Alpine and Boreal heaths
Dwarf or prostrate shrub formations of the Central European sub-alpine and alpine zones on siliceous or calcareous soils. Dominated by ericaceous species, Dryas octopetala, and Dwarf juniper. There is often a conspicuously high proportion of lichens (Cladonia a.o.) in the low-growing vegetation. This type includes alpide dwarf ericoid wind heaths, Vaccinium-Empetrum heaths, and Dryas heaths.
Notes on habitat mapping
The delimitation of the dry heaths of planar to montane zones (4030) is based on their location in a different altitudinal belt and on the presence of subalpine flora elements. Scrub formations, even if they are in parts very similar in terms of the typical or characteristic species given above (e.g. Rhododendron scrub, Pinus mugo scrub etc.) are to be assigned to Bushes with Pinus mugo and Rhododendron hirsutum (Mugo-Rhododendretum hirsuti, 4070).