Ice Plant, Sea Fig
Carpobrotus chilensis
Fig-marigold family
Where is it from?
- Iceplant (sea fig) is native to South Africa.
- It was brought to this country for bank stabilization and
quickly became a popular landscaping plant.
Where are you likely to find it?
- Although iceplant is found all along the Pacific coast,
in the Redwood National and State Parks, it has only been
documented at Stone Lagoon and Freshwater Beach, near the
Redwood Information Center.
What makes it a "BAD" plant?
- It excludes native dunemat vegetation.
- It displaces three (CNPS List 1B) sensitive plant species:
beach layia (Layia carnosa) [also federally listed as
endangered], Wolf's evening primrose (Oenothera wolfii)
and pink sand verbena (Abronia umbellata ssp. brevifolia).
- It stabilizes sand, preventing its natural movement which
most native dune species need to survive.
- Iceplant/sea fig has the capability of growing over entire beaches.
How do you get rid of it?
- Iceplant is easy to pull out of the sand.
- Roots must be removed and all parts of the plant must be
taken from the site to prevent resprouting.
What can you do to help?
- Report all new sightings. If in the Redwood National and
State Parks, notify the Vegetation Management branch at the
South Operations Center in Orick (707-464-6101, ext. 5282).
- To get even more involved in control of exotic species,
sign up as a Volunteer in Parks (VIP).
- CAUTION: Do not remove ice plant without
permission in writing or direction from the private land
owner, manager or, if on public lands, an agency official.
Much of the area where ice plant occurs is actual or
potential habitat for sensitive species that iceplant threatens.
Controlling iceplant and restoring habitat are worthy goals,
but the immediate protection of sensitive species, especially
when they are reproducing, always takes precedence, as
is required under the Endangered Species Act.
