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CEGL008681 Abies magnifica - Abies lowiana / Sparse Understory Forest
Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: California Red Fir - Sierra White Fir / Sparse Understory Forest
Colloquial Name: No Data Available
Hierarchy Level: Association
Type Concept: This forest type is widespread in the central and southern Sierra Nevada, California, at middle to lower elevations, generally ranging from 1983 to 2684 m (6500-8800 feet). Aspects are variable, but northeast to northwest slopes are common, and average solar radiation levels are among the lowest in the region. Slopes are gentle to steep. Stands occur on all slope positions. Sites have significantly less bare ground and surface gravel and a deeper litter layer than other sites. Soils are usually formed in place on granitic bedrock. In general, soils are deeper than most other sites and are typically well-drained sandy. The average water-holding capacity is one of the highest in the upper montane of the Sierra Nevada. Stands in this association are dense, multi-layered forests with somewhat open overstories distinguished by the presence of Abies lowiana in a mix with Abies magnifica; together these species dominate the stands. Understory shrub cover is significantly lower than other associations in late-seral stands. Symphoricarpos acutus, Chrysolepis sempervirens, and Ribes roezlii are the most common shrubs, but none are frequent. Herb cover is also low, and while no species are frequent, the most common ones are Pyrola picta, Hieracium albiflorum, and Corallorhiza maculata. Abies magnifica is the dominant regenerating conifer. This association is often adjacent to or interspersed with ~Abies magnifica - Abies lowiana - Pinus lambertiana / Sparse Understory Forest (CEGL008683)$$ and ~Abies magnifica - Abies lowiana - Pinus jeffreyi Sierran Montane Chaparral Forest (CEGL008682)$$ on mesic sites.
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: Stands in this association are dense, multi-layered forests with somewhat open overstories. Overstories are distinguished by the presence of Abies lowiana (= Abies concolor var. lowiana), with an average 25% cover, in a mix with Abies magnifica, with an average 55% cover, and together these species dominate the stands. Understory shrub cover is significantly lower than other associations in late-seral stands, averaging 3%. Symphoricarpos acutus, Chrysolepis sempervirens, and Ribes roezlii are the most common shrubs, but none are frequent. Herb cover is also low, averaging 15%, and while no species are frequent, the most common ones are Pyrola picta, Hieracium albiflorum, and Corallorhiza maculata. Abies magnifica is the dominant regenerating conifer.
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: This association is located at middle to lower elevations, generally ranging from 1983 to 2684 m (6500-8800 feet). Aspects are variable, but northeast to northwest slopes are common, and average solar radiation levels are among the lowest in the region. Slopes are gentle to steep. Stands occur on all slope positions. Sites have significantly less bare ground and surface gravel and a deeper litter layer than other sites. Soils are usually formed in place on granitic bedrock. In general, soils are deeper than most other sites and are usually sandy. The average water-holding capacity is one of the highest in the upper montane of the Sierra Nevada. Soils are typically well-drained.
Geographic Range: This forest type is widespread in the central and southern Sierra Nevada, California.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: CA
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.690067
Confidence Level: Moderate
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: G3
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.2 Incense-cedar - Jeffrey Pine - Sierra White Fir Forest Macrogroup | M023 | 1.B.2.Nd.2 |
| Group | 1.B.2.Nd.2.a Incense-cedar - Sugar Pine - Sierra White Fir Forest & Woodland Group | G344 | 1.B.2.Nd.2.a |
| Alliance | A3678 Sierra White Fir - California Red Fir - Shasta Red Fir Forest Alliance | A3678 | 1.B.2.Nd.2.a |
| Association | CEGL008681 California Red Fir - Sierra White Fir / Sparse Understory Forest | CEGL008681 | 1.B.2.Nd.2.a |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: = Abies magnifica - Abies concolor (Sawyer et al. 2009) [88.520.01]
= Abies magnifica - Abies concolor / Sparse Understory Forest (Keeler-Wolf 2002)
= Abies magnifica - Abies concolor Forest (Keeler-Wolf et al. 2012)
= Red Fir - White Fir (Potter 1994)
= Abies magnifica - Abies concolor / Sparse Understory Forest (Keeler-Wolf 2002)
= Abies magnifica - Abies concolor Forest (Keeler-Wolf et al. 2012)
= Red Fir - White Fir (Potter 1994)
- Keeler-Wolf, T. 2002. Classification of the vegetation of Yosemite National Park and surrounding environs in Tuolumne, Mariposa, Madera and Mono counties, California. NatureServe in cooperation with the California Native Plant Society and California Natural Heritage Program, Wildlife and Habitat Data Analysis Branch, California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, CA. August 2002.
- Keeler-Wolf, T., M. Schindel, S. San, P. Moore, and D. Hickson. 2003a. Classification of the vegetation of Yosemite National Park and surrounding environs in Tuolumne, Mariposa, Madera and Mono counties, California. Unpublished report by NatureServe in cooperation with the California Native Plant Society and California Department of Fish and Game, Wildlife and Habitat Data Analysis Branch, Sacramento, CA.
- Keeler-Wolf, T., P. E. Moore, E. T. Reyes, J. M. Menke, D. N. Johnson, and D. L. Karavidas. 2012. Yosemite National Park vegetation classification and mapping project report. Natural Resource Technical Report NPS/YOSE/NRTR--2012/598. National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO.
- Potter, D. A. 1994. Guide to forested communities of the upper montane in the central and southern Sierra Nevada. Technical Publication R5-ECOL-TP-003. USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region, San Francisco, CA.
- Sawyer, J. O., T. Keeler-Wolf, and J. Evens. 2009. A manual of California vegetation. Second edition. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento CA. 1300 pp.
- Western Ecology Working Group of NatureServe. No date. International Ecological Classification Standard: International Vegetation Classification. Terrestrial Vegetation. NatureServe, Boulder, CO.