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Picea rubens - (Betula alleghaniensis, Aesculus flava) / Rhododendron (maximum, catawbiense) Forest | Southeastern Ecology Working Gro...
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Name: Picea rubens - (Betula alleghaniensis, Aesculus flava) / Rhododendron (maximum, catawbiense) Forest
Reference: Southeastern Ecology Working Gro...
Description: This association occurs in the broad elevational transition zone between spruce-fir and northern hardwoods in the Southern Blue Ridge (approx. 1400-1550 m [4600-5100 feet]). Sites are steep to very steep, slopes often associated with cliff faces, rock outcroppings, or bouldery situations, and subject to disturbance by wind, ice, and landslides. The canopy is comprised of <i>Picea rubens</i> codominating with deciduous species <i>Betula alleghaniensis, Fagus grandifolia</i>, and <i>Aesculus flava</i>, occurring singly or in combination. At higher elevations, <i>Abies fraseri</i> may be a minor canopy component. The shrub layer is well-developed and dominated by <i>Rhododendron maximum</i> or <i>Rhododendron catawbiense</i>. In the Great Smoky Mountains, <i>Leucothoe fontanesiana</i> can be the dominant shrub. Other minor shrubs include <i>Ilex montana, Viburnum lantanoides, Vaccinium erythrocarpum</i>, and <i>Rubus allegheniensis</i>. The thick, evergreen shrub layer precludes the establishment of seedlings or herbaceous plants and creates a heavy, slowly decomposing litter layer. Bryophyte cover can be high (over 50%), and the ground is covered with downed and decaying logs. 
Accession Code: VB.CC.35919.CEGL004983
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:   Common: Red Spruce - Northern Hardwood Forest (Shrub Type)
  Translated: Red Spruce - (Yellow Birch, Yellow Buckeye) / (Great Laurel, Catawba Rosebay) Forest
  Code: CEGL004983
  Scientific: Picea rubens - (Betula alleghaniensis, Aesculus flava) / Rhododendron (maximum, catawbiense) Forest
  UID: ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.685035 NatureServe ExplorerNatureServe Explorer logo