Seabeach Amaranth and Renourished Beaches in North Carolina

Seabeach Amaranth Amaranthus pumilus Summer annual Seeds germinate April – July –Plants may reach 3 to 4 feet across Seed production July – death –one plant may produce several thousand seeds –Good seed dispersal

Seabeach amaranth

Historic Range Charleston Washington Boston

Seabeach Amaranth Historically occurred in 31counties and 9 states Had been eliminated from 2/3 of its historical range Listed as “Threatened” by the USF&W in 1993 Restoration efforts are currently underway

Seabeach amaranth is considered to be a indicator species of a healthy beach landscape. Embryonic dune formation

birds feed on seeds

Threats Habitat loss –Sea walls, revetments –Beach erosion –Hurricanes Beach grooming Off-road vehicles Herbivory by insects Pedestrian traffic

Preferred Habitat Barrier island beaches –Accreting areas near inlets –Lower foredunes –Upper beach strand Seems to prefer dry sand beach with elevation 4 to 6 feet above MHW

Suitable habitat is critical! In the Carolinas, sea turtles also nest in this habitat.

Ideal seabeach amaranth habitat

Beach Renourishment Projects have impacts on seabeach amaranth. –May have long-term benefits Winter placement of sand on beaches is most compatible with seabeach amaranth.

Beach Renourishment Habitat restoration –Adequate beach elevation Seabeach amaranth seed source? -Seed bank from historic populations

Beach Renourishment Large numbers of seabeach amaranth plants have been found following renourishment projects on: –Bogue Banks Pine Knoll Shores: 0 plants in 2000; following renourishment in 2001/2002 = 779 plants in 2002, and 2690 plants in 2003 –Ocean Isle Beach –Oak Island –Wrightsville Beach

Beach Renourishment Some renourished beaches may lack seed bank containing seabeach amaranth. –Carolina Beach –Bald Head Island Introduction of seedlings grown from indigenous seed source will build seed bank. –Enhancement of beach renourishment projects –Mitigation for coastal projects

Seedling Production

Seedling production

Seabeach Amaranth restoration efforts are working Beach Renourishment can provide suitable habitat for this species

Changing Gears… A plant to avoid using near the dunes

Roundleaf Vitex Vitex rotundifolia Originated in Korea Invasive Encroaches into habitat of native dune species –May impact suitable seabeach amaranth and sea turtle nesting habitat

Beach Vitex

Special Thanks to… Ed Eudaly - USF&WS Charleston Greg “Rudi” Rudolph - Carteret County Doug Piatowski - USACE Wilmington Town of Oak Island

For additional help… David Nash Extension Agent – Coastal Management & Commercial Horticulture North Carolina Cooperative Extension - New Hanover County Center 6206 Oleander Drive Wilmington, NC Phone: (910)