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Picea mariana / Ledum groenlandicum - Empetrum nigrum / Cladonia spp. Dwarf-shrubland | NatureServe Biotics 2019
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Name: Picea mariana / Ledum groenlandicum - Empetrum nigrum / Cladonia spp. Dwarf-shrubland
Reference: NatureServe Biotics 2019
Description: This boreal heathland community develops at the base of some talus slopes in the northeastern United States and (possibly) adjacent Canada. Cold air draining to the base of the slope allows ice to persist in crevices through most of the growing season, even at these moderate elevations (215-670 m [700-2200 feet]). This creates a cold microclimate, and the vegetation features many species with affinities to boreal or higher-elevation settings. As with talus slopes in general, soil development is extremely limited, although in this type there may be some patches of peaty soils developing among the boulders. The vegetation is predominantly dwarf-shrubs and stunted shrub-like conifers, in patches among the talus, with a scattered and broken tree canopy. Herbs are sparse. The bryoid layer is typically very well-developed, with mats of reindeer lichens undulating across the talus and higher bryophyte cover than in other talus settings. The scattered trees are typically <i>Picea mariana, Picea rubens</i>, and <i>Betula papyrifera</i>. <i>Abies balsamea</i> and (in relatively southern examples) <i>Tsuga canadensis</i> are occasional. <i>Sorbus americana</i> or <i>Sorbus decora</i> may occur as scattered shrubs. Dwarf-shrubs characteristically include <i>Ledum groenlandicum, Gaultheria hispidula, Vaccinium angustifolium, Vaccinium myrtilloides, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Kalmia angustifolia</i>, and, in the more northerly occurrences, <i>Vaccinium uliginosum</i> and <i>Empetrum nigrum</i>. Herbs may include <i>Polypodium virginianum</i> and/or <i>Polypodium appalachianum</i> and <i>Mitella nuda</i>. Typical bryoids are <i>Cladonia</i> spp., <i>Hylocomium splendens, Pleurozium schreberi, Sphagnum capillifolium, Polytrichum strictum</i>, and <i>Bazzania trilobata</i>. The combination of setting and flora make this type distinctive. 
Accession Code: urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:34915-{2BD566C2-90CE-4DED-84FF-E8E4B3D39D7C}
Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
      Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization)
Perspective from: 28-Jan-2003 to: ongoing
      Names:   UID: ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.688259 NatureServe ExplorerNatureServe Explorer logo
  Code: CEGL006268
  Translated: Black Spruce / Bog Labrador-tea - Black Crowberry / Cup Lichen species Dwarf-shrubland
  Common: Cold Air Talus Heathland
  Scientific: Picea mariana / Ledum groenlandicum - Empetrum nigrum / Cladonia spp. Dwarf-shrubland
(convergence) and Synonyms:
(similar) CEGL006268
(similar) Picea mariana / Ledum groenlandicum - Empetrum nigrum / Cladina spp. Dwarf-shrubland
(similar) Picea mariana / Ledum groenlandicum - Empetrum nigrum / Cladina spp. Dwarf-shrubland