OISC target species
pampas grass

pampas grass (Poaceae)

Cortaderia ssp.

Cortaderia selloana and Cortaderia jubata have both already invaded natural areas on Maui and in California, New Zealand, and Australia. Pampas grass produces large quantities of seeds and forms masses of large clumps, crowding out native species and blocking access to natural areas. It also creates a significant fire hazard. Pampas grass is native to South America and is planted ornamentally on Oahu.

Pampas grass has not yet naturalized on Oahu, but it exists as ornamental plantings on private land. The Oahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC) would like the landowners of these properties to remove the grass before it begins to naturalize. Cortaderia selloana cannot reproduce without both male and female plants. However, if a male Cortaderia selloana is brought to Oahu, the plant could become invasive and cost millions of dollars to eradicate. This happened on Maui only a few years ago and, therefore, OISC is asking landowners to remove all pampas grass, regardless of the species.

Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species (CGAPS) and the Oahu Nursery Growers Association have greatly assisted our case for removal of pampas grass by coming to an agreement to no longer import or sell Cortaderia selloana.

For more information:

• pampas grass flyer  from the Oahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC)
• Cortaderia selloana species information from Hawaii Ecosystems at Risk (HEAR)
• Cortaderia jubata species information from Hawaii Ecosystems at Risk (HEAR)
• Cortaderia jubata and Cortaderia selloana species information from Hawaii Ecosystems at Risk (HEAR)