Population structure of two dominant gypsophyte shrubs through a secondary plant succession

► Dendrochronological techniques were successfully applied on two gypsophyte shrubs. ► A chronosequence after agriculture abandonment on gypsum soils was assessed. ► A signal of effective first-year recruitment was evidenced in both populations. ► Different life strategies were observed between both dominant gypsophyte species. ► Time since abandonment did not significantly affect mean radial growth.