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Tsuga heterophylla / Ledum glandulosum / Carex obnupta - Lysichiton americanus Forest | Western Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Tsuga heterophylla / Ledum glandulosum / Carex obnupta - Lysichiton americanus Forest
Reference: Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description: This mid-seral to climax association occurs on perennially saturated or flooded peat soils adjacent to open mire and shrub swamps. Restricted to coastal Oregon, this vegetation is distinguished from similar associations farther north by the dominance of <i>Ledum glandulosum</i> instead of <i>Ledum groenlandicum</i>. The tree layer is dominated by <i>Tsuga heterophylla</i> with up to 60% cover. <i>Thuja plicata</i> is the second most abundant species of tree, but most specimens are suppressed in the waterlogged soils, older ones are dying, and no old-growth is evident. Other species present in lesser amounts are <i>Picea sitchensis</i> and <i>Pinus contorta var. contorta</i>. The dense shrub layer is dominated by <i>Gaultheria shallon</i> and <i>Ledum glandulosum</i>, both with a constancy of 100% and cover up to 40%. <i>Vaccinium ovatum, Vaccinium parvifolium</i>, and <i>Morella californica (= Myrica californica)</i> are present in lesser amounts. Both trees and shrubs favor elevated microsites on decaying logs, stumps, and old root wads. Wetland species dominate the herb layer, with <i>Carex obnupta</i> and <i>Lysichiton americanus</i> present with constancy of 100% but with <i>Carex</i> being more abundant. Other wetland species such as <i>Juncus</i> sp., <i>Oenanthe sarmentosa, Blechnum spicant</i>, and <i>Athyrium filix-femina</i> are typical. The moss layer is conspicuous, with <i>Sphagnum palustre</i> always present and covering up to 20% of the surface. Stands are subject to windthrow in severe winter storms, which frequently occur. 
Accession Code: VB.CC.32325.CEGL000477
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.2.687402 NatureServe ExplorerNatureServe Explorer logo
  Translated: Western Hemlock / Western Labrador-tea / Slough Sedge - American Skunk-cabbage Forest
  Scientific: Tsuga heterophylla / Ledum glandulosum / Carex obnupta - Lysichiton americanus Forest
  Code: CEGL000477