American beach grass
Calamagrostis breviligulata
USDA zones3 to 8
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles dry to moderate soil
Size1 to 3 feet tall
- Habit
- Grass/grass-like
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Yellow
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
American beach grass (Calamagrostis breviligulata) is a low maintenance grass for ground cover. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun and dry to average, sandy or loamy soil. It grows from long underground rhizomes and can withstand burial in shifting sand by sending up new stems. Its deep, knitted roots hold a dune together, so it works well for stabilizing sandy slopes.
Pairs well with Limeglow creeping juniper, Blonde Ambition blue grama, and Nepeta.
Native range
CA, CT, DE, IL, and 25 more places. See all 29
CA, CT, DE, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, VA, VT, WA, WI; BC, NB, NL, NS, ON, PE, and QC.