Beach Grass, American beachgrass
Ammophila breviligulata
Family: Poaceae or Gramineae
What it is like
Ammophila breviligulata is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.3 m (4ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
Height (m): 1.3
Where it is found
Coastal sand dunes.
North-eastern N. America - Newfoundland to North Carolina and on the shores of the Great Lakes.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
The extensive root system of this plant makes it useful for planting on sand dunes etc for the control of soil erosion.
Soil stabilization: Plants that can be grown in places such as sand dunes in order to prevent erosion by wind, water or other agents.
How it is grown
Requires a sunny position in a light well-drained soil. Very tolerant of severe maritime exposure. The plant has a deep, strong and extensively creeping rhizome, it can become invasive when growing in suitable conditions.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist