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Ammophila arenaria - (L.)Link.

Common Name Marram Grass, European beachgrass
Family Poaceae or Gramineae
USDA hardiness 4-8
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Sand dunes by the coast[17].
Range W. Europe, including Britain.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (4 of 5)
Weed Potential Yes
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Ammophila arenaria Marram Grass, European beachgrass


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Ammophila arenaria Marram Grass, European beachgrass
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Tintazul

 

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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

 icon of manicon of flower
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.

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

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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

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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

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

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.

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Ammophila breviligulataBeach Grass, American beachgrassPerennial1.3 4-8  LMNDM00 

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

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