Marram Grass

(Ammophila arenaria)

Marram Grass (Ammophila arenaria)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Ammophila arenaria, commonly known as Marram Grass, is a perennial grass that plays a crucial role in stabilizing sand dunes. It forms stiff, hardy clumps of erect stems that can reach up to 1.2 meters (3.9 ft) in height. Native to coastal sand dunes in Europe and North America, it thrives in open, sandy habitats where it can tolerate the harsh conditions of wind and salt spray. Marram Grass is characterized by its network of thick rhizomes, which provide a sturdy anchor in its sandy substrate and allow it to spread upward as sand accumulates. These rhizomes can grow laterally by 2 meters (6 ft 7 in) in six months, and one clump can produce 100 new shoots annually. Its inflorescences, which are initiated in autumn of the second year after germination, mature in May or June, with flowers produced from May to August. The flowers are not particularly showy but are crucial for the plant’s reproduction.

Marram Grass is valued for its ability to adapt to dry sand and its role in dune formation and stabilization. Its leaves become rolled and tight when moisture levels are low, which reduces water loss and allows it to survive in arid conditions. In cultivation, it is used primarily for soil erosion control and dune stabilization. It generally does best in full sun, with low amounts of water, and in soils with fast drainage. The optimal soil conditions for Marram Grass include a soil pH from 4.5-9.0, soil temperatures from 10–40 °C (50–104 °F), and salt concentrations of no more than 1.0-1.5%. However, gardeners should be aware that Ammophila arenaria is potentially invasive in some parts of the world and should check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 2-3.5 feet
  • Width: 0.8-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Low
  • Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bird Garden, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant

Natural Habitat

native to coastal sand dunes in Europe and North America, it thrives in open, sandy habitats where it can tolerate the harsh conditions of wind and salt spray

Other Names

Common Names: Marram, European Beach Grass, Sea Matgrass, European Beachgrass, Marramgrass, Moresg, Môr-Hesgen, Sand-Hjaelme, Gewöhnlicher Strandhafer, Helm

Scientific Names: , Ammophila arenaria, Calamagrostis arenaria, Ammophila arenaria subsp. arundinacea, Psamma arenaria, Calamagrostis arenaria subsp. arundinacea, Ammophila arenaria var. arundinacea, Ammophila arundinacea, Arundo arenaria, Ammophila arundinaceae

GBIF Accepted Name: Ammophila arenaria (L.) Link