It is the most prevalent vegetative community in much of the central and eastern portions of the refuge. Plants include beakrushes, spike rushes, and redroot. Sawgrass may grow in solid stands or in the presence of other species that may greatly alter the general appearance of the cover. In some areas, a mixture of sawgrass, wax myrtle, and dahoon holly grows abundantly. Sawgrass areas often border tree islands, separating them from the wet prairie.
Small plants are the first to germinate, followed by shrubs and trees.
The roots of the vegetation anchor the island in place. The canopy is usually a dense growth of redbay intermixed with dahoon holly. A narrow border of wax myrtle, buttonbush, and coco-plum surrounds the typical island. Occasionally, other trees such as red maple and oaks are found on tree islands. Alligators play an important role in the Everglades ecosystem.