What kind of grass is this??

[AIRASSAULT]

This stuff grows all over in the ditches around home and I really like it. It looks thicker than Switch Grass and it grows large white plumes this time of year. I've been told that it might be Pampas grass, but, when I look that up, it says to be like 8-12ft tall or something like that. The tallest this stuff ever gets in the ditch looks to be anywhere from 3-6ft. Are there different varieties of Pampas? Can I plant it as a seed or should I just transplant some from the ditches and it will spread? Pheasants really seem to like it around here. The few and far between I see anymore along roadways are usually associated around this grass.

 

[Elitebowhunter]

You can dig it up. We did that and wish we never would have. It spreads like wild fire. You would not believe how far those roots can go. They will take over your yard. However, i wouldn't mind having some around the farms ponds.

 

[LoessHillsArcher]

I asked the same question two years ago and got these answers

http://iowawhitetail.com/forum/showthread.php?t=31219

I'd reccomend native grasses if you're looking for the best wildlife habitat.

 

[spltbrow]

It is some type of miscanthus grass. Not sure of the exact name.

 

[AIRASSAULT]

thanks for the input.. ive been wondering what it was for a few years.. can i transplant it now, or, should I wait until it starts popping up in spring?

 

[Daver]

I am not 100% sure by looking at your pictures, but I am about 90% sure that what you are showing is something that I have three mini-plots of on my farm. I took some seed heads last year to some experts for identification and now I can't remember what they called it, BUT, they really discouraged me from planting more and expanding what I do have. I don't think it is actually pampas grass though, but don't take my word for that.

I do remember that it is considered a non-native, invasive species and I can vouch for the invasive aspect as the little plots that I do have have expanded on their own over the years I have had the farm. On the plus side...I have jumped bedded deer, usually small or medium sized bucks, out of the patch that is only about 10 yards from the cabin multiple times, usually in the summer. Rabbits and pheasants also use it too, particularly in the winter. So wildlife appreciates the taller cover, but I think you would be better off with Cave-In-Rock switchgrass or possibly Egyptian Wheat than promoting this stuff.