It can stand the heat, the sand and the sea — and still bloom like a daisy

Sea ox-eye (Borrichia frutescens) is a common daisy-like plant you may have noticed along the edges of Lowcountry salt marshes and sand dunes.

Native to the U.S., the species occurs along the coast from Maryland to Florida and west to Texas, as well as in parts of Mexico.

Like many other beach plants, sea ox-eye is remarkably tolerant of bright sun, high heat, sandy soils, and salt spray.

Sea ox-eye starts out as a modest herb only a few inches high, but it can eventually grow into a prominent shrub three or four feet tall. The oval or lance-shaped leaves are gray-green to silvery in color.

Each showy ox-eye “flower” is actually a composite of dozens of tiny flowers (florets) packed into a tight cluster an inch or so across. As in asters, daisies, and other close relatives, there are two distinct types of florets: tubular “discs” in the center of the cluster and strap-like “rays” radiating out around them.

The flower heads give rise to hard, spiny, bur-like structures containing numerous single-seeded fruits.

Sea ox-eyes also spread vegetatively via underground stems (rhizomes), forming colonies. These dense, bushy growths provide cover for wildlife. The flowers produce nectar for various butterflies, and birds feed on the fruits.

Lowcountry beachgoers benefit from sea ox-eyes, as well. Thickets of this sturdy, widespread plant play an important role in retarding erosion and stabilizing beaches.