Marram Grass, European beachgrass
Ammophila arenaria

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae

What it is like

Native to the coastlines of Europe and North Africa where it grows in the sands of beach dunes. Some very useful applications including Basketry; Broom; Fibre; Paper; Soil stabilization; Thatching; and Weaving.

Ammophila arenaria is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. 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 and can grow in very acid 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): 1.2

Where it is found

Sand dunes by the coast.

W. Europe, including Britain.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed.

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Root. No more details, but the root is rather thin and fibrous.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 4

The flowering stems and leaves are used for thatching, in basketry, making brooms etc. The rhizomes are used for making rope and mats. A fibre obtained from the stems is used for making paper. The stems are harvested in the summer, cut into usable pieces and soaked for 24 hours in clear water before cooking for 2 hours with soda ash. Beat the fibres in a ball mill for 1½ hours. The fibres make a tan-brown paper. This plant has an extensive root system and grows naturally in sand dunes along the coast where it is very important for its action of binding the dunes and therefore allowing other plants to grow. It is much planted in sand dunes and other similar habitats for erosion control.

Basketry: Plant used in making baskets and other items such as chairs. Includes plants that are only used as an ornamental addition.

Broom: Used for sweeping the floor etc.

Fibre: Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.

Paper: Related to the entry for Fibre, these plants have been specifically mentioned for paper making.

Soil stabilization: Plants that can be grown in places such as sand dunes in order to prevent erosion by wind, water or other agents.

Thatching: Used for making thatched roofs.

Weaving: Items such as grass and palm leaves that are woven together for making mats, baskets etc. See also Basket making and Fibre.

How it is grown

Requires a sunny position in a light well-drained soil. Very tolerant of severe maritime exposure. Tolerates a pH in the range 4.5 to 6.8.

Propagating it: Seed - sow in pots outdoors as soon as it is ripe or sow in situ during March/April. Division in spring or autumn.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Some indication that it is invasive in California, USA.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. arundinacea. Psamma arenaria.