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Native Plant Alternatives to Cortaderia selloana (Pampas Grass)

Native Plants, Invasive Plants, Cortaderia selloana, Pampas Grass, Silver Pampas Grass, Uruguayan Pampasgrass

Cortaderia selloana, also known as pampas grass, is a tall grass native to South America. It has been introduced to various parts of the world as an ornamental plant because of its striking appearance and tolerance for a variety of conditions. However, in some regions, including parts of the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, it has become invasive.

Pampas Grass is listed in the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.

Pampas grass has the potential to spread rapidly and form dense thickets that displace native plant species. This can lead to a loss of biodiversity and changes in local ecosystems. Pampas grass is also a fire hazard because of its dry, fluffy seed heads and the large amounts of dead material it produces.

According to the U.S Forest Service, Invasive species have contributed to the decline of 42% of U.S. endangered and threatened species and 18% of U.S. endangered or threatened species. Invasive species compete directly with native species for moisture, sunlight, nutrients, and space. They displace and alter native plant communities, degrade wildlife habitat and water quality, and potentially lead to increased soil erosion.

The federal government has estimated that nearly 25 percent of the 20,000 plant species native to North America are at risk of extinction, many of these through habitat loss. You can help reverse this trend by planting great native plants in your garden.

A plant is considered native if it occurs naturally in a particular region or ecosystem without human introduction. There are many benefits to growing native plants. First, these plants are better adapted to soils, moisture, and weather than exotic plants that evolved in other parts of the world. They need fewer fertilizers and pesticides or use less water. Second, they are unlikely to escape and become invasive, destroying natural habitats. Third, they support wildlife, providing shelter and food for native birds and insects, while exotic plants do not.

Guide Information

Hardiness 8 - 11
Heat Zones 7 - 11
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late), Fall, Winter
Native Plants United States

U.S. Native Plant Alternatives to Cortaderia selloana (Pampas Grass)

Sorghastrum nutans (Indian Grass)
Muhlenbergia capillaris (Pink Muhly Grass)
Panicum virgatum (Switch Grass)
Andropogon gerardii (Big Bluestem)
Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem)
Bouteloua gracilis (Blue Grama)

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United States
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 8 - 11
Heat Zones 7 - 11
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late), Fall, Winter
Native Plants United States
Guides with
United States

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