Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC)

  • A A A
  • Home
  • Careers at MISC
  • Report a Pest
    • Statewide Pest Hotline
    • Coqui Frog
    • Little Fire Ants
    • MISC Target Pests
  • About Us
    • Who We Are
    • Partners
    • Committee Meetings and Minutes
    • Strategic Plan
    • Contact Us
  • Our Work
    • Mālama i ka ʻĀina Award
    • Updates
    • Invasive Species Articles
    • Press Releases
    • Technical and Scientific Publications
  • MISC Target Pests
    • Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death
    • Little Fire Ant
    • Coqui Frog
    • Miconia
    • Pampas Grass
    • Ivy Gourd
    • Blessed Milk Thistle
    • Fountain Grass
    • Mullein
  • Get Involved!
    • Community Coqui Control Program
      • Make Your Yard Un-Friendly to Coqui Frogs
      • Community Coqui Control Code of Conduct
      • Effects of citric acid on the environment
      • Where are the coqui frogs?
    • Donate
    • Be Our Eyes and Ears
    • Survey for Little Fire Ants
    • Classroom Visits and Presentations
    • Workshops

Pampas Grass*

stand of Cortaderia jubata plant, or pampas grass

(Cortaderia jubata, Cortaderia selloana)

Family: Poaceae

*Denotes designation as on the Hawaii State Noxious Weed List. It is prohibited to propagate; transport to new areas islands or locations within the state where they are not already established; or export outside the state. for more information, see the Hawaii State Noxious Weed List. The Division of Forestry and Wildlife of the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources has designated this species as one of Hawaii’s Most Invasive Horticultural Plants.
Description:

  • Large clumping grass that may reach 2 meters (6 ft) or taller
  • Leaves are narrow and have sharp, serrated edges
  • Showy white to purple flower plumes are sometimes used in floral arrangements
  • Native to South America, introduced to Hawaii as ornamentals

Harm:

  • Seeds are spread long distances by wind. In native forests they outcompete native plants and create a fire hazard.
  • Cortaderia jubata plants are able to produce viable seeds without cross-pollination
  • C. selloana, requires cross-pollination between male and female plants to produce viable seeds, spread primarily by wind. The invasive nature of C. selloana was not recognized in Hawaii in past years because only female plants were cultivated and sold. Male plants are now available.
  • Serious pests in California and New Zealand

In Hawaii:

  • Kauaʻi – The two known populations in Līhuʻe and Kōkeʻe have been eradicated. KISC is working to educate the general public about the invasiveness of these plants.
  • Oʻahu – OISC is working to educate property owners where the few ornamental plantings of C. selloana exist, and requests that pampas grass be removed and replaced with non-invasive alternate plants.
  • Maui – Both species of pampas grass were planted as ornamentals in upcountry Maui, and Cortaderia jubata has spread to other yards, pastures, native forests and Haleakalā National Park. MISC is working to control both species before they become widespread. Property owners can help by contacting MISC for free help in removing these plants.
  • Molokaʻi – All known plants were in landscaping situations, which MoMISC controlled.
  • Lānaʻi – None known.
  • Kahoʻolawe – None known.

For more information, see:

  • Cortaderia jubata information from HEAR
  • Cortaderia selloana information from HEAR
  • Cortaderia jubata information from ISSG
  • Cortaderia selloana information from ISSG

Like us on Facebook

Get Involved

  • Donate
  • Classroom Visits and Presentations
  • Meetings Minutes
  • Report a Pest

Sign up for MISC Updates

* = required field

Contact Us

Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC)
Office: (808) 573-6472
Press and Media Inquiries: (808) 344-2756
Mailing Address:
PO Box 983, Makawao, HI 96768

Acting Manager: Teya Penniman
E-mail: miscmgr@hawaii.edu

PR/Outreach: Serena Fukushima
E-mail: miscpr@hawaii.edu

Statewide Pest Hotline: 808-643-PEST
Report a Pest Online

© 2023 Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) • Sitemap • Log in