Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available

Floristics: This is a forest association, dominated by evergreen needle-leaved trees. Pseudotsuga menziesii or Picea engelmannii dominate most mature stands, with Abies grandis and Picea successfully reproducing in the understory layer as seedlings, saplings and small trees. Early-successional stages may be dominated by Pinus ponderosa, Pinus contorta, or the deciduous needle-leaved Larix occidentalis. Abies grandis and Picea are always present. A low-shrub layer is well-developed and dominated by deciduous broad-leaved species, primarily Vaccinium membranaceum (= Vaccinium globulare), with minor amounts of Rubus parviflorus, Lonicera utahensis, and Chimaphila umbellata. The herbaceous layer is dominated by perennial forbs, with Coptis occidentalis being the most abundant. Several other species are indicative of the cool, moist conditions beneath the overstory, such as Galium triflorum, Viola orbiculata, Mitella stauropetala, and Thalictrum occidentale. Slightly moister sites within the type may be defined by Clintonia uniflora, Maianthemum stellatum, and Tiarella trifoliata var. unifoliata (Johnson and Simon 1987).

Dynamics:  Damping-off fungus takes a heavy toll of Abies grandis seedlings during wet seasons, and insolation and drought cause mortality during the dry summer months. Indian paint fungus (Echinodontium tinctorium) may be very common on grand fir within this type (Pfister et al. 1977). Larix occidentalis can be subject to attack by the dwarf mistletoe parasite.

Fire hazard is normally low to moderate under normal weather conditions (Fischer and Bradley 1987). Although this type does not occur in Fischer and Bradley''s study, this type is equivalent to their Group Eleven - warm, moist grand fir, western red-cedar, and western hemlock habitat types. The threat of fire is highest in the summer, when the moist maritime climate no longer prevails. During severe summer drought, heavy fuel loading from high plant productivity can set the stage for severe, widespread fires. Stands are replaced and sites revert to pioneer species. Summertime fuel moisture conditions in young stands are not nearly as high as in older, more dense stands, and the effects of fire are often more severe than they are in older stands. Surface fires often scar the base of the grand fir, creating favorable entry points for decay organisms. The initial floral component, seeds stored on site, and the accidents of natural seeding and seedling establishment may structure the community following the fire more than the characteristics of the fire itself. Although generally true for all fire groups, it is more pronounced in this fire group. The use of fire for site preparation will usually result in increased spring and summer browse for big game in addition to successful regeneration of seral tree species.