In the early 1900s, America planted European beachgrass to hold coastal sand in place; it later transformed natural dunes and displaced native wildlife

More than a century ago, a European grass was introduced to the western coast of North America because of its ability to stabilise shifting sand dunes and reduce erosion. Today, European beachgrass ( Ammophila arenaria ), also known as marram grass, is considered a highly destructive invasive species in coastal dune environments.

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