Catling, P.M., B. Freedman & Z. Lucas. 1985. The vegetation and phytogeography of Sable Island, Nova Scotia. Proceedings of the Nova Scotian Institute of Science 34: 181-247.

Extract from Abstract, page 182: “Sable Island is a crescent-shaped emergent sandbar 42.5 km long, 1.4 km wide, occupying 3400 ha and located about 160 km east of the Nova Scotia mainland. A 1981 field survey and literature search were undertaken to provide a more complete information base on vegetation and floristics of the island. The field work included the description and mapping of plant communities, soil and water analysis, and collection of plant specimens with a view to producing a current annotated list of vascular plants. Literature searches included the documentation of historical descriptions of vegetation, terrain, floristic composition, and phytogeography.

Since at least 1505, the island has been treeless with low herb and shrub cover, and with erosion and shifting sand. Substrates are alkaline or acidic sand, with very little organic matter and low levels of nutrients. Wetland and aquatic habitats are either acidic or brackish with high sodium levels. The climate is maritime and moderate, with relatively little snow cover, high average wind speeds, and less sunshine than on mainland sites.

It is possible that a larger precursor of Sable Island was unglaciated during the Wisconsin epoch, and acted as a refugium for flora and fauna. Introductions of livestock and settlement have undoubtedly influenced the vegetation, but the effects are not easily assessed. Other biotic factors including the occurrence of bird colonies and pollinator availability have probably also affected floristic composition. Erosion has apparently increased recently, and both the size of the island and the total area of vegetation have decreased. Periodic connections between many inland pools and the sea have resulted in changes favouring halophytes and/or depauperate vegetation.”