Beachgrass: The Tough Coastal Grass That Holds It All Together
If you’ve ever walked along a sandy beach or coastal dune and wondered about those tall, swaying grasses that seem to thrive where other plants struggle, you’ve likely encountered beachgrass (Ammophila). This perennial grass is nature’s own coastal engineer, working tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our shorelines stable and beautiful.
What Exactly Is Beachgrass?
Beachgrass is a hardy perennial grass that belongs to the grass family, making it a true grass rather than just something that looks grass-like. What sets this plant apart is its remarkable ability to grow in challenging coastal conditions that would make most other plants wave the white flag of surrender.
Where Does Beachgrass Call Home?
The native status of beachgrass is quite interesting and varies by location. It’s native to St. Pierre and Miquelon, while in other areas like Hawaii and the Pacific Basin, it’s considered a non-native species that has naturalized and reproduces on its own. The status in Canada and the lower 48 United States is less clearly defined.
You can find beachgrass growing across an impressive range of locations, including British Columbia, New Brunswick, California, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Connecticut, Quebec, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and even some U.S. Minor Outlying Islands, plus Labrador and Newfoundland.
Why Gardeners Love (and Sometimes Question) Beachgrass
Beachgrass brings several compelling qualities to the landscape:
- Exceptional erosion control capabilities
- High salt tolerance for coastal properties
- Low maintenance once established
- Attractive, naturalistic appearance
- Drought tolerance
However, since beachgrass isn’t native to all areas where it grows, some gardeners prefer to explore native alternatives that provide similar benefits while supporting local ecosystems.
Wildlife Benefits
Don’t underestimate the wildlife value of beachgrass! According to research, this grass provides 10% to 25% of the diet for various terrestrial birds and offers them valuable cover. That’s a significant contribution to the local food web, making beachgrass an important player in coastal ecosystems.
Growing Beachgrass Successfully
If you decide beachgrass is right for your landscape, here’s what you need to know:
Ideal Growing Conditions
- Full sun exposure
- Sandy, well-draining soils
- Salt tolerance makes it perfect for coastal areas
- Thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4-9
Planting and Care Tips
Beachgrass is refreshingly low-maintenance once it gets established. It spreads through underground rhizomes, which helps it form the dense colonies that make it so effective for erosion control. The key is giving it time to establish its root system during the first growing season.
The Bottom Line
Beachgrass can be an excellent choice for coastal properties, xeriscaping projects, or anywhere you need a tough, attractive grass that can handle challenging conditions. While it may not be native everywhere it grows, it provides genuine ecological benefits through wildlife support and erosion control.
If you’re gardening in an area where beachgrass isn’t native, consider researching native grass alternatives that might provide similar benefits while supporting your local ecosystem. Your local native plant society or extension office can help you identify the best native options for your specific location and needs.
Whether you choose beachgrass or a native alternative, you’ll be adding a plant that works hard for both your landscape and local wildlife – and that’s always a win-win!
