Name:
Picea glauca - Abies balsamea Forest Alliance
Reference:
Midwestern Ecology Working Group...
Description:
This alliance, found in the southern boreal region, is composed of upland conifer forests. Stands in this alliance have a closed canopy which is dominated by Picea glauca and Abies balsamea. There are generally other associated tree species such as Acer rubrum, Betula papyrifera, Picea mariana, Populus balsamifera, Populus tremuloides, and Thuja occidentalis (on more mesic sites). A significant tall-shrub/sapling layer is also characteristic, with a less extensive, but still present, short-shrub layer. The former is usually dominated by Abies balsamea, Acer spicatum, Amelanchier spp., Corylus cornuta, and Picea mariana, while the most abundant species in the latter are typically Diervilla lonicera, Rosa acicularis, and Rubus pubescens. The herbaceous layer is often quite poor and includes species such as Anemone quinquefolia, Aralia nudicaulis, Eurybia macrophylla (= Aster macrophyllus), Cornus canadensis, Clintonia borealis, Maianthemum canadense, Mitella nuda, and Trientalis borealis. Feathermosses are common to abundant on the forest floor (Sims et al. 1989, Zoladeski et al. 1995). Stands of this alliance are found on level to gently sloping dry-mesic to mesic sites. The soils are generally moderately well-drained, deep, loams, sands, or silts. Organic content is low (La Roi 1967, Sims et al. 1989).
Accession Code:
VB.CC.20605.PICEAGLAUCAABIE
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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