Name:
Myrica gale / Carex lasiocarpa Saturated Shrub Herbaceous Alliance
Reference:
Eastern Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This alliance encompasses intermediate fens in the northeastern United States and possibly the Great Lakes region. These fens overlie deep peat accumulations in depressions or along lakes that receive some mineral enrichment. It is characterized by a mat of rhizomatous sedges and variable shrub cover. Typical sedges include Carex lasiocarpa, Carex prairea, Carex leptalea, Carex stricta (= var. strictior), Carex buxbaumii, Carex flava, Carex cryptolepis, Carex lacustris, Carex livida, Carex aquatilis, Cladium mariscoides, Trichophorum alpinum (= Eriophorum alpinum), and Eleocharis elliptica. Other herbaceous associates include Muhlenbergia glomerata, Rhynchospora alba, Schoenoplectus acutus (= Scirpus acutus), Typha latifolia, Doellingeria umbellata (= Aster umbellatus), Drosera rotundifolia, Sarracenia purpurea, Iris versicolor, Osmunda regalis, Parnassia glauca, Pogonia ophioglossoides, and Thelypteris palustris. Shrubs are generally confined to hummocks, but cover varies among occurrences and can exceed 25%. Characteristic species include Myrica gale, Dasiphora fruticosa ssp. floribunda (= Pentaphylloides floribunda), Betula pumila, Salix candida, Rhamnus alnifolia, Alnus spp., and Cornus sericea. Larix laricina may occur as scattered individuals atop hummocks. Hollows and channels often support Utricularia intermedia, Utricularia gibba, Menyanthes trifoliata, and Lobelia kalmii. Characteristic mosses include Campylium stellatum, Drepanocladus revolvens, Scorpidium scorpioides, and Tomentypnum nitens. Sphagnum spp. may be absent or are minor components. When present, species include the more minerotrophic Sphagnum contortum, Sphagnum warnstorfii, and Sphagnum teres.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.26169.MYRICAGALECAREX
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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