European beachgrass (Ammophila arenaria ).  While this is not available locally, it is available online and from catalogs for import from California/Oregon but would be devastating to the local ecology if planted here.

Dunegrass (Leymus mollis )- This is a native species to North America but is not indigenous as far south as NJ. It occurs from Massachusetts north through the Canadian Maritimes and in the Pacific Northwest.  This plant would not be adapted to our hot, dry summers and would not thrive locally. (Photo credit Cassondra Skinner @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database)

Sea oats (Uniola paniculata )- Commercially available genetic stock of this species would not be adapted long term to our climate. It may live one to a few seasons here but would probably die in the first harsh winter.

Northern sea oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)-although the common name implies that it grows on the dune, this species is actually a forested, floodplain species and needs some shade and moisture to survive. It gets it name from the likeness of the seedhead to sea oats.

Rugosa Rose (Rosa rugosa).    While many people love this species for its pretty pink blooms and large red rose hips, this is a non-native plant and should be avoided when restoring native dunes.  Beach plum and bay bush are native plants with high habitat value that would be better choices for planting in areas in which Rugosa rose might be being considered for planting.

Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora ).  The sweet smell of this plant's flowers and its easy propagation makes it a tempting low maintenance “fence” species.  Unfortunately it forms impenetrable thickets that smother out other vegetation and are not used as habitat by native animals

Salt Cedar (Tamarisk  sp.).  Its extreme salt tolerance makes it a common choice for shore gardeners. While this plant is not too invasive in dry areas, it is a real threat in riparian areas and its planting should be avoided.

Japanese Black Pine (Pinus thunbergii ) is highly used by landscapers in coastal communities due to its tolerance to salt and poor soil.  Unfortunately it creates a monoculture of one species, and one of low genetic diversity.  Monocultures are particularly susceptible to predators and diseases.

Asiatic and large headed sedges (Carex kobomugi and C. macrocephala).  Neither of these is available at nurseries locally, but again they are available via the internet and mail order.   Both of these species are non native and C. kobomugi  is highly invasive in New Jersey.  Both are low growing sedges that don't catch sand as well as the native beach grass, resulting in long, low dunes that are less able to protect the communities behind them from flooding.  It also decimates plant diversity on the dunes and reduces habitat value for many shore animals.