Description:
Originating from South America, Pampas Grass is a large long-lived perennial tussock over 2m high with numerous flufffy seedheads (up to 3m high) with sharp, cutting bluish-green leaves 1-2m long. Common in open sunny places with damp soils and on disturbed sites.

Flower heads occur in summer, developing well above the foliage in two sex forms on separate plants..White, fluffy females and yellow, pale pink or pale mauve, almost hairless bisexuals

Each plume produces up to 100 000 seeds in late summer/autumn, and up to 50 plumes can occur per mature tussock

Seeds are 2mm long allowing travel of up to 40km on wind currents. Also dispersed along waterways.

Dispersal:
The tiny seeds can travel 40km or more on wind currents, or float spreading down creeks and drainage lines. Also spread from fragments dumped. All parts of the tough root system are capable of growing a new plant.

Impact on Bushland:
Pampas Grass competes strongly with other plants, while its knife-edged leaves are a safety hazard on bush tracks and in home gardens.

Control:

Similar Species:
Native sedges, Gahnia species. These always have very dark seed head.

Suggested Alternatives:

References: