Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available

Floristics: This is a pioneer, early-successional herbaceous association occurring on recent sand deposits on the windward side of actively moving sand dunes. It is dominated by a sparse cover of the strongly rhizomatous perennial grass Leymus flavescens (= Elymus flavescens) and the perennial forb Psoralidium lanceolatum (= Psoralea lanceolata). Total plant cover ranges from 15-25%, with the two dominant species averaging between 4 and 11% cover each. Other herbaceous species that may occur include the perennial bunchgrass Achnatherum hymenoides (= Oryzopsis hymenoides), the perennial forbs Oxytheca dendroidea (= Eriogonum dendroideum) and Machaeranthera canescens (= Aster canescens), and the annual forb Eriogonum deflexum. Species richness is low.

Dynamics:  Vegetation is buried by sand over time. The dunes where this association is found are active, migrating slowly to the northeast at an average of 3 m/year (Chadwick and Dalke 1965). Sand deposits extend to windward from the dunes in the form of long ridges, parallel to the wind direction. The migrating dunes become smaller as they move, and the presence of partially or completely vegetated dune formations indicates that dunes stop advancing and become vegetated. The presence of this association in the region is constantly shifting as dunes advance and bury areas, at the same time providing new habitat for colonization. Dunes gradually become smaller and reach a threshold of size, below which they become stabilized by vegetation. This association occurs on recent sand deposits, but over time, if deposition slows, the association will succeed to other vegetation types, such as ~Ericameria nauseosa / Leymus flavescens / Psoralidium lanceolatum Shrubland (CEGL001329)$$ and ~Purshia tridentata - Ericameria nauseosa Shrubland (CEGL001056)$$.