Can you tell the difference between toetoe or pampas grass? Here are 3 tips to tell apart the native toetoe from the introduced pampas grass.
New Zealand has become a land dominated by grasslands, some of which are the native tussock and some of which are the introduced grass for pasture. The tallest grasses are the native toetoe and the introduced pampas grass. Most places I go in the country I can these tall grasses dotting the landscape. However, it can be confusing to know if I’m looking at the native toetoe or the introduced pampas grass. One is a native and the other is a serious pest weed.
There Are 5 Species Of Toetoe, But Only 1 Pampas
New Zealand is home to 5 species of native toetoe. The scientific name for these all starts with Austroderia. They are related to the South American pampas grass, whose scientific name is Cortaderia. These tips to distinguish between toetoe and pampas will work with all the native species.
3 Tips To Tell Apart Toetoe or Pampas
When Does It Flower?
These two similar looking plants flower at different times of the year. The flowers on these grow on tall, straight stems that grow up to a couple of metres. Toetoe starts flowering in the spring (October) while pampas flowers in the autumn (February to June). Thus, they start flowering at different times of the year so that will give you a clue as to what type of plant you are looking at. However, don’t rely on the time of year because the flowers may stay on the plant for some time.
What Do The Flowers Look Like?
The flowers on pampas are erect and stand upright.
In contrast, the flowers on toetoe tend to droop downwards. However, be warned that older pampas flowers may droop as they get older. So, as with anything it’s best to look at several different features to be certain which of these two plants you are looking at.
Look At The Leaves
The leaves on the two appear similar from afar, however closer inspection will reveal a difference and help you distinguish between them.
The introduced pampas grass has a single tall mid-rib that runs the length of the leaf.
In contrast, toetoe has several veins that run the length of the leaf. This difference can be seen by the fact that it is easy to tear the leaf of a pampas, but the toetoe does not tear when you pull on it firmly.