Turfgrass's Least WANTED Weeds - Cogongrass

December 5, 2019

DESCRIPTION
Perennial grass that varies greatly in appearance. The seeds are cylindrical in shape, 2-8 inches in length, are silvery white in color and resemble light fluffy dandelion-like seeds. However, the seeds are briefly visible as cogongrass flowers for only a short time. It can be identified by bright green leaves that grow from 4 inches to up to 6 feet in height. The leaves have sharp serrated margins and a distinctive white midrib. Though another distinctive feature is that cogongrass lacks above-ground stems, as leaves arise directly from the this weed's rhizomes.

A field of tall grass with trees in the background.

WHERE IT GROWS

It is found on every continent, although it does not tolerate cool temperatures. In US, cogongrass extends as far west as Texas and as north as South Carolina. It infests turf, ditch banks, pastures, golf courses, and along forest tree lines. It thrives on low-fertility soils from fine sand to heavy clay.


IMPACT

This weed has two methods of spreading: the dispersing of its 3000 seeds per plant by way of wind currents, but the main way it spreads is through a network of rhizomes. When established, this perennial weed is very difficult to get rid of. In areas with killing frosts, the leaves will turn light brown during winter months and present a serious fire hazard. 60 percent of its growth is below the surface in a dense web of sprawling, dirt-hugging roots. This allows the plant’s rhizomes to cause physical injury to other plants by penetrating roots with its sharp rhizome tips. Like many other weeds, it is highly competitive for water and nutrients.

A field of tall grass with white flowers blowing in the wind.

HOW TO MANAGE

If cogongrass has invaded your turf, then you need to take aggressive action before it spreads. Tiling or digging out the grassy weed can be an option; however, you can run the additional risk of spreading the rhizomes and increasing the invasion. Multiple treatments of a non-selective herbicide are recommended to control and completely eradicate the weed. The best way to avoid this weed is prevention. Regular nutrient treatments and applying a pre-emergent herbicide will keep your turfgrass healthy and dense, reducing the chance of a weed infestation and assuring you maintain your beautiful turf.


For more information on our Combo Herbicides Click Here.
   
For green industry professionals or others interested in ordering Turfcare products, please contact our  Customer Service  to find a distributor near you.

References:
https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/profile/cogongrass#cit
http://southernforesthealth.net/plants/cogongrass/cogongrass-biology-and-management-in-the-southeastern-u.s
https://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/imperata-cylindrica/
https://www.cogongrass.org/identification/

Photos:
https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/cogongrass/
https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/forestry-wildlife/stop-cogongrass-hitchhikers/

The TURFReport Highlights:

Additional Articles and Insights

A large fertilizer manufacturing facility
April 18, 2025
Turf Care Supply, LLC, a portfolio company of Platte River Equity, has officially acquired Beaty Fertilizer, the industry respected Tennessee-based manufacturer and blender of custom granular and liquid fertilizers, as well as combination products. This strategic move expands Turf Care’s manufacturing footprint, adds new product capabilities, and enhances overall production capacity.
grubs on dirt
April 18, 2025
Root out Grubs, Before they Attack Yours!
October 9, 2024
Platte River Equity Portfolio Company Turf Care Supply, LLC Acquires Agri-Nutrients, Inc.
October 4, 2024
Dear Valued Industry Partners and Customers, We are pleased to announce that Turf Care Supply, LLC has acquired Agri-Nutrients, Inc. (October 1, 2024) a respected manufacturer in the turf and ornamental fertilizer industry. This acquisition marks a significant step forward in our commitment to providing you with an expanded range of innovative products, services, and industry expertise, all designed to support your business’s continued growth and success. As a valued partner or customer, you will benefit from enhanced service capabilities and an extended geographic reach, thanks to Agri-Nutrients, Inc.’s strategic facility located in the Port of Catoosa, Oklahoma. With this established presence in the Southwest and Western markets, Turf Care Supply, LLC’s expanded operational footprint will allow us to serve a broader region with greater efficiency, delivering even stronger support to help drive your business forward. We are dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition while maintaining the high standards of service you expect. If you have any questions or would like to explore how this new location can enhance your operations, please feel free to contact your account manager or our customer service team. Thank you for your continued trust in Turf Care Supply, LLC . We look forward to partnering with you as we grow together and continue supporting your success. Sincerely, Mark ManganPresidentTurf Care Supply, LLC
A forklift is sitting in a garage next to another forklift.
September 28, 2023
With a focus on providing sustainable manufacturing and reducing carbon emissions, Turf Care Supply has embraced the electric power market with the latest mobile equipment upgrades. Completed in June 2023, TCS received all deliveries of electric forklifts to all three manufacturing facilities, including Hatfield, MA, Martins Ferry, OH and Sebring, FL.
A person is holding a safety data sheet in front of bottles
July 19, 2023
When handling fertilizers and pesticide it is important to follow suggested guidelines and prioritize safety to protect yourself, others, and reduce environmental impact. Here are some general measures to follow: 1.Read and Follow Instructions: Carefully read and understand the product labels, safety data sheets (SDS), and any accompanying instructions provided by the manufacturer. Follow all recommended guidelines, precautions, and application rates.
A tur care advertisement for fertilizer application tips
June 22, 2023
It’s common knowledge that applying too much fertilizer containing high percentages of readily available nitrogen and water soluble nutrients can result in burn damage to plants, but did you know that damage can still occur even if your application rate is correct? Applying the right product at the right rate, but at the WRONG time can have disastrous consequences.
A poster for #turf detective summer stress
August 1, 2022
When summer temperatures rise and drought conditions set in, turf quality can suffer, even in healthy turf. Turf that was green and lush during the spring can be at risk for turning brown and going dormant during the summer months. This can lead to insect and weed infestations as well as other diseases that can result in additional turf damage. Being aware of these abiotic stresses can help lawn care operators, turf managers, and homeowners take steps to mitigate the damage from these stressors.
July 28, 2022
Brunswick, OH. (April 25, 2022) – Turf Care Supply, LLC (“Turf Care” or the “Company”), the leading formulator and blender of coated nitrogen and other fertilizer products to the turf & ornamental market, is excited to announce Michael Randall as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Mike Randall has previously served as the CFO for both Anchor Manufacturing and for a private investment group, The Misfud Group, LLC. Mike has also held a variety of financial positions with Shiloh Industries in Valley City, Ohio and Eaton Corporation in Cleveland. Mike received his Accounting degree from Ohio Wesleyan University. “We are very excited to have Mike join the Turf Care team. Mike’s frontline leadership and successful C level experience make him an incredible addition to our company,” said Mark Mangan, President of Turf Care.  Established in 1974, Turf Care Supply is one of the largest formulators and blenders of urea products to the turf & ornamental market. Turf Care has a comprehensive product portfolio of fertilizers, combination products (herbicide/insecticide), soil amendments and enhanced efficiency fertilizer ingredients. Turf Care's products are sold to distributors and blenders serving the commercial, residential and golf end markets.
Show More
A large fertilizer manufacturing facility
April 18, 2025
Turf Care Supply, LLC, a portfolio company of Platte River Equity, has officially acquired Beaty Fertilizer, the industry respected Tennessee-based manufacturer and blender of custom granular and liquid fertilizers, as well as combination products. This strategic move expands Turf Care’s manufacturing footprint, adds new product capabilities, and enhances overall production capacity.
grubs on dirt
April 18, 2025
Root out Grubs, Before they Attack Yours!
October 9, 2024
Platte River Equity Portfolio Company Turf Care Supply, LLC Acquires Agri-Nutrients, Inc.
October 4, 2024
Dear Valued Industry Partners and Customers, We are pleased to announce that Turf Care Supply, LLC has acquired Agri-Nutrients, Inc. (October 1, 2024) a respected manufacturer in the turf and ornamental fertilizer industry. This acquisition marks a significant step forward in our commitment to providing you with an expanded range of innovative products, services, and industry expertise, all designed to support your business’s continued growth and success. As a valued partner or customer, you will benefit from enhanced service capabilities and an extended geographic reach, thanks to Agri-Nutrients, Inc.’s strategic facility located in the Port of Catoosa, Oklahoma. With this established presence in the Southwest and Western markets, Turf Care Supply, LLC’s expanded operational footprint will allow us to serve a broader region with greater efficiency, delivering even stronger support to help drive your business forward. We are dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition while maintaining the high standards of service you expect. If you have any questions or would like to explore how this new location can enhance your operations, please feel free to contact your account manager or our customer service team. Thank you for your continued trust in Turf Care Supply, LLC . We look forward to partnering with you as we grow together and continue supporting your success. Sincerely, Mark ManganPresidentTurf Care Supply, LLC
A forklift is sitting in a garage next to another forklift.
September 28, 2023
With a focus on providing sustainable manufacturing and reducing carbon emissions, Turf Care Supply has embraced the electric power market with the latest mobile equipment upgrades. Completed in June 2023, TCS received all deliveries of electric forklifts to all three manufacturing facilities, including Hatfield, MA, Martins Ferry, OH and Sebring, FL.
A person is holding a safety data sheet in front of bottles
July 19, 2023
When handling fertilizers and pesticide it is important to follow suggested guidelines and prioritize safety to protect yourself, others, and reduce environmental impact. Here are some general measures to follow: 1.Read and Follow Instructions: Carefully read and understand the product labels, safety data sheets (SDS), and any accompanying instructions provided by the manufacturer. Follow all recommended guidelines, precautions, and application rates.
A tur care advertisement for fertilizer application tips
June 22, 2023
It’s common knowledge that applying too much fertilizer containing high percentages of readily available nitrogen and water soluble nutrients can result in burn damage to plants, but did you know that damage can still occur even if your application rate is correct? Applying the right product at the right rate, but at the WRONG time can have disastrous consequences.
A poster for #turf detective summer stress
August 1, 2022
When summer temperatures rise and drought conditions set in, turf quality can suffer, even in healthy turf. Turf that was green and lush during the spring can be at risk for turning brown and going dormant during the summer months. This can lead to insect and weed infestations as well as other diseases that can result in additional turf damage. Being aware of these abiotic stresses can help lawn care operators, turf managers, and homeowners take steps to mitigate the damage from these stressors.
Show More