Native to South America, Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana) is considered one of the most spectacular ornamental grasses. Extremely eye-catching, it features magnificent, dense tussocks of arching, narrow green leaves with margins like razors, that are gracefully topped from late summer to midwinter by huge, silky, silvery white, cream or dusty pink plumes.

• Tough as nails and requiring very little care, this showy grass remains evergreen in warm areas (Zone 9 and higher) and turns tan in colder zones.
• Typically grows up to 6-10 feet tall (180-300 cm) and spreads 6-8 feet wide (180-240 cm)
• Welcomed in any garden style, it is versatile and can be used as a specimen plant, in groups or en masse to create dramatic backdrops, view barriers or wind screens. It is ideal in the landscape where it provides texture, color and contrast, great in meadows. Excellent in dried flowers in arrangements.
• Performs best in full sun or light shade, in dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils and provides fall - winter interest.
• Tolerates almost all soil conditions, drought, once established, as well as salty and dry winds. Deer resistant too!
• Most popular cultivars are 'Gold Band', a superb, compact cultivar rising up to 4-6 feet tall (120-180 cm) with a golden-edged foliage; 'Pumila', a dwarf cultivar growing only 3-6 feet high (90-180 cm) or 'Silver Stripe' with a lovely variegated foliage but less showy flowers than others.
• Cut back old foliage to the ground in late winter. More showy, female plants produce the best plumes and lots of seeds. Self-seed freely, they are considered invasive in certain areas of the US.
• Cortaderia selloana species is native to Brazil, Argentina, Chile.
• Find where this species is invasive in the United States. Cultivars are also considered to be invasive. Given the large number of seeds that Pampas Grass plants produce, being "nearly sterile" is not safe enough for use in several US states.
• Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.