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Hesperocyparis pigmaea Scrub | NatureServe Biotics 2019
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Name: Hesperocyparis pigmaea Scrub
Reference: NatureServe Biotics 2019
Description: This association is confined to a narrow, discontinuous band along the Mendocino coast of northern California within a few kilometers of the Pacific Coast, at elevations between 100-300 m. Annual precipitation is approximately 100 cm, with a distinct summer dry season. All stands are well within the zone of coastal fogs, which contribute significant moisture in the form of fog drip from foliage. These stands occur on partially to extremely podzolized, uplifted marine terraces derived from sandstone and old beach deposits. The sterile soils are thin, with shallow A horizons over an iron hardpan, through which water percolates very slowly. The soils are highly acidic and podzolic, poorly drained, and clay in texture. These woodlands are dominated by low-statured trees. <i>Hesperocyparis pigmaea</i> is the sole or dominant tree in the canopy, with <i>Pinus contorta var. bolanderi</i> and <i>Pinus muricata</i> as codominants or common associates. The canopy is typically intermittent or open, and less than 18 m in height. Several stands occurring on the poorest soils are dwarfed, with the tree canopy only 2.5 m in height. In the understory, ericaceous, broad-leaved evergreen shrubs are common, and may include <i>Rhododendron macrophyllum, Gaultheria shallon, Vaccinium ovatum, Arctostaphylos columbiana, Arctostaphylos nummularia</i>, and <i>Ledum x columbianum</i>. The perennial forbs <i>Xerophyllum tenax</i> and <i>Viola sempervirens</i> are typically present. The forb <i>Navarretia squarrosa</i> occurs in drier, disturbed microsites. Lichens are abundant, and several species are characteristic of these stands. 
Accession Code: urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:31936-{ECA5BD43-8835-4DCC-8B05-F38BFA86C156}
Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
      Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization)
Perspective from: 11-Jun-2008 to: ongoing
      Names:   UID: ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.688981 NatureServe ExplorerNatureServe Explorer logo
  Code: CEGL003042
  Translated: Pygmy Cypress Scrub
  Scientific: Hesperocyparis pigmaea Scrub
(convergence) and Synonyms:
(similar) Cupressus goveniana ssp. pygmaea Scrub
(similar) CEGL003042
(similar) Cupressus goveniana ssp. pygmaea Shrubland [Placeholder]