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Rhododendron canadense - Chamaedaphne calyculata Dwarf-shrubland | Eastern Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Rhododendron canadense - Chamaedaphne calyculata Dwarf-shrubland Reference: Eastern Ecology Working Group of... Description: These open dwarf-shrub bogs are associated with peatlands in the northeastern U.S. and adjacent Canada. Though highly acid (pH usually in the range 3.8-4.6), they occur in oligotrophic to weakly minerotrophic conditions, such as on the sideslopes of a raised bog formation or along the margins of water tracks. The somewhat higher nutrient status compared to ombrotrophic bog communities is reflected in the abundance of Rhododendron canadense; in some areas, Myrica gale is also present, also indicating weak minerotrophy. The structure of this association is primarily dwarf-shrubs of 0.5-0.8 m tall forming a fairly uniform layer. Graminoids and forbs are sparse. The bryoid layer is essentially continuous, with some development of hummocks and hollows. Chamaedaphne calyculata and Rhododendron canadense are the dominant shrubs, with lesser contributions from Myrica gale, Kalmia angustifolia, Kalmia polifolia, and Ledum groenlandicum. Eriophorum virginicum is a characteristic sedge; others include Eriophorum vaginatum ssp. spissum and Carex pauciflora. Drosera rotundifolia is often present on the surface of the bryophyte layer. Prominent Sphagnum are Sphagnum magellanicum, Sphagnum recurvum, and Sphagnum capillifolium; Sphagnum fuscum may be present but is less abundant than in more ombrotrophic associations (cf. CEGL006225). This association is intermediate in nutrient status and wetness between the drier ombrotrophic dwarf-shrub bog type Kalmia angustifolia - Chamaedaphne calyculata - (Picea mariana) / Cladina spp. Dwarf-shrubland (CEGL006225) and the wetter poor fen type Chamaedaphne calyculata / Eriophorum virginicum / Sphagnum rubellum Dwarf-shrubland (CEGL006513). The presence of Rhododendron canadense (and sometimes Myrica gale or Carex stricta), in an otherwise typical raised dwarf-shrub bog community is diagnostic.  Accession Code: VB.CC.25532.RHODODENDRONCAN Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
	Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization) Perspective from: 06-Jul-1999 to: 17-Nov-2014
	status: accepted Community's Parent: Chamaedaphne calyculata Saturated Dwarf-shrubland Alliance This Community's Level: Association This Community's Children: [none]		Names:   Translated: Rhodora - Leatherleaf Dwarf-shrubland   UID: ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.688461 NatureServe Explorer   Code: CEGL006514   Scientific: Rhododendron canadense - Chamaedaphne calyculata Dwarf-shrubland   Common: Near-Boreal Dwarf-shrub Poor Fen (convergence) and Synonyms: (undetermined) Rhododendron canadense - Chamaedaphne calyculata Dwarf-shrubland