Print Report

A3956 Distichlis spicata - Sporobolus virginicus Intertidal Salt Marsh Alliance

Type Concept Sentence: This alliance includes upper tidal areas dominated by Distichlis spicata and tidally flooded grasslands dominated by Sporobolus virginicus. Other halophytic grasses and succulents that may be present include Batis maritima, Eustachys petraea, Heliotropium curassavicum, Limonium carolinianum, Lycium carolinianum, Sarcocornia perennis, Sesuvium portulacastrum, and Sporobolus virginicus.

Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Saltgrass - Seashore Dropseed Intertidal Salt Marsh Alliance

Colloquial Name: Subtropical Saltgrass - Seashore Dropseed Intertidal Salt Marsh

Hierarchy Level:  Alliance

Type Concept: This alliance includes upper tidal areas dominated or codominated by Distichlis spicata and/or Sporobolus virginicus. Other halophytic grasses and succulents include Batis maritima, Borrichia frutescens, Eustachys petraea, Heliotropium curassavicum, Limonium carolinianum, Lycium carolinianum, Paspalum vaginatum, Sarcocornia perennis, and Sesuvium portulacastrum within their respective ranges. This alliance is found in Texas and Florida.

Diagnostic Characteristics: Dominated or codominated by Distichlis spicata or Sporobolus virginicus.

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: No Data Available

Floristics: Upper tidal areas included here are dominated by Distichlis spicata, often mixed with other halophytic grasses and succulents such as Batis maritima, Heliotropium curassavicum, Lycium carolinianum, Sarcocornia perennis, and Sporobolus virginicus. It also accommodates tidally flooded grasslands dominated by Sporobolus virginicus. These examples may also contain Eustachys petraea, Limonium carolinianum, and Sesuvium portulacastrum, as well as Paspalum vaginatum.

Dynamics:  No Data Available
Environmental Description:  This alliance is found in upper tidal areas and also includes other tidally flooded grasslands.
Geographic Range: This alliance is found in Texas and Florida.

Nations: US

States/Provinces:  FL, TX


Confidence Level: Low - Poorly Documented

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.C Shrub & Herb Wetland Subclass S44 2.C
Formation 2.C.5 Salt Marsh Formation F035 2.C.5
Division 2.C.5.Nb North American Atlantic & Gulf Coastal Salt Marsh Division D034 2.C.5.Nb
Macrogroup 2.C.5.Nb.1 North American Atlantic & Gulf Coastal Salt Marsh Macrogroup M079 2.C.5.Nb.1
Group 2.C.5.Nb.1.b Saltwort species - Swampfire species - Gulf Cordgrass Tidal Flat & Panne Group G123 2.C.5.Nb.1.b
Alliance A3956 Saltgrass - Seashore Dropseed Intertidal Salt Marsh Alliance A3956 2.C.5.Nb.1.b
Association CEGL007663 Seashore Dropseed - Saltgrass Salt Marsh CEGL007663 2.C.5.Nb.1.b
Association CEGL007694 Saltgrass - (Seashore Dropseed) Salt Marsh CEGL007694 2.C.5.Nb.1.b
Concept Lineage: A.1882, A.1182 (one of one from each)

Predecessors: No Data Available

Obsolete Names: No Data Available

Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: ? Distichlion spicatae Alliance (Borhidi 1991)
? Distichlis - Sporobolus flats (Olmsted et al. 1981)
Concept Author(s): M. Pyne, in Faber-Langendoen et al. (2013)

Author of Description: M. Pyne

Acknowledgements: We have incorporated significant descriptive information previously compiled by Alan Weakley.

Version Date: 08-19-14
  • Borhidi, A. 1991. Phytogeography and vegetation ecology of Cuba. Akademiai Kiado. Budapest, Hungary. 858 pp. plus color plates and map by A. Borhidi and O. Muniz (1970) inside of back cover.
  • Faber-Langendoen, D., J. Drake, M. Hall, G. Kittel, S. Menard, C. Nordman, M. Pyne, M. Reid, M. Russo, K. Schulz, L. Sneddon, K. Snow, and J. Teague. 2013-2019b. Screening alliances for induction into the U.S. National Vegetation Classification: Part 1 - Alliance concept review. NatureServe, Arlington, VA.
  • Olmsted, I. C., L. L. Loope, and R. P. Russell. 1981. Vegetation of the southern coastal region of Everglades National Park between Flamingo and Joe Bay. USDI National Park Service, Everglades National Park, Southern Florida Research Center. Report T-620. Homestead, FL. 18 pp.