DU3A Salix repens – Lotus corniculatus duneland


  • Dunelands (DU)
  • DU3 Agrostis stolonifera – Carex arenaria
  • DU3A Salix repens – Lotus corniculatus duneland
Scientific name:
Salix repens – Lotus corniculatus duneland
Common name:
Creeping Willow – Common Bird's-foot-trefoil duneland
Community code:
DU3A
Full PDF Synopsis

DU3A Salix repens – Lotus corniculatus duneland

Vegetation

The silvery leaves and scrambling stems of Salix repens are the dominant feature of this duneland community. It is accompanied by the constant graminoids Festuca rubra and Carex flacca. Agrostis stolonifera, Carex arenaria and Poa pratensis/humilis are frequent here. Lotus corniculatus and Trifolium repens usually provide the majority of the forb cover. On damper soils, Holcus lanatus, Hydrocotyle vulgaris or Carex nigra may be found. Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, Scleropodium purum and Calliergonella cuspidata are all frequent in the moss layer. Mean maximum vegetation height = 51.5 cm, n = 19.

Ecology

This community typically occurs towards the rear of coastal duneland systems, around the margins of dune slacks where it is seasonally inundated. It may also occur on adjacent dune ridges and less frequently within the dune slack basin. Mean altitude = 9.8 m, n = 16; mean extent of bare sand/soil = 1.9%, n = 16.

Sub-communities

No sub-communities are described.

Similar communities

The abundance of Salix repens marks this community out from most others. However, this shrub is frequent and can be abundant in DU3B Agrostis stolonifera – Calliergonella cuspidata – Carex arenaria duneland. That community, however, occurs lower down within dune slacks where species indicative of regular inundation, such as Potentilla anserina, Hydrocotyle vulgaris and Mentha aquatica, occur more regularly. Less often, Salix repens occurs in DU3D.

Conservation value

Where Salix repens is present, this vegetation usually corresponds with EU HD Annex I habitat 2170 Dunes with creeping willow. Some instances from within dune slack basins, where there is a greater preponderance of wet-loving species, may correspond to habitat 2190 Dune slacks. Species/4 m2 = 19.2, n = 61.

Management

This duneland is often grazed by livestock and overgrazing can be a problem as can intensification of agricultural practices.

  • Contact Us
  • +353 51 306 240
  • National Biodiversity Data Centre
    Beechfield House,
    Waterford Institute of Technology West Campus,
    Carriganore,
    Co. Waterford,
    Ireland.
    X91 PE03

Download our free smartphone app for recording in the field
Android App
Apple App

The National Biodiversity Data Centre is a Company Limited by Guarantee. Register Number: 730718.

 

  • Privacy
We made this!
  • Home
  • About
    • Global Biodiversity Information Facility
      • Ireland’s GBIF profile
      • The GBIF Network
      • Latest news at GBIF
      • GBIF Science Review
    • Strategic Objectives
  • Monitoring & tracking change
  • Assisting conservation
  • Ireland’s Biodiversity Learning Platform
  • Workshops
  • Publications
  • Biodiversity Ireland’s Top 10
  • Videos
  • Shop
  • News and Events
    • Distinguished Recorder Award
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. You can view our privacy policy here.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non Necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Save & Accept