Sand cherry is listed as rare in New York State. A few hardy beach annuals are scattered near the beachward toe of the foredunes, especially in the rows of wind-driven debris. They are entirely at the mercy of waves, wind, and human activity, but somehow they manage to germinate, grow, and reproduce each summer before fall and winter storms wash them away. Beach clotbur has rough, sandpapery, triangular leaves and sharp burry fruits. It is the most common beach plant on the eastern shore.
Sea rocket grows only on sandy beaches and is quite uncommon on the eastern shore.
It has thick fleshy leaves and tiny white flowers with four petals. In some years after a strong wind, the beach will contain narrow lines of seedlings of many plants not particularly adapted to beach living. These plants are fun to explore even though they are generally gone within a few weeks. The beachgrass community changes growing conditions on the sand it occupies and on the interior dunes behind it. Plants shade the surface, moderating temperature fluctuations and moisture availability.