Name:
Abies concolor Giant Forest Alliance
Reference:
Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This giant conifer forest alliance occurs in the lower montane zone of southwestern Oregon at elevations of 1000-1800 m. The climate is cool and wet with moderate to deep snow accumulations. Summers are usually dry, and soil moisture is dependent upon winter snowpacks. Stands are generally associated with somewhat moist, topographically protected microhabitats, which are less fire-prone than surrounding areas. Soils are usually deep and comprised of deep ash deposits and organic layers in the Cascades, and fractured granitics in the south. These forests are often mixed with several codominant conifers in the overstory. Abies concolor is usually dominant and is always present in the regeneration layer. Depending upon elevation, moisture, geographic location, and site history, one to many other conifers may be present or codominant, including Pseudotsuga menziesii, Abies procera, Abies grandis, Abies amabilis, Abies magnifica, Tsuga heterophylla, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, Calocedrus decurrens, Picea breweriana, Pinus contorta, Pinus monticola, or Pinus ponderosa. Hardwoods, including Lithocarpus densiflorus, Arbutus menziesii, Quercus kelloggii, and Chrysolepis chrysophylla, may form an open subcanopy. Lithocarpus densiflorus trees may also occur as small stands or scattered individuals throughout these forests. Associated tall shrubs are typically ericaceous, but may include cold-deciduous species. Common shrubs may include Quercus sadleriana, Mahonia nervosa, Acer circinatum, Arctostaphylos spp., Mahonia nervosa, Gaultheria shallon, Holodiscus discolor, Rhododendron macrophyllum, Rosa gymnocarpa, Symphoricarpos mollis, and Ribes spp. The herbaceous layer is variable and includes a diverse mixture of forbs, ferns and graminoids. Diagnostic of this forest alliance is the presence of a giant upper tree canopy (>50 m tall) that is dominated or codominated by Abies concolor typically with an Abies concolor-dominated tree regeneration layer.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.20529.ABIESCONCOLORGI
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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