Print Report
CEGL000278 Abies grandis - Picea engelmannii / Maianthemum stellatum Forest
Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Grand Fir - Engelmann Spruce / Starry False Lily-of-the-Valley Forest
Colloquial Name: No Data Available
Hierarchy Level: Association
Type Concept: This mixed-conifer forest occurs locally on Mount Hood National Forest in Oregon and in California. Stands occur at the upper elevational limits for Abies grandis, on moist, cold sites at elevations of 1220-1370 m (4000-4500 feet). A variety of aspects and slopes are possible, but relatively flat and concave sites are common. Soils are generally deep sandy loams of textured ash surface layers over basalt parent material. The tree canopy is codominated by Abies grandis and Picea engelmannii, with Pseudotsuga menziesii and Pinus contorta. Subcanopy species include Acer glabrum var. douglasii and Acer circinatum. Important forbs include Achlys triphylla, Campanula scouleri, Maianthemum stellatum, and Orthilia secunda.
Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: Topik et al. (1988) only inventoried four plots. This association is similar to other forests in the northern Rocky Mountains of Idaho, but has a more Cascadian flora. Abies grandis and Picea engelmannii have been described as codominant in two plant associations found along the eastern slopes of the Cascades in Oregon, and nowhere else, in spite of occurring together throughout the northern Rockies. This association appears unique to northern Oregon. Data from similar stands occurring in California need to be reviewed to determine if the vegetation is the same.
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available
Floristics: The tree canopy is codominated by Abies grandis (23%) and Picea engelmannii (20%), with Pseudotsuga menziesii (9%), and Pinus contorta (4%). The subcanopy species Acer glabrum var. douglasii and Acer circinatum each average 15% cover. Important forbs include Achlys triphylla (6%), Campanula scouleri (14%), Maianthemum stellatum (= Smilacina stellata) (2%), and Orthilia secunda (2%).
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: Stands occur at the upper elevational limits for Abies grandis, on moist, cold sites at elevations of 1220-1370 m (4000-4500 feet). A variety of aspects and slopes are possible, but relatively flat and concave sites are common. Soils are generally deep sandy loams of textured ash surface layers over basalt parent material.
Geographic Range: This forest association occurs locally in California, and on Mount Hood National Forest, and the adjacent Warm Springs Indian Reservation in Oregon. In Oregon, stands are restricted to a narrow area on the east side of the Columbia River Gorge. Similar habitats could exist on the east side of Mount Adams in Washington (although they would be on private or Yakima Indian Reservation lands).
Nations: US
States/Provinces: CA, OR
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.689440
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.2 Cool Temperate Forest & Woodland Formation | F008 | 1.B.2 |
| Division | 1.B.2.Nb Rocky Mountain Forest & Woodland Division | D194 | 1.B.2.Nb |
| Macrogroup | 1.B.2.Nb.3 Western Hemlock - Grand Fir - Western Larch Mesic Lower Montane Forest Macrogroup | M500 | 1.B.2.Nb.3 |
| Group | 1.B.2.Nb.3.c Grand Fir - Douglas-fir East Cascades Forest Group | G212 | 1.B.2.Nb.3.c |
| Alliance | A3583 Grand Fir - Douglas-fir Mesic Cascadian Forest Alliance | A3583 | 1.B.2.Nb.3.c |
| Association | CEGL000278 Grand Fir - Engelmann Spruce / Starry False Lily-of-the-Valley Forest | CEGL000278 | 1.B.2.Nb.3.c |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: = Abies grandis - Picea engelmannii / Smilacina stellata (Topik et al. 1988) [(p.107)]
- 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.
- Topik, C., N. M. Halverson, and T. High. 1988. Plant associations and management guide of the ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, and grand fir zone, Mt. Hood National Forest. R6-ECOL-TP-004-88. USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region, Portland, OR. 136 pp.
- Western Ecology Working Group of NatureServe. No date. International Ecological Classification Standard: International Vegetation Classification. Terrestrial Vegetation. NatureServe, Boulder, CO.