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(Leymus mollis)
American Dunegrass (Leymus mollis)
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scaup
CC BY 4.0
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scaup
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CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: scaup | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: scaup | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-07-01T14:05:25-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Leymus mollis, commonly known as American Dunegrass, is a deciduous perennial grass native to coastal sand dunes, beach fronts, and other sandy habitats in East Asia, the Pacific Rim, and subarctic North America, including Alaska and the west coast of Canada. It typically grows to a height of up to 1.7 meters with a robust, spreading habit due to its rhizomatous root system. The leaf blades of subspecies mollis can reach nearly a meter in length and are up to 1.5 centimeters wide, presenting a blue-green color that adds to its ornamental value. The flower spike, which appears in summer, is up to 34 centimeters long and 2 centimeters wide, with each spikelet containing up to six florets. The inflorescences are not particularly showy but add a subtle texture to the plant’s profile.
American Dunegrass is valued for its ability to stabilize sandy soils and its drought tolerance, making it a suitable choice for coastal restoration projects and erosion control. It is also used in ornamental plantings for its attractive foliage and naturalistic appearance. This grass thrives in full sun and requires medium amounts of water, performing best in well-drained sandy soils. While generally low-maintenance, it can spread aggressively in favorable conditions, so care should be taken to manage its growth in garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0
American Dunegrass is valued for its ability to stabilize sandy soils and its drought tolerance, making it a suitable choice for coastal restoration projects and erosion control. It is also used in ornamental plantings for its attractive foliage and naturalistic appearance. This grass thrives in full sun and requires medium amounts of water, performing best in well-drained sandy soils. While generally low-maintenance, it can spread aggressively in favorable conditions, so care should be taken to manage its growth in garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 4-6 feet
- Width: 1-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Erosion Control, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant
Natural Habitat
Coastal sand dunes, beach fronts, and other sandy habitats in East Asia, the Pacific Rim, and subarctic North America
Other Names
Common Names: American Dune Grass , Sea Lyme Grass , Strand Grass , American Ryegrass , Dune Wildrye , Sea Lymegrass , Strand Wheat , Yellow Ryegrass , Élyme Des Sables D’Amerique , Seigle De Mer
Scientific Names: Leymus mollis , Elymus mollis , Elymus arenarius var. mollis , Elymus arenarius var. villosus , Elymus dives , Elymus arenarius subsp. mollis , Elymus capitatus , Elymus mollis f. simulans , Elymus mollis f. mollis , Elymus mollis var. brevispicus
GBIF Accepted Name: Leymus mollis (Trin.) Pilg.