SC1G Salix aurita – Luzula sylvatica scrub
Vegetation
The scrub layer in this community is dominated by Salix aurita with its wrinkled leaves. Only occasionally will there be some cover of Betula pubescens, Cratageus monogyna or Sorbus aucuparia. Beneath, in the field layer, one will typically find a carpet of Luzula sylvatica with Dryopteris dilatata, Blechnum spicant, Vaccinium myrtillus, Rubus fruticosus agg., Lonicera periclymenum and Agrostis capillaris. Occasional other ferns are Athyrium filix-femina and Pteridium aquilinum. The bryophyte component consists mainly of Thuidium tamariscinum, Kindbergia praelonga and Lophocolea bidentata.
Ecology
Salix aurita – Luzula sylvatica scrub occurs on acidic, infertile soils in the uplands, typically amongst heath communities and open expanses of Luzula sylvatica. The successional ecology of these stands is unclear. Most current records come from the Ballyhoura Mountains, but the community is likely to be under-recorded and in reality more widespread.
Sub-communities
No sub-communities are described.
Similar communities
This community is unlikely to be muddled with any others. Care should be taken not to confuse Salix aurita with the hybrid willow Salix × multinervis, which has not been recorded from this community.
Conservation value
This community does not correspond with any EU HD Annex I habitats but it adds structural and floral diversity to upland heathlands. Species/100 m2 = 28.9, n = 9.
Management
The main threats to this habitat are probably burning of heathland and overgrazing.