Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Pacific Willow / California Nettle Swamp Woodland

Colloquial Name: No Data Available

Hierarchy Level:  Association

Type Concept: According to Christy (2004), the habitat for this association is shrub swamp around shallow lakes and ponds, and along low-gradient streams and river channels in western Oregon and Washington. Stands are usually surrounded by Fraxinus latifolia forest but occur at lower elevations that are too wet for Fraxinus. Salix lucida ssp. lasiandra is the primary tree in this association, with cover averaging 67%. In some stands it may not exceed shrub height. Other shrub species are patchy and include Cornus sericea, Sambucus racemosa, and Salix sitchensis. Because of a history of grazing and proximity to agricultural and urban areas, the herb layer is usually dominated by exotic cultivars of Phalaris arundinacea. Sites with seasonal inundation may have a higher component of native species in the herb layer such as Impatiens capensis, Urtica dioica ssp. gracilis, Bidens frondosa, and Leersia oryzoides. Many sites are associated with shallow ponds and associated mudflat vegetation. Stands are used extensively by beaver, and Salix lucida ssp. lasiandra resprouts vigorously following cropping. Trees appear to senesce after about 40 years and may not readily reproduce if stands are heavily infested with Phalaris arundinacea. Stands are often flooded in winter and historically were sometimes flooded into the growing season, but they need late-season draw-down to survive. Use of water control structures to keep shallow lakes flooded in summer has killed several large stands of Salix lucida ssp. lasiandra in the Portland, Oregon, area, destroying valuable shrub swamp and mudflat habitat.

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