Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available

Floristics: The tree layer is codominated by Abies grandis and Picea engelmannii, with Abies grandis showing a greater reproductive capacity under heavy shading. In frost pockets or higher elevations, Abies lasiocarpa may occur as a minor climax species. Pseudotsuga menziesii and Larix occidentalis may be present on the edges or drier portions of the type. The undergrowth typically displays a diverse group of moist-site forbs such as Clintonia uniflora, Coptis occidentalis, Asarum caudatum, Senecio triangularis, and Galium triflorum; the broadly distributed forbs Osmorhiza berteroi (= Osmorhiza chilensis) and Thalictrum occidentale are consistently present, occasionally with high cover.

Dynamics:  Sites may be extremely susceptible to windthrow. Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata, Pteridium aquilinum, and Rudbeckia occidentalis show a propensity for colonizing these sites after stand cutovers.

Although this type is not classified in a fire group study, its environment is equivalent to Fischer and Bradley''s (1987) 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.