Ammophila arenaria Marram Grass, European beachgrass PFAF Plant Database

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Summary

Native to the coastlines of Europe and North Africa where it grows in the sands of beach dunes. Some very useful applications including Basketry; Broom; Fibre; Paper; Soil stabilization; Thatching; and Weaving.

Physical Characteristics

Ammophila arenaria is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

A. arundinacea. Psamma arenaria.

Plant Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root
Edible Uses:

Root[74]. No more details, but the root is rather thin and fibrous[K].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

Other Uses

Basketry Broom Fibre Paper Soil stabilization Thatching Weaving

The flowering stems and leaves are used for thatching, in basketry, making brooms etc[61, 66, 100]. The rhizomes are used for making rope and mats[115]. A fibre obtained from the stems is used for making paper[189]. The stems are harvested in the summer, cut into usable pieces and soaked for 24 hours in clear water before cooking for 2 hours with soda ash. Beat the fibres in a ball mill for 1½ hours. The fibres make a tan-brown paper[189]. This plant has an extensive root system and grows naturally in sand dunes along the coast where it is very important for its action of binding the dunes and therefore allowing other plants to grow. It is much planted in sand dunes and other similar habitats for erosion control[200].

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a sunny position in a light well-drained soil. Very tolerant of severe maritime exposure[17]. Tolerates a pH in the range 4.5 to 6.8.

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Celsius Fahrenheit:

Plant Propagation

Seed - sow in pots outdoors as soon as it is ripe or sow in situ during March/April. Division in spring or autumn.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

EUROPE: Denmark, Finland, United Kingdom, Norway, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, France

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it's worth checking.

Some indication that it is invasive in California, USA.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : This taxon has not yet been assessed.

IUCN Red List

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Ammophila breviligulata	Beach Grass, American beachgrass	Perennial	1.3	4-8		LM	N	DM	0	0

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

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Expert comment

Author

(L.)Link.

Botanical References

17200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Ammophila arenaria - (L.)Link.