Sea Oats (Uniola paniculata). More persistent than other stabilizing species, sea oats does not provide
much initial protection. It grows slowly, is difficult to propagate, and is not widely available commercially.
However, once established, sea oats provide excellent protection. To provide initial protection, sea oats should
be planted in mixes with American beachgrass and bitter panicum to the Carolinas and with bitter panicum
farther south. As the other grasses thin out, sea oats will spread and dominate the dune.
Saltmeadow Cordgrass (Spartina patens). This plant is more commonly used in marsh plantings (see
prior discussion), but it will frequently invade a beach area and create small dunes, which will support other
vegetation. It is particularly well suited for this use on low, moist sites where periodic salt buildup occurs.
Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactglon). Although this is not a prominent dune species, it can be used very
effectively in special situations. The coastal hybrid is deep rooting and rapidly establishing and can be used to
revegetate areas where American beachgrass
has been killed by insects or disease. Turf hybrids will, when
properly managed, perform well on the dune environment, where they form a more traffic resistant stand than
other types of vegetation.
Gulf Region. The region extends from the gulf coast of Florida to the Mexican border. Sea oats and bitter
panicum are the dominant dune stabilizing species. Other species include railroad vine and saltmeadow
cordgrass. Establishment of sea oats, bitter panicum, and saltmeadow cordgrass should follow prior
recommendations. Local variations exist, and the landowner should consult local agricultural extension agents
and others about differences in technique and management of plantings of these species.
Railroad Vine. (Ipomea pes-caprae). This plant is one of the more prominent pioneer species in this
region. It is not generally planted because it is somewhat less effective in trapping sand than dune grasses. It is,
however, capable of rapidly spreading over foredunes, and transplants of the vine may be included as part of a
grass establishment planting.
North Pacific Region. This region extends from the Canadian border to Monterey, California. European
beachgrass and American dunegrass are the dominant sand stabilizing plants of the region. American beachgrass
may also be applicable in the area.
European Beachgrass (Ammophila arenaria). This plant is inexpensive and used widely in this region.
Although it effectively traps sand, it forms dense stands with little outward spread, causing the resulting dunes to
have steep windward slopes. Another disadvantage is that it will often exclude native species, making it difficult
to establish mixed plantings.
American Dunegrass (Elymus mollis). Although this grass is native to the northwest, it is more difficult
and expensive to propagate than either European or American beachgrass. The grass tends to produce low,
gently sloping dunes, often preferable to those dunes built by European beachgrass.
American dunegrass should be set 12 inches or more deep in moist sand. Satisfactory planting occurs
primarily in the months when the grass is dormant; late November through February in the northern portion of the
region, and not at all in the southern extent. Planting should be limited to temperatures below 55 degrees F.
Planting several stems per hill would be desired; however, due to the expense, a close spacing of 12 inches with
one viable stem makes better use of scarce planting stock. An application of 35 pounds of nitrogen per acre from
a soluble source is recommended to maintain the plants once established.
South Pacific Region. This region extends from Monterey, California, to the Mexican border. While
some of the beach grasses discussed above (e.g. , European beachgrass) are applicable in the northern portions of
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