I think anyone who has been anywhere near an ocean has seen pampas grass (Cortaderia jubata). I actually grew up in Florida and pampas was one of the things my Mother loved most about going to beach and one of things she said she would miss most when they moved to Colorado.

But as most of us know, pampas is not only found it seaside locations, but very far inland as well. However, what many might not know is that it is an invasive, and in fact, is one of California's most invasive plants. A companion plant and look-alike is Cortaderia selloana, which comes in various forms and is sometimes found in nurseries. While not as invasive as Cortaderia jubata, Cortaderia selloana is, indeed, invasive. Since each plume produces thousands of seeds that can be carried by winds up to 20 miles, pampas grass spreads quickly, so unless it is planted in a very confined area with little chance that its seeds could blow over the fence; it is wise to avoid it.

What I had never personally seen though is pink pampas grass. On a walk this past weekend at the Point Isabel Dog Park, I caught a glimpse of the pretty pink plume in the setting sun. I thought it was very unique and quite stunning, but quickly realized I would have to be an admirer, not an owner.  

But, according to the IPM website (http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74139.html), these invasives seem to be readily available: in a study done in California in 2003, Cortaderia selloana was found in 35 of 125 nurseries (28%) in 9 counties. Plus, in researching information for this article, I found numerous sites that sold these plants as well as seeds, and of course, even on Amazon (which I'm convinced sells literally everything under the sun!). But I urge you; resist the temptation to purchase pampas in any form or any color, no matter how pretty or drought tolerant it may be. The bottom line is that it is an invasive, and as the IPM website states: “There are three basic aspects of weed control that also apply to invasive plants: prevention, eradication, and management.” So if you don't have it in your yard to begin with, your gardening job is easier since you don't have to eradicate or manage it.