 |
American Beachgrass (Ammophila breviligulata) American beachgrass grows naturally on the dunes that border the beach but does not grow in the rich soil of the inland marshes. The beachgrass stands up well under the continuous salt spray and the summer heat on the dunes. On the hottest days, the leaves curl inward to reduce the area exposed to the sun and conserve moisture. With its roots going down to the freshwater table below the dunes and its horizontal runners spreading out under the sand around it, the beachgrass stablizes the dunes. Beachgrass has been planted by volunteers on the reconstructed dunes at the south end of Assateague island in the Toms Cove area. Visitors are warned not to climb the protective dunes or harm the beachgrass. See
also: |
 Return to Plants of the Shore Area Menu |
|