Review the data below and use it to rank the plants from most desirable (1) to least desirable (7). important notes:
• native plants are plants original to a region.
• exotic plants have been introduced into an area.
• growth rate is the time required for the plant to reach maturity.
• lifespan is the length of time the plant is expected to live.
• stabilization rating is the ability of the plant to reduce erosion of the sand dune.
dune plant exotic or native tolerant of sea spray growth rate lifespan (years) stabilization rating characteristics
american beachgrass exotic yes fast 10 moderate can be damaged by pedestrian traffic; may need annual maintenance
coastal panic grass native moderately moderate 14 poor cannot tolerate large deposits of sand; good wind barrier
bitter panicum exotic yes slow 20 poor can provide cover for songbirds, water fowl, and small mammals
salt meadow cordgrass native no moderate 20 excellent can become invasive and kill other vegetation
seashore elder exotic no moderate 14 excellent produces purple flowers and spicy fragrance; heavy cover can kill other vegetation
sea oats native yes slow 20 moderate encourages burrowing animals
european beachgrass exotic yes fast 20 excellent invasive; can crowd out other vegetation