Where the ^sea oat and American beachgrass occur together on a foredune, 

 the sea oat will usually occupy the "front line" nearest the surf. We are 

 inclined to interpret this as being due in part to a higher tolerance to 

 salt water on the part of the sea oat, particularly during the warm part 

 of the year. 



This grass has not been planted extensively due largely to ( I ) the ab- 

 sence of supplies of planting stock, and (2) the poor survival that usually 

 follows transplanting of plants dug on the Banks. It would probably be 

 desirable for it to be more widely used, but it appears that such use will 

 have to await the development of better propagation procedures. 



The sea oat does produce fairly heavy crops of seed in some years and 

 under favorable conditions, large numbers of these seed germinate all along 

 the Banks. This occurs in late spring and since growth is quite slow during 

 the first year, most plants are not firmly established until near the end of 

 the second growing season. As a result, percent survival of the original 

 seedlings is extremely low. Even so, the natural spread of this species into 

 unoccupied areas along the Banks seems to be accomplished almost exclusively 

 in this way. 



c. Dune Panic Grass (Paniaum Amavum) 



Dune panic grass is distributed naturally all along the Banks and 

 seems to be on the increase since livestock have been excluded from these 

 areas. This grass is a good dune builder, having an extensive rhizome 

 system and stiff stems and leaves, but may not be quite as tolerant of salt 

 spray as American beachgrass and sea oats. It can be multiplied readily 

 under nursery conditions, but starts off much slower than American beach- 

 grass when transplanted to the dunes. It certainly shows promise, but more 

 work with it is needed, particularly on planting methods, before it can be 

 suggested for extensive use. 



d. Saltmeadow Cordgrass (Spartina patens) 



Saltmeadow cordgrass probably represents the largest acreage of any 

 plant on the Banks, being the principal grass on the flats and low dunes 

 behind the foredune. Tolerant to salt water and a high water table, it is 

 well adapted to the low-lying areas. This species transplants readily, and 

 a I so spreads natura I I y by seed . It wi I I withstand only a fairly slow buildup 

 of sand, is not very drought-tolerant, and consequently should not be planted 

 where sand movement is rapid or on dunes of appreciable height. 



e. Species for Traffic Areas 



None of the foregoing grasses is really suitable for use on sites 

 receiving heavy traffic. A turf type grass is needed for such areas as 

 campgrounds, around parking areas, and walkways. The two principal species 

 of this kind found in the area at present are Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) 

 and knotgrass (Paspalum vaginatum) . Bermuda grass was used in stablizing 



