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Abies balsamea - (Betula papyrifera var. cordifolia) Forest | Eastern Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Abies balsamea - (Betula papyrifera var. cordifolia) Forest Reference: Eastern Ecology Working Group of... Description: These subalpine forests occur near treeline on mountains of the northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. They are found on upper mountain slopes and ridgetops (above 3000 feet) where they are associated with high winds, cold temperatures and shallow, acidic soils with a strong organic component. They are usually coniferous, but in some cases Betula papyrifera var. cordifolia may be a long-term replacement after disturbance. Canopy coverage is usually 70-85%. The shrub layer is sparse where the canopy is closed, but disturbance-created patches that are frequent within this forest may have dense shrub cover. Dwarf-shrubs and herbs are sparse; the coverage of bryoids is variable. In the canopy, Abies balsamea is often dominant and may form pure stands; Betula papyrifera var. cordifolia and Picea rubens are common associates, usually of minor importance except for post-disturbance patches that may be strongly birch-dominated. Typically forms large patches between 3500 and 4500 feet, but may be almost matrix. The shrub layer is predominantly Abies seedlings with occasional Sorbus americana, Alnus viridis, Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides, and Ledum groenlandicum. Characteristic herbs include Dryopteris campyloptera, Oxalis montana (= Oxalis acetosella), Maianthemum canadense, Clintonia borealis, Cornus canadensis, Coptis trifolia (= Coptis groenlandica), Solidago macrophylla, and the clubmoss Lycopodium annotinum. Bryophytes include Dicranum scoparium, Dicranum fuscescens, Polytrichum ohioense, Plagiothecium laetum, Bazzania trilobata, and Pleurozium schreberi. These forests generally occur above montane spruce-fir forests and spruce-hardwood forests, and approach a matrix forest above 4000 feet. Fir waves are a physiognomically unusual expression of this community.  Accession Code: VB.CC.18662.ABIESBALSAMEABE Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
	Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization) Perspective from: 26-Nov-1997 to: 17-Nov-2014
	status: accepted Community's Parent: Picea rubens - Abies balsamea Forest Alliance This Community's Level: Association This Community's Children: [none]		Names:   Translated: Balsam Fir - (Mountain Paper Birch) Forest   UID: ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.683349 NatureServe Explorer   Code: CEGL006112   Scientific: Abies balsamea - (Betula papyrifera var. cordifolia) Forest   Common: Montane Fir - Birch Forest (convergence) and Synonyms: (undetermined) Abies balsamea - (Betula papyrifera var. cordifolia) Forest