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CEGL003042 Hesperocyparis pigmaea Scrub
Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Pygmy Cypress Scrub
Colloquial Name: No Data Available
Hierarchy Level: Association
Type Concept: This association is confined to a narrow, discontinuous band along the Mendocino coast of northern California within a few kilometers of the Pacific Coast, at elevations between 100-300 m. Annual precipitation is approximately 100 cm, with a distinct summer dry season. All stands are well within the zone of coastal fogs, which contribute significant moisture in the form of fog drip from foliage. These stands occur on partially to extremely podzolized, uplifted marine terraces derived from sandstone and old beach deposits. The sterile soils are thin, with shallow A horizons over an iron hardpan, through which water percolates very slowly. The soils are highly acidic and podzolic, poorly drained, and clay in texture. These woodlands are dominated by low-statured trees. Hesperocyparis pigmaea is the sole or dominant tree in the canopy, with Pinus contorta var. bolanderi and Pinus muricata as codominants or common associates. The canopy is typically intermittent or open, and less than 18 m in height. Several stands occurring on the poorest soils are dwarfed, with the tree canopy only 2.5 m in height. In the understory, ericaceous, broad-leaved evergreen shrubs are common, and may include Rhododendron macrophyllum, Gaultheria shallon, Vaccinium ovatum, Arctostaphylos columbiana, Arctostaphylos nummularia, and Ledum x columbianum. The perennial forbs Xerophyllum tenax and Viola sempervirens are typically present. The forb Navarretia squarrosa occurs in drier, disturbed microsites. Lichens are abundant, and several species are characteristic of these stands.
Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: This association tentatively includes Hesperocyparis goveniana (= Cupressus goveniana ssp. goveniana).
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available
Floristics: This woodland alliance is dominated by low-stature, needle-leaved evergreen trees. Hesperocyparis pigmaea (= Cupressus goveniana ssp. pygmaea) is the sole or dominant tree in the canopy, with Pinus contorta var. bolanderi and Pinus muricata as codominants or common associates. The canopy is typically intermittent or open, and less than 18 m in height. Several stands occurring on the poorest soils are dwarfed, with the tree canopy only 2.5 m in height. In the understory, ericaceous, broad-leaved evergreen shrubs are common, and may include Rhododendron macrophyllum, Gaultheria shallon, Vaccinium ovatum, Arctostaphylos columbiana, Arctostaphylos nummularia, and Ledum x columbianum. The perennial forbs Xerophyllum tenax and Viola sempervirens are typically present. The forb Navarretia squarrosa occurs in drier, disturbed microsites. Lichens are abundant, and several species are characteristic of these stands.
Dynamics: As with most other Hesperocyparis species, Hesperocyparis pigmaea is dependent upon fire to open its serotinous cones, allowing seeds to be shed. Germination is rapid, an adaptation to allow utilization of winter rains for seedling establishment. Necessary fire-return intervals are unknown for most Hesperocyparis species, but this variety is likely to be subject to less frequent fires, due to its occurrence in moist, coastal habitats.
Environmental Description: Stands are found within a few kilometers of the Pacific Coast, at elevations between 100-300 m. Annual precipitation is approximately 100 cm, with a distinct summer dry season. Temperatures are mild, with cool summers. All stands are well within the zone of coastal fogs, which contribute significant moisture in the form of fog drip from foliage. These stands occur on partially to extremely podzolized, uplifted marine terraces derived from sandstone and old beach deposits. The sterile soils are thin, with shallow A horizons over an iron hardpan, through which water percolates very slowly. The soils are highly acidic and podzolic, poorly drained, and clay in texture. Roots of the cypress rarely penetrate the hardpan, but form extensive, shallow systems. The shallowest and most highly acidic soils support the most stunted individuals of all tree species.
Geographic Range: This association is confined to a narrow, discontinuous band along the Mendocino coast of northern California, primarily in Mendocino County, but a few stands occur in Sonoma County as well. Stands are within 3.5 km of the coast.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: CA
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.688981
Confidence Level: Low
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: G2?
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.1 Warm Temperate Forest & Woodland Formation | F018 | 1.B.1 |
| Division | 1.B.1.Nc Californian Forest & Woodland Division | D007 | 1.B.1.Nc |
| Macrogroup | 1.B.1.Nc.1 California Live Oak - California Laurel - Western Cypress species Forest & Woodland Macrogroup | M009 | 1.B.1.Nc.1 |
| Group | 1.B.1.Nc.1.b Western Cypress species - Pine species Forest & Woodland Group | G198 | 1.B.1.Nc.1.b |
| Alliance | A3352 Gowen Cypress - Monterey Cypress Woodland Alliance | A3352 | 1.B.1.Nc.1.b |
| Association | CEGL003042 Pygmy Cypress Scrub | CEGL003042 | 1.B.1.Nc.1.b |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: < Callitropsis goveniana Woodland (Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf 1995)
- Cheatham, N. H., and J. R. Haller. 1975. An annotated list of California habitat types. Unpublished report. University of California, Natural Land and Water Reserves System.
- Griffin, J. R., and W. B. Critchfield. 1972. The distribution of forest trees in California. Research Paper PSW-82/1972. USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station, Berkeley, CA. 114 pp.
- Sawyer, J. O., and T. Keeler-Wolf. 1995. A manual of California vegetation. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento. 471 pp.
- Vogl, R. J., W. P. Armstrong, K. L. White, and K. L. Cole. 1988. The closed-cone pines and cypresses. Pages 295-358 in: M. G. Barbour and J. Major, editors. 1988. Terrestrial vegetation of California: New expanded edition. California Native Plant Society, Special Publication 9, Sacramento. 1030 pp.
- Western Ecology Working Group of NatureServe. No date. International Ecological Classification Standard: International Vegetation Classification. Terrestrial Vegetation. NatureServe, Boulder, CO.
- Westman, W. E. 1975. Edaphic climax pattern of the pygmy forest region of California. Ecological Monographs 42:109-135.