Beachgrass European Ammophila Arenaria is a clumping perennial grass native to the coastlines of Europe and North Africa. European Beachgrass seeds can be started directly outdoors in spring or fall. Also commonly called Marram Grass and Bent Grass , Ammophila Arenaria is a stout perennial grass that forms stiff, hardy clumps of erect stems and spreads with horizontal and vertical rhizomes that give it a sturdy anchor in its sand substrate and allow it to spread upward as sand accumulates. Marram Grass grass mainly grows in spring when leaf production exceeds leaf senescence. Its inflorescences are initiated in autumn of the second year after germination and mature in May or June, and the flowers are always produced from May to August.
Beachgrass European grows on coastal sand dunes all over the world. It prefers growing on the active sand area and the windward side of the foredune, and the role of Marram Grass in stabilizing and growing the dunes has been known for many years. It can be used as relatively cheap, natural, soft engineering strategy for example, if there is a need to build up sand dunes in front of a roads, railway lines or houses vulnerable to erosion or flooding. Ammophila Arenaria seeds germinate fast, and the established European Beachgrass has an ability to adapt dry sand well. Its leaves become rolled and tight when moisture levels are low. Marram Grass was once harvested and weaved into mats for barn roofs, nets for fishing, rope and shoes. It could even be used to make paper. Traditionally, families had their own unofficial patch of dune from which they could harvest grass.
PLANT PROFILE
Season: Perennial
Height: 40 Inches
Bloom Season: Spring/Summer
Environment: Sun
Soil Type: Rich/Average/Poor/Dry/Moist well-drained, pH 4.5-9.00
USDA Zones: 4-10
PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS
Sow Indoors: Winter (4-6 weeks before last frost)
Sow Outdoors: Spring/Fall
Seed Depth: Surface sowing - press seeds slightly into the soil
Germination Time: 10-20 Days
