As someone in the “flower and plant” field for a while now, I’m no stranger to the wonders of Pampas grass. However, it is weirdly making an interior design comeback lately, flooding Amazon, West Elm and even Target.
Well Pampas fans, I have good news for you. Pampas grass is a huge statement plant, dries easily, and is actually pet safe. Considering this grass is now super popular, here is a quick guide I put together for two reasons. One, I was curious if it was pet safe for myself and two, now that I know that it is I want to share that with you.
What is Pampas Grass?
Pampas is an ornamental grass that thrives in zones 6-9 (to find your planting zone, look at this site). It’s also known by its scientific name Cortaderia Selloana and is an outdoor grass that grow like a weed. Now, because it grows like a weed, it may be considered invasive where you live, so don’t go planting it willy-nilly. I like to plant any ornamental grass in large planters to keep it contained, and you should too. Grasses tend to spread like wildfire and I’m not into that.
Why Do You Want to Decorate with Pampas Grass?
Probably because you see it everywhere. Live Pampas does best in direct sun outdoors, so around pools and in open landscapes. The plumes (not flowers) that form on the tips pop up in later summer, around this time (August). You then cut the plumes and dry them. From here you can stick them in a dry vase and instantly look like your house was in a CB2 catalog like this:
I know, I’m not wrong. I always see Pampas dried like this in every Instagram interior, mixed in with live fresh houseplants. Because Pampas does dry super easily and doesn’t “shed”, it’s an actual neat-ish plant to put in a vase. Eventually the seed head plumes will deteriorate, but they’ve lasted for months for me.
As far as decorating, Pampas looks best in opaque large vases (no need to fill with water) on the floor or table. Because it’s still a grass and “frond-like” it may still be a cat magnet so decorate with that in mind. And maybe don’t put in your favorite vase.
Is Pampas Safe for Pets?
It is! I was pretty surprised to find that out. While I still wouldn’t recommend it to be within reach of pillaging pets, Pampas grass is safe to be perched on tables and mantles, still out of reach of pets. According to the ASPCA it’s safe for the dogs, cats and horses in your house.
While it is safe for pets in that it does not contain toxic crystals, Pampas still (as mentioned above) should be kept away from pets because it’s still a plant that has sometimes hard, pointy stems and small needle-like pieces that can get stuck in pet throats, human hands, and cat noses (when sniffing). Grasses of all kinds can be prickly. Again, while Pampas is “pet safe” I would still keep out of reach of pets.
Where to Buy?
Like anything, quality matters. If you find cheap Pampas grass, beware, it may be too thin or not dried properly. Pampas still was a living thing, so do a check over to be sure your specimens do not have any bugs on them, especially if they’ve been imported. I like/have these on Amazon and found this set from Potterybarn.
Believe it or not, you can also get faux Pampas, which still looks realistic but you won’t need to worry about shedding at all. I found a great set of three here from CB2 (CB2, please sponsor me).
And last, if you want a live Pampas grass for your yard, I found these and a pink version but definitely check your local garden center or Home Depot / Lowe’s.
I hope that clears up any confusion with this budding trend. Normally I don’t do “trendy” posts, but felt this warranted one. Happy Pampasing! (sorry)
I did some more research on cats and pampas grass. I asked Google AI for two veterinarian sources of information. Here is what I got. Veterinarians say that pampas grass can be harmful to cats if they chew on it or play with it.
Veterinarian Insights on Physical Dangers: While it lacks chemical toxins, veterinary professionals warn against the physical structure of the plant: Mouth and Skin Lacerations: On Growli, expert vet-reviewed guidelines outline that the blade margins of pampas grass are razor-sharp. They can easily lacerate a cat’s skin, paws, gums, or tongue during play or chewing.Gastrointestinal Irritation and Blockages: On JustAnswer, verified practicing veterinarians note that swallowing the tough, fibrous stalks or fluffy plumes can cause severe mouth irritation, gagging, drooling, and vomiting. In severe cases, large quantities of swallowed grass can cause intestinal blockages or require sedation for foreign body removal from the throat.”
If anyone is reading this, think about it. Is it really worth it to subject your cat to lacerations, vomiting, or even dangerous intestinal blockages just so you can have some pretty grass? I would suggest only keeping it where you are certain your cat can’t get to it: a mantel, a high shelf, or in a wall plant holder or hanging planter. Cats can easily jump up onto tables so I don’t think that’s safe. Let’s all make sure that if you want to enjoy pampas grass, it’s 100% out of reach from your cats, not on a table or the floor. Best wishes in your decorating!