Name:
Pinus strobus - Tsuga canadensis - Picea rubens Forest
Reference:
Eastern Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This dry-mesic pine - hemlock forest occurs on lower-elevation slopes and flats in northern New England. The typical setting is sheltered slopes with sandy or stony, acidic, moderately well-drained soils overlying bedrock, talus, or till. The closed coniferous canopy admits little light, and lower layers are patchy and sparse. Dense needle accumulation and dry conditions appear to further limit the growth of herbs and bryoids. The canopy is comprised of substantial Pinus strobus, with variable components of Picea rubens and Tsuga canadensis. Near the coast, Thuja occidentalis may be a canopy component. Picea rubens is characteristic, although it may not be abundant, and its presence indicates a cool climatic regime. Occasionally Abies balsamea will be present in the canopy or subcanopy. Minor deciduous associates may include Quercus rubra, Acer rubrum, Betula alleghaniensis, Betula papyrifera, or Betula populifolia. In the shrub layer, characteristic species include Gaylussacia baccata, Kalmia angustifolia, Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides (= Viburnum cassinoides), Vaccinium angustifolium, Vaccinium myrtilloides, or, less commonly, Comptonia peregrina, Diervilla lonicera, Nemopanthus mucronatus, or Rubus hispidus. Characteristic herb species include Pteridium aquilinum, Polypodium virginianum, Aralia nudicaulis, Maianthemum canadense, Gaultheria procumbens, Oclemena acuminata (= Aster acuminatus), Eurybia macrophylla (= Aster macrophyllus), Cornus canadensis, Trientalis borealis, and Clintonia borealis. The bryophyte layer often includes Dicranum undulatum and Leucobryum glaucum, and may include species of Cladina.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.20556.PINUSSTROBUSTSU
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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