COMMON NAME: Pampas grass

BOTANICAL NAME: Cortaderia jubata, selloana

FAMILY: Poaceae

GENUS: Cortaderia

SPECIES: jubata, selloana

The Problem
Pampas grass has long been regarded as an attractive plant for gardens. In the farming community it was often recommended for use as fodder, as windbreaks and as a soil stabliser.

It is unfortunate that these benefits are now far outweighed by its potential as a pest due to he recent introduction to Tasmania of two varieties (fertile common white and pink pampas) that invade and take over other types of vegetation. A third species (Toetoe) is present but at the moment it is limited to areas on the west coast.

Individual plants have the capability of producing vast quantities of wind-borne seed which can infest areas within a radius of 25 kms.

Failure to control pampas could have substantial adverse effects on the environment and on the economics of forests and rural holdings.

As a result, pampas grass has been listed as a Secondary and Prohibited Weed. This means that the pampas cannot be propagated, sold or transported within Tasmania.

Control Strategy
Progressive removal of all pampas plantings is highly desirable. The highest priority for urgent action should be given to:

1. The removal of all pink flowering pampas, particularly those adjoining forests or National Park areas.
2. The removal of all white flowering pampas which appears to be seeding and spreading.

Control Methods
Manual grubbing or mechanical removal by excavators etc, followed by the burning of all plant material.

Fire, Followed by chemical weed control of any new shoots. (Note that fire should only be used under the appropriate weather conditions - seek advice from local authorities before burning).

Weedwiper application: glyphosate: 1 part plus 2 parts water. (Marketed as Roundup and Glyphosate 360). Wipe both ways on small plants only, less that 40 cm high.

Spotgun application: (place at the base of largest plants) Velpar L: 3-4 ml per large plant (1m in diameter). Reduce accordingly for smaller plants.

Spray application (knapsacks or a watering can): glyphosate: 20 ml plus 1 litre water, ie, 1 part herbicide to 50 parts water. (marketed as Roundup and Glyphosate 360).

NOTE: Roundup and Glyphosate 360 are absorbed through the leaves and have no effect on soil. Care should be taken to avoid damaging adjacent plants as a result of spray drift. This can be eliminated if these chemicals are applied with a watering can.

Velpar L may kill many trees and other nearby plants if not correctly applied. The directions on the label must be followed carefully. Don't use this product near the root zone of trees or other desirable species, or in areas where the chemical may be leached.

Plant material disposal:
If the removal of the whole pampas plant is not immediately possible, a temporary solution is to carefully remove and burn the flower heads as soon as they appear. This measure prevents further seeding.

Pampas grass can spread from root/shoot matter so it is very important that living material is not transported or dumped.

Recommended removal methods are:

Physical grubbing followed by on site burning;
Burn the existing plant before or after spray application; and
Spraying can be followed by composting and mulching of plant material.