Name:
Vaccinium angustifolium - Sorbus americana / Sibbaldiopsis tridentata Dwarf-shrubland
Reference:
Eastern Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This northern or high-elevation acidic rock heath barren occurs in the glaciated northeastern states on rocky ridges, outcrops and summits. It includes patches of shrub dominance as well as areas of bedrock-dominated sparse vegetation. The soils are shallow, well-drained, dry, acidic, coarse sands. Expanses of exposed bedrock are typical, with minimal soil development restricted to crevices or shelter areas. Elevations of known examples range from almost sea level on the Maine coast to about 2700 feet inland. The physiognomy of this community is patchy and variable, ranging from woodland to shrubland to sparsely vegetated rock. A tree canopy is absent or poorly developed, usually consisting of scattered and stunted trees with less than 10% cover. Tall shrubs are scattered, mostly in somewhat protected areas. Dwarf-shrubs are the most extensive layer, with up to 75% cover. Herbs are sparse and confined to rock crevices and depressions. The bryoid layer varies from sparse to well-developed, with both lichens and mosses represented. Tree species include Picea rubens, Abies balsamea, Quercus rubra, Pinus strobus, Betula papyrifera, Betula populifolia, or Acer rubrum. Scattered tall shrubs include Sorbus americana, Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides, Nemopanthus mucronatus, Photinia melanocarpa (= Aronia melanocarpa), Comptonia peregrina, or Amelanchier spp. Prominent dwarf heath shrubs include Vaccinium angustifolium, Vaccinium myrtilloides, Vaccinium pallidum, Gaylussacia baccata, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, and Kalmia angustifolia. The sparse herb layer includes graminoids, such as Deschampsia flexuosa, Danthonia spicata, Carex pensylvanica, Carex lucorum, Schizachyrium scoparium, and Piptatherum pungens (= Oryzopsis pungens), and the forbs Sibbaldiopsis tridentata, Solidago simplex var. randii, Minuartia glabra, Maianthemum canadense, Gaultheria procumbens, Trientalis borealis, and Pteridium aquilinum. Abundant mosses and lichens form a bryophyte layer characterized by Polytrichum commune, Polytrichum juniperinum, Polytrichum piliferum, Dicranum polysetum, and Cladonia and Cladina lichens. These heath balds are distinguished by the presence of boreal species such as Sorbus americana and Sibbaldiopsis tridentata combined with temperate species such as Quercus rubra, Quercus prinus, Carex pensylvanica, Carex lucorum, and Betula populifolia. They can be floristically similar to (Pinus strobus, Quercus rubra) / Danthonia spicata Acid Bedrock Wooded Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL005101), but those have more (albeit scattered) trees, and graminoids more abundant than dwarf-shrubs.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.21780.VACCINIUMANGUST
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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