Name:
Picea rubens / Ribes glandulosum Woodland
Reference:
Eastern Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This association is a red spruce woodland of acidic talus slopes in the northern Appalachians. The community occurs generally within the spruce-fir forest zone at moderate to high elevations inland, and may occur near sea level along the coast. The substrate varies, even within a site, from cobble to large boulder-sized talus. There is variable soil development depending on the periodicity and intensity of rockslides, but generally soils are thin and extremely patchy. The tree distribution is likewise patchy: in some areas there may be a partial to almost closed canopy; at most sites these areas are interspersed with patches of nearly open talus. Shrub and herb vegetation is very scattered and sparse. The bryoid layer ranges from sparse to well-developed; bryophytes are mostly desiccation-tolerant species, and crustose lichens may be extensive. The canopy is dominated by Picea rubens, in association with Abies balsamea, Betula papyrifera var. papyrifera, Betula papyrifera var. cordifolia, and Betula alleghaniensis. The tall-shrub cover is comprised of Acer spicatum, Acer pensylvanicum, Sorbus americana, and Sorbus decora. Ribes glandulosum is a typical and diagnostic smaller shrub. Low heaths include Kalmia angustifolia, Vaccinium angustifolium, Vaccinium myrtilloides, and occasionally Gaylussacia baccata. The herbaceous layer is made up of vines and forbs confined to crevices and may include Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Dryopteris marginalis, Polypodium appalachianum, Polygonum cilinode, Solidago simplex var. randii, Deschampsia flexuosa, and, occasionally Juncus trifidus. The bryoid is made up of Umbilicaria spp., Cladina spp., Grimmia spp., Ptilidium ciliare, Dicranum polysetum, and other Dicranum spp. Ground cover is talus with variable litter accumulation. This association is differentiated from most other red spruce woodlands (e.g., Picea rubens / Vaccinium angustifolium / Sibbaldiopsis tridentata Woodland (CEGL006053)) in its occurrence on talus on steep slopes, and in general has a lower cover of heath shrubs. At some sites, near the base of the talus slope it may grade into Picea mariana / Ledum groenlandicum - Empetrum nigrum / Cladina spp. Dwarf-shrubland (CEGL006268); that cold-air talus community has a much more extensive dwarf-shrub layer dominated by Ledum groenlandicum.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.18494.PICEARUBENSRIBE
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
|
