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Pinus contorta var. contorta / Carex obnupta Forest | Western Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Pinus contorta var. contorta / Carex obnupta Forest Reference: Western Ecology Working Group of... Description: This early to mid-seral association occurs sporadically along the coast between northern California and southwestern Washington, where it occurs in depressions on deflation plains and on ancient marine terraces. A high water table in winter, or impeded drainage from iron-cemented hardpan, precludes invasion by upland species of shrubs and trees. The depressions fill with 1-3 feet of standing water in winter and early spring, but dry up by early summer. Sand in dried-up depressions may be stained with iron. Peat does not develop at these sites because summer drying oxidizes any organic material. <i>Pinus contorta</i> trees 40-130 years old dominate these stands, although most stands are 30-75 years old. Old-growth stands are rare. Canopy cover is between 70-85%, and <i>Pinus contorta</i> is the only reproducing conifer present. The sparse shrub layer, ranging from 1-25% cover, contains <i>Morella californica (= Myrica californica), Gaultheria shallon</i>, and <i>Vaccinium ovatum</i>, growing on mounds in and around the depressions. <i>Carex obnupta</i> dominates the ground layer, with density varying inversely with depth and duration of winter flooding. Moss cover ranges from 2-95% cover, with drought-tolerant <i>Warnstorfia exannulata, Fontinalis antipyretica var. oregonensis (= Fontinalis howellii), Sphagnum mendocinum</i>, and <i>Polytrichum commune</i> being most conspicuous. Live basal area is very low. The seasonally high water table inhibits invasion of upland species, and this association persists long after surrounding vegetation has developed into upland forest. Long-term infilling by organic material causes transition to upland vegetation.  Accession Code: VB.CC.33059.CEGL000142 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.2.683648 NatureServe Explorer   Translated: Beach Pine / Slough Sedge Forest   Scientific: Pinus contorta var. contorta / Carex obnupta Forest   Code: CEGL000142