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Kalmia angustifolia - Chamaedaphne calyculata / Rubus chamaemorus / Cladina spp. Dwarf-shrubland | Eastern Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Kalmia angustifolia - Chamaedaphne calyculata / Rubus chamaemorus / Cladina spp. Dwarf-shrubland
Reference: Eastern Ecology Working Group of...
Description: This dwarf-shrub vegetation resembles that of a northeastern North American peat bog, but instead of a basin setting, it is on subalpine to alpine slopes, near or above treeline. While moist, the substrate is not constantly saturated as it would be in high-elevation basin bogs. The slope can range from moderate to very steep. Peat accumulation is deeper than in other alpine or subalpine heath settings, with depths of 25-80+ cm. The vegetation is dominated by a dense layer of dwarf ericaceous shrubs, with widely scattered taller shrubs or stunted trees. Herbs are sparse. The bryoid layer is very well-developed with both mosses and lichens prominent. <i>Kalmia angustifolia, Chamaedaphne calyculata</i>, and <i>Ledum groenlandicum</i> are dominant. Less abundant shrubs and small trees may include <i>Alnus viridis ssp. crispa, Betula papyrifera var. cordifolia, Viburnum edule, Vaccinium uliginosum</i>, and <i>Rhododendron canadense</i>. Krummholz-form <i>Picea mariana, Abies balsamea</i>, and, occasionally <i>Larix laricina</i> and <i>Thuja occidentalis</i> may be present. Herbs include widespread species like <i>Cornus canadensis</i> and <i>Coptis trifolia</i> along with the more restricted <i>Rubus chamaemorus, Geocaulon lividum</i>, and <i>Huperzia appalachiana</i>. The bryoid layer is dominated by <i>Sphagnum</i> spp., with abundant fruticose lichens including <i>Cladina rangiferina</i> and <i>Cetraria islandica</i>. This association is distinguished from the more widespread subalpine heath association ~<i>(Picea mariana, Abies balsamea) / Kalmia angustifolia - Ledum groenlandicum</i> Dwarf-shrubland (CEGL006031)$$ by the accumulation of <i>Sphagnum</i> peat; it is distinguished from the alpine bog ~<i>Empetrum nigrum - Vaccinium uliginosum - Vaccinium oxycoccos / Rubus chamaemorus</i> Dwarf-shrubland (CEGL006140)$$, which is somewhat wetter, by the paucity of graminoids and the slope as opposed to basin setting. 
Accession Code: VB.CC.31326.CEGL006425
Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
      Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization)
Perspective from: 17-Nov-2014 to: 01-May-2019
     
  • status: accepted
  • This Community's Level: association
  • This Community's Children: [none]
Names:   UID: ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.684733 NatureServe ExplorerNatureServe Explorer logo
  Common: Subalpine Slope Bog
  Translated: Sheep Laurel - Leatherleaf / Cloudberry / Reindeer Lichen species Dwarf-shrubland
  Scientific: Kalmia angustifolia - Chamaedaphne calyculata / Rubus chamaemorus / Cladina spp. Dwarf-shrubland
  Code: CEGL006425