Saccharum ravennae

Saccharum ravennae_ravennagrass_ JM Di Tomaso
Photo: Joseph DiTomaso

Synonyms: Erianthus ravennae (L.) P.Beauv and subspecies.

Common names: ravennagrass; hardy pampas grass; plume grass; canna di Ravenna

Saccharum ravennae (ravennagrass) is a large perennial grass (family Poaceae) found in the Sonoran Desert and Sacramento Valley of California. It is also found in a number of other states throughout the country. Ravennagrass is sold in the nursery trade as a hardier alternative to pampas grass, since it can grow in cooler climates. Ravennagrass grows in moist places such as marshes and riparian areas, establishing itself easily in disturbed areas. It is spreading rapidly along Cache Creek in the Sacramento Valley.

Cal-IPC Rating: Moderate — Alert?

CDFA Rating: B*?

Assessment(s)

Plant Assessment Form - Information gathered by Cal-IPC on the impacts, rate of spread, and distribution of invasive plants in California. Does not include management information.

Weed Management Notes

No Weed RIC Management Notes are available for this species. Check for information on other species in the genus on the Weed RIC site.

Cal-IPC Newsletter Articles

Cal-IPC Symposium Presentations

Presentations are linked where available. Where a presentation is not available, find more information by reading the abstract in the Cal-IPC Symposia Archive.

Other Saccharum ravennae Information

  • Bugwood - National database from the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health at the University of Georgia.
  • CalPhotos - Images of plants taken mostly in California.
  • Calflora - Distribution map and records of this species in California.
  • CalWeedMapper - Distribution map of this species in California with ability to determine regional priorities.
  • EDDMapS - Distribution of this species in North America.
  • Jepson Interchange - Information on this plant's taxonomy, biology, and distribution from UC Berkeley's Jepson Herbarium.
  • USDA PLANTS Database - Information on identification and distribution, with links to websites in individual states.
  • Additional photos

    Saccharum ravennae_inflorescence, leaves, and stem_SteveMatson
    Saccharum ravennae (ravennagrass) inflorescence, leaves, and stem. Photo: Steve Matson
    Saccharum ravennae_leaf blade and sheath_SteveMatson
    Saccharum ravennae (ravennagrass) leaf blade and sheath. Photo: Steve Matson
    Saccharum ravennae_infestation_copyright2014_MollyFerrell
    Saccharum ravennae (ravennagrass) infestation. Photo: &#169 2014 Molly Ferrell
    Saccharum ravennae_growth habit_copyright2011_MikePerlmutter
    Saccharum ravennae (ravennagrass) growth habit. Photo: &#169 2011 Mike Perlmutter