About Amaranthus pumilus Raf.
Amaranthus pumilus Raf., the seaside amaranth, produces multiple low, prostrate stems with fleshy leaves. Larger specimens that develop hundreds of stems can cover an area approximately one meter across. Its small yellow flowers are not prominent, but the plant produces a large number of seeds in July. The long viability of these seeds may explain why this species has reappeared in locations where it had previously disappeared. This species grows on sandy beaches, particularly on barrier islands, and thrives at the base of dunes located above the high water mark. While seaside amaranth grows near other beach plant species, it can only tolerate coexistence with American sea rocket (Cakile edentula), and is intolerant of all other beach species. This plant plays an important role in sandy beach ecosystems: it accumulates sand around itself to help form dunes.
