Name:
Morella pensylvanica - Empetrum nigrum Dwarf-shrubland
Reference:
Eastern Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This sub-boreal dwarf-shrubland community occurs on exposed Atlantic coastal headlands in northern New England and the adjacent maritime provinces of Canada. The maritime climate is cool, with salt spray, wind, and persistent fog. The substrate is acidic rock, with thin, peaty soil developing in scattered hollows. The vegetation may be patchy, with exposed rock, or may form extensive carpets. Dwarf-shrubs dominate the vegetation; taller shrubs are absent or scattered, with less than 20% cover. Stunted conifers may occur in pockets. Herbs and bryoids are sparse. The dominant shrub is Empetrum nigrum which forms a thick mat. Morella pensylvanica (= Myrica pensylvanica) and Vaccinium angustifolium are codominant or frequent associates, with other shrubs including Vaccinium macrocarpon, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Rubus hispidus, Juniperus horizontalis, Juniperus communis, and Photinia melanocarpa (= Aronia melanocarpa). Herbaceous species may include Campanula rotundifolia, Juncus greenei, Agrostis hyemalis, Trisetum spicatum, Danthonia compressa, Deschampsia flexuosa, Plantago maritima, Ligusticum scoticum, Solidago simplex var. randii, Sibbaldiopsis tridentata, Carex nigra, and Prenanthes trifoliolata. Cladina rangiferina and other Cladina species are typical lichens.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.28062.MORELLAPENSYLVA
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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