Deceptively beautiful beach invader
In the 1960s, research scientists imported an ornamental vine known as beach vitex to coastal Carolina. Beach vitex is a classic example of misguided environmentalism. Originally envisioned as a way to stabilize dunes and retard erosion, the plant’s hardy growth and stealthy nature – its seed colonizes new growth, borne by wind and the Atlantic Ocean – have enabled it to overtake vast swaths of Topsail Island shoreline. So reviled is this fast-growing weed that it has acquired the nickname, “kudzu of the coast.” Sadly, beach vitex has proven less effective at consolidating sand dunes than sea oats and bitter panicum, plus its presence poses a habitat risk to Topsail’s revered sea turtles. Surf City and Topsail Island banned vitex in 2006, and efforts are under way to eradicate (or at least curtail) its rapid growth. Should you see a clutch of vitex, it’s important not to rip it up. Instead, report your sighting to the Beach Vitex Task Force.
In the 1960s, research scientists imported an ornamental vine known as beach vitex to coastal Carolina. Beach vitex is a classic example of misguided environmentalism. Originally envisioned as a way to stabilize dunes and retard erosion, the plant’s hardy growth and stealthy nature – its seed colonizes new growth, borne by wind and the Atlantic Ocean – have enabled it to overtake vast swaths of Topsail Island shoreline. So reviled is this fast-growing weed that it has acquired the nickname, “kudzu of the coast.” Sadly, beach vitex has proven less effective at consolidating sand dunes than sea oats and bitter panicum, plus its presence poses a habitat risk to Topsail’s revered sea turtles. Surf City and Topsail Island banned vitex in 2006, and efforts are under way to eradicate (or at least curtail) its rapid growth. Should you see a clutch of vitex, it’s important not to rip it up. Instead, report your sighting to the Beach Vitex Task Force.
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