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Kalmia angustifolia - Chamaedaphne calyculata / Rubus chamaemorus / Cladina spp. Dwarf-shrubland | Eastern Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Kalmia angustifolia - Chamaedaphne calyculata / Rubus chamaemorus / Cladina spp. Dwarf-shrubland Reference: Eastern Ecology Working Group of... Description: This dwarf-shrub vegetation resembles that of a northeastern North American peat bog, but instead of a basin setting, it is on subalpine to alpine slopes, near or above treeline. While moist, the substrate is not constantly saturated as it would be in high-elevation basin bogs. The slope can range from moderate to very steep. Peat accumulation is deeper than in other alpine or subalpine heath settings, with depths of 25-80+ cm. The vegetation is dominated by a dense layer of dwarf ericaceous shrubs, with widely scattered taller shrubs or stunted trees. Herbs are sparse. The bryoid layer is very well-developed with both mosses and lichens prominent. Kalmia angustifolia, Chamaedaphne calyculata, and Ledum groenlandicum are dominant. Less abundant shrubs and small trees may include Alnus viridis ssp. crispa, Betula papyrifera var. cordifolia, Viburnum edule, Vaccinium uliginosum, and Rhododendron canadense. Krummholz-form Picea mariana, Abies balsamea, and, occasionally Larix laricina and Thuja occidentalis may be present. Herbs include widespread species like Cornus canadensis and Coptis trifolia along with the more restricted Rubus chamaemorus, Geocaulon lividum, and Huperzia appalachiana. The bryoid layer is dominated by Sphagnum spp., with abundant fruticose lichens including Cladina rangiferina and Cetraria islandica. This association is distinguished from the more widespread subalpine heath association Picea mariana / Kalmia angustifolia Dwarf-shrubland (CEGL006031) by the accumulation of Sphagnum peat; it is distinguished from the alpine bog Empetrum nigrum - Vaccinium uliginosum - Vaccinium oxycoccos / Rubus chamaemorus Dwarf-shrubland (CEGL006140), which is somewhat wetter, by the paucity of graminoids and the slope as opposed to basin setting.  Accession Code: VB.CC.19470.KALMIAANGUSTIFO Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
	Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization) Perspective from: 29-Jan-2003 to: 17-Nov-2014
	status: accepted Community's Parent: Chamaedaphne calyculata Saturated Dwarf-shrubland Alliance This Community's Level: Association This Community's Children: [none]		Names:   Translated: Sheep Laurel - Leatherleaf / Cloudberry / Reindeer Lichen species Dwarf-shrubland   UID: ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.684733 NatureServe Explorer   Code: CEGL006425   Scientific: Kalmia angustifolia - Chamaedaphne calyculata / Rubus chamaemorus / Cladina spp. Dwarf-shrubland (convergence) and Synonyms: (undetermined) Kalmia angustifolia - Chamaedaphne calyculata / Rubus chamaemorus / Cladina spp. Dwarf-shrubland