It is a plant with an attractive aesthetic, until recently popular in gardens or in interior decoration. However, pampas grass is banned in France.
Since March 2023, it has been prohibited for its strong spread and its impact on both biodiversity and human health.
“A species classified on the alert list”
“Pampas grass is an invasive exotic species. This means on the one hand that it comes from another region of the world, in this case from South America, but also that it has an impact on the local environment”describes Noémie Combalier, regional coordinator of invasive exotic species for the Conservatory of Natural Spaces (CEN) Centre-Val de Loire.
A plant that particularly proliferates in coastal areas, pampas grass extends into the interior of France. “Each pampas plant has ten million seeds which can be dispersed by the wind over a radius of 25 km. It’s extremely invasive”underlines Noémie Combalier.
According to the Centre-Val de Loire Conservatory of Natural Spaces, which has a branch in Saint-Avertin, Indre-et-Loire is one of the most affected departments in the region. Nothing to panic about though. “It is a species classified on the alert list, so the management effort has priority on this species. On a regional scale, it is relatively little present. We can still overcome it”explains the ecologist.
Impacts on biodiversity
If pampas grass is classified on the alert list, it is because its risks should not be neglected. “The pampas create a very dense population in an environment, which will take up a lot of space both in the foliage and in the roots. It competes with other local species, even making them disappear”shares Arnaud Albert, project manager on invasive alien species at the French Biodiversity Office (OFB). “We have no proof of any virtue of the pampas for wildlife”adds Noémie Combalier.
In addition to impacts on biodiversity, pampas grass also affects human health. “The pollen of this plant causes serious allergies. Also, the leaves of the pampas are also very sharp and can be a danger, particularly for wildlife. The leaves at the base of the plant dry out and create a fire risk.explains the CEN ecologist.
Harmful effects which led, in 2023, to its ban. “There is a European regulation from 2014 listing 88 prohibited species. In 2023, we added, on the French side, 6 new species, including pampas grass.specifies Arnaud Albert. As a result, pampas grass cannot be produced or distributed, sold or bought – even if it comes from abroad.
An awareness campaign
To prevent its spread, uprooting is carried out locally. The main challenge for the CEN is above all to identify pampas grasses, particularly when they are located on private properties. “When the pampas are in private homes, we raise awareness. We explain the consequences, we offer to help with management or monitoring, but they have no obligation”comments Noémie Combalier.
Map of the presence of pampas grass in Indre-et-Loire, in November 2024.
© National Botanical Conservatory of the Paris Basin
To contribute to the census of pampas grasses, for management advice, or in case of suspicion, the Conservatory of Natural Spaces invites individuals to contact the working group dedicated to this subject via the address gteee@cen-centrevaldeloire .org.
