Contributors: T.E. Bilderback, Extension Horticulture Specialist; A.H. Bruneau, Extension Crop Science Specialist; S.C. Hodges, Extension Soil Science Specialist; L.T. Lucas, Extension Plant Pathology Specialist; W.A. Skroch, Professor Emeritus, Horticulture Science; S.L. Warren, Associate Professor, Horticulture Science.

Plants for Seashore Conditions

Given plenty of organic matter and protection from the wind and salt spray, most plants will grow in the coastal areas of North Carolina with little trouble. Because it is not always feasible to offer this protection, it is necessary to select plants properly. The plants listed withstand normal seashore conditions better than others. Saltwater flooding causes the most damage to ornamentals and turf. If the soil is dry when flooding occurs, damage is greater than if the soil had been saturated by rain prior to flooding because dry soil absorbs more salt than wet soil.

Botanical Name Common Name(s)
Cleyera japonica Cleyera
Cortaderia selloana Pampas Gras
Elaeagnus pungens Russian Olive
Euonymus fortune Wintercreeper
Euonymus japonicus Evergreen Euonymus
Fatshedera lizei Bush ivy
Fatsia japonica Japanese Fatsia
Gelsemium sempervirens Carolina Yellow Jasmine
Hemerocallis hybrida Daylily
Iberis sempervirens Evergreen Candytuft
llex opaca American Holly
llex vomitoria Yaupon Holly
llex cornuta Chinese Holly
Juniperus chinensis var. chinesis 'Pfitzeriana Pfitzer Juniper
Juniperus conferta Shore Juniper
Juniperus horizontalis Creeping Juniper
Ligustrum japonicum Japanese Privet
Lonicera sempervirens Trumpet Honeysuckle
Myrica cerifera Wax-myrtle
Myrica pensylvanica Bayberry
Nerium oleander Oleander
Parthenocissus quinquefolia Virginia Creeper
Pinus thunbergii Japanese Black Pine
Pittosporum tobira Japanese Pittosporum
Podocarpus macrophyllus Yew Podocarpus
Quercus virginiana Live Oak
Raphiolepis umbellata Indian Hawthorne
Rosa banksiae Banks Rose
Rosa rugosa Rugose Rose
Rosa wichuraiana Memorial Rose
Sabalpalmetto Sabel Paim
Santolina chamaecyparissus Gray Santolina
Santolina virens Green Santolina
Tamarix gallica Salt Cedar
Vitis rotundifolia Muscadine Grape
Yucca varieties Yucca

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Last Modified: 07/10/96