How to Grow Ammophila Breviligulata

Ammophila breviligulata, or American beach grass, is a perennial grass native to the eastern United States. It grows up to 3 feet tall and has an extensive root system, which helps to prevent erosion of sand dunes. This grass is not damaged by salt spray and withstands exposure to summer sun well. It produces yellow blooms in mid-summer, followed by seeds that attract birds to the growing site. Ammophila breviligulata is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 5 through 10 and spreads through both seeds and rhizomes.

Spade
Snow fencing
12-12-12 fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Select a planting site that receives full sun and has sandy soil. Choose a location that is a minimum of 100 feet above the average high tide line if planting close to the ocean.
- 2
  Dig planting holes that are 7 to 9 inches deep, leaving 18 inches of space between each hole. If the location experiences serious erosion problems, leave a space of 12 inches between each hole. Create staggered rows for planting and leave 12 to 18 inches between each, again depending upon how severe erosion is.
- 3
  Add two Ammophila breviligulata stems to each planting hole and cover the roots well.
- 4
  Water the grass deeply at the time of planting to ensure that the roots are thoroughly moistened. Water only during extremely dry conditions once steady growth is observed.
- 5
  Place snow fencing around the planting area to prevent damage from pedestrian traffic.The fencing can be removed when the grass is established and growing well.
- 6
  Feed with 12-12-12 fertilizer one month after planting. Apply the fertilizer at a rate of 1.4 lbs. to each 100 square feet of space. Avoid feeding before April 1.

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