Beach vitex (Vitex rotundifolia) has become a major coastal problem for dozens of beach communities in both North and South Carolina. Dubbed the "kudzu of the coast" for its rapid growth rate – 12 feet or more per year, beach vitex is a woody shrub native to the Pacific Rim and was introduced to the Carolina beaches in the 1980’s.

Beach vitex is extremely salt resistant, drought tolerant and thrives in the open habitat of the coastal dune system. A prolific seed generator, vitex can produce upwards of 3,300 viable seeds in one square meter. Typically growing to a height of only 2 feet, vitex can be identified in the summer by round, silvery-gray/green, semi-waxy leaves that have a distinct, eucalyptus-like scent when crushed, small attractive purple flowers and round, dark purple/black fruits (seeds). Like other deciduous plants, in the winter the leaves and seeds fall off leaving a mess of woody stems scattered across the ground.

The ability to survive in the coastal habitat coupled with its rapid growth rate, vitex was initially thought to be good for beach stabilization. However, over time it was observed that the dense cover of foliage vitex produced soon choked out native dune plants such as sea oats and bitter panicum. Also, vitex grows relatively low to the ground and lacks the fibrous root system of native plants, and is therefore not as efficient at trapping sand and building dunes. Not only a threat to native dune building plants, beach vitex, once established on the ocean side of the dune, can pose a threat to several other species, including the federally threatened loggerhead sea turtle, endangered seabeach amaranth and various nesting shorebirds.

The BHI Conservancy and the Village of BHI have proceeded with urgency to remove beach vitex as quickly as possible. The devastating effects of this invasive plant are clear and we are fortunate to have discovered this problem while we can still do something about it. Given the prolific nature of seed production, its ability to thrive in the dune system and the plants rapid rate of growth, Bald Head Island could be inundated with beach vitex in another 10 years if left unchecked, by which time it would be too late.

If beach vitex is such a danger in the dune area why should it be removed from non-beachfront properties? Simply put, if all vitex is not removed and disposed of properly, the seeds can easily be transported by wind or carried by birds back to dune areas, thus establishing a new population. The eradication of beach vitex can not take place in one fell swoop and will continue to be an on-going endeavor requiring continued cooperation from property owners, the public, government and non-government entities.

The urgency in which we have and continue to respond can not be overstated. Working together with property owners and other government agencies we have a golden opportunity to eradicate this noxious plant from Bald Head Island before it becomes a permanent environmental and ecological danger. Everyone should be aware that the dunes are our first line of defense during a hurricane and that native plants are vital to build these dunes up and help prevent erosion; beach vitex does neither. When beach vitex is allowed to take over the dunes, Bald Head Island will be left much more vulnerable when the next storm comes this way.

After the process of physically removing the plants has been completed, we will be watchful for new growth. If and when new growth is identified we will target the vitex with continued physical removal and the use of a recommended herbicide. Replacement vegetation will not be installed until we know for sure that the vitex has been successfully eradicated, otherwise it will simply grow back and once again choke out native and landscaped vegetation. This may mean some non-vegetated dunes and yards for a short time, but in the long run this will ensure a successful effort and it will be well worth our efforts.

Thanks to the collaborative efforts and dedication of all the parties involved, Bald Head Island is setting the standard for beach vitex removal not only in North Carolina, but the entire southeastern United States. Our model is a guide for other communities as they begin their own eradication efforts. We will put forth every effort to make certain this "project" becomes a successful program, but it will take time. Please continue your support for the fight to remove this dangerous invasive plant from Bald Head Island and understand that by taking the initiative today, we could be shutting the door for disaster in the future. For more information on beach vitex or to report a sighting, please contact Maureen Dewire (maureen@bhic.org) at the Bald Head Island Conservancy.

As of the fall of 2006, over 180 locations have been documented with beach vitex growth. The Village of Bald Head Island and the Bald Head Island Conservancy are continuing to work hard to eradicate ALL beach vitex on Bald Head Island. Phase I – Eradication, is complete with the Village funding approximately over $90,000.00 for the removal of all vitex. To supplement the cost the Village was awarded a grant from the US Fish and Wildlife Service for $15,000.00. During late spring and into the summer of 2006, BHI Conservancy initiated Phase II – Monitoring & Application of Herbicide. BHI Conservancy interns worked diligently throughout the summer monitoring sites for re-growth and applying Roundup in an effort to completely rid those areas of vitex. BHI Conservancy staff and interns worked part-time throughout the fall, continuing to spray until the vitex went dormant for the fall and winter. Monitoring for new growth and regrowth will begin in April, and continue throughout the summer, along with necessary herbicide application. Phase III, Restoration, is likely to begin in early summer 2007.

Beach Vitex Seedlings	Beach Vitex in bloom
Vitex Growing on dune	Dune after removal
	Photos by Maureen Dewire