[4][5] All current species included in the Cortaderia genus are native to South and Central America, ranging from the Patagonia region of southern Chile and Argentina, to Costa Rica.

[25][26] In parts of the world with high forest or bush fire risk, the build up and slow decomposition of leaf litter and standing dead leaves produce large amounts of flammable material and increase fire-related hazards.

[27][25][26] In regions where either species is considered invasive, plants are able to rapidly colonize areas, including grassland plains, dunes, sparse shrublands and riverine habitats, particularly those that have been disturbed or altered by humans in the past, such as disused farmland or afforested land.

[25][26] Cortaderia selloana is considered invasive on the Atlantic coast of Europe across an 'Atlantic arc' ranging from Portugal to France, particularly in the Cantabria province of Spain.

[26][31] Cordateria jubata, has similarly escaped from cultivation and become problematic especially in Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and parts of the United States.