Sarah Katharine Braly University of North Carolina Wilmington Marine Science Dobo Hall dept. Biology and Marine Biology Wilmington North Carolina USA
Keywords
sea oats, Uniola paniculata
Description
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Sea oats, Uniola paniculata dominate the coasts of
the Southeastern United States. They have the unique ability
to thrive in harsh frontal dune environments. Shifting sand
stimulates growth and hash salt spray rids the dunes of competitors.
However they cannot overcome the human presence, dune systems
are disappearing with the invasion of development. The stand
pictured however remains intact and quite dense in the pristine
Hammocks Beach State Park found outside Swansboro North Carolina.