“Seasons blend on the now barren beach and grasses dance in the mix of sand and snow” – Ed Lehming

I’m continuing this series of images from December 2024 with this shot of the sand dune fringes. While the trees block the majority of eroding winds, it is the grasses that hold it all together. This variety of beach grass is known as Marram Grass Ammophila, and I never gave it much thought until my iPhone Photos app stated identifying flora for me. So, I spent a bit more time studying the grass and its place in the sand dune ecology.

Marram grass helps to trap sand and to build up sand dunes. Sand dunes provide natural protection for low-lying land and settlements, especially important in the face of water level changes and increased storminess due to climate change. Sand dunes help in maintaining water flows and supporting vital pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.

Marram, also known as Bentgrass or beachgrass, holds sand in place by its unique root structure. It’s not a simple root, like many other plants but a series of roots connecting tiered, horizontally spreading rhizomes that help it hold sand in place so well. Its unique structure also enables it to outpace sand buildup which would choke out other plants. And finally, the leaves are curled in, enabling the plant to retain water and be very drought resistant. It’s quite a fascinating plant and made for a good subject to photograph and learn about.

Nikon D800
Tamron SP 24-70 mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 62 mm
1/400 sec, f/10, ISO 400