Name:
Morella (pensylvanica, cerifera) / Schizachyrium littorale - Eupatorium hyssopifolium Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation
Reference:
Eastern Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
These mid-Atlantic maritime grasslands occurs on deep well-drained sands of old leveled interdunes and backdunes. They usually occur within the influence of offshore winds and salt spray. Although highly variable in species composition, the typical expression of this community is characterized by a predominance (25-50% cover) of bunch grasses including Schizachyrium littorale (= Schizachyrium scoparium ssp. littorale), Andropogon virginicus, Panicum amarum var. amarulum, Ammophila breviligulata, Dichanthelium scoparium, and Dichanthelium acuminatum. Generally one or two of these species will dominate while the others occur as more infrequent, scattered clumps. Occasionally Spartina patens, growing in a dry 'wispy' condition, will form the dominant graminoid cover. Shrubs of Morella pensylvanica (= Myrica pensylvanica) and/or Morella cerifera (= Myrica cerifera) are sparse and stunted Baccharis halimifolia, Prunus maritima, and Diospyros virginiana are even less frequent. Dense tangles of Toxicodendron radicans are very characteristic of this community as they sprawl over the bare ground and sparse vegetation. Rubus argutus and Rhus copallinum are also scattered throughout. Much of the remaining dry sands are exposed with sparsely distributed herbs. Characteristic herb species include Cirsium horridulum, Solidago sempervirens, Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium (= Gnaphalium obtusifolium), Nuttallanthus canadensis, Euthamia caroliniana (= Euthamia tenuifolia), Oenothera humifusa, Oenothera oakesiana, Pityopsis falcata, Opuntia humifusa, and Diodia teres. The range of this community is not well known; North Carolina is likely the southern extent. This community is related to maritime grasslands of New England and New York. Further analysis is required to determine the classification, and thus the range, with confidence. Diagnostic species are Morella pensylvanica, Schizachyrium littorale, Eupatorium hyssopifolium, and Eupatorium rotundifolium.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.25456.MORELLAPENSYLVA
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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