Uniola paniculata
Description: Stout perennial from long, thick rhizomes. Drooping open panicles, open, paniculate flowers and are attached to slender branches. Culms to 2 m tall. Ligules a dense ring of hairs 1-3 mm long. Narrow blade to 8o cm long and 1 cm wide. Panicles contracted. Spikelets strongly flattened. Blooms July-August. Most recognizable grass of beach goers in the state.
Location: Found on beaches, sand flats and sand dunes of the central Gulf Coast.
Soil Type: Barrier island sand.
Trivia: Seeds resemble seeds of oats. Sea oats is the most important plant in forming barrier island dunes and in their long-term stabilization.
Economic, Environmental Importance: Sand dune stabilization; floral arrangements (often over collected for that purpose). Poor forage but some wildlife use.
stxflora 