Cortaderia Selloana 'pumila' Invasive? - Knowledgebase Question

Whittier, CA
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Question by serajs
March 31, 2004
Is your version of Ivory Feathers Pampas Grass invasive like the species?


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Answer from NGA
March 31, 2004
Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila' - Dwarf Pampas Grass is a smaller, finer textured version of Cortaderia selloana, reaching 4-6 ft. tall with 6-7 ft. flower spikes. This is the most floriferous cultivar of Pampas Grass: In late summer a single plant can have over 100 flower stalks. It's an excellent grass for a larger area and is drought resistant. Originally thought to be a sterile plant Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila' is now known to produce some viable seed. Given the number of flowers produced this has caused us to label the plant as "nearly sterile". A large plant in our own garden produced only 1 seedling over the course of 3 flowering seasons. Although this plant has not proved to be a weed pest in Southern California, there is growing concern about the planting of any species of Cortaderia and care should be excercised when planting this grass in in locations where seed may spread into sensitive habitats.

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