Dunegrass is an incredibly resilient, fast growing and long-lived perennial grass. Able to tolerate salt spray, unstable substrates, low nutrients and little to no fresh water. 

Growing on the backshore of the beach or at the toe of a bluff, it cuts coastal winds and guards against storm waves and high tides. Its underground rooting system has adapted to function as an anchor in unstable grounds, making it a valuable species for coastal erosion control. 

Dunegrass has a symbiotic relationship with underground fungi – the fungi decompose organic material, which supplies nutrients and water to the Dunegrass. The Dunegrass in turn supplies food for the fungi. 

Best to plant in early spring so the winter storms and high tides don’t wash them away before they’ve rooted. 

American Dunegrass is easily identified by its size and hardiness.  Growing up to 5ft tall and with tough leaves and dense inflorescences up to 6 inches long they are an unmistakable member of coastal plant communities.