apart, will generally be effective by the last half of the first growing season. A more practical (and less
expensive) method for planting would be 4 rows at 18-inch spacings at the approximate center of the
proposed dune. This plot should be flanked on both sides, by four rows each of plants spaced 24, 36, and
48 inches.
Newly planted stands of American beachgrass will often respond to the application of 90 to 135
pounds of nitrogen and 30 to 45 pounds of phosphorous per acre. These fertilizations should be divided
into three applications. The first should be applied as new growth emerges and the subsequent
applications should be made at 4- to 6-week intervals.
Bitter Panicum (Panicum amarum). This grass is indigenous along the Atlantic coast from
Connecticut southward. It is best used as a companion to American beachgrass, especially in those areas
where the beachgrass is subject to severe attack by the disease, soft scale.
Bitter panicum should generally be planted at the same time and with the same methods as
American beachgrass. Since it prefers warm weather, it may be wise to wait until April to plant. Bitter
panicum can be transplanted as mature primary stems or as tillers. Primary stems must be used during
late winter and spring until tillers become available. Young tillers, with some roots and rhizomes
attached, grow with very little delay and are the preferred method of planting when available. Plants
should be placed 8 to 10 inches deep in the soil. Bitter panicum should be planted as a percentage (10-
20%) of the total beachgrass planting and in the same pattern. Pure stands of bitter panicum are not
usually successful except in very small spots, such as those where beachgrass has bieen reduced by
insects or disease. Fertilizer applications are similar to those recommended for beachgrass.
South Atlantic Region
This region extends from the Virginia capes to Key West. Sea oats is the dominant plant;
however, both American beachgrass and bitter panicum will successfully establish dunes, when planted
in combination with sea oats, especially in the northern part of the region.
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.
Planting is similar to both American beachgrass and bitter panicum. Plants should be placed 8 to
10 inches deep, because they are slow starters and the depth is required to prevent dessication and
blowouts. Transplanting can be successful at any time given proper moisture conditions and healthy
transplants. Optimum planting months are January and February, although in more severe climates,
February to April are better. Single stem transplants perform as well as multiple stem plantings under
most conditions. Two-year old, nursery-grown plants appear to be the best stock for transplants-
Since sea oats is generally planted as part of a mixture, it is recommended that one or two rows of
sea oats (or every 10th to 20th row in extremely large plots) be planted no closer than 24 inches. A
moderate application of nitrogen and phosphate similar to that recommended for American beachgrass
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