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Rhododendron canadense - Chamaedaphne calyculata Acidic Peatland | NatureServe Biotics 2019
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Name: Rhododendron canadense - Chamaedaphne calyculata Acidic Peatland
Reference: NatureServe Biotics 2019
Description: These open dwarf-shrub bogs are associated with peatlands in the northeastern U.S. and adjacent Canada. Though highly acidic (pH usually in the range of 3.8-4.6), they occur in oligotrophic to weakly minerotrophic conditions, such as on the sideslopes of a raised bog formation or along the margins of water tracks. The somewhat higher nutrient status compared to ombrotrophic bog communities is reflected in the abundance of <i>Rhododendron canadense</i>; in some areas, <i>Myrica gale</i> is also present, also indicating weak minerotrophy. The structure of this association is primarily dwarf-shrubs of 0.5-0.8 m tall forming a fairly uniform layer. Graminoids and forbs are sparse. The bryoid layer is essentially continuous, with some development of hummocks and hollows. <i>Chamaedaphne calyculata</i> and <i>Rhododendron canadense</i> are the dominant shrubs, with lesser contributions from <i>Myrica gale, Kalmia angustifolia, Kalmia polifolia</i>, and <i>Ledum groenlandicum</i>. <i>Eriophorum virginicum</i> is a characteristic sedge; others include <i>Eriophorum vaginatum var. spissum</i> and <i>Carex pauciflora</i>. <i>Drosera rotundifolia</i> is often present on the surface of the bryophyte layer. Prominent <i>Sphagnum</i> spp. are <i>Sphagnum magellanicum, Sphagnum recurvum</i>, and <i>Sphagnum capillifolium</i>; <i>Sphagnum fuscum</i> may be present but is less abundant than in more ombrotrophic associations (cf. CEGL006225). This association is intermediate in nutrient status and wetness between the drier ombrotrophic dwarf-shrub bog type ~<i>Kalmia angustifolia - Chamaedaphne calyculata - (Picea mariana) / Cladonia</i> spp. Acidic Peatland (CEGL006225)$$ and the wetter poor fen type ~<i>Chamaedaphne calyculata / Eriophorum virginicum / Sphagnum rubellum</i> Acidic Peatland (CEGL006513)$$. The presence of <i>Rhododendron canadense</i> (and sometimes <i>Myrica gale</i> or <i>Carex stricta</i>) in an otherwise typical raised dwarf-shrub bog community is diagnostic. 
Accession Code: urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:35145-{EF12710B-14DB-49CA-A1CF-4E8F8FF72F62}
Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
      Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization)
Perspective from: 28-Jan-2003 to: ongoing
      Names:   UID: ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.688461 NatureServe ExplorerNatureServe Explorer logo
  Code: CEGL006514
  Translated: Rhodora - Leatherleaf Acidic Peatland
  Common: Near-Boreal Dwarf-shrub Poor Fen
  Scientific: Rhododendron canadense - Chamaedaphne calyculata Acidic Peatland
(convergence) and Synonyms:
(similar) Rhododendron canadense - Chamaedaphne calyculata Dwarf-shrubland
(similar) Rhododendron canadense - Chamaedaphne calyculata Dwarf-shrubland