Forest & Kim Starr, Wikimedia.org

What is Kikuyugrass?

Sometimes managed as a turfgrass, kikuyugrass is considered a perennial weed, and a very aggressive one at that. It grows and spreads rapidly and recovers quickly from injury and constant wear. This weed prefers warm, temperate climates like the South or Southern California and grows from spring into the fall. It has fleshy stems and thick, folded leaves in the bud. Hairs are also found on the lingules, a section of outgrowth at the point of the leaves and leaf stalks.

How to Get Rid of Kikuyugrass

When removing kikuyugrass, clean up the infested area with an herbicide containing triclopyr. It may take several applications weeks apart to eliminate any trace of the weed. It's also important to clean any mowing equipment to remove seeds and stems. Failing to do so may result in re-establishing the weed onto the lawn.