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| "Cortaderia selloana can form dense stands that exclude other plants. Its sharp leaves cut skin and can limit recreational use of areas, and it can form dense colonies that can become or increase fire hazards (May et al., UNDATED). Once seedlings become established, it is a substantial threat to the ecological quality of preserves, particularly in coastal and grassland sites due to competition with native plants. Its rapid growth and accumulation of above ground and below ground biomass allow it to acquire light, moisture, and nutrients that would be used by other plants. It can be damaging even at low densities because of the amount of cover it can occupy (Starr et al. 2003). Studies comparing C. selloana with Cortaderia jubata a similar species found that C. selloana is genetically more diverse and could be one of the reasons of its success (Lambrinos, 2001).These results are consistent with the hypothesis that genetic variability enables better utilisation of heterogeneous habitats as well as promoting greater competitive abilities. In California, C. selloana inhabits a greater range of environmental conditions expanding into continental climatic zones." - The Global Invasive Species Database | |
Seedlings and small plants can be hand pulled or dug up especially in loose ashy soils. It is somewhat harder to pull or dig up in lava and compounded soils. Larger plants can be removed by heavy machinery. Care should be taken to contain any seeds or flowering stalks and these should be double bagged and disposed of in the garbage or left on site. Workers should take care to protect themselves when manually removing Cortaderia as it has sharp serrated leaves that can cut unprotected skin (Starr et al. 2003). Care should also be taken that all rhizomes are removed so there is no re-establishment. |
Wind can carry the tiny seeds of pampas grass up to 20 miles. The massive size of each pampas grass plant with its accumulated litter reduces wildlife habitat, limits recreational opportunities in conservation areas, and creates a fire hazard.. |
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