Constant species

Agrostis capillaris, Campanula rotundifolia, Festuca ovina, Minuartia verna, Thymus praecox.

Physiognomy

The Minuartio-Thlaspietum alpestris characteristically comprises an open turf in which tussocks of Festuca ovina, patches of Agrostis capillaris and scattered individuals or populations of Minuartia verna are the most prominent feature. Thymus praecox is also constant and its mats can be locally quite extensive and there is very often a little Campanula rotundifolia and Rumex acetosella. Among the more frequent associates of the community, Thlaspi alpestre is the most distinctive, though it is typically not abundant.

Other species recorded commonly throughout, though not usually in any abundance, are Rumex acetosa, Senecio jacobaea, Linum catharticum and, particularly in transitions to more continuous calcicolous and mesotrophic swards, Lotus corniculatus and Trifolium repens. Occasionals of the community include Geranium robertianum, Cerastium fontanum, Hieracium pilosella, Cirsium vulgare, Agrostis stolonifera and Viola lutea.

Through the community as a whole, bryophytes are neither numerous nor extensive, though small patches of Pohlia nutans, Weissia controversa and Dicranum scoparium can sometimes be seen. Lichens, too, are absent from many stands but strikingly varied and abundant in one sub-community.

Sub-communities

Typical sub-community:Minuartio-Thlaspietum typicum Shimwell 1968a. In this vegetation, Minuartia verna, Festuca ovina (here occasionally joined by F. rubrd) and Agrostis capillaris dominate the sward with a typical range of community associates. In stands from the Yorkshire Dales, Galium sterneri is a distinctive associate.