PAMPAS GRASS: GARDEN FRIEND OR LANDSCAPE FOE?

They bend, they sway, and the plumes flutter in gentle winds. They also disperse seeds, which settle into soil and take root in areas where other species are trying to thrive.

Pampas grass, though a garden friend to many, is really a landscape foe threatening California natives, soils and precious wildlife.

Planted for their stately presence and low-water needs, pampas grass--a native of South America, has become a menace in California. Along the Pacific Coast going north toward Big Sur, pampas grass dominates native species and has now become a tremendous challenge as it crowds out smaller plants and tenaciously clings to coastal slopes. It can also be found in the desert, along highways, city roads and even in your neighbor's yard.

In Southern Calfiornia, these silver-colored landscape staples are often planted in home gardens for their height and feathery elegance. So what's the problem? Here are some reasons to pass on planting pampas grass:
-jubata grass and pampas grass are invasive species (originally planted as ornamentals)
-each plume disperses 100,000 seeds when blown by wind--and can travel up to 20 miles
-can crowd out native plants and wildlife that can't compete
-aggressive growth can degrade natural habitats
-pampas grass can become a fire hazard

Though this grass may be beautiful and many gardeners select it as a landscape focal point; it is clearly a growing threat to our local environment. The great news is that we have better choices. Read on for ideas.

Learn more about pampas grass:
National Park Service website

Invasive ornamental grasses and alternative choices:
Cal-IPC.org

Cal-IPC plant categories with non-invasive options:
Cal-IPC.org

Get the low-down on invasive plants:
Cal-IPC resource page

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