Beach grass (Ammophila breviligulata) is the most common grass found growing on sand dunes in NS. It can be recognized by its long cylindrical flowerheads which are either yellowish or purplish in color. The base of the flowerhead is enclosed by a sheath. Beach grass is extensively planted to prevent erosion of sand dunes as it is more effective than man-made fences. The fences slow the wind and cause sand grains to be deposited, but they get buried over time. The leaves and stems of beach grass also slow the wind and cause sand to be deposited, but as the stems are buried, this stimulates new roots to grow from the stem. In effect, the plant moves up the dune as it becomes deeper and never becomes totally buried as man-made fences do. Although beach grass is very resistant to burial, it is very sensitive to sand removal. If the roots are exposed as paths are worn by foot traffic or the use of vehicles on dunes, the plants will die, exposing the surface of the sand to wind erosion. This is why most sea side parks build boardwalks over the dunes, rather than allowing foot traffic on the dune itself.
Like other beach plants, beach grass must contend with water stress, salt spray and abrasion by wind blown sand. Their leaves are well adapted to resist these stresses. The outer (lower) surface of the leaf has a thick protective layer. The inner (upper) surface of the leaf has ridges and grooves which run the length of the leaf. The stomata are located in the grooves which helps to limit exposure to wind and therefore water loss. Furthermore, when the plant is stressed, the leaves roll up such that only the outer protective layer is exposed to the wind and salt spray.
