Guide to Native and Invasive Plants Storke Ranch Vernal ... - Cram

Invasive Species 41
Pampas Grass and Purple Pampas Grass
Scientific Name: Cortaderia selloana, Cortaderia jubata
Origin: Central South America
Cal-IPC statewide impact rating: High
Poaceae
Description: Large, perennial, clump-forming
grass growing 6.5 to 23 feet (2-7 m) tall. The
leaves are narrow and sharp (finely serrated), and
the inflorescences are large and fluffy (white in C.
selloana and purple tinged in C. jubata).
Ecological Damage: Increases both frequency and
intensity of fire; displaces native species; decreases
forage and nesting sites for native animals.
How it spreads: Often found in disturbed areas.
Produces many seeds that are dispersed by the wind
up to 20 miles. Sold in the nursery trade and also
dispersed by people playing with plumes. May also
spread vegetatively from fragments or root mass of a
mature plant.
Removal: It is important to prevent seed spread.
Carefully remove and dispose of all seed plumes.
Remove in the spring before seed set. Dig out small
plants. Cut larger plants to the ground and dig out the
root mass. Solarization or herbicides can be used to
prevent resprouts.