Name:
Chamaedaphne calyculata - Carex oligosperma - Kalmia polifolia Boreal Bog & Acidic Fen Group
Reference:
NatureServe Biotics 2019
Description:
These acidic peatlands are found in eastern boreal regions of central and eastern Canada and southward into adjacent subboreal regions of northeast and north-central United States. Climates are cold enough to allow the rate of peat accumulation to exceed its decomposition. They contain a continuous (>80% cover) layer of <i>Sphagnum</i> mosses (sometimes submerged in bog pools), to depths exceeding 40 cm, with ericaceous dwarf-shrubs and thin-leaved graminoids >25% cover. Scrub trees <2 m may be common, but trees >5 m are <10% cover. Acidic peatlands range from strictly ombrotrophic bog (isolated from groundwater, precipitation fed) to weakly minerotrophic poor fen. They occur in extensive areas of low flats, or develop in open or closed, relatively shallow basins with nutrient-poor and acidic conditions. Many occur in association with larger lakes or streams. Some occur as kettlehole fens (usually called kettlehole "bogs") associated with eskers or other glacial deposits. Poor fens often develop adjacent to open water and may form a floating mat over water. The surface morphology of a bog may be more-or-less level, domed, or eccentric, but typically is above the water table. As peat accumulates, ridges may form, which can be relatively dry compared to the flat areas. Secondary bog pools (schlenke) may be present in the raised portions of the peatlands. <i>Sphagnum</i> mosses play a key role in these systems because they trap base cations, causing the organic soils to acidify, and they retain moisture, thus slowing the decomposition rate and promoting peat accumulation. Species diversity is low. Dwarf-shrubs include <i>Chamaedaphne calyculata, Ledum groenlandicum, Kalmia polifolia, Andromeda polifolia, Vaccinium oxycoccos, Vaccinium macrocarpon</i>, occasionally <i>Gaultheria hispidula</i> or <i>Betula pumila</i>. Rarely, tall ericaceous shrubs such as <i>Vaccinium corymbosum</i> are dominant. Common sedges include <i>Carex oligosperma, Carex chordorrhiza, Carex magellanica ssp. irrigua, Carex limosa</i>, and <i>Carex lasiocarpa</i>. Other herbs include <i>Eriophorum vaginatum, Eriophorum virginicum, Drosera rotundifolia, Menyanthes trifoliata, Sarracenia purpurea</i>, and <i>Scheuchzeria palustris</i>. When present, stunted <i>Picea mariana</i> and <i>Larix laricina</i> are the dominant trees. Dominant mosses include <i>Sphagnum fuscum</i> and <i>Sphagnum magellanicum</i>, and less commonly <i>Sphagnum angustifolium</i>. <i>Pleurozium schreberi</i> can be common on raised mats.<br /><br />In the Atlantic region, from Labrador to Downeast Maine, acidic peatlands take a somewhat different characteristics. In basins, they develop raised plateaus with undulating sedge and dwarf-shrub vegetation. <i>Trichophorum cespitosum</i> may form sedge lawns on the raised plateau. The system may also occur as "blanket bogs" over a sloping rocky substrate in extreme maritime settings; here, dwarf-shrubs and <i>Sphagnum</i> are the dominant cover. Species characteristic of this maritime setting include <i>Empetrum nigrum</i> and <i>Rubus chamaemorus</i>. Typical bog heaths such as <i>Kalmia angustifolia, Kalmia polifolia, Gaylussacia baccata, Ledum groenlandicum</i>, and <i>Gaylussacia dumosa</i> are also present. Morphological characteristics and certain coastal species distinguish these from more inland acidic peatlands.
Accession Code:
urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:40331-{B7992C29-DABA-4819-A161-B9EFA7A5A820}
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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