Pampas Grass Considered Invasive Weed

Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) is invading California’s Central Coast area, rising to the classification of an invasive species. The problem is that once pampas grass gets started, it overtakes other plants rapidly.

Eradicating pampas grass is difficult, as the leaves are sharp and tough. To get rid of the plant completely, the root ball must be dug out; Round-up herbicide is another removal option. Instead of planting pampas grass or fountain grass, landscape contractors can plant blue oat grass, deer grass, giant wild rye, lavender, California fescue or San Diego sedge as an alternative.

To find out more about pampas grass and other problem plant species, visit the California Invasive Plant Council (www.cal-ipc.org).