Class:  Spartina patens-Scirpus pungens-Solidago sempevirens Herbaceous Vegetation (Overwash Dune Grassland) TNC Alliance Code: V.A.5.N.e.1  4097 CMI Code: 4097 Island Locator: Restricted to Fire Island Cross Section:

TNC Alliance Description: This association occurs behind primary dunes in areas that have been affected by overwash. The substrate is a shallow layer of loamy sand over sand. This upland maritime dune grassland community is dominated by Spartina patens var. monogyna, which forms nearly continuous cover.  Festuca rubra, Panicum virgatum, and Solidago sempervirens occur sporadically and with low cover.  The shrub layer is infrequent with Baccharis halimifolia and Myrica pensylvanica occurring in small clusters.  Unvegetated surface is minimal and composed of bare sand.
 

Photo Interpretation: This type is difficult to identify from photography alone, although it occurs on recent overwash areas (breach) near the foredune. These overwashes may be identified. The vegetation is typically more sparse, there for "washed out" on the photography.
 

Aerial Photo Samples:

Similar Alliances: Ammonophila breviligulata-Lathyrus japonicus Herbaceous Vegetation (Northern Beachgrass Dune): No overwash (breach in the foredune) is present in this alliance.