Class: Panicum virgatum - Carex silicea Herbaceous Vegetation (Brackish Meadow) TNC Alliance Code: V.A.5.N.n.6.  6150 CMI Code: 6150 Type Locator: Restricted to Fire Island Cross Section:

TNC Alliance Description: This association is a brackish meadow that occurs inland from salt marshes or salt shrublands.  This vegetation is often periodically flooded by tides.  There is some soil development; the substrate is characterized by loamy sand over outwash sands. This brackish meadow community is generally dominated by Panicum virgatum or Spartina patens with Panicum virgatum as an associate.  This vegetation is characterized by a relatively high species diversity, with a mixture of upland and facultative wetland species present, including Phragmites australis, Juncus canadensis, Sabatia stellata, Juncus greenei, Triadenum virginicum, Euthamia tenuifolia, Strophostyles helvola, Panicum columbianum, Agalinis maritima, Cyperus polystachyos, Viola lanceolata, Eragrostis spectabilis, Lechea maritima, Solidago sempervirens and Andropogon virginicus. A shrub layer is common, but usually sparse, with Myrica pensylvanica, Baccharis halimifolia, or Rosa rugosa commonly occurring.
 

Photo Interpretation: This type is found uncommonly near the highest portions of the salt marsh on the bay side of Fire Island. It typically occurs in small polygons or in thin bands on the edge of the Northern Salt Shrub type. It has a distinctive rusty-red color and appears wet (i.e., dark surface water is sometimes visible).
 

Aerial Photo Samples:

 

Field Notes:  Dominated by Panicum virgatum and Spartina patens.  Similar to High Salt Marsh but located more inland.
 

Ground Photos:

Similar Alliances: Spartina patens - Dictilis spicata - Plantago maritima Herbaceous (High Salt Marsh)