Cortaderia selloana

pampasgrassfull
(Photo by David Jenkins)

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Taxonomy (2)

Classification: Angiosperm, monocot
Family: Poaceae
Common name: Pampas grass 

General Information (2,3)

Region of Origin: South America
USDA Plants Hardiness Zones: 8-10

  • Size: 12 feet
  • Deciduous/Evergreen: Evergreen
  • Flowering: September-October

Diagnostic Characteristics

Leaves (1,2)

  • Arrangement: Alternate
  • Simple/Compound: Simple
  • Shape: Linear
  • Other: 10 feet

pampasgrassleaf
(Photo by David Jenkins)

Flower (2,3)

  • Color: Silver-white to rose
  • Size: 1.5-3 feet
  • Inflorescence type: Panicle

Fruit (1)

  • Size: <0.5 inch
  • Color: Tan

Horticultural Information (2,3)

  • Light: Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil type: Sandy, clay
  • Landscape Uses: Hedge
  • Other: Avoid using near walkways due to sharp leaves

References

1) EDIS. ( 2012) Pampus Grass. Retrieved on April 24, 2013, from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fp145.
2) Scheper, J. ( 2005 August 26).#34. Cortaderia selloana. "http://www.floridata.com/ref/c/cort_sel.cfm
3) Still, S. M. (1982). Herbaceous ornamental plants (2nd ed.). Champaign, Ill.: Stipes Publishing Company.

Prepared by David Jenkins as a course requirement for BIOL 3630/5630, Spring 2013
Edited by Jessica Bartek