CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: This is a well-established stand of bitter panicum. Seashore elder forms 

 round, hummocky dunes. Saltmeadow cordgrass colonizes on a washed-over dune area. Rope fences 

 are less expensive to install than wooden sand fences. 



PLANT SPECIES 



The "signature" plants on North Carolina's coastal dunes are sea 

 oats (Uniola paniculata). As the name implies, the seed head has an 

 oat-like appearance. The plant's tall stems, with their seed heads blowing 

 in the ocean breeze, are a favorite sight for coastal visitors and residents. 

 Sea oats are aesthetically pleasing and also are important food sources for 

 wildlife, including birds and other creatures that depend upon the dune 

 ecosystem for their survival. 



"Sea oats provide the best long-term stability for coastal dunes 

 when planted in its native range, which includes the entire North Carolina 

 coast," says Nash. 



American beachgrass {Ammophila brevilgulata), which is a cool- 

 season perennial grass native to the north and mid- Atlantic coasts along 

 the eastern seaboard, is also frequently seen along the North Carolina 

 coast. Cape Hatteras is considered to be the approximate southern limit 

 of its native range. Although American beachgrass is best adapted to the 

 northern region of the mid- Atlantic coast, it has been planted extensively 

 throughout the coastal areas of North and South Carolina to stabilize 

 dunes. 



A third type of dune plant is bitter panicum (Panicum amarum), 

 which occurs naturally from New England to Mexico. Its stout stem and 

 wide, blue-green leaves add unique color and texture to the dune environ- 

 ment. 



"This plant works well in combination with other dune species and 

 should be included in dune vegetation projects," says Nash. 



In back dune areas that have less windblown sand, saltmeadow 

 cordgrass (Spartina patens) is highly adaptable. The slender-stemmed 

 grass prefers moist sites but will grow in drier areas. 



Seashore elder (Iva imbricata) is the only nongrass species recom- 

 mended for trapping sand and stabilizing dunes in the pioneer zone along 

 the North Carolina coast This warm-season perennial has succulent 

 leaves and woody stems. It is a very effective sand trapper. 



"When planting dune grasses, be certain to plant at the correct 

 depths," says Nash. "Failure to plant deep enough is the main cause of the 

 new plant death on the dunes." 



DUNE PLANT COMMUNITIES 



Native grasses and broadleaf plants stabilize pristine dune eco- 

 systems, such as those found on the Cape Lookout National Seashore. 

 Unfortunately, the dunes and plants in developed areas along the North 

 Carolina coast are often destroyed by human impacts. 



"Planting three 

 or more of the pio- 

 neer zone species in 

 a revegetation project 

 will increase the 

 long-term stabiliza- 

 tion of the blowing 

 sand and help the 

 ecosystem recover 

 more quickly," says 

 Nash. 



"Once the 

 foundation of the 



pioneer zone species is established, other annual and perennial plants 

 adapted to the dune environment will establish naturally," he adds. "As the 

 dune system stabilizes and provides food and shelter, birds, animals and 

 reptiles will return to the recreated habitat." 



Sand fences are usually not needed for dune building. Dune plants 

 are just as effective and need little or no maintenance. However, sand 

 fences can be useful in managing pedestrian and vehicular damage. When 

 pedestrian traffic is heavy, try rope fences as a lower-cost and lower-main- 

 tenance alternative. 



"Homeowners can protect dunes from pedestrian damage by choos- 

 ing the appropriate accessway materials for local conditions," says Rog- 

 ers. "If the accessways are more than 3 feet lower than the adjacent dunes, 

 look at modifying the accessways. Consider the walkways expendable 

 but necessary to protect the dunes. Plan for future maintenance when the 

 inevitable erosion occurs." 



Also don't forget to check with your town hall about permits or the 

 NC. Division of Coastal Management at 919/733-2293, 888/4RCOAST; 

 or www.nccoastalmanagement.net. 



"Planting dune vegetation does not require a permit," says Rogers. 

 "However, a permit may be required for other dune construction projects, 

 including sand fences, dune walkways, vehicular ramps, removing 

 vegetation, lowering dune vehicles, or moving any sand with heavy 

 equipment." n 



To order The Dune Book, call 919/515-2454 or write: North Caro- 

 lina Sea Grant, NCSUBox 8605, Raleigh, NC 27695-8605 and ask for 

 UNC-SG-03-03. Single copies are $5 or copies can be downloaded from 

 the Web: www.ncseagrant.org and click on products. 



COASTWATCH 19 



