Living on the Edge

Beach sand verbena

Tim Hauf, timhaufphotography.com

Island Plant Adaptations Guide Stop 9

Coastal sand dunes represent one of the harshest plant habitats found on the islands. The dry, wind-blown sand found on unstabilized dunes offers little moisture or nutrients for plant germination and growth. Beach sand verbena, morning glory, and beach bur are three plants that have deep root systems to penetrate the sand, and thick, fleshy leaves covered with wax or hairs to conserve moisture and to reflect light and heat. These plants are also able to obtain moisture and nutrients from salt spray, a crucial factor in their successful adaptation to the dune environment.

Once these plants become established, their deep root systems help retain moisture and stabilize sand dunes, making it possible for other plants to germinate and grow there. Prominent among the plants found on stabilized sand dunes are dune lupine, silver lupine, dunedelion, and red buckwheat.