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Betula papyrifera var. papyrifera - Alnus rubra / Polystichum munitum Forest | NatureServe Biotics 2019
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Name: Betula papyrifera var. papyrifera - Alnus rubra / Polystichum munitum Forest
Reference: NatureServe Biotics 2019
Description: This western paper birch forest is known only from the Fraser Lowland and adjacent hills in Whatcom County, and possibly Skagit County, Washington, and adjacent British Columbia. It is dominated by <i>Betula papyrifera var. papyrifera</i> or a mix with <i>Alnus rubra</i>. <i>Acer macrophyllum, Frangula purshiana, Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii</i>, and <i>Abies grandis</i> are frequently present and <i>Acer macrophyllum</i> is sometimes codominant. <i>Tsuga heterophylla</i> and <i>Thuja plicata</i> are sometimes prominent. The understory is characterized by <i>Polystichum munitum</i>, which is prominent to dominant. A variable shrub layer of <i>Symphoricarpos albus var. laevigatus, Rubus spectabilis var. spectabilis, Oemleria cerasiformis, Acer circinatum</i>, and/or <i>Rubus ursinus ssp. macropetalus</i> is present, each of which is sometimes codominant. Other species usually present include <i>Sambucus racemosa var. racemosa, Carex deweyana var. deweyana, Dryopteris expansa</i>, and <i>Maianthemum dilatatum</i>. Sites are moist to very moist and appear to be relatively nutrient-rich. Most sites are on flat or slightly undulating plains, with some on adjacent foothills. Soil texture varies from gravelly loam to silty clay loam, with silt loam most common. Soils are somewhat poorly drained to well-drained. This is an early- to mid-successional association that can regenerate after fire, windthrow, or timber harvest. Birch and alder are short-lived (about 100-140 years) and prolific wind-borne seed producers. Birch also sprouts vigorously after fire or cutting. If conifers establish in the understory, then they are expected to dominate after the birch and alder die in the absence of further disturbance. 
Accession Code: urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:32234-{FC6DB1EC-74C2-477F-BA61-4189C1D4E0BE}
Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
      Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization)
Perspective from: 04-May-2016 to: ongoing
      Names:   UID: ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.683461 NatureServe ExplorerNatureServe Explorer logo
  Code: CEGL003352
  Translated: Paper Birch - Red Alder / Western Swordfern Forest
  Scientific: Betula papyrifera var. papyrifera - Alnus rubra / Polystichum munitum Forest
(convergence) and Synonyms:
(similar) Betula papyrifera var. commutata - Alnus rubra / Polystichum munitum Forest