The plants that live on the foredune have to be tough to survive. These hardy plants have thick or hairy leaves to help them withstand the harsh conditions. Beach grass, seaside goldenrod, and beach peas all grow on the foredune. In the lee of the dunes and on the secondary dunes, plant growth is much thicker. You can hardly see the sand the vegetation is so thick.
Beach grass is the dominant species on our New England sand dunes.
Succulents, such as milkwort, are also found in this area. Poison ivy and beach roses grow in the secondary dune area.