SafePlants

Pampas Grass and Purple Fountain Grass: A Detailed Overview

This page explores various aspects of pampas grass and purple fountain grass, including their characteristics, cultivation, and potential uses.

Common and Scientific Names

• Pampas Grass: Primarily refers to species within the genus Cortaderia, especially Cortaderia selloana.
• Purple Pampas Grass: Commonly refers to Cortaderia jubata.
• Dwarf Pampasgrass: Appears to be a smaller cultivar of Cortaderia selloana.
• Purple Fountain Grass: Typically refers to Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum' (also sometimes called Red Fountain Grass) or Cenchrus advena.

Considerations for Pets

• Pampas grass leaves are described as having "coarse abrasive leaves".

Considerations for Children

• Pampas grass leaves are described as having "coarse abrasive leaves".

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Cortaderia jubata: Also known as Andean pampas grass.
• Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila': A specific cultivar of pampas grass.
• Family: Poaceae (implied, as these are grasses)

Distribution and Habitat

• Cortaderia jubata (Purple Pampas Grass) is found in locations such as Crater Rd Kula, Maui.
• Mention of Uruguay and Brazil suggests South American origins for some species.

Ecological Role

• Purple pampas grass (Cortaderia jubata) is noted as a "Progressive Control Plant," and that it "invades open grassland, roadsides, riverbanks and wasteland." This indicates it can be invasive in certain environments.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Both common pampas grass and purple pampas grass are erect, tall, clump-forming, perennial grasses.
• Dwarf pampasgrass grows to about 4-5 feet tall.
• Purple pampas grass can grow up to 3 meters tall.
• Purple fountain grass produces mounds of narrow burgundy-red foliage and purple plumes.
• Pampas grasses produce showy flower plumes in shades of white, pink, red, green, brown and purple.

Quirky Facts

• The text references "purple pampas-grass plumes" being related to the color of the sunset.
• The text suggests that the use of pampas grasses to indicate something is most likely an urban myth.

Further Information

• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) provides information on Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila'.
• www.wcrc.govt.nz offers details on Purple Pampas Grass control.
• Monrovia provides details and information on Purple Fountain Grass.