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Lotus scoparius for Oregon coast? #874621

Asked June 25, 2024, 12:04 PM EDT

In an online forum the species Lotus scoparius was mentioned as useful in stabilizing foredune areas in California.  Given how plant ranges seem to be migrating northwards we are wondering if one of its varieties would:

1.  Grow and propagate on the Bayocean sandspit by Tillamook Bay.

2.  Not be invasive.


We note that it is a host plant for several varieties of pollinators including a butterfly that some sources note as at risk, and that it is also forage for deer, and thus would be useful for more than dune stabilization.  We also note that as a member of the pea family it would fix nitrogen as does the hated scotch broom!

Tillamook County Oregon

Expert Response

After discussing this topic with plant experts in Oregon, it was agreed that Lotus scoparius - also known as Acmispon glaber – should not be planted and propagated in Oregon or on the spit at Bayocean. It is unsure if this species would be invasive or not. In addition, this species may not survive very well with the amount of precipitation the Tillamook Bay area gets. While plant migrations may be happening, something like Acmispon parviflorus, synonym Lotus micranthus, may be more appropriate.

Oregon native dune species are much better sources for at-risk pollinator species in dune systems. Lathyrus japonicus (beach pea) and Trifolium wormskioldii (springbank clover) are excellent choices of native nitrogen fixers that grow well in sand. Other species of interest may include Pearly Everlasting, Dune Tansy, Dune Goldenrod, Pacific Aster, Sand Dune Sedge, Beach Morning Glory, Evergreen Huckleberry, Coyote Brush, Pacific Wax Myrtle, and Shore Pine.

Felicia Olmeta Schult, PhD (she/her) (hear name) Replied July 10, 2024, 2:58 PM EDT
I don't think I've ever seen the lotus out there, and I've scoured the dunes for rare species more than once -- even found one once the handbook said was thought extinct (probably is now, the way the European beach grass and scotchbroom have gotten so bad), a wild pea native only to sandspits on the Oregon Coast (can't recall the name).  There are at least three kinds of wild pea out there, but they have serious competition from the beach grass; they seem to grow well among the wide-leafed native stuff but not the European.  That clover is all over in the marshy areas.

Evergreen huckleberry doesn't transplant well unless there's shade, which is puzzling since there are plenty of clumps of it dotted around.  The wax myrtle does okay but people think it doesn't "look native"!  We've started sand dune sedge a few times but it always gets choked out by the beach grass.  There are a half dozen glorious examples of coyote bush literally planted in holes made by pulling scotchbroom (we were told "It will grow anywhere scotchbroom will", so we took it literally).  Occasionally there's a clump of the Dune Goldenrod.  The others I'm not familiar with.

On Wed, Jul 10, 2024 at 11:58 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied July 11, 2024, 12:34 PM EDT

It looks like you have been doing a lot of research on the matter and tried different things.

Have you worked with the Tillamook County Soil and Water Conservation District in the past? They may be a good resource. The Lincoln County Soil and Water Conservation District also has a Native Plant Database that you may find useful. 

Felicia Olmeta Schult, PhD (she/her) (hear name) Replied July 18, 2024, 1:55 PM EDT
I talked with a Soil & Water Conservation guy over five years ago but don't even recall discussing more than where to get native trees to plant -- something we need a better source for than people in Netarts and Oceanside donating unwanted seedlings and young trees!

The plant database is great!  I notice quite a few species we'd love to include but which just aren't suitable as pioneers in sand.  Last year we lost several trees that had reached eight to twelve feet high that we were counting on to provide shade for some of the bushes and wildflowers that prefer a little shade.  We're keeping our fingers crossed that those tiny beetles don't show up again this year and do more damage.

On Thu, Jul 18, 2024 at 10:55 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied July 19, 2024, 12:22 AM EDT

Happy to know that you found the native plant database helpful! Feel free to contact me directly at <personal data hidden> if you have more questions. We hope to have a planting guide for erosion reduction of Oregon dunes and beaches in the coming year or so. 

Felicia Olmeta Schult, PhD (she/her) (hear name) Replied July 19, 2024, 8:34 PM EDT

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