Grassy Heaths

Grassy Heaths

Remnants of Grassy Heaths in Truro Housing Development (.jpg - 32k)

Grassy heaths are globally rare assemblages of sandplain grassland and heathland species, with neither association being dominant. The total range of these habitats is mostly restricted to Nantucket and North Truro, and the Cape's two largest grassy heaths are on Corn Hill and Lookout Bluff in Truro.

The formation process of these habitats is unclear, but grassy heaths may be an intermediate stage between sandplain grasslands and heathlands.

Rare species that are commonly found in grassy heaths are: purple needle grass (Aristida purpurascens), Commons' panic grass (Dichanthelium ovale), Eastern spadefoot toad (Schaphiopus holbrookii), and chain dot geometer moth (Cingila catenaria).

These habitats are easily damaged by vehicle traffic and development. Quite recently, grassy heaths have been destroyed in Truro, and houses built on the sites.