Instead, the sign indicated seabeach amaranth was being protected. I've seen it on beaches before, but I didn't realize how important it is to beach eco-systems.
Seabeach amaranth is found in Delaware, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia and the Carolinas. It is an annual plant that germinates from April to June and blooms in July.
Beach erosion and human traffic are two big threats to this plant. The worst blow to this herb was Hurricane Hugo in 1989. It's estimated the hurricane wiped out ninety percent of South Carolina's seabeach amaranth. In 1993 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed it as a threatened species.
If you vacation and spot seabeach amaranth, enjoy the view, but please don't pick it. Thanks!
