Abstract
After hurricane overwash, restoration of dune ecosystems requires information on when, where, and how to replace plants removed by storms. Survival and subsequent growth of Schizachyrium maritimum (Chapman) Nash, Morella cerifera (L. Small), and Ceratiola ericoides Michx., transplanted at increasing distances from the Gulf of Mexico (92, 124, 179, and 200 m landward of the Gulf) with increasing protection from salt spray and desiccating winds by developing dunes, were evaluated. Survival and growth was followed for 15 months. Schizachyrium maritimum survival and growth was high regardless of distance from the Gulf. Ceratiola ericoides and M. cerifera did not survive when planted 92 m from the Gulf behind embryo dunes approximately 0.5–1 m tall. Foliage loss was noted at all distances but survival and regrowth were higher at 170 and 200 m behind two to three ridges of embryo dunes 0.5–1 m tall.