Female plants produce plumes that are broad and full due to silky hairs covering the tiny flowers. Male plumes appear narrow and thin because of the absence of hair on the flowers. However, the difference in appearance is not so obvious at first glance. There is also considerable variation among seedlings in growth habit, period of flowering, and size and shape of plumes. Therefore, if uniformity is desired, pampas grass should be propagated by dividing the clump rather than by seed.
Pampas grass can be a very attractive and functional plant when used correctly in the landscape.
It can be used as a specimen plant in isolated locations on large lawns. Because it grows very rapidly into a massive plant, pampas grass is an excellent screening plant for sunny locations. Unfortunately, pampas grass is often used as a foundation plant. It is often purchased from a nursery as a small plant and planted very near the home. The plant will look great the first year, but after several years it grows so large that it becomes difficult to find the house for the pampas grass.