Introduced to Tasmania in the 1800s for use as a garden plant, windbreak and source of fodder, pampas grass (Cortaderia species) quickly became an aggressive invader that squeezed out native and other desirable plants.

A highly flammable plant, pampas grass can grow for many years and creates a significant fire hazard when established in large populations. The seeds are produced in tall, feathery plumes and can spread by wind for a distance of more than 25km.

Several decades of control efforts have significantly lowered the amount of pampas grass in Tasmania, but many lone patches can still be found.

Have you seen it?

• Large grass up to 3m in height, flower stalks can grow up to 6m
• Leaves are finely serrated on the edges, with a prominent central vein
• Flowers can be white, pink or mauve, and are produced in autumn (white flowers) or late summer (pink flowers)
• Small pampas seedlings can be identified by the curly dried leaves at the base of the plant

We need your help to eradicate this weed from the Huon Valley.

Please report local sightings to Council:
Weed Management Officer
(03) 6264 9439
nrm@huonvalley.tas.gov.au

Information on weed management, including developing your own weed management plan, can be found on our Weeds and the Huon Valley webpage.

Previous Weed of the Month posts.

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