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Abies balsamea - (Betula papyrifera var. cordifolia) Forest | NatureServe Biotics 2019
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Name: Abies balsamea - (Betula papyrifera var. cordifolia) Forest Reference: NatureServe Biotics 2019 Description: These subalpine forests occur near treeline on mountains of the northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. They are found on upper mountain slopes and ridgetops (above 915 m [3000 feet]) where they are associated with high winds, cold temperatures and shallow, acidic soils with a strong organic component. They are usually coniferous, but in some cases <i>Betula papyrifera var. cordifolia</i> may be a long-term replacement after disturbance. Canopy coverage is usually 70-85%. The shrub layer is sparse where the canopy is closed, but disturbance-created patches that are frequent within this forest may have dense shrub cover. Dwarf-shrubs and herbs are sparse; the coverage of bryoids is variable. In the canopy, <i>Abies balsamea</i> is often dominant and may form pure stands; <i>Betula papyrifera var. cordifolia</i> and <i>Picea rubens</i> are common associates, usually of minor importance except for post-disturbance patches that may be strongly birch-dominated. Typically forms large patches between 1070 and 1370 m (3500-4500 feet), but may be almost matrix. The shrub layer is predominantly <i>Abies</i> seedlings with occasional <i>Sorbus americana, Alnus viridis, Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides</i>, and <i>Ledum groenlandicum</i>. Characteristic herbs include <i>Dryopteris campyloptera, Oxalis montana, Maianthemum canadense, Clintonia borealis, Cornus canadensis, Coptis trifolia, Solidago macrophylla</i>, and the clubmoss <i>Lycopodium annotinum</i>. Bryophytes include <i>Dicranum scoparium, Dicranum fuscescens, Polytrichum ohioense, Plagiothecium laetum, Bazzania trilobata</i>, and <i>Pleurozium schreberi</i>. These forests generally occur above montane spruce-fir forests and spruce-hardwood forests, and approach a matrix forest above 1220 m (4000 feet). Fir waves are a physiognomically unusual expression of this community.  Accession Code: urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:34760-{3D6D99F4-54B6-4089-8E9D-AFA17F2C8BCD} Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
	Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization) Perspective from: 24-Jan-2003 to: ongoing
	status: accepted Community's Parent: Picea rubens - Abies balsamea Forest Alliance This Community's Level: Association This Community's Children: [none]		Names:   UID: ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.683349 NatureServe Explorer   Code: CEGL006112   Translated: Balsam Fir - (Mountain Paper Birch) Forest   Common: Montane Balsam Fir - Birch Forest   Scientific: Abies balsamea - (Betula papyrifera var. cordifolia) Forest (convergence) and Synonyms: (similar) Abies balsamea - (Betula papyrifera var. cordifolia) Forest (similar) CEGL006112 (similar) Abies balsamea - (Betula papyrifera var. cordifolia) Forest