European beachgrass

Description:

Ammophila arenaria is a coarse, perennial grass with stout culms that may reach 120 cm tall with dense, spike-like panicles and long, sharp leaf blades which may reach up to five feet . It has extensive and deep, scaly rhizomes which may give it an advantage in accessing water and nutrients.

Habitat:

Ammophila arenaria grows in substrates with low organic matter and free drainage, growing most vigorously in mobile or semi-stable sand dunes and thriving in wind-blown, foredune areas above the high tide line. It is highly adapted to sand accretion, growing vigorously with the continued addition of fresh sand, and requiring it to avoid senescence.