How to Grow and Care for Marram grasses

European beach grass (Ammophila arenaria) was introduced to the coasts of America, Australia, New Zealand and other countries to stabilize dunes, but it has become a noxious weed. It has had a severe impact on local ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and breeding sites. The tough stems can be used for thatching and making brooms and baskets.

American beachgrass (Ammophila breviligulata) is indigenous to the east coast of the United States and the shores of the Great Lakes. It’s used a lot in dune stabilization because it has intricately connected rhizomes that extend down into the sand for three feet or more. It’s known as a dune-building grass because the first dunes along a coast are formed because of it.