Purple pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) is a popular ornamental grass known for its showy, plume-like flowers. However, it has become an invasive species in many areas. Learning how to identify purple pampas grass and properly remove it is important for controlling its spread.

Identifying Purple Pampas Grass

Purple pampas grass is relatively easy to identify based on several key characteristics:

Appearance

Grows in dense clumps or tufts up to 20 feet tall
Long, narrow leaves are 1-2 feet long and 1-2 inches wide
Leaves have serrated edges and prominent midrib
Plume-like flowers stand atop tall stalks reaching 10-15 feet high
Flowers have a pinkish-purple color when new, fading to white over time

Habitat

Thrives in sunny areas and tolerates a wide range of soils
Often found along roadsides, fields, meadows, and disturbed areas
Spreads rapidly and invades open spaces aggressively

Clumping Growth Habit

Forms large, rapidly expanding clumps due to its rhizomatous root system
New stems sprout up around the base of existing clumps
Quickly crowds out native grasses and wildflowers

Paying attention to these characteristics will help you positively identify purple pampas grass. It’s important to be able to recognize it in order to remove it promptly.

Dangers of Purple Pampas Grass as an Invasive Weed

While beautiful, purple pampas grass poses a major threat to native ecosystems when left uncontrolled. Here’s why it must be removed when found:

Crowds out native plants – Pampas grass grows in thick mats that block sunlight from reaching other plants. This creates monocultures devoid of biodiversity.
Increases fire risk – The dense clumps provide abundant dry fuel for wildfires which can burn hotter and spread faster.
Low wildlife value – The aggressive grass provides little food or habitat for native wildlife species.
Threatens agriculture – Invading meadows and pastures, it can reduce productivity of grazing lands.
Spreads rapidly – Each plant produces massive amounts of seeds that disperse far on the wind. Infestations can double in size yearly.

Clearly purple pampas grass can degrade natural areas and productive land if left unmanaged. Taking action to remove it is necessary.

How to Remove Purple Pampas Grass

Removing established pampas grass should be done with care using specific methods to ensure all the plant material is eliminated. Here are the recommended steps:

Cut Down Foliage and Seed Heads

First, cut down all foliage and seed heads using loppers, pruning shears, or a brush cutter
Dispose of the cut material in trash bags to prevent re-sprouting
For larger plants, cutting down may need to be done in stages

Dig Out Root System

Using a shovel or mattock, dig around and under the base to lift out the entire root system
Pampas grass has a large network of tough, underground roots and rhizomes
All roots and rhizomes must be fully removed to prevent regrowth

Dispose of Material Properly

Place all plant parts including roots and rhizomes in trash bags
Do not compost pampas grass material as it may still grow from compost
Take bags to a landfill or waste transfer station for disposal

Monitor and Repeat

Monitor the removal area for several months for any new sprouts
Dig out and dispose of any regrowth quickly to achieve full control
It often takes repeated removal efforts over time to eradicate pampas grass

Using these methods requires dedication and vigilance, but is necessary to get rid of this aggressive invader. Enlisting help and using tools makes removing pampas grass easier.

Alternative Removal Methods

In some cases alternatives to digging may be preferred for removing pampas grass. Possible options include:

Cutting/Mowing – Using a brush cutter or lawn mower to cut it as low as possible can help weaken and control pampas grass over time. However, this must be repeated frequently to deplete the extensive root reserves.
Herbicides – Applying concentrated glyphosate or other grass-specific herbicides directly to freshly cut stumps may help kill the roots. Always follow product labels and local regulations.
Burning – Carefully controlled burning of the foliage could eliminate above ground growth. However, burning should only be done under proper supervision.
Solarization – Placing a tarp over the cut grass for an entire summer may solarize and kill the plant. This requires extensive time and maintenance.

These alternatives can supplement digging out clumps but may not fully eradicate the root system as effectively. Seek expert guidance to determine the best approach for your situation.

Preventing Further Spread

Once established clumps are removed, focus on prevention to avoid further infestations:

Maintain healthy native plant communities that can better resist invasion
Monitor for new seedlings and remove immediately while small
Never purchase or plant purple pampas grass in your own landscape
Support bills to list it as a noxious weed prohibited from sale
Educate neighbors and community groups about the threats posed by pampas grass

Staying alert and taking quick action will help keep this aggressive invader away. Avoiding introducing it in the first place is the best strategy.

Tips for Safe and Effective Removal

Removing pampas grass successfully takes the right tools and techniques:

Wear protective gloves, long sleeves, pants, and eye protection
Use sharp tools capable of cutting through tough foliage
Dig out root systems thoroughly – leaving any bits risks regrowth
Place plant parts in contractor bags or tarp-covered trucks for offsite disposal
Plan removal operations for times of low soil moisture when digging is easier
Clean tools, tires, and boots after working in infested areas to avoid spreading seeds
Monitor sites for at least a year to identify and remove any remaining plants

With persistence and care, eradicating pampas grass is a doable goal. The benefits for ecological health make the effort very worthwhile.

When to Remove Pampas Grass

Timing your efforts helps ensure successful removal:

Spring – Plants are just emerging and digging up roots is easier in moist soil.
Summer – Established plants can be cut, bagged and disposed of before they set seed.
Fall – Seeds have matured and cutting/removal prevents further spread.
Winter – Plants are dormant but roots can still be dug out and destroyed.

Removal can be done any time of year, but the key is to prevent seed set and deplete root reserves. Time efforts when conditions allow thorough removal.

Significance of Removing Invasive Grasses

Controlling invasive grasses like purple pampas grass provides many ecological benefits:

Protects biodiversity by allowing native plants to thrive
Provides habitat for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife
Prevents monocultures from displacing diverse natural areas
Reduces fuel for destructive wildfires that endanger ecosystems
Sustains productive grazing lands and healthy pastures
Limits spread that can degrade parks, preserves, and private lands

Every effort to remove invasive grasses makes a difference. Your dedication to removal protects natural heritage now and for the future.

Safety Precautions When Removing Pampas Grass

Proper precautions are needed when undertaking pampas grass removal:

Wear heavy gloves as the leaves have sharp, serrated edges that can cause cuts
Use eye protection to avoid getting poked in the eye by foliage
Wear a dust mask if cutting large volumes of grass to avoid inhaling particles
Use ear protection when operating loud power tools like brush cutters for extended time
Wear long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes to protect against scratches and debris
Stay hydrated and take breaks as needed to avoid overexertion
Use proper lifting techniques when hauling bags of plant material
Clean tools and clothing after finishing removal work to avoid spreading seeds

Taking sensible safety measures allows this necessary work to be done without injury. Having a partner provide assistance is also recommended.

Disposing of Purple Pampas Grass Responsibly

Disposing of pampas grass properly after removal is a critical last step. Here are recommended guidelines:

Place all plant parts – leaves, stems, flowers, roots, and seeds – in heavy duty trash bags.
Close bags tightly to prevent any materials blowing away.
Do not compost any pampas grass as it can still sprout and spread.
Take sealed bags to a designated landfill, transfer station, or waste management company.
In some areas, pampas grass can be transported to approved disposal sites or buried onsite in an empty lot.
Never dump pampas grass remains in natural areas, vacant properties, or along roadsides.
Removing and sealing seeds prevents continued invasion from the persistent seed bank.

Follow all local regulations and containment protocols. Stopping the spread starts with responsible disposal.

When to Consult a Professional

In some cases, it is advisable to hire professional help:

If there are extensive, dense infestations covering large areas
If the pampas grass has grown taller than you can safely remove yourself
If the root system is deeper than you are able to fully dig out
If the site is difficult to access safely with tools and equipment
If digging is inhibited by hard, rocky soils or steep slopes
If hazardous conditions exist near roads, waterways, power lines, etc.

Professionals have the specialized tools, access to proper disposal sites, and experience tackling big infestations. The investment often pays dividends by ensuring successful eradication.

Outlook for Controlling Pampas Grass

While challenging, the fight against invasive pampas grass can be successful:

Persistence – It often takes several removal efforts over successive seasons to achieve control.
Prevention – Stopping introduction and spread is the best long-term strategy.
Early detection – Finding and removing new seedlings quickly before they mature is key.
Continued monitoring – Regular patrols to spot and remove regrowth are essential.
Community commitment – Having neighbors and organizations engaged prevents reinvasion.

With diligence and determination, pampas grass can be eliminated to protect our wildlands for future generations. Removing it today benefits the land we all cherish.

Frequently Asked Questions About Removing Purple Pampas Grass

Here are some common questions about identifying and removing purple pampas grass:

How do I know if a grass is purple pampas grass?

Look for key features like plume-like flowers, serrated leaf edges, robust size up to 20 feet, thick tufted growth from underground rhizomes, and aggressive spreading habit. Positively identifying it is the first step toward removal.

What is the most effective way to kill pampas grass?

Fully removing the entire root system is the only way to completely kill pampas grass and stop regrowth. Cutting alone will not eradicate it. Digging out the network of tough roots and rhizomes eliminates the plant.

Is it OK to just mow or weed whack pampas grass?

Mowing and cutting back foliage can help reduce seed production and slow growth. However, it will not permanently kill pampas grass or stop its spread. The extensive underground parts will continue to sprout unless fully removed.

What time of year is best for removing pampas grass?

Removal can be done at any time, but late winter through summer is ideal. Avoid removing when seeds have developed in fall. Digging up roots is easiest when soil is moist during the growing season.

Can I compost purple pampas grass after removing it?

No, all plant parts including roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and seeds should never be composted. Pampas grass can sprout again from very small remnants and planting it is illegal in many areas.

How do I dispose of uprooted pampas grass properly?

Place all parts in heavy plastic bags for disposal far away from natural areas. Take sealed bags to approved waste management facilities or landfills. Never dump remains along roadsides or in vacant lots.

Is it safe to remove pampas grass myself?

Use extreme caution when removing pampas grass. Wear protective equipment as the foliage has sharp edges that can cause injuries. Consider hiring a professional if the infestation is extensive or in a hazardous location.

What can I plant instead of invasive pampas grass?

Beautiful, non-invasive alternatives include maiden grass, Moor grass, Canada wild rye, pennisetum species, and native switchgrass. Consult local nurseries or native plant groups for suitable pampas grass substitutes.

Conclusion

Identifying and removing invasive purple pampas grass takes commitment and perseverance. While labor intensive, the environmental benefits make it a very worthy endeavor. With proper identification, removal techniques, and prevention measures, we can help protect ecosystems from this aggressive invader. Taking action today ensures the lands we love remain healthy and thriving for generations to come.

How to Identify and Remove Purple Pampas Grass

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