Cortaderia selloana (Schult. & Schult. f.) Asch. & Graebn.

Pampas Grass

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Pampas Grass is a large introduced ornamental in the Grass family (Poaceae). It is native to central and southern South America, including the grasslands known as the Pampas located in Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil. In Alabama, it is widely planted and has been reported as escaping in the southern half of the state, particularly near the coast (https://www.se-eppc.org/wildlandweeds/pdf/Winter2010Spring2011-Todia-pp14-15.pdf). It is a serious weed in California, Hawaii, Texas, Australia, New Zealand, and Spain. Pappas Grass is a perennial tussock forming grass. Plants are 6-12 feet in height. The leaves are primarily basal. Leaves are alternate, linear in outline, have parallel veins, and are glabrous. The margins of the leaves are sharply serrate with many small teeth that easily cut flesh. The genus name comes from the Spanish word “cortada”, which translates into “cutting”. Plants are dioecious or sometimes monoecious. Flowers are produced in terminal bushy panicles. The panicles are up to 3 feet in length and are whitish in color. The fruit is a wind dispersed grain with long white hairs. Pampas Grass is a popular ornamental and is readily available in nurseries. It prefers full sun and can tolerate drought and pollution. Plants are also grown commercially for harvesting their panicles for dried flower arrangements. It is however listed as a Category 2 invasive species by the Alabama Invasive Plant Council (https://www.se-eppc.org/alabama/2012-updatedALIPCinvasiveplantlist.pdf), and should be avoided or planted with caution.--A. Diamond

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Not Native

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