Pampas grass, also known as Cortaderia selloana, is a tall, reed-like grass that is native to southern South America. It is named after the Pampas plains, where it is endemic. Pampas grass is cultivated as an ornamental plant in warm parts of the world and is considered an invasive species in some areas outside its native range, including New Zealand, South Africa, and the southwestern United States. Pampas grass can grow up to 10 feet tall and has large, dense, grassy mounds that can add texture to a garden.