New hybrid of two invasive species could increase coastal damage!

New research shows the invasive European Beachgrass is hybridizing with another species along the Oregon and Washington states' coast. The new beach grass is taller, catches more sand and can build higher sand dunes.

Researchers said:
“If the hybrid exceeds its parents in traits associated with dune-building, which it very possibly could, then its spread could affect dune shape and size and have huge, ecosystem-scale consequences. Hybridization could end up resulting in a really invasive taxon or increasing the invasive potential of either parent species.”