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A.1206 | EcoArt 2002
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Name: A.1206
Reference: EcoArt 2002
Description: The dominant species in the ~~Ammophila arenaria$ Semi-natural Herbaceous Alliance (A.1206)$$ is native to Europe and has been widely planted on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North America. It has become naturalized and forms a dominant vegetation type along the Pacific Coast from San Francisco Bay to southwestern Washington. This alliance occurs on shifting sands of outer coastal dunes at sea level. Soils are entirely aeolian sands without horizon development or accumulated organic material. Colonization by ~Ammophila arenaria$, a rhizomatous grass, enhances capture and stabilization of sand, leading to the development of steep dune faces perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction. This alliance is dominated by medium-tall graminoids, which range in cover from dense to very open (down to 10% cover). The sand substrate is usually visible, and litter accumulation from plant debris is insignificant. ~Ammophila arenaria$ usually dominates the stands. Associated herbaceous species (all of them native) characteristic of this alliance include ~Leymus mollis (= Elymus mollis), Poa macrantha, Abronia latifolia, Lathyrus littoralis$, and ~Cakile$ spp. Sparsely scattered shrubs and trees may also occur, particularly near the landward edge, including ~Gaultheria shallon, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Arctostaphylos columbiana, Salix hookeriana, Ledum glandulosum, Lonicera involucrata$, and ~Pinus contorta$. 
Accession Code: VB.CC.977.A1206
Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
      Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization)
Perspective from: 26-Nov-1997 to: 17-Mar-2005
     
  • status: accepted
  • Community's Parent: V.A.5.N.c
  • This Community's Level: Alliance
  • This Community's Children: [none]
Names:   Scientific: AMMOPHILA ARENARIA SEMI-NATURAL HERBACEOUS ALLIANCE
  Code: A.1206
  Common: European Beachgrass Semi-natural Herbaceous Alliance
(convergence) and Synonyms:
(undetermined) Ammophila arenaria Semi-natural Herbaceous Alliance