Alien Invasives

04 October 2016

Other names

Pampasgras, Silwergras (Afrikaans)

Invasive status

NEMBA Category 1b (except sterile cultivars)

Description

This plant is very similar to the Purple Pampas Grass and is easily confused. This is an extremely vigorous, tussock grass forming dense stands up to 3.5 metres in diameter with flowering stalks up to 4 metres high. The bluish-green leaves have rough margins that cut skin easily. Silvery-white to pink or mauve, feathery inflorescences appear from February to April. This grass invades river banks and seasonally wet habitats.

Originally from

South America (Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina and Chile

Where is it a problem?

Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng

How does it spread?

Spreading rhizome and seed dispersal by wind

Why is it a problem?

It forms large clumps which displace smaller indigenous species

Planting alternatives

East Coast Broomgrass (Miscanthus capensis), Riverbed Grass (Pennisetum macrourum), Cape Thatching Reed (Chondropetalum tectorum), Papyrus (Cyperus papyrus)

Uses

Mostly ornamental, but was also used in the past to stabilise mine dumps