About Hudsonia ericoides L.
Hudsonia ericoides L. is a low-growing perennial shrub that forms dense mats up to one meter wide. It has a taproot along with a network of fibrous roots that grow in the top few centimeters of soil. Its branches are covered in small, green, needle-like leaves; each leaf is only a few millimeters long and less than half a millimeter wide, and the plant also bears simple leaves alongside white or yellow petals. This species grows primarily in coastal pine plant communities such as pine barrens. It is common in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, and on Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket in Massachusetts. It also grows on Long Island alongside pitch pines. It inhabits dry, sandy soils, and grows readily on dunes and beaches in humid, windy climates. It cannot tolerate shade, and is most often found in sunny locations. It is a pioneer species, and can sometimes grow in disturbed habitats like roadsides. It is commonly found in habitats that experience frequent wildfires, which is characteristic of pine barrens. Some related populations of this plant group are considered at risk, and one is presumed extinct.
