American marram grass
ExplorePlants
American marram grass
Calamagrostis breviligulata
American marram grass is a tall, green plant that grows in sandy areas. It helps keep the sand in place and provides a home for little animals and insects.
Habitat: Coastal areas
Appearance
The American marram grass has stiff, upright, blue-green leaves that often curl inwards, giving them a needle-like appearance. Its sturdy stems hold feathery, pale brown to purplish flower spikes, which emerge in late summer, contrasting with its dense, mat-forming base.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderPoalesFamilyPoaceaeGenusCalamagrostis
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
It's a natural protector, guarding shorelines from strong winds and ocean waves!
Its deep, spreading roots are like a giant net, holding the beach together!
Marram grass can even sprout new shoots after being completely buried by sand!
This amazing grass helps coastal sand dunes grow bigger and stronger!
Special abilities
Ability
Sand Anchor
American marram grass can grow extensive root systems and rhizomes that help it stabilize shifting sand dunes and prevent erosion.
Ability
Salt Shield
American marram grass has tough, waxy leaves that help it survive salty winds and ocean spray found in coastal environments.
Ability
Burial Rescuer
American marram grass can grow upwards through accumulating sand, which helps it thrive and build dunes even when buried.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 60-120 cm
- Spread
- 30-90 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.5-1.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Wind
Ecological connections
eaten by
Meadow Vole
Microtus pennsylvanicus
provides shelter and some food for voles
shelters
Deer Mouse
Peromyscus maniculatus
dense grass offers protection from predators
eaten by
Canada Goose
Branta canadensis
geese sometimes graze on its tough leaves
Traits
Grass-Like
Grass-like plants are herbaceous plants that visually resemble true grasses, typically having long, narrow leaves.
Evergreen
Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
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.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Be careful not to pull out plants when exploring. They help the environment!
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is American marram grass?
60-120 cm
How wide does American marram grass spread?
30-90 cm
How big are the flowers on American marram grass?
0.5-1.5 cm
When does American marram grass bloom?
Summer
Is American marram grass edible?
No
Is American marram grass toxic?
None
What is American marram grass's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is American marram grass pollinated?
Wind
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