Sand-dune willow is restricted to the Great Lakes dunes, and is listed as threatened in New York State. However, it is common on our Lake Ontario eastern shore, where it grows along the tops of the foredunes, into low interior areas called swales, and even onto stabilized secondary dunes. Sand cherry is a low shrub, rarely growing more than three to four feet high, that remains vigorous only where sand continues to accumulate. It is most conspicuous in early June when covered with delicate white blossoms. Sand cherry is easily visible from the beach when in bloom, but is very rare on the eastern shore dunes.
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.