Dunes at Goose Spit

Often the reason a destination is popular has little to do with the superb natural features of an area. Goose Spit Park in Comox, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia is one such area. Usually portrayed as “the” place to enjoy the sunset and an evening beach fire, Goose Spit has much more to offer the curious naturalist including a unique area of sand dunes.

Goose Spit
Dramatic skies at Goose Spit, Comox, British Columbia.

The parking lot at the far end of Hawkins Road just before it enters HMCS Quadra is an excellent starting place for a Goose Spit dunes botanical exploration. Walking west along the beach a number of plants in the pea family (Fabaceae) grow above the high tide line and among the driftwood logs.

Peas and Lupins at Goose Spit

At this time of year, Beach Pea (Lathyrus japonicus) is in bloom as are two species of lupin – Seashore Lupin (Lupinus littoralis) and Tree Lupin (L. arboreus). The former is a native species. The latter was introduced from California, possibly in an attempt to stabilize the shoreline. A third pea that is readily visible is the invasive Scotch Broom (Cystisus scoparius).

Seashore Lupin (Lupinus littoralis)
Seashore Lupin (Lupinus littoralis)

When the buildings of the base end, the dunes start to open up. A training obstacle course runs through the center of dune habitat and climbing walls and other apparatus are readily visible. This sandy area is spectacular for early and late spring blooms and many of early the plants are still in bloom at this time of year (although many are also going to seed as well).

A Sensitive Dune Ecosystem

Be mindful that this is extremely sensitive habitat and the dunes are very significant. They are only one of four locations in BC where there are records of the endangered Sand-verbena moth. Fortunately, much of the dunes are within DND lands and access is prohibited. It is still possible to find and enjoy most of the plants in the narrow strip between the high tide line and the DND boundary. Watch for the leaves of Yellow Sand-verbena (Abronia latifolia). Some of these plants were transplanted as part of the recovery plan for the Sand-verbena Moth.

Gold Star (Crocidium multicaule)
Gold Star (Crocidium multicaule)

Other typical dune plants include Gold Star (Crocidium multicaule), a beautiful yellow aster that is just finishing blooming at this time of year. Both flowers and seed heads are easy to find.

Pink Microsteris (Microsteris gracilis)
Pink Microsteris (Microsteris gracilis)

Pink Microsteris (Microsteris gracilis) is another delicate dune plant that is common at Goose Spit. Its small pink flowers have five petals and while the plant has a weedy look it is actually a native species.

Black Knotweed (Polygonum paronychia)
Black Knotweed (Polygonum paronychia)

Black Knotweed (Polygonum paronychia) grows in the dunes as well. It has a prostrate, shrubby look with thick, rolled-under leaves. The flowers of this plant are white to pink and clustered in the upper leaf axils.

These are just a few of the flowers that bloom in the dunes at Goose Spit in the spring and early summer. With a little care, this rare and sensitive ecosystem can be explored. The natural beauty of the flora of the dunes, so often missed by the casual beach walker, experienced and appreciated.