Print Report
G748 Chamaedaphne calyculata - Carex oligosperma - Kalmia polifolia Boreal Bog & Acidic Fen Group
Type Concept Sentence: These acidic peatlands are found in eastern boreal regions of central and eastern Canada and southward into adjacent subboreal regions of northeast and north-central United States. Species diversity is low. Dwarf-shrubs include Chamaedaphne calyculata, Ledum groenlandicum, Kalmia polifolia, Andromeda polifolia, Vaccinium oxycoccos, Vaccinium macrocarpon, occasionally Gaultheria hispidula or Betula pumila.
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Leatherleaf - Few-seed Sedge - Bog Laurel Boreal Bog & Acidic Fen Group
Colloquial Name: Eastern North American Boreal-Subboreal Bog & Acidic Fen
Hierarchy Level: Group
Type Concept: These acidic peatlands are found in eastern boreal regions of central and eastern Canada and southward into adjacent subboreal regions of northeast and north-central United States. Climates are cold enough to allow the rate of peat accumulation to exceed its decomposition. They contain a continuous (>80% cover) layer of Sphagnum mosses (sometimes submerged in bog pools), to depths exceeding 40 cm, with ericaceous dwarf-shrubs and thin-leaved graminoids >25% cover. Scrub trees <2 m may be common, but trees >5 m are <10% cover. Acidic peatlands range from strictly ombrotrophic bog (isolated from groundwater, precipitation fed) to weakly minerotrophic poor fen. They occur in extensive areas of low flats, or develop in open or closed, relatively shallow basins with nutrient-poor and acidic conditions. Many occur in association with larger lakes or streams. Some occur as kettlehole fens (usually called kettlehole "bogs") associated with eskers or other glacial deposits. Poor fens often develop adjacent to open water and may form a floating mat over water. The surface morphology of a bog may be more-or-less level, domed, or eccentric, but typically is above the water table. As peat accumulates, ridges may form, which can be relatively dry compared to the flat areas. Secondary bog pools (schlenke) may be present in the raised portions of the peatlands. Sphagnum mosses play a key role in these systems because they trap base cations, causing the organic soils to acidify, and they retain moisture, thus slowing the decomposition rate and promoting peat accumulation. Species diversity is low. Dwarf-shrubs include Chamaedaphne calyculata, Ledum groenlandicum, Kalmia polifolia, Andromeda polifolia, Vaccinium oxycoccos, Vaccinium macrocarpon, occasionally Gaultheria hispidula or Betula pumila. Rarely, tall ericaceous shrubs such as Vaccinium corymbosum are dominant. Common sedges include Carex oligosperma, Carex chordorrhiza, Carex magellanica ssp. irrigua, Carex limosa, and Carex lasiocarpa. Other herbs include Eriophorum vaginatum, Eriophorum virginicum, Drosera rotundifolia, Menyanthes trifoliata, Sarracenia purpurea, and Scheuchzeria palustris. When present, stunted Picea mariana and Larix laricina are the dominant trees. Dominant mosses include Sphagnum fuscum and Sphagnum magellanicum, and less commonly Sphagnum angustifolium. Pleurozium schreberi can be common on raised mats.
In the Atlantic region, from Labrador to Downeast Maine, acidic peatlands take a somewhat different characteristics. In basins, they develop raised plateaus with undulating sedge and dwarf-shrub vegetation. Trichophorum cespitosum may form sedge lawns on the raised plateau. The system may also occur as "blanket bogs" over a sloping rocky substrate in extreme maritime settings; here, dwarf-shrubs and Sphagnum are the dominant cover. Species characteristic of this maritime setting include Empetrum nigrum and Rubus chamaemorus. Typical bog heaths such as Kalmia angustifolia, Kalmia polifolia, Gaylussacia baccata, Ledum groenlandicum, and Gaylussacia dumosa are also present. Morphological characteristics and certain coastal species distinguish these from more inland acidic peatlands.
In the Atlantic region, from Labrador to Downeast Maine, acidic peatlands take a somewhat different characteristics. In basins, they develop raised plateaus with undulating sedge and dwarf-shrub vegetation. Trichophorum cespitosum may form sedge lawns on the raised plateau. The system may also occur as "blanket bogs" over a sloping rocky substrate in extreme maritime settings; here, dwarf-shrubs and Sphagnum are the dominant cover. Species characteristic of this maritime setting include Empetrum nigrum and Rubus chamaemorus. Typical bog heaths such as Kalmia angustifolia, Kalmia polifolia, Gaylussacia baccata, Ledum groenlandicum, and Gaylussacia dumosa are also present. Morphological characteristics and certain coastal species distinguish these from more inland acidic peatlands.
Diagnostic Characteristics: This type contains a continuous (>80% cover) layer of Sphagnum peat moss (sometimes submerged in bog pools), to depths exceeding 40 cm, with ericaceous dwarf-shrubs and thin-leaved graminoids >25% cover. Scrub trees <2 m may be common, but trees >5 m are <10% cover. Diagnostic species include low ericaceous shrubs, including Kalmia angustifolia, Kalmia polifolia, Ledum groenlandicum, and Chamaedaphne calyculata. Ericaceous shrubs are typically >75% of total shrub cover. Trees, if present, include Picea mariana and Larix laricina. Graminoids such as Carex oligosperma, Carex magellanica ssp. irrigua, Eriophorum vaginatum, Eriophorum virginicum are common in the herb layer, and together these graminoids have greater cover than medium to rich fen graminoids indicators (Carex lasiocarpa, Carex livida, Carex interior, Carex limosa, Muhlenbergia glomerata, Trichophorum alpinum, Eriophorum viridicarinatum). Species diversity is low. Species of southern acidic peatlands (Laurentian-Acadian region) are absent [see ~Eastern North American Sub-Boreal Acidic Bog & Fen Group (G745)$$].
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: The concept for this group is under review with Canadian ecologists; the current concept overlaps with ~Eastern North American Subboreal Bog & Acidic Fen Group (G745)$$. This group corresponds in geography to Glaser and Janssens'' (1986) forested and "semi-forested continental bogs," but is somewhat different in scope as it includes both the raised bogs and the flat bogs, and emphasizes the open scrub-herb vegetation. Eastward, this type includes Acadian Maritime Bog. Northwestward in northern Ontario, continental non-forested bogs are common (Glaser and Janssens 1986, figure 2). These acidic peatlands may overlap in common terminology with that of "muskeg," a flat bog peatland with scattered trees and a fairly dense shrub layer on hummocky peat, but muskeg could include poor fens and acidic swamps as well as bogs, as does the term "mire" (Rydin and Jeglum 2006). Placement of forested stands on raised bogs is a challenge. Currently, to be consistent with physiognomic criteria, they are placed in ~Ontario-Québec Boreal Black Spruce Poor Swamp Group (G806)$$ or ~Atlantic Boreal Black Spruce - Balsam Fir Poor Swamp Group (G807)$$, provided they typically exceed 5 m in height.
This group is largely absent from the Laurentian-Acadian region.
This group is largely absent from the Laurentian-Acadian region.
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: The vegetation of acidic peatlands is dominated by low ericaceous shrubs with patches of conifers, graminoids and bryophyte lawns, or more open forest, where trees may form a partial cover over parts of the peatland (but <10% cover for trees over 5 m). The organic peat layer typically exceeds 40 cm, dominated by Sphagnum mosses.
The landscape morphology of acidic peatlands is often very striking. A variety of approaches has been taken to describe these forms: in Maine, see Davis and Anderson (2001); in Canada, see National Wetlands Working Group (1988), and in Minnesota see Glaser (1992a). In Canada, bog and fen peatlands each have their own set of forms. In Minnesota, Glaser treats bogs and fens together as part of larger patterned peatland complexes (mire complexes). Particularly distinctive are the ribbed bogs or fens in which a pattern of narrow (2- to 3-m wide), low (less than 1 m deep) ridges are oriented at right angles to the direction of the drainage (National Wetlands Working Group 1988). Wet pools or depressions occur between the ridges. These patterned peatlands may include string bog, Atlantic ribbed fen, or northern ribbed fen (National Wetlands Working Group 1988). They develop almost entirely north of 46°N latitude in east-central Canada and the adjacent U.S. They are minerotrophic peatlands in which the vegetation has developed into a pattern of strings (raised, usually linear features) and flarks (wet depressions separating the strings). The substrate chemistry is entirely acidic in some peatlands; in others, where bedrock or other substrate influence creates circumneutral to calcareous conditions, peatland chemistry may be entirely calcareous or vary from acidic to calcareous within the same peatland. In acidic portions, typical bog heaths predominate mixed with sedges. Dasiphora fruticosa ssp. floribunda is diagnostic of circumneutral to calcareous conditions. These peatlands usually develop in open basins and flat plains, and the patterned portion may occupy only a fraction of the entire peatland. The edge of the basin may be shallow to deep peat over a sloping substrate, where seepage waters provide nutrients.
The landscape morphology of acidic peatlands is often very striking. A variety of approaches has been taken to describe these forms: in Maine, see Davis and Anderson (2001); in Canada, see National Wetlands Working Group (1988), and in Minnesota see Glaser (1992a). In Canada, bog and fen peatlands each have their own set of forms. In Minnesota, Glaser treats bogs and fens together as part of larger patterned peatland complexes (mire complexes). Particularly distinctive are the ribbed bogs or fens in which a pattern of narrow (2- to 3-m wide), low (less than 1 m deep) ridges are oriented at right angles to the direction of the drainage (National Wetlands Working Group 1988). Wet pools or depressions occur between the ridges. These patterned peatlands may include string bog, Atlantic ribbed fen, or northern ribbed fen (National Wetlands Working Group 1988). They develop almost entirely north of 46°N latitude in east-central Canada and the adjacent U.S. They are minerotrophic peatlands in which the vegetation has developed into a pattern of strings (raised, usually linear features) and flarks (wet depressions separating the strings). The substrate chemistry is entirely acidic in some peatlands; in others, where bedrock or other substrate influence creates circumneutral to calcareous conditions, peatland chemistry may be entirely calcareous or vary from acidic to calcareous within the same peatland. In acidic portions, typical bog heaths predominate mixed with sedges. Dasiphora fruticosa ssp. floribunda is diagnostic of circumneutral to calcareous conditions. These peatlands usually develop in open basins and flat plains, and the patterned portion may occupy only a fraction of the entire peatland. The edge of the basin may be shallow to deep peat over a sloping substrate, where seepage waters provide nutrients.
Floristics: Species diversity is low. Dwarf-shrubs include Chamaedaphne calyculata, Ledum groenlandicum, Kalmia polifolia, Andromeda polifolia, Vaccinium oxycoccos, Vaccinium macrocarpon, and occasionally Gaultheria hispidula or Betula pumila. Rarely, tall ericaceous shrubs such as Vaccinium corymbosum are dominant. Common sedges include Carex oligosperma, Carex chordorrhiza, Carex magellanica ssp. irrigua (= Carex paupercula), Carex limosa, and Carex lasiocarpa. Other herbs include Eriophorum vaginatum, Eriophorum virginicum, Drosera rotundifolia, Menyanthes trifoliata, Sarracenia purpurea, and Scheuchzeria palustris. When present, stunted Picea mariana and Larix laricina are the dominant trees. Dominant mosses include Sphagnum fuscum and Sphagnum magellanicum, and less commonly Sphagnum angustifolium. Pleurozium schreberi can be common on raised mats (Harris et al. 1996, Minnesota DNR 2003).
In the Atlantic region, from Labrador to Downeast Maine, acidic peatlands take a somewhat different characteristics. In basins, they develop raised plateaus with undulating sedge and dwarf-shrub vegetation. Trichophorum cespitosum may form sedge lawns on the raised plateau. The system may also occur as "blanket bogs" over a sloping rocky substrate in extreme maritime settings; here, dwarf-shrubs and Sphagnum are the dominant cover. Species characteristic of this maritime setting include Empetrum nigrum and Rubus chamaemorus. Typical bog heaths such as Kalmia angustifolia, Kalmia polifolia, Gaylussacia baccata, Ledum groenlandicum, and Gaylussacia dumosa are also present. Betula michauxii may also be common. Morphological characteristics and certain coastal species distinguish these from more inland acidic peatlands.
In the Atlantic region, from Labrador to Downeast Maine, acidic peatlands take a somewhat different characteristics. In basins, they develop raised plateaus with undulating sedge and dwarf-shrub vegetation. Trichophorum cespitosum may form sedge lawns on the raised plateau. The system may also occur as "blanket bogs" over a sloping rocky substrate in extreme maritime settings; here, dwarf-shrubs and Sphagnum are the dominant cover. Species characteristic of this maritime setting include Empetrum nigrum and Rubus chamaemorus. Typical bog heaths such as Kalmia angustifolia, Kalmia polifolia, Gaylussacia baccata, Ledum groenlandicum, and Gaylussacia dumosa are also present. Betula michauxii may also be common. Morphological characteristics and certain coastal species distinguish these from more inland acidic peatlands.
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: Climate: Bogs occur in both continental and maritime climates. In the northeastern United States, true bogs may reach their core southern limit in Maine and extreme northern New Hampshire and Vermont (Damman and French 1987, figure 3), though isolated occurrences are possible elsewhere. Soil/substrate/hydrology: Sites are found in depressions, on acidic seepage slopes, with either ombrotrophic or weakly minerotrophic groundwater. They occur in a variety of landforms, including peat bog-lake systems (lake-fill bogs, moat bogs, and pond border bogs), perched water-peatland systems in valleys and depressions, peat bog-stream systems, and ombrogenous peatland systems, including raised bogs (Damman and French 1987).
Geographic Range: These acidic peatlands are found in eastern boreal regions of central and eastern Canada and southward into adjacent sub-boreal regions of the northeastern and north-central United States, from Manitoba to Newfoundland and Labrador and south from Minnesota to Maine. It is associated with the glacial terminus or stagnation zones, and interior from the coastal plain, but rarely occurs in the Laurentian-Acadian Division. Maritime examples occur near the coast from eastern Maine (Mount Desert Island) eastward into the Canadian Maritimes and the coast of Labrador.
Nations: CA,US
States/Provinces: CT?, LB, MA?, MB, ME, MI, MN, NB, ND, NF, NH, NS, NY, ON, PE?, QC, WI
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.839507
Confidence Level: Moderate
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: GNR
Greasons: No Data Available
Concept Lineage: G386 split into G745 & G748 (DFL 3-13)
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: < Black Spruce (western type): 204 (Eyre 1980)
>< Black Spruce - Lichen (904) (Shiflet 1994)
< Muskeg (Kost et al. 2007)
>< Black Spruce - Lichen (904) (Shiflet 1994)
< Muskeg (Kost et al. 2007)
- Cleland, D. T., J. A. Freeouf, J. E. Keys, Jr., G. J. Nowacki, C. Carpenter, and W. H. McNab. 2007. Ecological subregions: Sections and subsections for the conterminous United States. A. M. Sloan, cartographer. General Technical Report WO-76. USDA Forest Service, Washington, DC. [1:3,500,000] [CD-ROM].
- Damman, A. W. H., and T. W. French. 1987. The ecology of peat bogs of the glaciated northeastern United States: A community profile. USDI Fish & Wildlife Service Biological Report 85(7.16). 100 pp.
- Davis, R. G., and D. S. Anderson. 2001. Classification and distribution of freshwater peatlands in Maine. Northeastern Naturalist 8:1-50.
- Eyre, F. H., editor. 1980. Forest cover types of the United States and Canada. Society of American Foresters, Washington, DC. 148 pp.
- Faber-Langendoen, D., J. Drake, S. Gawler, M. Hall, C. Josse, G. Kittel, S. Menard, C. Nordman, M. Pyne, M. Reid, L. Sneddon, K. Schulz, J. Teague, M. Russo, K. Snow, and P. Comer, editors. 2010-2019a. Divisions, Macrogroups and Groups for the Revised U.S. National Vegetation Classification. NatureServe, Arlington, VA. plus appendices. [in preparation]
- Gawler, S. C., and A. Cutko. 2010. Natural landscapes of Maine: A classification of vegetated natural communities and ecosystems. Maine Natural Areas Program, Department of Conservation, Augusta.
- Glaser, P. H. 1992a. Raised bogs in eastern North America - regional controls for species richness and floristic assemblages. Journal of Ecology 80:535-554.
- Glaser, P., and J. A. Janssens. 1986. Raised bogs in eastern North America; transitions in surface patterns and stratigraphy. Canadian Journal of Botany 64:395-415.
- Harris, A. G., S. C. McMurray, P. W. C. Uhlig, J. K. Jeglum, R. F. Foster, and G. D. Racey. 1996. Field guide to the wetland ecosystem classification for northwestern Ontario. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Northwest Science and Technology, Thunder Bay, Ontario. Field guide FG-01. 74 pp. plus appendix.
- Kost, M. A., D. A. Albert, J. G. Cohen, B. S. Slaughter, R. K. Schillo, C. R. Weber, and K. A. Chapman. 2007. Natural communities of Michigan: Classification and description. Report No. 2007-21, Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Lansing. 314 pp. [http://web4.msue.msu.edu/mnfi/reports/2007-21_Natural_Communites_of_Michigan_Classification_and_Description.pdf]
- Minnesota DNR [Minnesota Department of Natural Resources]. 2003. Field guide to the native plant communities of Minnesota: The Laurentian Mixed Forest Province. Ecological Land Classification Program, Minnesota County Biological Survey, and Natural Heritage and Nongame Research Program. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, St. Paul.
- National Wetlands Working Group. 1988. Wetlands of Canada. Ecological Land Classification Series, No. 24. Sustainable Development Branch, Environment Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, and Polyscience Publications Inc., Montreal, Quebec. 452 pp.
- Rydin, H., and J. Jeglum. 2006. The biology of peatlands. Oxford University Press, Inc., New York. 343 pp.
- Shiflet, T. N., editor. 1994. Rangeland cover types of the United States. Society for Range Management. Denver, CO. 152 pp.