About Cortaderia selloana (Schult. & Schult.f.) Asch. & Graebn.
Cortaderia selloana (Schult. & Schult.f.) Asch. & Graebn. is a flowering plant species in the grass family Poaceae, commonly known as pampas grass. It is native to southern South America, and takes its common name from the Pampas region of that area. It is cultivated globally as an ornamental plant and has become a widespread invasive species outside its native range. Within its native range, C. selloana grows naturally across Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay. While the broader native region is dominated by subtropical forests and grasslands, this species is usually only found in moist soils of riparian areas. It occurs at lower elevations and moister sites than its close relative Cortaderia jubata, and requires locations with abundant sunlight and soil moisture. As an invasive species, it is common in temperate regions worldwide, where it grows in moist, disturbed soil. Many cultivated cultivars of C. selloana are available, and several have earned the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. These award-winning cultivars are: Aureolineata, Evita, Monstrosa, Patagonia, Pumila, Silver Feather, Notcort, and Sunningdale Silver. The Sunningdale Silver cultivar reaches a height of 4 m (13.1 ft) and produces especially dense flowering plumes.
