Jubata Grass/Pampas Grass

Cortaderia jubata/Cortaderia selloana

© John M. Randall, The Nature Conservancy


Description

Perennial grasses with serrated leaf margins that form large clumps. C. jubata leaves are dark green, while C. selloana leaves are gray-green, narrower and curled at the tips. The inflorescence of C. jubata is pink to violet when immature, turning creamy white to golden when mature, and flower stalks tower up to 20 feet above leaves. The flower plumes of C. selleona are paler (pale pink to silvery-white) and do not stick out above the leaves as far, giving the plant a more rounded appearance.

Habitat

Disturbed areas, slopes and cliffs, coastal scrub, forest clearings. C. jubata inhabits only coastal areas.

Distribution

Southwest and coastal Oregon

Impacts

Prevents growth of saplings, sharp leaf edges create hazard to humans, increases fire risk

Dispersal Methods

Wind

Prevention

Look for both species in disturbed coastal areas, rocky outcrops, or forest clearings. Prevention of establishment can be achieved by revegetating sites with desirable plants or covering ground with mulch or straw.

Listings

ODA's B List (C. jubata

Factsheets

University of California - Davis, Weed Research and Information Center Fact Sheet
California Invasive Plant Council Fact Sheet

Photos

Photos of C. jubata
Photos of C. selloana

Distribution Map

Distribution of C. jubata in Oregon Distribution of C. selloana in Oregon not available

Other Links

C. selloana Profile from the Global Invasive Species Database
C. jubata Profile from the Global Species Database
Practical Guidebook to the Control of Invasive Aquatic and Wetland Plants of the San Francisco Bay-Delta Region