Sea oats provide variety of benefits
Sea oats (Uniola paniculata), the ubiquitous and charismatic dune species, is beginning to show off its summer glory. The gentle swaying “oats,” which are the plant’s seedheads, typically form spikes — or panicles, in botanical terminology — in the early summer. Despite Hurricane Ian’s storm surge and strong winds, the areas where sea oats remain are recovering quite well and are thriving despite last fall’s difficult conditions. Sea oats are perfectly suited for shifting winds; with roots that can grow until they hit the water table, they can often extend in our area downwards of 10 feet or more. In addition, clumps will spread horizontally by underground stems, the seeds provide food for birds and small mammals, and the grass blades trap windborn sand to create and build new sand dunes.
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