Print Report
CEGL003352 Betula papyrifera var. papyrifera - Alnus rubra / Polystichum munitum Forest
Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Paper Birch - Red Alder / Western Swordfern Forest
Colloquial Name: No Data Available
Hierarchy Level: Association
Type Concept: 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 Betula papyrifera var. papyrifera or a mix with Alnus rubra. Acer macrophyllum, Frangula purshiana, Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii, and Abies grandis are frequently present and Acer macrophyllum is sometimes codominant. Tsuga heterophylla and Thuja plicata are sometimes prominent. The understory is characterized by Polystichum munitum, which is prominent to dominant. A variable shrub layer of Symphoricarpos albus var. laevigatus, Rubus spectabilis var. spectabilis, Oemleria cerasiformis, Acer circinatum, and/or Rubus ursinus ssp. macropetalus is present, each of which is sometimes codominant. Other species usually present include Sambucus racemosa var. racemosa, Carex deweyana var. deweyana, Dryopteris expansa, and Maianthemum dilatatum. 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.
Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: No Data Available
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available
Floristics: This association is dominated by Betula papyrifera var. papyrifera (= var. commutata) or a mix with Alnus rubra. Acer macrophyllum, Frangula purshiana, Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii, and Abies grandis are frequently present and Acer macrophyllum is sometimes codominant. Tsuga heterophylla and Thuja plicata are sometimes prominent. The understory is characterized by Polystichum munitum, which is prominent to dominant. A variable shrub layer of Symphoricarpos albus var. laevigatus, Rubus spectabilis var. spectabilis, Oemleria cerasiformis, Acer circinatum, and/or Rubus ursinus ssp. macropetalus is present, each of which is sometimes codominant. Other species usually present include Sambucus racemosa var. racemosa, Carex deweyana var. deweyana, Dryopteris expansa, and Maianthemum dilatatum.
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: No Data Available
Geographic Range: No Data Available
Nations: US
States/Provinces: WA
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.683461
Confidence Level: Low - Poorly Documented
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: G1
Greasons: No Data Available
| Type | Name | Database Code | Classification Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class | 1 Forest & Woodland Class | C01 | 1 |
| Subclass | 1.B Temperate & Boreal Forest & Woodland Subclass | S15 | 1.B |
| Formation | 1.B.2 Cool Temperate Forest & Woodland Formation | F008 | 1.B.2 |
| Division | 1.B.2.Nd Vancouverian Forest & Woodland Division | D192 | 1.B.2.Nd |
| Macrogroup | 1.B.2.Nd.3 Western Hemlock - Sitka Spruce - Redwood Rainforest Macrogroup | M024 | 1.B.2.Nd.3 |
| Group | 1.B.2.Nd.3.g Red Alder - Bigleaf Maple Rainforest Group | G237 | 1.B.2.Nd.3.g |
| Alliance | A3385 Red Alder - Bigleaf Maple Forest Alliance | A3385 | 1.B.2.Nd.3.g |
| Association | CEGL003352 Paper Birch - Red Alder / Western Swordfern Forest | CEGL003352 | 1.B.2.Nd.3.g |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: = Betula papyrifera - Alnus rubra / Polystichum munitum (Chappell 2006b)
- Chappell, C. B. 2006b. Upland plant associations of the Puget Trough ecoregion, Washington. Natural Heritage Report 2006-01. Washington Department of Natural Resources, Natural Heritage Program, Olympia, WA. [http://www.dnr.wa.gov/nhp/refdesk/communities/pdf/intro.pdf]
- WNHP [Washington Natural Heritage Program]. 2018. Unpublished data files. Washington Natural Heritage Program, Department of Natural Resources, Olympia, WA.
- Western Ecology Working Group of NatureServe. No date. International Ecological Classification Standard: International Vegetation Classification. Terrestrial Vegetation. NatureServe, Boulder, CO.