Chamaesyce polygonifolia and C. ingallsii are plants restricted to Atlantic coast beach communities. While C. polygonifolia is considered more common, C. ingallsii is rare (Virginia Natural Heritage Program 1989). My observations on the two species in pristine beach communities indicate that without man’s influence, the latter species may be the more common. Chamaesyce polygonifolia is a decumbent, mat-forming herb with pale green leaves, yellow stems and oblong fruits (Ahles 1968). Mats formed by this plant can be up to 30 cm in diameter