Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available

Floristics: This community is characterized by a moderately open Pseudotsuga menziesii stand with an understory of Quercus garryana occurring in canopy gaps. The sparse shrub layer includes scattered Symphoricarpos albus. The herb layer is dominated by abundant Melica subulata with Sanicula crassicaulis and Carex inops. Common herbs present in small amounts include Lonicera hispidula, Festuca occidentalis, Trisetum canescens, Goodyera oblongifolia, Elymus glaucus, Campanula scouleri, Dodecatheon hendersonii, Moehringia macrophylla, and Ranunculus occidentalis. The moss layer is characterized by abundant Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, often with a small amount of Eurhynchium oreganum. The absence of other conifer species, the sparse shrub layer, and abundance of Melica subulata, Sanicula crassicaulis, and Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus differentiate this association from other related associations.

Dynamics:  This is a late-successional (mature seral and climax) edaphic woodland type. Natural disturbance patterns likely include localized, infrequent stand-initiating fires that are medium to high intensity but relatively small in area. Local surface fires resulting from natural events or human activities were more frequent but served to reduce conifer recruitment in the understory and maintain the sparse shrub layer, the open Pseudotsuga menziesii canopy and the presence of shade-intolerant Quercus garryana. Windthrow, drought, insect infestation and root-rot contribute to the mortality of individual or small groups of trees. Successional rates are very slow given the droughty conditions, slow recruitment of Pseudotsuga menziesii, and the long period of time required to create structural elements such as large old trees, snags and coarse woody debris.

These sites are located in or near highly populated areas resulting in a highly fragmented forested landscape of which very little mature and old-growth forest remains. Important factors that have an impact on existing stands and future successional trends include direct destruction by human activities (residential development, road construction), disturbance from recreational pressures and livestock grazing, and threats posed by fire suppression, climate change and invasive species, particularly Dactylis glomerata.