American lyme grass
ExplorePlants
American lyme grass
Leymus mollis
American lyme grass is a tall, green plant that grows in sandy areas near the coast. It helps keep the sand in place and provides a home for little animals.
Habitat: Coastal areas
Appearance
The American lyme grass is a tall, robust plant with distinctive bluish-green to grayish-green leaves. Its upright stems produce dense, bristly flower spikes that turn golden brown later in the season. It often forms large, prominent clumps along sandy coastlines.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderPoalesFamilyPoaceaeGenusLeymus
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Even if sand buries part of this grass, it can still grow upwards to reach the sunlight!
Its tough leaves were woven into baskets and mats by ancient coastal communities!
Many shorebirds rely on its tiny seeds as a crucial snack, especially during migration!
When wind blows sand, this grass helps trap it, slowly building up new dunes over time!
Special abilities
Ability
Anchor Roots
American lyme grass has a super deep and extensive root system that helps it hold shifting sand dunes firmly in place.
Ability
Rhizome Runners
This grass can send out underground stems called rhizomes, which helps it spread quickly and create new plants.
Ability
Salt Shield
Its specialized leaves can tolerate salty spray and soil, allowing it to thrive right next to the ocean.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 60-180 cm
- Spread
- 30-100 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Wind
Ecological connections
eaten by
Snow Bunting
Plectrophenax nivalis
Seeds provide winter food.
shelters
Deer Mouse
Peromyscus maniculatus
Provides safe nesting sites.
eaten by
Meadow Vole
Microtus pennsylvanicus
Feeds on its leaves and stems.
Traits
Grass-Like
Grass-like plants are herbaceous plants that visually resemble true grasses, typically having long, narrow leaves.
Salt Tolerant
Salt tolerant plants can withstand and grow in conditions with elevated salinity levels in the soil or water.
Rapid Growing
Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always be gentle with plants and don't pull them out of the ground.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is American lyme grass?
60-180 cm
How wide does American lyme grass spread?
30-100 cm
When does American lyme grass bloom?
Summer
Is American lyme grass edible?
Yes
Is American lyme grass toxic?
None
What is American lyme grass's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is American lyme grass pollinated?
Wind
Where is American lyme grass usually found?
Coastal areas
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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