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CEGL006064 Alnus viridis ssp. crispa - Spiraea alba / Solidago macrophylla Shrubland
Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Mountain Alder - White Meadowsweet / Largeleaf Goldenrod Shrubland
Colloquial Name: Alpine Slope Shrub Thicket
Hierarchy Level: Association
Type Concept: These alder-birch shrublands are found in the subalpine to lower alpine zones of the higher mountains in the Northern Appalachians. They typically develop in somewhat unstable settings such as avalanche paths, old landslides, or cirque walls. The most common setting is on a steep, concave slope, although they may also occur on flats. Deciduous shrubs averaging 1-2 m tall dominate and may form thickets. Herb cover is best developed in openings among the shrubs, and so is patchy. Dwarf-shrubs are a minor component, and bryophytes are sparse. The dominant species are Alnus viridis ssp. crispa and Betula papyrifera (possibly including the subalpine var. cordifolia). Diervilla lonicera may be locally abundant, especially in somewhat drier microsites. Stunted Picea mariana and Abies balsamea may occur with the shrubs. Viburnum edule is often present, although in very low numbers. Herbs include Solidago macrophylla, Prenanthes trifoliolata, Eurybia radula, Sibbaldiopsis tridentata (in drier openings), Dryopteris campyloptera, Dryopteris intermedia, Athyrium filix-femina, and Calamagrostis canadensis.
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: Deciduous shrubs averaging 1-2 m tall dominate, and may form thickets. Herb cover is best developed in openings among the shrubs, and so is patchy. Dwarf-shrubs are a minor component, and bryophytes are sparse. The dominant species are Alnus viridis ssp. crispa and Betula papyrifera (possibly including the subalpine var. cordifolia). Diervilla lonicera may be locally abundant, especially in somewhat drier microsites. Stunted Picea mariana and Abies balsamea may occur with the shrubs. Viburnum edule is often present, although in very low numbers. Herbs include Solidago macrophylla, Prenanthes trifoliolata, Eurybia radula (= Aster radula), Sibbaldiopsis tridentata (in drier openings), Dryopteris campyloptera, Dryopteris intermedia, Athyrium filix-femina, and Calamagrostis canadensis.
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: These shrublands occur on somewhat unstable settings such as avalanche paths, old landslides, or cirque walls. The most common setting is on a steep, concave slope between treeline and the true dwarf-shrub alpine zone. Slope can vary, however, from essentially vertical to nearly flat. Elevation ranges from 800 to 1600 m (2600-5300 feet).
Geographic Range: This community is found on the higher summits of the Northern Appalachians.
Nations: CA?,US
States/Provinces: ME, NH
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.685352
Confidence Level: Low - Poorly Documented
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 | A3285 Mountain Paper Birch - Resin Birch - Green Alder Alpine Shrubland Alliance | A3285 | 4.B.1.Na.1.d |
| Association | CEGL006064 Mountain Alder - White Meadowsweet / Largeleaf Goldenrod Shrubland | CEGL006064 | 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: = Birch-Alder Community (Kimball and Weihrauch 2000)
= Mountain Alder - Bush Honeysuckle Subalpine Meadow (Gawler 2002)
= Mountain Alder - Bush Honeysuckle Subalpine Meadow (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.
- Kimball, K. D., and D. M. Weihrauch. 2000. Alpine vegetation communities and the alpine-treeline ecotone boundary in New England as biomonitors for climate change. USDA Forest Service, Proceedings RMRS-P-15 3:93-101.
- 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.