Native Toetoe vs Pesty Pampas – Do You Know the Difference?

Introduced pampas grass (sometimes known as cutty grass) and the New Zealand native toetoe (sometimes known as toit oi or toitoi) are similar in appearance. They both produce tall fluffy seed heads emerging from large dense tussocks (clumps of leaves). However, pampas is an invasive weed that takes over habitat and is banned from distribution. Toetoe is a native plant species that is to be encouraged.

Here are the differences between to two so you can identify which you have and whether you should get rid of it or protect it.