Story: Shelter on farms

Pampas grass (3rd of 6)

Pampas grass

This row of pampas grass is serving as shelter for a market garden in Ōtaki, in the early 2000s. Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana and C. juvata) was introduced to New Zealand by early settlers mainly for shelter, but also as stock fodder. However, the days of planting it are over. It is an invasive plant, and has spread into native forest – female plants produce millions of seeds which can travel up to 25 kilometres. Pampas grass was declared a pest plant in 2001, and can no longer be sold in New Zealand.

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Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
Photograph by Marguerite Hill

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How to cite this page:

Allan Gillingham, 'Shelter on farms - Planted shelter belts', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/15596/pampas-grass (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Allan Gillingham, published 24 Nov 2008