Physiognomy and Structure: These are typically open (<60% cover), sparsely stocked stands of needle-leaved evergreen trees from 10-30 m in height. Scattered ericaceous shrubs dominate a sparse ground layer, which may include a sparse cover of cespitose graminoids.

Floristics: This alliance is dominated by open woodlands of Pinus contorta var. contorta, with stunted trees averaging 31% cover. Young Pseudotsuga menziesii or Picea sitchensis trees can occasionally be found. Shrub layers vary from very open or low, to extremely dense and tall, and evergreen shrubs predominate. Important species include Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Gaultheria shallon, Morella californica (= Myrica californica), Rhododendron macrophyllum, and Vaccinium ovatum. The herbaceous layer is usually sparse, but may include coastal strand or forest species, depending upon canopy closure, and may have mats of reindeer lichens and mosses. Common species of lichens and mosses include Cladonia portentosa ssp. pacifica (= Cladina portentosa ssp. pacifica), Cladonia verticillata (= Cladonia cervicornis ssp. verticillata), Polytrichum juniperinum, Polytrichum piliferum, and Racomitrium ericoides. These cryptogams form thin, fragile mats growing over bare sand, with very little organic matter. Few graminoids occur in these dune stands.

Dynamics:  Fire is infrequent in coastal stands, but shifting sand substrates and wind-borne salt spray act to discourage competition and provide suitable conditions for perpetuation of Pinus contorta (Jenny et al. 1969, Kumler 1969, Chappell et al. 1997).