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Abies grandis - Picea sitchensis / Gaultheria shallon / Polystichum munitum Forest | Western Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Abies grandis - Picea sitchensis / Gaultheria shallon / Polystichum munitum Forest Reference: Western Ecology Working Group of... Description: This is a coastal, coniferous forest known only from the southwestern Oregon coastal zone, and is the only association in which Abies grandis and Picea sitchensis codominate. These forests were formerly widespread in a narrow (approximately 5 km wide) strip along the ocean from Cape Blanco to the California border. Very few remnants of this community are left, and the description represents the range from dry site to moist site. These might have been (if they had not all been clearcut) otherwise split into Abies grandis - Picea sitchensis / Rubus spectabilis, Abies grandis - Picea sitchensis / Gaultheria shallon - Vaccinium ovatum, and Abies grandis - Picea sitchensis / Polystichum munitum associations. These forests are found on all slopes and aspects, but most remaining sites are on the relatively level terrace above the ocean, or on ocean-facing, western aspect, slopes. Coastal fog, salt-spray, and wind are the primary ecological drivers of this community. The dense canopy of these forests is codominated by Picea sitchensis and Abies grandis. Other trees only occasionally found include Chamaecyparis lawsoniana and Pseudotsuga menziesii. Alnus rubra is common in disturbed areas and along water courses, and Frangula purshiana (= Rhamnus purshiana) also is found. The understory varies from open, herb dominated slopes with dense cover of Polystichum munitum and Maianthemum dilatatum, to impenetrable tall shrublands with Gaultheria shallon, Vaccinium ovatum or in moist sites Rubus spectabilis growing 2-3 m tall. These five species provide most of the cover, but many others can be found. Other shrubs include Rubus parviflorus, Morella californica (= Myrica californica), Lonicera involucrata, and Sambucus racemosa. This is the only community in the United States in which Picea sitchensis and Abies grandis are codominant. Because of its occurrence in southwestern Oregon, it is occasionally (incorrectly) called a Picea sitchensis - Abies concolor type. Further inland, Abies grandis forms similar and rare associations with Tsuga heterophylla, Lithocarpus densiflorus, and Pseudotsuga menziesii. However, Picea sitchensis is absent from these types.  Accession Code: VB.CC.25312.ABIESGRANDISPIC Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
	Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization) Perspective from: 26-Nov-1997 to: 17-Nov-2014
	status: accepted Community's Parent: Picea sitchensis Giant Forest Alliance This Community's Level: Association This Community's Children: [none]		Names:   Translated: Grand Fir - Sitka Spruce / Salal / Pineland Sword Fern Forest   UID: ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.687574 NatureServe Explorer   Code: CEGL000053   Scientific: Abies grandis - Picea sitchensis / Gaultheria shallon / Polystichum munitum Forest   Common: Grand Fir - Sitka Spruce / Salal / Sword Fern Forest (convergence) and Synonyms: (undetermined) Abies grandis - Picea sitchensis / Gaultheria shallon / Polystichum munitum Forest