Primary Dune/ American Beach Grass

COMMON NAME: American Beach Grass

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Beach-grass, Dunegrass

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Ammophila breviligulata 

FAMILY: Poaceae

COMMUNITY: Primary Dune

STATUS: Native

LIFESPAN: Perennial

HEIGHT: Two to three feet

FLOWERING TIME: Late July to August

FRUITING TIME: September to October

DISTRIBUTION: Newfoundland to North Carolina

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Leafy, spreading grass with many stems per clump ~ seedhead is spike-like ~ leaves are long-narrow and may become rolled or folded with maturity.

GENERAL INFORMATION: American Beach Grass is one of the most important species found in Island Beach State Park due to its ability to stabilize the primary dunes. Its strong rhizomes (underground stems) spread beneath the sand, giving rise to new plants as well as creating an intertwined network, which anchors the sand. In addition the deeply ribbed blades of grass catch windblown sand, causing it to fall to the base of the plant, creating small dunes on top of the larger ones. Found from Newfoundland to North Carolina and the Great Lakes region, American Beach Grass will also grow inland in sandy or saline soils. American Beach Grass is able to tolerate high salinity, low nutrient soil and an unreliable water supply on the primary dune. However, it is easily damaged by human traffic. Many shore communities host beach grass planting events every spring and fall using ‘plugs’ of American beach Grass purchased from commercial growers. Island Beach State Park likewise hosts its own beach grass planting events and volunteers are always welcome to give Mother Nature a hand in stabilizing the constantly shifting sand. The roots of the American Beach Grass are edible and have been used as an emergency food source.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.