Alternanthera littoralis, commonly known as Beach Alternanthera, is an evergreen perennial herb native to coastal sand dunes and beachfront areas of the Caribbean and parts of Brazil and Western Africa. It typically grows to a height and width of approximately 1 foot (0.3 meters), forming a dense mat of foliage. The leaves are small, elliptic to spatulate, and green to grayish-green in color. Beach Alternanthera produces inconspicuous white flowers during the spring and winter months, which are often overlooked due to the attractiveness of the foliage.

Beach Alternanthera is valued for its ability to stabilize sandy soils and its use as a ground cover in coastal landscapes. It is tolerant of salt spray and sandy conditions, making it suitable for seaside gardens. In cultivation, it requires full sun to part shade and medium amounts of water, with a preference for well-drained soils. While it is not commonly used in urban planting, it can be an excellent choice for border planting in coastal areas. Gardeners should be aware that it can spread vigorously and may require regular pruning to keep it in check.CC BY-SA 4.0