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| Seaside amaranth | ||||||||||||
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| Amaranthus pumilus Raf. |
Amaranthus pumilus, the Seaside amaranth (or Sea beach amaranth), is a species of Amaranth. This annual plant is now a threatened species, although it was formerly widespread along the eastern coast of the United States, its native range.
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History
The seaside amaranth once ranged widely from South Carolina to Massachusetts. It was first identified in New Jersey, but disappeared in that state by 1913. This plant has reappeared on some areas where is was formerly extirpated by habitat loss and recreational activities.
Description
The plant consists of many low and prostrate stems with fleshy leaves. Larger plants with hundreds of stems may cover an area of about a meter. Yellow flowers are obscure, but many seeds are produced in July. The lengthy viability of these seeds may account for the reappearance of Amaranthus pumilus in places where it had formerly vanished.
Habitat
This plant is found on sandy beaches. It flourishes at the base of dunes above the high water mark. Although the seaside amaranth is found in the neighborhood of other beach plants, it is intolerant of all but sea rocket (Cakile edentula).
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