Last Updated on September 30, 2023
Sandy soils and sand dunes present a number of challenges for vegetative growth, including low nutrient availability, poor water retention, and exposure to harsh environmental conditions such as salt spray, wind, and lack of shade.
Sandy beaches can also be challenging environments for plant growth due to the lack of soil and fluctuating water level.
Somehow, some plants have successfully adapted to these conditions.
Plants that grow in sand have adapted to survive in harsh environments where soil is scarce or has poor nutrient content, whether on sand dunes, at the beach, or in the desert.
Sand is a poor growing medium because it drains water and nutrients quickly, which can make it difficult for plants to survive. However, some plants have adapted to these conditions through a variety of mechanism.
Sand Plant Adaptations
Below, six strategies that plants have adopted in order to grow on sandy soils:
- Deep roots: Many plants that grow in sand have deep roots that allow them to absorb moisture and nutrients from a larger volume of soil. This can help them survive in environments where the top layer of soil is dry or nutrient-poor.
- Specialized leaves or stem structures: Some plants that grow in sand have small, waxy leaves that reduce evaporation, while others have thick, fleshy stems that store water. These adaptations can help plants conserve moisture in dry environments.
- Protective outer layers or waxes: Many plants that grow in sand have thick, protective outer layers or waxes on their leaves to help shield them from the sun and wind. These adaptations can help protect plants from damage and water loss in harsh environments.
- Ability to fix nitrogen: Some plants that grow in sand are able to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, which allows them to obtain a critical nutrient without relying on the soil. Nitrogen is an essential element for plant growth, and the ability to fix nitrogen can be a key adaptation for plants growing in sand.
- Dormancy: Some plants that grow in sand have the ability to go dormant during times of stress, such as drought or extreme heat. Dormancy allows plants to survive extreme conditions by shutting down their growth and metabolic processes until conditions improve.
- Germination strategies: Some plants that grow in sand have adapted to the harsh conditions of their environment by developing specialized germination strategies. For example, some plants may release seeds that are able to withstand prolonged exposure to draughts or heat, while others may have seeds that can remain dormant in the soil until conditions are more favorable for germination, such as when it rains in the desert.
Plants That Grow on Sand
Some examples of plants that have adapted to grow on sand dunes, sandy beaches and deserts include:
Sand verbena (Abronia spp.)
Sand verbena (Abronia spp.) is a native perennial that is commonly found growing in sandy soils in North America. It is a low-growing succulent plant with hairy, oval-shaped leaves and clusters of small, showy flowers that come in shades of pink or purple.
Sand verbena is known for its ability to tolerate dry climate conditions, and grows mainly in coastal areas. It is a halophyte, which means it requires exposure to salt spray, and cannot tolerate fresh water.
Beach morning glory (Ipomoea pes-caprae)
Beach morning glory (Ipomoea pes-caprae) is a fast-growing vine that is native to tropical and subtropical regions. It is often found growing on sandy beaches, dunes, and other coastal environments. Beach morning glory is known for its attractive, trumpet-shaped flowers that come in shades of purple, pink, or white.
Sandspurry (Spergularia marina)
Sandspurry (Spergularia marina) is a native herb that is commonly found growing on sandy beaches, dunes, and other coastal environments. It is a low-growing plant with small, oval-shaped leaves and clusters of small, pink or white flowers that bloom in the summer.
Beach peanut (Arachis glabrata)
This may come at a surprise, but peanuts grow on sand. Beach peanut (Arachis glabrata) is a native groundcover that is commonly found growing on sandy beaches and dunes in tropical and subtropical regions. It is a low-growing plant with small, oval-shaped leaves and clusters of small, yellow flowers that bloom in the summer.
Peanuts are typically grown in well-draining, sandy soils in areas with long, warm growing seasons. They are grown in many countries around the world, including the United States, China, India, Argentina, and Brazil.
Sea rocket (Cakile maritima)
Another edible sand plant is Sea rocket (Cakile maritima), a native herb that is commonly found growing on sandy beaches, dunes, and other coastal environments in temperate and subarctic regions. It is a low-growing plant with small, oval-shaped leaves and clusters of small, white or pink flowers that bloom in the summer.
Sea rocket is known for its spicy, mustard-like flavor, and is often used in salads or as a garnish.
Beach sunflower (Helianthus debilis)
Beach sunflower (Helianthus debilis) is a native plant that is commonly found growing on sandy beaches and dunes in the southeastern United States. It is a low-growing plant with small, oval-shaped leaves and clusters of small, yellow flowers that bloom in the summer.
Beach sunflowers are known for their ability to tolerate salt spray and drought conditions, making them well-suited to growing in sandy and coastal environments.
Beach plum (Prunus maritima)
Beach plum (Prunus maritima) is a native shrub that is commonly found growing on sandy beaches, dunes, and other coastal environments in the northeastern United States. It is a small, deciduous shrub with oval-shaped leaves and clusters of small, white or pink flowers that bloom in the spring. Beach plum is known for its edible fruit, which is a small, purple plum with a tart flavor.
Beach plums are often used as landscape plants or erosion control plants in these areas. These plants can also be grown in gardens as ornamental shrubs, where they are valued for their attractive flowers and edible fruit.
Read also: Mushrooms That Grow on Sand Dunes
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