RH2E Aira caryophyllea – Polytrichum juniperum wall community
Vegetation
This low-growing community of stony substrates consists mainly of the annual grass species Aira caryophyllea, Aira praecox and Vulpia bromoides, plus the fleshy Sedum anglicum. These are usually accompanied by some patchy growth of Festuca rubra and Sagina procumbens, and sometimes Plantago lanceolata. Polytrichum juniperum is a constant bryophyte whilst Hypnum lacunosum is frequent.
Ecology
This community has largely been recorded from the tops of stone walls constructed from some siliceous rock, sometimes where a thin loam has developed. It has also been recorded from gritty road margins and probably occurs in a more natural setting on the tops of boulders.
Sub-communities
No sub-communities are described.
Similar communities
This is a straightforward community that is unlikely to cause confusion.
Conservation value
Vegetation corresponding to this community is typically of relatively low conservation value.
Management
This community is essentially unmanaged.