Marram Grass, Ammophila arenaria (L.), is the single most significant plant species for the establishment and stabilisation of sand dunes. The sharp, spikey ends on the leaves can force their way upwards through the build up of dry, wind-blown sand. The rootlets and rhizomes can grow in all directions through the loose sediment – forming an inter-meshing network that binds the small particles together.
This extremely drought-resistant perennial plant grows upto 1.2 metres high. It has specially adapted leaves that can roll inwards to prevent water loss in dry conditions. The flower spikes appear between May and August; they are 25cm long and covered with smaller spikelets.
COPYRIGHT JESSICA WINDER 2013
All Rights Reserved
Jessica's Nature Blog 
Beautiful photos of the sand and sky Jessica. Though this type of grass can be found in Nova Scotia too, it probably doesn’t grow as tall here.
LikeLike
Thank you. The sky goes on forever in that location and the cloud patterns are interesting and ever changing. I think Marram Grass grows all over the world; its height would just depend on the growth stage and location. The actual maximun height of most of the marram in the photos would be about 60 cm.
LikeLike
Also reminds me of the importance of our dunegrass here on Lake Michigan, stabilizing dunes.
LikeLike
There is a sense of peace and the wild in all of your images and they are always interesting too! You obviously never stand still for long!
LikeLike
Thank you, Barry. I appreciate your comments. I am pleased if some of my nature photographs also reflect the way I feel – some wild places are almost like cathedrals in the way that they promote a sense of spiritual well-being.
LikeLike