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Champlain beachgrass

Scientific Name: Ammophila champlainensis

Family: Poaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: NY (Champlain beachgrass), VT (Champlain beach gra

       

Champlain Beachgrass

Let's explore the fascinating Champlain Beachgrass, a unique plant adapted to the harsh conditions of sandy shores. This information is compiled from various sources to provide a comprehensive overview.

Scientific Name and Common Names

  • Scientific Name: Ammophila breviligulata ssp. champlainensis (Seym.) P.J. Walker, C.A. Paris &amp Barrington ex Barkworth, or sometimes considered Ammophila champlainensis Seym.
  • Common Names: Champlain Beachgrass, Lake Champlain Beachgrass
  • American Beachgrass (Ammophila breviligulata) is also referred to as American Marram Grass.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Kingdom: (Implied - Plantae, based on the text)
  • Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
  • Order: Cyperales
  • The plant is classified as a subspecies: Ammophila breviligulata ssp. champlainensis. Some sources consider it a separate species: Ammophila champlainensis.
  • Synonyms include Ammophila champlainensis Seym.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the shores of Lake Ontario and Lake Champlain.
  • Specifically mentioned in New York (NY), Vermont (VT), and Quebec (Canada).
  • Found on sandy ocean and lake beaches.
  • Notably present in the Eastern Lake Ontario Beach and Wetland Complex and the Champlain Islands.

Ecological Role

  • Dominant species of sandy ocean and lake beaches.
  • Plays a crucial role in dune stabilization by capturing and holding sand in place with its roots.
  • Its presence contributes to the formation of fragile vegetative dune systems.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Graminoid of the genus Ammophila.
  • Inflorescence can grow up to 22 [units not specified in the provided text].
  • Perennial duration.

Associations with Other Organisms

  • Often found alongside other dune plants like beach heath (Hudsonia tomentosa) and beach pea (Lathyrus).

Additional Resources

  • Sandy Bonanno, NY Sea Grant (sandrabonanno@alltel.net)
  • Garden Guides
  • iStock (for photos)