The Differences Between Ravenna Grass and Pampas Grass

People often confuse Ravenna Grass with Pampas Grass.  They are different plants, even though they are both very tall.  Ravenna Grass has silvery flowers and Pampas Grass has very white, fluffy flowers.

Ravenna Grass - Saccharum ravennae -   is very hardy here in Utah.

Ravenna Grass in Sandy, Utah

Pampas grass - Cortaderia selloana -  in hardy in zone 7 or warmer (on the Wasatch Front, we are a zone 5 - 6; a little too cold in winter), but some varieties are hardy in zone 6.

Pampas Grass in Sandy, Utah

In other words, Ravenna Grass will definitely survive the winter here, and Pampas Grass might or might not.