Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Saltmeadow Cordgrass - Bitter Panicgrass - Beach Marsh-pennywort Grassland

Colloquial Name: West Gulf Coastal Plain Cordgrass Dune Grassland

Hierarchy Level:  Association

Type Concept: This association occurs on low dunes of barrier islands along the Louisiana and Texas coasts. In Louisiana, it is known from the Chandeleurs and related islands, where Spartina patens replaces Uniola paniculata (which is present in small amounts) as the dominant grass along the upper beach and primary dune. Louisiana barrier islands are the only areas in the southeastern U.S. to show a dominance by Spartina patens on the upper beach and primary dune. On the barrier islands of coastal Texas, this vegetation is found on stabilized secondary dunes where Spartina patens and Paspalum monostachyum typically codominate. Other grasses that may be present include Panicum amarum, Sporobolus virginicus, Cenchrus spinifex, Eustachys petraea, and Eragrostis secundiflora ssp. oxylepis. Other characteristic species include Galactia canescens, Rhynchosia americana, Opuntia stricta, Chamaecrista fasciculata, Lythrum californicum, Helianthus argophyllus, Croton punctatus, Fimbristylis castanea, Sabatia stellaris, Cakile spp., Chamaesyce bombensis, and Ipomoea imperati. The sediments which form beach parent material change abruptly between Ship Island (Mississippi) on the east and the Chandeleur Islands (Louisiana) to the west.

Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available

Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available

Classification Comments: No Data Available

Similar NVC Types: No Data Available

note: No Data Available