Species European Beachgrass
green-brown foliage

European Beachgrass

Ammophila arenaria subsp. arenaria

European beachgrass (Ammophila arenaria subsp. arenaria) is a densely tufted perennial grass found in beach dunes and other areas of salt tolerance. It is a sod-forming grass with narrow, flat, slightly rough leaves and a stiff, upright growth habit. The deep root system helps to create and maintain stable dunes as it holds together soils in the face of wind and salt spray. Beachgrass flowers from June to September and produces seeds a few weeks after flowering. It is an important coastal plant, protecting beaches and other coastal habitats from erosion.

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun

Growth Rate:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Ideally, European Beachgrass should receive plentiful amounts of water when it is first planted and during intense heat, typically 1-2 inches of water per week. After the plant is established, however, it should not receive any supplemental water and can easily survive in dry and hot environments. If the soil is sandy, a small amount of water (no more than 1 inch) should be provided to the beachgrass once per month in the hottest part of the summer.

sunlight

European beachgrass needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. For optimal growth, it should get exposure to 8 to 10 hours of direct sunlight. When planted during the summer months, it should be exposed to full midday sun, whereas during the winter months, it shouldn’t be exposed to more than 2 to 3 hours of direct sunlight in the afternoon.

pruning

Pruning European Beachgrass (Ammophila arenaria subsp. arenaria) is an important step in keeping the plant healthy and strong. Pruning should be done annually in the spring, just before the new growth period. It is recommended to prune away the dead growth from the previous season and to trim seed heads, as well as any wayward or competing stems. Prune back the grass to 6-10 inches in height, removing no more than 1/3 of the total height at any 1 time. More extensive pruning, such as reducing the plant to 2-3 inches in height, should be done over a period of several years to prevent damage. Pruning will help ensure that the plant remains healthy, attractive, and dense.