Why Salt-Tolerant Plants are Important
for Florida Landscapes

Florida's coastal environments range from the (almost) pristine beaches of Florida's panhandle where the sea oats sway to the busy port and play cities of Miami and the southeast Gold Coast (do they still call it that anymore?) - Jack

The coconut palms and other plants that grow along the Miami River, seen here from Brickell Key, contend with both salt and pollution. - Jack

It is estimated that about 1000 people move into Florida every day. With them comes the demand for more resources. More houses. More gas. More electricity. More baths. More irrigation systems. Water demands rise in proportion to the influx of people.

Prolonged droughts aggravate the problem. Because the ground becomes so dry, irrigation systems use more water than usual. As fresh, underground water becomes depleted, salt water from bays and the Gulf moves in to take its place. Wells that have delivered good water for years begin to spray salty water. Before homeowners become aware of the problem, many of their plants are in trouble.

Damage occurs when excessive concentrations of salts cause water to move out of plants through a process called exosmosis. Plants begin to wilt and literally die from lack of water. Of course, it’s a catch-22. The gardener waters the wilted plant. More saline water worsens the situation, and the poor plant is doomed. Homeowners may first notice some leaves on certain plants have burned margins or tips. In some cases, all leaves may fall off and the plants may die. Azaleas are one of the first plants to exhibit salt damage.

The oleander shrub is fast-growing, salt and drought tolerant and blooms over a long period, characteristics that have made it a traditional favorite in Florida's coastal landscapes. - Jack

By the same token, some plants do well with exposure to salt. Many salt-tolerant plants that thrive in my neighborhood are a part of the natural selection process. Some plants that my neighbors planted and tried were weeded out long ago by hurricanes, salt spray, and salty well water. They continue to be weeded out as droughts, storms, and other forces of nature test their limits. Those that have been here for many years are–duh–salt tolerant! These salt-tolerant stronghearts can be expected to do well in almost any yard in the Coastal South, from the beach to inland locations.

Beach sunflower is a native vine with a creeping habit that forms colorful flowering mats of foliage that helps stabilize dunes and slow erosion. - Jack

Salt-tolerant plants are adapted to the conditions of the seashore. Wind is a given, and may be in the form of soft breezes, hard gales, or hurricanes. They may be intermittent or constant. These winds can strip away moisture, leaving brown, dehydrated leaves. Coastal air can quickly thicken into fogs that envelop plants in salt-laden moisture. Spray from the ocean deposits salt directly on plants. The sun along the beaches is more intense as it bounces off the white sand and water. Sandy, infertile soil is lacking in organic and nutrient matter. It dries out rapidly and is often alkaline, which locks up nutrients needed for plant growth.

The handsome and rugged Spanish bayonet thrives seaside but due to its dangerously sharp-spined leaves is best used away from patios and play areas. For the same reason it makes an excellent security plant and can be grown into an impenetrabble hedge. - Jack

For more on coastal and gardening in the southern United States visit Marie's website at: http://www.mariesgarden.com

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