Print Report
CEGL006425 Kalmia angustifolia - Chamaedaphne calyculata / Rubus chamaemorus / Cladonia spp. Dwarf-shrubland
Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Sheep Laurel - Leatherleaf / Cloudberry / Cup Lichen species Dwarf-shrubland
Colloquial Name: Subalpine Slope Bog
Hierarchy Level: Association
Type Concept: This dwarf-shrub vegetation resembles that of a northeastern North American peat bog, but instead of a basin setting, it is on subalpine to alpine slopes, near or above treeline. While moist, the substrate is not constantly saturated as it would be in high-elevation basin bogs. The slope can range from moderate to very steep. Peat accumulation is deeper than in other alpine or subalpine heath settings, with depths of 25-80+ cm. The vegetation is dominated by a dense layer of dwarf ericaceous shrubs, with widely scattered taller shrubs or stunted trees. Herbs are sparse. The bryoid layer is very well-developed with both mosses and lichens prominent. Kalmia angustifolia, Chamaedaphne calyculata, and Ledum groenlandicum are dominant. Less abundant shrubs and small trees may include Alnus viridis ssp. crispa, Betula papyrifera var. cordifolia, Viburnum edule, Vaccinium uliginosum, and Rhododendron canadense. Krummholz-form Picea mariana, Abies balsamea, and, occasionally Larix laricina and Thuja occidentalis may be present. Herbs include widespread species such as Cornus canadensis and Coptis trifolia along with the more restricted Rubus chamaemorus, Geocaulon lividum, and Huperzia appalachiana. The bryoid layer is dominated by Sphagnum spp., with abundant fruticose lichens including Cladonia rangiferina and Cetraria islandica. This association is distinguished from the more widespread subalpine heath association ~(Picea mariana, Abies balsamea) / Kalmia angustifolia - Ledum groenlandicum Dwarf-shrubland (CEGL006031)$$ by the accumulation of Sphagnum peat; it is distinguished from the alpine bog ~Empetrum nigrum - Vaccinium uliginosum - Vaccinium oxycoccos / Rubus chamaemorus Dwarf-shrubland (CEGL006140)$$, which is somewhat wetter, by the paucity of graminoids and the slope as opposed to basin setting.
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: Kalmia angustifolia, Chamaedaphne calyculata, and Ledum groenlandicum are dominant. Less abundant shrubs and small trees may include Alnus viridis ssp. crispa, Betula papyrifera var. cordifolia, Viburnum edule, Vaccinium uliginosum, and Rhododendron canadense. Krummholz-form Picea mariana, Abies balsamea, and, occasionally Larix laricina and Thuja occidentalis may be present. Herbs include widespread species such as Cornus canadensis and Coptis trifolia along with the more restricted Rubus chamaemorus, Geocaulon lividum, and Huperzia appalachiana. The bryoid layer is dominated by Sphagnum spp., with abundant fruticose lichens including Cladonia rangiferina (= Cladina rangiferina) and Cetraria islandica.
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: This association occurs in subalpine to alpine settings above 610 m (2000 feet) elevation, on moderate to steep slopes. Settings include talus rockslides and moist slopes near treeline.
Geographic Range: Scattered locations in the northern Appalachians, currently documented only from New Hampshire and Maine.
Nations: CA?,US
States/Provinces: ME, NH
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.684733
Confidence Level: Low
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: GNR
Greasons: No Data Available
| Type | Name | Database Code | Classification Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class | 4 Polar & High Montane Scrub, Grassland & Barrens Class | C04 | 4 |
| Subclass | 4.B Temperate to Polar Alpine & Tundra Vegetation Subclass | S12 | 4.B |
| Formation | 4.B.1 Temperate & Boreal Alpine Tundra Formation | F037 | 4.B.1 |
| Division | 4.B.1.Na Eastern North American Alpine Tundra Division | D042 | 4.B.1.Na |
| Macrogroup | 4.B.1.Na.1 Eastern North American Alpine Tundra Macrogroup | M131 | 4.B.1.Na.1 |
| Group | 4.B.1.Na.1.d <i>Vaccinium uliginosum - Diapensia lapponica - Carex bigelowii</i> Temperate Alpine Tundra Group | G909 | 4.B.1.Na.1.d |
| Alliance | A3286 Bog Labrador-tea / Tufted Bulrush / Peatmoss species Alpine Bog & Fen Alliance | A3286 | 4.B.1.Na.1.d |
| Association | CEGL006425 Sheep Laurel - Leatherleaf / Cloudberry / Cup Lichen species Dwarf-shrubland | CEGL006425 | 4.B.1.Na.1.d |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: = Heath - Lichen Subalpine Slope Bog (Gawler 2002)
- Eastern Ecology Working Group of NatureServe. No date. International Ecological Classification Standard: International Vegetation Classification. Terrestrial Vegetation. NatureServe, Boston, MA.
- Gawler, S. C. 2002. Natural landscapes of Maine: A guide to vegetated natural communities and ecosystems. Maine Natural Areas Program, Department of Conservation, Augusta, ME.
- Gawler, S. C., and A. Cutko. 2010. Natural landscapes of Maine: A classification of vegetated natural communities and ecosystems. Maine Natural Areas Program, Department of Conservation, Augusta.
- Sperduto, D. D., and C. V. Cogbill. 1999. Alpine and subalpine vegetation of the White Mountains, New Hampshire. New Hampshire Natural Heritage Inventory, Concord, NH. 25 pp. plus figures.
- Sperduto, D. D., and W. F. Nichols. 2004. Natural communities of New Hampshire: A guide and classification. New Hampshire Natural Heritage Bureau, DRED Division of Forests and Lands, Concord. 242 pp.