Beach Grass, Marram Grass (Ammophila breviligulata)

Beach grass is clearly one of the most critically important dune plants. Its fast growing rhizomes can respond to the constantly shifting sands, enabling this species to serve as a significant sand binder, Sand reed grass (Calamovilfa longifolia) is also a common grass of the dunes, bearing tough rhizomes that allow it to perform a similar ecological role. The latter species, which is usually a much taller plant than beach grass, can also be distinguished by its more open seed heads.