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Pinus contorta var. contorta / Carex obnupta Forest | NatureServe Biotics 2019
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Name: Pinus contorta var. contorta / Carex obnupta Forest Reference: NatureServe Biotics 2019 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, 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, 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: urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:29051-{01630E6E-563B-48C5-AA58-0B257068612D} Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
	Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization) Perspective from: 26-Nov-1997 to: ongoing
	status: accepted Community's Parent: Pinus contorta Swamp Forest Alliance This Community's Level: Association This Community's Children: [none]		Names:   UID: ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.683648 NatureServe Explorer   Code: CEGL000142   Translated: Beach Pine / Slough Sedge Forest   Scientific: Pinus contorta var. contorta / Carex obnupta Forest (convergence) and Synonyms: (similar) Pinus contorta var. contorta / Carex obnupta Forest (similar) Pinus contorta var. contorta / Carex obnupta Forest (similar) CEGL000142