Cortaderia selloana

Pampas Grass
Poaceae (Gramineae)
Ornamental grasses and grasslike plants, Perennials

Native to Argentina. Grows very fast in rich soil in mild climates— from gallon-can size to 8 ft. in one season. Established plants may reach 20 ft. tall, up to about 13 ft. wide. Each plant is a fountain of saw-toothed, grassy leaves; long stalks bearing 1—3-ft., white to chamois or pink flower plumes rise above the foliage in late summer.

This well-known landscaping form of Cortaderia—like its truly weedy and noxious cousin C. jubata—may send its seeds into the wind under certain circumstances to germinate and grow wherever they land. For that reason, nurseries in some areas no longer sell Cortaderia at all. Many horticulturists recommend against further landscaping with C. selloana and suggest removing it from gardens that border wild lands. Be sure to grub out volunteer Cortaderia seedlings whenever they appear.

Pumila

Small variety (to 3 ft. tall, 4 ft.wide), with foliage clump to 5 ft., white flowers plumes rising to 8–10 ft.

Sun Stripe

Yellow-striped foliage in clumps to 4 ft. tall, 5 ft. wide, with silvery white flower plumes to 6 ft. high. Striking accent plant.