Plant Communities

A number of different plant communities can be found within the San Elijo Lagoon reserve.

Coastal Strand
Remnant sand dunes between the coast highway and the railroad tracks support several prostrate dune species. Well-draining, sandy soil, minimal fluctuation in mild temperatures, and 10 to 20 inches of precipitation a year support this unique plant community. With its proximity to the ocean, some of the moisture utilized by these species comes in the form of coastal fog.

Salt Marsh
The west and central basin of the reserve receive a steady saline influence when the mouth of the lagoon is open. Salt water along with mild, even temperatures sustain an assemblage of low growing succulent halophytes (salt tolerant plants).

Freshwater Marsh
Towards the eastern end of the reserve freshwater drainage dilutes tidal influence. A transition in plant species occurs in response to this decrease in salinity. Emergent plants able to withstand saturated soils dominate this area.

Riparian Scrub
Seasonal freshwater streams and drainages create sandy washes throughout the reserve, which support semi-aquatic trees and herbaceous species. A more consistent water source supports a dense thicket of vegetation that is typically taller than drier surrounding areas.

Coastal Sage Scrub
Dry, rocky coastal slopes along the southwestern border of the reserve receive 10 to 20 inches of annual precipitation and support drought-deciduous shrubs that are most active in the winter and early spring. Species in this community tend to be shorter in stature (approximately 1 meter high) and less dense than those of the chaparral community. Plants in the coastal sage scrub are also typically softer in texture than those found in the adjacent chaparral community.

Chaparral
Along the eastern upland slopes of the reserve, larger fluctuations in temperatures and 10 to 20 inches of rainfall per year influence the characteristics of the plants in this area. Dense, woody shrubs with thick leathery leaves are common adaptive features among many members of this region. Regeneration from the stump after fire is another characteristic found in chaparral plants.

The links on the left show pages with various plants that can be found in the different communities of the reserve.