France bans pampas grass due to invasive species risks

Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) has been classified as an invasive exotic species in France, leading to strict regulations regarding its sale, transport, use, and cultivation. The plant is prohibited because it can colonize open environments, such as dunes, roadsides, and wetlands, by dispersing hundreds of thousands of seeds via the wind. This proliferation threatens habitats already under pressure from urban and agricultural activities.

In regions like Manche, Cherbourg, and Val de Saire, local authorities are launching operations to limit the plant's spread. To slow its progression, gardeners are advised to cut the flower plumes before mid-September. Because the plant has a highly developed and compact root system, it can establish itself in various terrains, including asphalt cracks, sand, and embankments.

For those looking to replace the plant in their gardens, several stable and decorative alternatives are recommended, including Calamagrostis, Molinia, Panicum, and Stipe giant. These grasses provide similar visual volume without the risk of becoming invasive.