Print Report
CEGL000053 Abies grandis - Picea sitchensis / Gaultheria shallon / Polystichum munitum Forest
Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Grand Fir - Sitka Spruce / Salal / Western Swordfern Forest
Colloquial Name: No Data Available
Hierarchy Level: Association
Type Concept: This is a coastal, coniferous forest known only from the southwestern Oregon coastal zone, and is the only association in which Abies grandis and Picea sitchensis codominate. These forests were formerly widespread in a narrow (approximately 5 km wide) strip along the ocean from Cape Blanco to the California border. Very few remnants of this community are left, and the description represents the range from dry site to moist site. These might have been (if they had not all been clearcut) otherwise split into Abies grandis - Picea sitchensis / Rubus spectabilis, Abies grandis - Picea sitchensis / Gaultheria shallon - Vaccinium ovatum, and Abies grandis - Picea sitchensis / Polystichum munitum associations. These forests are found on all slopes and aspects, but most remaining sites are on the relatively level terrace above the ocean, or on ocean-facing, western aspect, slopes. Coastal fog, salt-spray, and wind are the primary ecological drivers of this community. The dense canopy of these forests is codominated by Picea sitchensis and Abies grandis. Other trees only occasionally found include Chamaecyparis lawsoniana and Pseudotsuga menziesii. Alnus rubra is common in disturbed areas and along water courses, and Frangula purshiana also is found. The understory varies from open, herb dominated slopes with dense cover of Polystichum munitum and Maianthemum dilatatum, to impenetrable tall shrublands with Gaultheria shallon, Vaccinium ovatum or in moist sites Rubus spectabilis growing 2-3 m tall. These five species provide most of the cover, but many others can be found. Other shrubs include Rubus parviflorus, Morella californica, Lonicera involucrata, and Sambucus racemosa. This is the only community in the United States in which Picea sitchensis and Abies grandis are codominant. Because of its occurrence in southwestern Oregon, it is occasionally (incorrectly) called a Picea sitchensis - Abies concolor type. Further inland, Abies grandis forms similar and rare associations with Tsuga heterophylla, Notholithocarpus densiflorus, and Pseudotsuga menziesii. However, Picea sitchensis is absent from these types.
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: This forest association is dominated by the evergreen needle-leaved tree Picea sitchensis, with another conifer, Abies grandis, becoming codominant, or even dominant, in portions of stands protected from high winds. Canopy cover values are not available, but Picea sitchensis dominates in both density and basal area, forming a closed canopy. Height of the canopy probably averages 50 m, with scattered emergent individuals of Picea sitchensis. Broad-leaved trees occur occasionally, including the deciduous Alnus rubra and Frangula purshiana (= Rhamnus purshiana), and the evergreen Notholithocarpus densiflorus (= Lithocarpus densiflorus), but none are abundant. Other trees only occasionally found include Chamaecyparis lawsoniana and Pseudotsuga menziesii. The tall, broad-leaved evergreen shrub Morella californica (= Myrica californica) is usually present. The shorter shrub Gaultheria shallon is patchy in the understory, but typically has 50% cover and is roughly 0.5 m in height. The herbaceous layer is dominated by the perennial fern Polystichum munitum. Bryophytes are probably common on the forest floor and on logs or rotting wood.
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: This association occurs on elevated Quaternary marine terraces composed of unconsolidated sediments. These sediments include beach and dune sands, stream bench gravels, and glacial morainal materials. The climate of this coastal region is temperate maritime, characterized by a long frost-free season, frequent summer fogs and cloudiness, high winds, and high annual precipitation (over 170 cm annually), which falls primarily as rain. The summers are cool and relatively dry, but fog drip from the tree canopy contributes a significant amount of moisture. Continuous high velocity winds are an important factor.
This association is found only a few meters (12 to 60 m) above sea level, primarily on old stabilized sand dunes. The soils are deep, well-drained sands, with various cemented nodules and lenses in the subsurface layers. The O horizon is well-developed, with the ground surface covered by a mat of partially decomposed leaves, needles and twigs, roughly 5 cm thick.
This association is found only a few meters (12 to 60 m) above sea level, primarily on old stabilized sand dunes. The soils are deep, well-drained sands, with various cemented nodules and lenses in the subsurface layers. The O horizon is well-developed, with the ground surface covered by a mat of partially decomposed leaves, needles and twigs, roughly 5 cm thick.
Geographic Range: This coniferous forest is known only from the southwestern Oregon coastal zone.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: OR
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.687574
Confidence Level: Moderate
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: G1
Greasons: No Data Available
| Type | Name | Database Code | Classification Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class | 1 Forest & Woodland Class | C01 | 1 |
| Subclass | 1.B Temperate & Boreal Forest & Woodland Subclass | S15 | 1.B |
| Formation | 1.B.2 Cool Temperate Forest & Woodland Formation | F008 | 1.B.2 |
| Division | 1.B.2.Nd Vancouverian Forest & Woodland Division | D192 | 1.B.2.Nd |
| Macrogroup | 1.B.2.Nd.3 Western Hemlock - Sitka Spruce - Redwood Rainforest Macrogroup | M024 | 1.B.2.Nd.3 |
| Group | 1.B.2.Nd.3.f Western Hemlock - Sitka Spruce North-Central Pacific Rainforest Group | G751 | 1.B.2.Nd.3.f |
| Alliance | A3609 Grand Fir - Sitka Spruce - Western Red-cedar Forest Alliance | A3609 | 1.B.2.Nd.3.f |
| Association | CEGL000053 Grand Fir - Sitka Spruce / Salal / Western Swordfern Forest | CEGL000053 | 1.B.2.Nd.3.f |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: No Data Available
- Atzet, T. A., D. E. White, L. A. McCrimmon, P. A. Martinez, P. R. Fong, and V. D. Randall. 1996. Field guide to the forested plant associations of southwestern Oregon. Technical Paper R6-NR-ECOL-TP-17-96. USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region, Portland, OR.
- Baker, W. 1976. Inventory of Nesika Beach Nature Conservancy Preserve. Unpublished report prepared for The Nature Conservancy, Portland, OR.
- Bourgeron, P. S., and L. D. Engelking, editors. 1994. A preliminary vegetation classification of the western United States. Unpublished report. The Nature Conservancy, Western Heritage Task Force, Boulder, CO. 175 pp. plus appendix.
- Kagan, J. S., J. A. Christy, M. P. Murray, and J. A. Titus. 2004. Classification of native vegetation of Oregon. January 2004. Oregon Natural Heritage Information Center, Portland. 52 pp.
- Reinthall, P. N., and S. Shultz. 1980. A stewardship master plan for the Nesika Beach Natural Area. Unpublished report prepared for The Nature Conservancy, Portland, OR.
- Schulz, S. T. 1986. A characterization of forest canopy in a mature Picea sitchensis / Abies grandis stand on the Nesika Beach Preserve. Unpublished report prepared for The Nature Conservancy, Portland, Oregon.
- Western Ecology Working Group of NatureServe. No date. International Ecological Classification Standard: International Vegetation Classification. Terrestrial Vegetation. NatureServe, Boulder, CO.