Leymus mollis

Leymus mollis (Poaceae) is a rhizomatous perennial grass native to coastal areas of both Asia (Japan, China, Korea, Russia) and North America, from Alaska and Canada south through the northern United States. It is a robust dune grass that spreads aggressively by thick rhizomes, forming extensive colonies that stabilize sandy soils.

American dune grass is valued primarily for coastal dune stabilization and erosion control. It tolerates salt spray, wind exposure, sandy substrates, and drought. The species is too aggressive for most garden settings but serves an important ecological role in maintaining dune systems and providing habitat for coastal wildlife. Its wide circumpacific distribution reflects adaptation to a narrow ecological niche: exposed, sandy coastal habitats.