MISC target species
pampas grass

pampas grass

Cortaderia jubata, Cortaderia selloana (Poaceae)

Pampas grass is a large bunchgrass from South America. The leaves are narrow and have sharp, serrated edges, and the showy white to purple flower plumes are sometimes used in floral arrangements. Both species of pampas grass are considered serious pests in California and New Zealand, where they outcompete native species and create a fire hazard. Both species of pampas grass were planted as ornamentals in upcountry Maui, and Cortaderia jubata has spread to other yards, pastures, and native forests.

Cortaderia jubata plants are able to produce viable seeds without pollination, and seeds are spread primarily by wind. It is considered very invasive and is on the Hawaii state noxious weed list  .

The invasive nature of Cortaderia selloana was historically sometimes not recognized in Hawaii because only female plants were cultivated and sold. This species generally requires cross-pollination between male and female plants to produce viable seeds. The introduction and spread of male Cortaderia selloana plants has caused an explosion of this species in California and New Zealand, and Maui is ripe for a similar situation.

For more information about pampas grass and MISC's efforts to control it, check out MISC's Fall 2006 Kiai Na Moku O Maui Nui newsletter , and MISC's October 2006 Maui News column .

pampas grass
(Cortaderia sp.)

More information on pampas grass:

• MISC's pampas grass flyer 
• HEAR's Cortaderia jubata species page
• HEAR's Cortaderia selloana species page