Pampas Grass

Cortaderia selloana

Physical Characteristics

Cortaderia selloana is an evergreen Perennial growing to 3 m (9ft) by 1.2 m (4ft in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from August to October, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

S. America - temperate areas. Sometimes persists in Britain as a garden throw-out[17].

Habitats

Lawn;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known