SafePlants

American Beachgrass (Ammophila breviligulata)

American beachgrass, also known as American marram grass, is a vital plant species in coastal environments. Its primary role is in stabilizing sand dunes, making it a crucial component of coastal protection and ecosystem health.

Considerations for Pets

• This grass is often found in sandy, coastal environments and may be encountered during beach visits with pets.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Ammophila breviligulata Fernald
• Common Names: American beachgrass, American marram grass, Cape American Beachgrass, Dune Grass
• Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
• Synonyms: sand reed (American beachgrass sand-reed), Beachgrass is Ammophilia Brevilugata Fern.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to eastern North America.
• Found along the Atlantic and Great Lakes coastlines.
• Also found on the west coast of North America.
• Prefers dry, sandy, and even salty soils.
• Grows naturally on dunes that border beaches.

Ecological Role

• Predominant plant species for initial stabilization of frontal dunes.
• Important as a dune stabilizer.
• Can withstand harsh coastal environments.
• Can be invasive in certain areas, such as the Oregon coast, threatening to change dune ecology.
• Used to colonize dune systems, initiating an important process of sand stabilization.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Leafy, spreading, rhizomatous, bunch grass.
• Many stems per clump.
• Arises from aggressive underground rhizomes and expands.
• Stems form a mechanical barrier, which slows and then traps moving sand.
• Has an elongated flowering spike.
• Survives burial by shifting sand.
• Thrives in very hot, unshaded areas.

Cultivation and Use

• Best choice for initial stilling of moving sands.
• Typically planted when dormant (Mid October to Mid April).
• Used in dune stabilization projects.
• Effective at stabilizing dunes.
• Planted to defend against winds, waves, and flooding.
• Used for sand erosion control.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Greenhouse studies have explored competition between American beachgrass and invasive Asiatic Sand Sedge (Carex kobomugi).

Further Information

• Woods Hole Sea Grant & Cape Cod Cooperative Extension.
• Encyclopaedia Britannica (online encyclopedia).
• Gettys (stock photos).