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G663 Californian Coastal Beach & Dune Group

Type Concept Sentence: This Californian coastal group consists of short (<1 m tall) shrublands on coastal sand dunes and beaches where Artemisia californica, Artemisia pycnocephala, Ephedra californica, Ericameria ericoides, Isocoma menziesii, Lupinus chamissonis, Lupinus arboreus, Opuntia littoralis and/or Rhus integrifolia partially stabilize sandy slopes along the coast of California north of Point Conception.

Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Californian Coastal Beach & Dune Group

Colloquial Name: Californian Coastal Beach & Dune

Hierarchy Level:  Group

Type Concept: This group consists of shrubs and subshrubs typically less than 1 m tall dominated by species such as Artemisia californica, Artemisia pycnocephala, Ephedra californica, Ericameria ericoides, Isocoma menziesii, Lupinus chamissonis, and Opuntia littoralis. The low-shrub canopy can be quite dense and continuous, intermittent, to very open. Shrub species include low subshrubs Lupinus arboreus, Isocoma menziesii, and Ericameria ericoides, and taller shrubs such as Rhus integrifolia and Artemisia californica. The herbaceous component may be abundant or sparse. This group occurs in areas where coastal sand has accumulated, on partially stabilized backdune slopes of sand bars, ridges, flats, river mouths, and spits along the coastline. Persistent onshore winds and salt spray are typical. Soils are well-drained sands, with low organic matter and nutrients. The climate is Mediterranean with mostly fall and winter precipitation and summers that are typically warm and dry. Winter temperatures are mild. This group occurs along the coast of California north of Point Conception.

Diagnostic Characteristics: Coastal sand dunes dominated by Lupinus chamissonis, Lupinus arboreus, Isocoma menziesii, and/or Abronia latifolia.

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
Physiognomy and Structure: Broad-leaved evergreen subshrubs generally <1 m in height.

Floristics: This group is dominated by shifting-sand obligate species. Low-shrub canopy is open to very closed with dominants such as Artemisia pycnocephala, Ephedra californica, Ericameria ericoides, Isocoma menziesii, Lupinus arboreus, Lupinus chamissonis, and/or Opuntia littoralis. Taller shrubs such as Rhus integrifolia and Artemisia californica may be present as emergents. The herbaceous component may be abundant or sparse.

Dynamics:  Shifting sand is required to maintain this group.
Environmental Description:  This group occurs in areas where coastal sand has accumulated, on partially stabilized backdune slopes of sand bars, ridges, flats, river mouths, and spits along the coastline. Persistent onshore winds and salt spray are typical. Soils are well-drained sands, with low organic matter and nutrients. The climate is Mediterranean with mostly fall and winter precipitation and summers that are typically warm and dry. Winter temperatures are mild.
Geographic Range: This group is found along the coast of California north of Point Conception.

Nations: MX,US

States/Provinces:  CA, MXBCN, OR


Confidence Level: Moderate

Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: GNR

Greasons: No Data Available
Type Name Database Code Classification Code
Class 2 Shrub & Herb Vegetation Class C02 2
Subclass 2.B Temperate & Boreal Grassland & Shrubland Subclass S18 2.B
Formation 2.B.4 Temperate to Polar Scrub & Herb Coastal Vegetation Formation F005 2.B.4
Division 2.B.4.Nb Pacific North American Coastal Scrub & Herb Vegetation Division D027 2.B.4.Nb
Macrogroup 2.B.4.Nb.2 Pacific Coastal Beach & Dune Macrogroup M059 2.B.4.Nb.2
Group 2.B.4.Nb.2.a Californian Coastal Beach & Dune Group G663 2.B.4.Nb.2.a
Alliance A0822 Menzies'' Goldenbush - Chamisso Bush Lupine - California Goldenbush Shrubland Alliance A0822 2.B.4.Nb.2.a
Alliance A1614 Coastal Sand-verbena - Silver Bur-ragweed Dune Grassland Alliance A1614 2.B.4.Nb.2.a
Alliance A4120 Yellow Bush Lupine Dune Scrub Alliance A4120 2.B.4.Nb.2.a
Concept Lineage: G266 split into G662 & G663 (DFL 7-24-12)

Predecessors: No Data Available

Obsolete Names: No Data Available

Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: No Data Available
Concept Author(s): Faber-Langendoen et al.

Author of Description: G. Kittel

Acknowledgements: Michael Barbour, Todd Keeler-Wolf

Version Date: 05-20-15
  • Faber-Langendoen, D., J. Drake, S. Gawler, M. Hall, C. Josse, G. Kittel, S. Menard, C. Nordman, M. Pyne, M. Reid, L. Sneddon, K. Schulz, J. Teague, M. Russo, K. Snow, and P. Comer, editors. 2010-2019a. Divisions, Macrogroups and Groups for the Revised U.S. National Vegetation Classification. NatureServe, Arlington, VA. plus appendices. [in preparation]
  • Rodriguez, D., K. G. Sikes, T. Keeler-Wolf, G. Kittel, J. Curtis, C. Curley, and J. Evens. 2017. Vegetation classification of Channel Islands National Park. Report to the National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO.