Name:
Empetrum nigrum - Gaylussacia dumosa - Rubus chamaemorus / Sphagnum spp. Dwarf-shrubland
Reference:
Eastern Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This is a maritime dwarf-shrub bog community of the coastal region of northern New England and the adjacent maritime provinces of Canada. It has an ombrotrophic nutrient regime and occurs in both coastal bogs and as thin peat blankets over sloping bedrock (3-10% slope); the two settings may be contiguous. Most known sites are within 15 miles of the ocean. Peat accumulation isolates this community from groundwater influence. Conditions are highly acidic, with pH usually below 5.0. Very low or matted dwarf-shrubs, often less than 20 cm tall, dominate the vegetation; trees and tall shrubs are absent or at most widely scattered. Herbs are likewise sparse. The bryoid layer is essentially continuous and forms the vegetation substrate. <i>Empetrum nigrum</i> and <i>Gaylussacia dumosa</i>, often with scattered <i>Juniperus communis</i>, are the diagnostic shrubs; other bog ericads are often present, such as <i>Chamaedaphne calyculata, Rhododendron canadense, Kalmia angustifolia, Kalmia polifolia, Ledum groenlandicum</i>, and <i>Vaccinium oxycoccos</i>. <i>Rubus chamaemorus</i> is often present. Characteristic herbs include <i>Trichophorum caespitosum (= Scirpus cespitosus), Eriophorum vaginatum var. spissum, Drosera rotundifolia, Sarracenia purpurea, Rhynchospora alba, Trientalis borealis, Calopogon tuberosus</i>, and <i>Solidago uliginosa</i>. The bryophyte layer is a carpet of primarily <i>Sphagnum fuscum</i>, with other species including <i>Sphagnum rubellum (= Sphagnum capillifolium var. tenellum), Sphagnum affine (= Sphagnum imbricatum), Sphagnum flavicomans, Sphagnum magellanicum</i>, and lichens of the genus <i>Cladina</i> (<i>Cladina rangiferina, Cladina arbuscula</i>, and others). The dwarf-shrubs <i>Empetrum nigrum, Gaylussacia dumosa</i>, and <i>Rubus chamaemorus</i>, the sedge <i>Trichophorum caespitosum</i>, and the moss <i>Sphagnum affine</i> differentiate this association from others in the alliance.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.31363.CEGL006248
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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