Name:
Picea rubens / Ribes glandulosum Woodland
Reference:
Eastern Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This association is a red spruce woodland of acidic talus slopes in the northern Appalachians. The community occurs generally within the spruce-fir forest zone at moderate to high elevations inland, and may occur near sea level along the coast. The substrate varies, even within a site, from cobble to large boulder-sized talus. There is variable soil development depending on the periodicity and intensity of rockslides, but generally soils are thin and extremely patchy. The tree distribution is likewise patchy: in some areas there may be a partial to almost closed canopy; at most sites these areas are interspersed with patches of nearly open talus. Shrub and herb vegetation is very scattered and sparse. The bryoid layer ranges from sparse to well-developed; bryophytes are mostly desiccation-tolerant species, and crustose lichens may be extensive. The canopy is dominated by <i>Picea rubens</i>, in association with <i>Abies balsamea, Betula papyrifera var. papyrifera, Betula papyrifera var. cordifolia</i>, and <i>Betula alleghaniensis</i>. The tall-shrub cover is comprised of <i>Acer spicatum, Acer pensylvanicum, Sorbus americana</i>, and <i>Sorbus decora</i>. <i>Ribes glandulosum</i> is a typical and diagnostic smaller shrub. Low heaths include <i>Kalmia angustifolia, Vaccinium angustifolium, Vaccinium myrtilloides</i>, and occasionally <i>Gaylussacia baccata</i>. The herbaceous layer is made up of vines and forbs confined to crevices and may include <i>Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Dryopteris marginalis, Polypodium appalachianum, Polygonum cilinode, Solidago simplex var. randii, Deschampsia flexuosa</i>, and, occasionally <i>Juncus trifidus</i>. The bryoid is made up of <i>Umbilicaria</i> spp., <i>Cladina</i> spp., <i>Grimmia</i> spp., <i>Ptilidium ciliare, Dicranum polysetum</i>, and other <i>Dicranum</i> spp. Ground cover is talus with variable litter accumulation. This association is differentiated from most other red spruce woodlands (e.g., ~<i>Picea rubens / Vaccinium angustifolium / Sibbaldiopsis tridentata</i> Woodland (CEGL006053)$$) in its occurrence on talus on steep slopes, and in general has a lower cover of heath shrubs. At some sites, near the base of the talus slope it may grade into ~<i>Picea mariana / Ledum groenlandicum - Empetrum nigrum / Cladina</i> spp. Dwarf-shrubland (CEGL006268)$$; that cold-air talus community has a much more extensive dwarf-shrub layer dominated by <i>Ledum groenlandicum</i>.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.31293.CEGL006250
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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