Name:
Morella (pensylvanica, cerifera) / Schizachyrium littorale - Eupatorium hyssopifolium Shrub Grassland
Reference:
NatureServe Biotics 2019
Description:
These mid-Atlantic maritime grasslands occur on deep well-drained sands of 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 bunchgrasses including <i>Schizachyrium littorale, Andropogon virginicus, Panicum amarum, Ammophila breviligulata, Dichanthelium scoparium</i>, and <i>Dichanthelium acuminatum</i>. Generally one or two of these species dominate, while the others are less common. Occasionally <i>Spartina patens</i> forms the dominant graminoid cover. Shrubs of <i>Morella pensylvanica</i> and/or <i>Morella cerifera</i> are sparse and stunted <i>Baccharis halimifolia, Prunus maritima</i>, and <i>Diospyros virginiana</i> are even less frequent. Dense tangles of <i>Toxicodendron radicans</i> are very characteristic of this community as they sprawl over the bare ground and sparse vegetation. <i>Rubus argutus</i> and <i>Rhus copallinum</i> are also scattered throughout. Much of the remaining dry sands are exposed with sparsely distributed herbs. Characteristic herb species include <i>Cirsium horridulum, Solidago sempervirens, Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium, Nuttallanthus canadensis, Euthamia caroliniana, Oenothera humifusa, Oenothera oakesiana, Pityopsis falcata, Opuntia humifusa</i>, and <i>Diodia teres</i>. This association ranges from Massachusetts to North Carolina. It 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 <i>Morella pensylvanica, Schizachyrium littorale, Eupatorium hyssopifolium</i>, and <i>Eupatorium rotundifolium</i>.
Accession Code:
urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:33075-{040C4D90-9A84-4F2D-8C99-6670DD4BAF2B}
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
15
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