American beachgrass is a 2-to-4-foot-tall plant that thrives on Eastern Lake Ontario's sand dunes. Not many plants can survive wind, waves, and sand, but beachgrass manages just fine. Why? Because of a specially adapted root and shoot system. As sand is piled on top of beachgrass, the plant pushes new roots into the sand and sends up new shoots. Just like people need exercise to stay healthy, beachgrass needs to be buried to grow fast and stay vigorous.

How does beachgrass help prevent sand erosion?

Click here to see how beachgrass grows!