Pampas Grass

The species of Cortaderia are imposing tall grasses growing 1.5–3 m tall, with graceful white inflorescence plumes. They are in widespread use as ornamental plants. The common name pampas grass, though strictly referring to C. selloana, is frequently applied to all species in the genus (and sometimes also to species of Erianthusand Saccharum ravennae).

The name of the genus is derived from the Argentine Spanish word cortadera, which in turn refers to the sharp serrations on the leaves. Cortaderia jubata and C. rudiuscula produce copious seed asexually.