Class: Smilax spp. - Toxicodendron radicans Vine-Shrubland (Maritime Vine Dune) TNC Alliance Code: III. B. 2. N. a. 16.  3666 CMI Code:  3886 Type Locator: Restricted to Fire Island Located Island Wide

TNC Alliance Description:  This community is shallowly rooted in secondary dunes and receives overwash only during storm surges. This association is a vine-covered maritime sand dune where vine species grow over the sand surface and over short shrubs. Vine species have dense total cover; Toxicodendron radicans is the most common vine with Smilax glauca locally abundant and Parthenocissus quinquefolia present.  Short shrubs are common and include Myrica pensylvanica and Rubus flagellaris, which occur on raised mounds with abundant moss and Cladonia spp. The herbaceous layer is often sparse with Ammophila breviligulata.
 

Photo Interpretation: This type is difficult to identify from photos as the Toxidendron radicans is often found growing over shrubs. It is perhaps best described as what it is not. It does not appear like Myrica pennsylvanica usually found around it. This type does appear as a brown color highly interspersed with open sand when occurring in larger polygons.

Aerial Photo Samples:

Field Notes:  Vines dominate this vegetation class.  Toxicodendron radicans and Smilax glauca are the most common vines.  These vines may be growing over shrub or herbaceous species, including Myrica pensylvanica and Ammophila breviligulata.
 

Ground Photos:

Similar Alliances:  Myrica pennsylvanica - Rosa rugosa Shrubland (Northern Dune Shrubland): Myrica pensylvanica present in both alliances. Vine species have dense total cover of Vine-Shrubland.