Source: Sydney Weeds Committe
Habitat
Pampas Grass spreads by wind borne seed or from rhizomes
being dumped into the bush. It is more common in disturbed and damp areas and
near roads. The dead leaves stay on the plant and smother other plants and
provide a haven for vermin.
Description
Pampas Grass was
introduced into Australia in the late 19th century as an ornamental garden plant
and was also used for stock fodder and as a wind break.
It grows as a
large tussock-forming grass up to several metres wide. The leaves grow to about
2 m long from a stem which may also be about 2 m in length. The edge of these
bluish-green leaves are finely toothed and can cause a nasty cut if brushed
against. Flowers can be about 4 m high, with a white to pink feathery plume
about 1 m long.
Control
& Removal Methods
When removing Pampas Grass,
wear protective clothing - long sleeves and trousers, gloves and goggles - to
prevent cuts from the sharp leaves. First, cut back the leaves. Then remove any
flower spikes and put them in a bag in the rubbish bin to prevent them spreading
seed. Use a sharp mattock to sever the fibrous roots and then lever the rhizomes
out. By working on small sections at a time even large Pampas Grass plants can
be removed. Check the soil to make sure no rhizome remains as the plant will
regrow from it.
The old leaves can be used as a mulch as long as the
rhizomes are kept off the ground and allowed to dry out and die. Alternatively
the plant can be bundled up and put out in the green waste
collection.
Glyphosate herbicide can be used but several applications may
be required.
