Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Seashore Lupine Dune Grassland

Colloquial Name: No Data Available

Hierarchy Level:  Association

Type Concept: This early-seral association occurs on sand dunes along the Pacific Coast between southwestern Oregon and southwestern Washington. It is characteristic of open, dry, sparsely vegetated dunes, and to a lesser extent dry deflation plains. The substrate is sand with little or no organic material. Sand movement is moderate to slight, causing both erosion and burial of stands. Insolation is intense, and summer drought pervasive. Lupinus littoralis reproduces prolifically by seed, and can colonize bare dune surfaces readily. Many populations become established during the summer on dune surfaces recently created by winter winds. The subsequent return of winter wind patterns often obliterates these newly established populations. Bare sand averages 51% and ranges from 5-97%. Tree and shrub layers are absent. The herb layer is depauperate to moderately diverse, with total cover averaging 39%, ranging from 3-75%. The dominant species is Lupinus littoralis, with cover ranging from 3-75%, averaging 31%. Other native components present in lesser numbers include species typical of open dunes, such as Poa macrantha, Festuca rubra, Glehnia littoralis ssp. leiocarpa, Fragaria chiloensis, Polygonum paronychia, and Abronia latifolia. Some of these species form plant associations of their own, and sometimes intergrade with one another. Although many older stands are being overrun by Ammophila arenaria, new stands are ubiquitous, and the species is prolific, causing the association to dominate large parts of the dunes.

Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available

Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available

Classification Comments: This association represents more-or-less monotypic stands of Lupinus littoralis. It may intergrade with other native dune species such as Poa macrantha or Festuca rubra that form plant associations of their own.

Similar NVC Types: No Data Available

note: No Data Available