Pampasgrass and Jubatagrass Threaten California Coastal Habitats

What problems do they cause?

Jubatagrass is the more widespread and aggressive species. It is often called pampasgrass because of the difficulty in distinguishing the two species. Once established, mature plants of both species are very competitive. Large infestations of pampasgrass and jubatagrass threaten California's coastal ecosystems by crowding out native species, particularly in sensitive coastal dune areas. From a health standpoint, the saw-toothed leaves can cause injury to humans. Jubatagrass is a major problem in cutover coastal redwood forests in Northern California, and can severely hamper conifer seedling regeneration efforts.

Jubatagrass in redwood
forest following timber
harvest practices

Both pampasgrass and jubatagrass are also important weed problems in forestry operations and conservation areas in other parts of the world, particularly New Zealand and Australia. In some areas large clumps can prevent access to fires or present a fire hazard themselves.

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