Grass & Weeds That Grow in the Sand

Sandgrass

• As its name suggests, sandgrass is well-adapted to sandy areas, occurring naturally in deserts and dry grasslands. Also known as Indian ricegrass, this plant is perennial and grows to a height of 1 or 2 feet, with green, wiry foliage and ivory seed-heads. It is heat-, wind- and drought-tolerant, thriving in full sunlight with little water. In addition to landscape uses, this grass can provide forage for wildlife and grazing livestock, and blooms in spring with small but conspicuous flowers. It does not do well in cold climates.

American Beachgrass

• American beachgrass is the most common plant in sand dunes along the Atlantic coast. It also grows along the Pacific coast and on the shores of the Great Lakes. American beachgrass is perennial and evergreen, growing to a height of 3 feet. It can survive being buried by shifting sands, and actually helps hold sand dunes together. It has moderate water needs, making it better suited to beach-type environments than deserts. It does tolerate dry conditions though, and grows best with full sun exposure.

Desert Needlegrass

• This desert grass goes by a few names, including spear grass and desert rice grass. A native of the American southwest where it grows in deserts, canyons, rocky hills and dry plains, desert needlegrass occurs naturally as far north as Oregon. A perennial cool-season grass, it grows to a height of 2 feet and can take on a plumy appearance. Highly drought-tolerant, it prefers dry, sandy or rocky soil with lots of sunlight, and can be grown along paths and dry banks.