Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Red Spruce - White Spruce Forest

Colloquial Name: Maritime Spruce - Fir Forest

Hierarchy Level:  Association

Type Concept: This community is a spruce-fir forest of maritime regions on the coast of northern New England and the maritime provinces of Canada. The acidic soils are well-drained to somewhat poorly drained, often with a thick organic mat over a thin mineral layer, with bedrock or till not far below the surface. Occurrences are associated with cool and fog-laden maritime winds and are mostly found within 1/2 mile (occasionally 3 miles) of the coast, on flats or lower to mid slopes. Cool temperatures and frequent fogs create comparatively mesic conditions. These coniferous forests are efficient at intercepting cloud moisture, creating local conditions with elevated humidity and water flux. On coastal islands and outer peninsulas where salt spray is a factor, trees may be contorted or short. The tree canopy ranges from closed to partially open as a result of blowdowns. Shrubs and herbs are patchy, and most abundant in the openings; closed-canopy areas may have almost no understory. Dense spruce and fir regeneration also occurs in patches. The bryoid layer is frequently well-developed, and epiphytic Usnea lichens are particularly characteristic. Picea rubens and/or Abies balsamea are the dominant trees. In many locations Picea glauca is a prominent canopy component, especially along the shore where it populates blowdowns and extensive openings. However, white spruce may die off locally under prolonged closed-canopy conditions. Extreme maritime sites and larger gaps may be dominated by Betula papyrifera, Sorbus americana, and/or Sorbus decora, and abundant fir. Other minor canopy species may include Picea mariana, Betula alleghaniensis, Acer rubrum, Populus tremuloides, Pinus strobus, Tsuga canadensis, Thuja occidentalis, Larix laricina, and occasionally Betula populifolia. Shrubs and herbs typically include Sorbus americana and/or Sorbus decora, Vaccinium angustifolium, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides, Ilex mucronata, Kalmia angustifolia, Maianthemum canadense, Trientalis borealis, Cornus canadensis, Coptis trifolia, Gaultheria hispidula, and Aralia nudicaulis. The mossy ground layer is dominated by Pleurozium schreberi, Bazzania trilobata, Dicranum spp., Hypnum imponens, Sphagnum palustre, Sphagnum girgensohnii, and Ptilium spp. This association is differentiated from inland spruce-fir forests by the local abundance of Vaccinium vitis-idaea and bryophyte species Pleurozium schreberi and Ptilidium ciliare. While Dicranum spp. are often present, they are generally less abundant than feathermosses and liverworts.

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