Paperbark seedlings germinate in shallow water or damp ground and can form dense thickets, blocking access to water and wetland areas. Native vegetation may be rapidly displaced by paperbark thickets. Paperbark has been planted as a windbreak to protect agricultural crops as an an ornamental tree or shrub. It may be frequently be found for sale at garden centers. Leaves of torpedograss are about 0.8 to 0.28 inches wide and may be flattened or folded.
Blades are usually green but often have a dull purplish tinge.
Flower spikes are often tinted purple. Torpedograss grows along stream or lake margins in damp soil. Growth is rapid and invasive, and plants may form floating mats extending out into open water. It may also be found in completely terrestial settings. Torpedograss grows rapidly and attains noxious levels quickly.