Class: Hudsonia tomentosa - Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Dwarf Shrubland (Northern Beach Heather Dune Shrubland) TNC Alliance Code:  IV.A.1.N.a.4.   6143 CMI Code: 6143 Type Locator: Restricted to Fire Island Cross-Section:

TNC Alliance Description: This association occurs behind primary and secondary dunes with infrequent overwash only from heavy storm surge. This is a maritime beach heather community dominated by Hudsonia tomentosa.  Prunus maritima and Arctostaphylos uva-ursi are also present with relatively low percent cover.  The herbaceous layer is sparse with Ammophila breviligulata commonly occurring and Polygonella articulata, Lechea maritima, and Solidago sempervirens occasionally present.  Cladonia species are usually present with low cover.
 

Photo Interpretation: This type is widespread on Fire Island and is found from the Western Inlet to the Eastern inlet predominantly, although not exclusively, in the interdune zone. The color is a very dark green with equal amounts of bright sand showing through. It is often intermingled with Ammophila brevigulata which has a light tan color. Because of this mixing, this type is also found in complex with the Northern Beach Grass Dune association.
 

Aerial Photo Samples:

 

Field Notes:  Hudsonia tomentosa dominates this association.  Prunus maritima and Ammophila breviligulata can be present in lower percentages.
 

Ground Photos:

Hudsonia tomentosa and Ammophila breviligulata	H. tomentosa and Prunus maritima

H. tomentosa

Similar Alliances:  Ammophila breviligulata-Lathyrus japonicus Herbaceous Vegetation (Northern Beachgrass Dune): Dominated by A. brevigulata rather than Hudsonia tomentosa. On aerial photos, Beach-heather appears sparser (almost unvegetated) and sometimes patchier than A. brevigulata.