Atlantic Beach battles invasive plant

The City of Atlantic Beach is working to combat the spread of beach vitex, an aggressive invasive plant threatening vital dune ecosystems. This non-native species, identified in a recent grant-funded inventory, crowds out native vegetation like sea oats and has shallow roots that offer little protection against storms.

While significant efforts are underway to eradicate existing beach vitex, its seeds float in from as far as South Carolina, meaning new plants can appear anywhere along the beach. This makes it a concern for the entire length of Atlantic Beach.

How to Identify Beach Vitex

Beach Vitex (scientific name: Vitex rotundifolia) is a fast-growing woody shrub or vine that typically forms dense mats along the ground. Look for these key characteristics:

• Leaves: The leaves are usually single, rounded to oval-shaped, thick and have a slightly fuzzy texture. They are typically grayish green on the top and lighter underneath. When crushed, they may have an aromatic scent.

• Flowers: In warmer months, beach vitex produces spikes of small, fragrant, purple to blue flowers.

• Growth Habit: It spreads rapidly, forming extensive groundcover or climbing over other vegetation, often creating large, dense patches in the dunes.

What You Can Do

You can help to spot and report beach vitex. If you see this invasive plant, take a picture and report it. This will help the city monitor its spread and coordinate further removal efforts. While it’s currently most prevalent just north of 18th Street, remember it can appear anywhere.

To report Beach Vitex, email the City of Atlantic Beach at info@coab.us. Include a photo and the location where you spotted the plant.

Contributed photo

Why It Matters

Beach Vitex poses a serious threat to the health of our dunes:

• Crowds out native plants: It outcompetes essential native vegetation like sea oats, which are crucial for dune stability.

• Weakens dunes: Its shallow root system is not effective in preventing erosion during storms, making the coastline more vulnerable.