Tussocky, coarse perennial with stems 2-3 m long. Leaf folded in bud. Ligule a fringe of hairs. Leaf blade narrow, mostly over 1 m long, arching and with rough edges that will cut flesh easily, grey-green. Male and female plants separate or plants bisexual. Inflorescence an open panicle; plumes mostly 0.5-1 m long, white or pale purple.
South America
A widespread environmental weed in southern Australia, mostly along drainage lines and ditches. Most garden plants are female only and unable to produce fertile seed, but occasional fertile bisexual plants establish and spread rapidly as in Bendigo, Victoria.
C. jubata (Lem.) Stapf, Pink Pampas Grass, is grown for its purplish plumes; it is highly invasive and is naturalised in Victoria, New South Wales and especially Tasmania. It can produce large quantities of viable seed without fertilisation.
Source: (2005). Poaceae. In: . Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.
Cortaderia selloana 'Gold Band'
Has rough textured leaves with narrow bands of yellow along the margins.
Has rough textured leaves with narrow bands of yellow along the margins.