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

Rough Draft
Use this section to plan what you will write in the letter.
Data Analysis - Plant ranking:
4
2
7
6
5
6
3
Procedure: In two to four sentences, explain how you ranked the plants from most desirable to least desirable. Be sure to cite evidence from the data to support your rankings.