Pampas grasses


Photo: PIRSA		Pampas grasses all Cortaderia species* Grasses South Australia Region

	Pampas grasses form tussocks up to 3 metres high with grey-green drooping leaves 2 metres long with very sharp edges. The flowering heads are dense, feathery and silver-white or sometimes dull pink at first, held above the leaves on reed-like stems. The forms with only male flowers planted in the 19th century could not move far from gardens. But the recent introduction of seed-producing forms threatens invasion of waterways, forestry plantations and native vegetation, where pampas grass displaces other vegetation and prevents access.

HOW IT SPREADS • Deliberate planting on properties and roadsides. • Garden waste dumping. • Seed producing forms rapidly spread by wind and runoff water.

Alternative Plants


Photo: Tupelo Grove Nursery		Giant Chinese silver grass Miscanthus giganteus Grasses

	This is a grass of monstrous proportions, forming very tall clumps of green leaves, their tips arching gracefully in layers. Useful as a living screen, bearing soft-pink plumes in the fall. The corn-like stalks turn creamy tan in winter. Clumps are large, but well behaved and not invasive. Lower leaves have a tendency to wither in late summer, so planting something tall in front is recommended. Plants enjoy moisture, and are even happy growing beside water, however they also tolerate moderate drought conditions. Trim back to the ground in early spring.