A level area with poor, usually sandy or serpentine soils that is sparsely forested or unable to support normal vegetative cover and that generally has a low level of productivity. Plants growing in barrens are usually much smaller and stunted in comparison to individuals grown on more fertile soils. Barrens are frequently dominated by specialized groups of endemic plants. Barrens. A level area with poor, usually sandy or serpentine soils that is sparsely forested or unable to support normal vegetative cover and that generally has a low level of productivity. Plants growing in barrens are usually much smaller and stunted in comparison to individuals grown on more fertile soils. Barrens are frequently dominated by specialized groups of endemic plants. [Go to source