf of other species helps resist invasion. Physical removal of mats followed by monitoring for regrowth. Multiple applications of non-selective herbicides may be necessary for complete eradication.

Pros:

• Systemic options
• Cultural resistance
• Removal possible
• Integrated approach
• Proven methods
• Monitoring essential
• Long-term success

Cons:

• Persistent growth
• Multiple treatments
• Aggressive spread

6. Kikuyu Grass (Pennisetum clandestinum) – The Warm-Season Rhizome Aggressor

Kikuyu grass is a warm-season perennial that spreads aggressively through an extensive network of both rhizomes and stolons, making it highly invasive in coastal and Mediterranean climates. This coarse-textured grass forms dense, tough mats that invade lawns, gardens, and natural areas, quickly outcompeting desirable vegetation. Its robust rhizome system enables rapid recovery and persistent growth.

Key identification features: Broad, coarse leaves that are light green to yellowish-green; hairy leaf sheaths and ligules; extensive stolon and rhizome network; distinctive seed heads that emerge in late summer; aggressive growth habit forming thick, dense mats that crowd out other vegetation.

Spread pattern: Rhizomes travel 10-15 feet from the parent plant, with stolons extending 3-6 feet annually. The combined spreading system allows kikuyu to fill in bare spots rapidly and invade surrounding areas. The rhizome network can penetrate 12-18 inches deep, storing energy for vigorous regrowth.

Control: Systemic herbicides containing glyphosate applied when plants are actively growing, particularly in late summer to fall. Physical barriers installed 6-8 inches deep help prevent spread. Regular edging to sever rhizomes and stolons at borders provides containment. In California and other regions, kikuyu is regulated as a noxious weed, requiring professional management in some areas.

Pros:

• Systemic control
• Barriers effective
• Regular edging helps
• Professional options
• Integrated approach
• Long-term management
• Containment possible

Cons:

• Highly aggressive
• Labor intensive
• Professional help needed

7. St. Augustine Grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) – The Rhizome-Stolon Hybrid

St. Augustine grass spreads primarily through stolons but also produces rhizomes that contribute to its invasive potential. This warm-season grass is widely used for lawns in the southern United States due to its shade tolerance and coarse texture, but its aggressive spreading habit makes it a problematic weed in some regions. The combination of stolons and limited rhizomes creates dense, expansive mats.

Key identification features: Broad, coarse leaves that are dark green and have rounded tips; distinctive seed heads with one-sided spikes; extensive stolon network that roots at nodes; limited but significant rhizome system; rapid growth habit that creates dense, thick turf.

Spread pattern: Stolons extend 3-6 feet annually, with rhizomes contributing to spread in favorable conditions. The combined spreading system allows rapid colonization of bare areas and invasion of surrounding garden beds. Fragments can regenerate, making removal challenging.

Control: Systemic herbicides containing glyphosate applied when plants are actively growing. Physical barriers installed 4-6 inches deep help prevent spread. Regular edging to sever stolons and rhizomes provides containment. In some regions, st. Augustine grass is considered invasive and requires active management.

Pros:

• Systemic options
• Barriers effective
• Regular edging helps
• Containment possible
• Integrated approach
• Proven methods
• Long-term success

Cons:

• Aggressive spreader
• Stolon dominance
• Labor intensive

8. Prairie Grass (Bromus inermis) – The Rhizome Meadow Invader

Prairie grass, also known as smooth brome, spreads through an extensive rhizome network that creates dense, sod-forming stands in disturbed areas, pastures, and natural grasslands. This cool-season perennial grass is native to Europe and Asia but has become widely naturalized across North America, often escaping cultivation and invading native habitats. Its aggressive rhizome system enables rapid colonization and persistent growth.

Key identification features: Broad, flat leaves with distinct M-shaped constriction; closed leaf sheaths that are smooth; seed heads that are open and drooping; extensive, creeping rhizome system that is white to light brown; robust growth habit reaching 2-4 feet in height.

Spread pattern: Rhizomes travel 5-10 feet from the parent plant, producing new shoots at nodes throughout the growing season. The rhizome network can penetrate 12-18 inches deep, storing energy for rapid recovery after disturbance. Fragments can regenerate, making control challenging.

Control: Systemic herbicides containing glyphosate applied when plants are actively growing, particularly in spring and fall. Deep cultivation to remove rhizomes followed by monitoring for regrowth. Maintaining dense, competitive vegetation helps prevent establishment. Integrated approaches combining multiple methods provide the best long-term control.

Pros:

• Systemic options
• Cultivation helps
• Competitive vegetation
• Integrated approach
• Proven methods
• Long-term success
• Suppression possible

Cons:

• Persistent regrowth
• Labor intensive
• Multiple seasons needed

9. Orchard Grass (Dactylis glomerata) – The Rhizome Pasture Weed

Orchard grass spreads through short rhizomes and bunch-forming growth, but its limited rhizome network contributes to its persistence and spread. This cool-season perennial grass is widely used for pasture and hay production but can become a problematic weed in lawns, gardens, and natural areas. Its ability to produce small but effective rhizome segments enables survival and gradual expansion.

Key identification features: Broad, flat leaves with distinct clasping ligules; folded leaf buds; distinctive seed heads with one-sided, compact panicles; short but effective rhizome network; clump-forming growth habit with limited but persistent spread.

Spread pattern: Rhizomes extend 1-3 feet from the parent plant, producing new shoots and roots at nodes. The limited but persistent rhizome network enables gradual expansion and survival of the plant in favorable conditions. Fragments can regenerate, making removal challenging.

Control: Systemic herbicides containing glyphosate applied when plants are actively growing. Deep cultivation to remove rhizomes followed by monitoring for regrowth. Maintaining dense, competitive vegetation helps prevent establishment. Multiple applications of herbicides may be necessary for complete eradication.

Pros:

• Systemic options
• Cultivation helps
• Competitive vegetation
• Integrated approach
• Proven methods
• Long-term success
• Suppression possible

Cons:

• Limited rhizome spread
• Persistent growth
• Multiple treatments needed

10. Red Fescue (Festuca rubra) – The Rhizome Creeping Fescue

Red fescue spreads through creeping rhizomes that create dense, sod-forming stands in cool-season lawns and natural areas. This fine-textured grass is widely used for shade-tolerant lawns, golf course roughs, and erosion control, but its aggressive spreading habit can make it a problematic invader in some situations. The rhizome network enables rapid colonization and persistent growth in suitable conditions.

Key identification features: Fine, narrow leaves that are dark green and soft; smooth leaf sheaths; distinctive seed heads with one-sided panicles; extensive, creeping rhizome system that is white to light brown; creeping growth habit forming dense, even turf.

Spread pattern: Rhizomes extend 2-4 feet from the parent plant, producing new shoots at nodes throughout the growing season. The network is relatively shallow, typically within the top 4-6 inches of soil, but is dense and persistent. Fragments can regenerate, making removal challenging.

Control: Systemic herbicides containing glyphosate applied when plants are actively growing. Raising mowing heights and maintaining dense, healthy turf of other species helps resist invasion. Physical removal of patches followed by monitoring for regrowth. Multiple applications of non-selective herbicides may be necessary for complete eradication.

Pros:

• Systemic options
• Cultural resistance
• Removal possible
• Integrated approach
• Proven methods
• Monitoring essential
• Long-term success

Cons:

• Persistent growth
• Multiple treatments
• Aggressive in some areas

7 Essential Strategies For Managing Rhizome-Spreading Grasses

• Identify the spread mechanism: Distinguish between grasses that spread primarily by rhizomes (underground stems), stolons (above-ground runners), or both. This determines whether physical barriers or herbicide timing will be most effective.
• Time herbicide applications correctly: Apply systemic herbicides in late summer to fall when grasses actively transport nutrients to rhizomes. This timing maximizes herbicide translocation to storage organs and provides the most effective control.
• Install physical barriers: For aggressive spreaders like Bermuda grass and zoysia grass, install underground barriers 6-8 inches deep to prevent rhizome invasion of garden beds and borders. Use materials that resist penetration such as heavy plastic, sheet metal, or specialized root barriers.
• Practice persistent monitoring: Rhizome systems can regenerate from fragments left in soil. Regular inspection and prompt removal of new shoots are essential for long-term control. Monitor established plantings for signs of invasion.
• Combine cultural controls: Dense, healthy desirable vegetation provides natural suppression. Proper irrigation, fertilization, and mowing practices help prevent establishment of rhizome-spreading grasses. Maintain competitive turf to resist invasion.
• Consider solarization: During hot summer months, clear plastic laid over infested areas can raise soil temperatures enough to kill rhizomes in the top 4-6 inches. This is particularly effective for annual species and shallow-rooted perennials.
• Prevent fragments from spreading: When cultivating infested soil, clean equipment thoroughly to prevent rhizome fragments from spreading to unaffected areas. Dispose of removed plant material properly—avoid composting rhizome-bearing grasses unless the compost pile reaches temperatures sufficient to kill all fragments (typically 140°F for several weeks).

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhizome-Spreading Grasses

1. What grasses spread by rhizomes in lawns?

Bermuda grass, quackgrass, Johnson grass, zoysia grass, and creeping bentgrass are the most common grasses spreading by rhizomes in lawns. These aggressive species can quickly overtake desirable turf through their extensive rhizome networks, creating patchy, uneven lawns that resist simple control methods.

2. How do I stop grasses from spreading through rhizomes?

Install physical barriers 6-8 inches deep for most rhizome-spreading grasses, or 6-8 feet deep for deep-rooting species like some aggressive hybrids. Apply systemic herbicides in late summer to fall when plants transport nutrients to rhizomes. Maintain dense, healthy desirable vegetation to provide natural suppression and regularly monitor for new shoots.

3. Are rhizome-spreading grasses difficult to control?

Yes, rhizome-spreading grasses are among the most difficult lawn weeds to control. Their underground storage organs allow them to survive adverse conditions, regenerate from fragments, and spread extensively. Eradication often requires multiple control methods applied over several growing seasons.

4. Can I kill rhizomes with herbicide?

Systemic herbicides like glyphosate can kill rhizomes when applied at the correct timing. Late summer to fall applications are most effective as grasses transport nutrients to underground storage organs. Multiple applications over 2-3 years are typically necessary for complete eradication of established rhizome systems.

5. Why do rhizome grasses keep coming back after pulling?

Pulling above-ground growth does not remove underground rhizomes. These storage organs remain in the soil and produce new shoots, giving the appearance of reappearing grasses. Complete removal requires digging out the entire rhizome system or applying systemic herbicides that translocate to underground organs.

6. Can I compost grasses with rhizomes?

Grasses with rhizomes should generally not be composted unless the composting process reaches high enough temperatures (140°F for several weeks) to kill all rhizome fragments. Most home composting systems do not achieve sufficient heat, and fragments can survive and spread through compost application.

7. How deep do rhizomes of grasses typically grow?

Depth varies by species: Bermuda grass rhizomes typically reach 6-12 inches; quackgrass rhizomes can reach 12-18 inches; Johnson grass rhizomes can reach 6 feet or more; zoysia grass rhizomes typically reach 6-12 inches. Knowing the typical depth helps determine appropriate barrier depth and cultivation practices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, grasses that spread by rhizomes represent some of the most challenging management problems in lawns, gardens, and agricultural settings. Bermuda grass stands as the most widespread and troublesome rhizome-spreading grass, its aggressive rhizome networks creating persistent challenges in warm-season lawns and landscapes. Quackgrass and Johnson grass follow closely, with their extensive rhizome systems enabling rapid invasion and persistent growth in cool-season and agricultural settings respectively.

Understanding the growth patterns and spread mechanisms of rhizome-spreading grasses is essential for effective management. Different species require different approaches—some respond to systemic herbicides applied at specific times, others need physical barrier installation, and many require persistent, integrated strategies that combine multiple control methods over several growing seasons.

Successful management of these persistent invaders requires patience, persistence, and a combination of cultural, mechanical, and chemical control methods. Regular monitoring, early intervention, and preventing the spread of rhizome fragments through equipment and soil movement are essential for long-term success. By understanding the biology of these underground spreaders and implementing integrated management approaches, homeowners and land managers can effectively control these relentless landscape invaders.

Ready to take control of rhizome-spreading grasses in your landscape? Choose from our recommended control strategies above and experience the difference in management effectiveness. Start your control program now and enjoy a healthier, more manageable lawn and landscape free from invasive rhizome grasses.