Print Report

M405 Vancouverian Ruderal Forest Macrogroup

Type Concept Sentence: This macrogroup consists of stands of native and exotic species that establish on soil disturbed sites or of naturalized stands of non-native tree species that have escaped from cultivation, reside in abandoned plantations, were deliberately planted or have otherwise become naturalized on upland sites; dominant non-native species include Acer platanoides, Crataegus arborea, Ilex aquifolium, Ilex crenata, Pinus nigra, Pinus sylvestris, or Prunus padus.

Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Norway Maple - English Holly - Scotch Pine Vancouverian Ruderal Forest Macrogroup

Colloquial Name: Vancouverian Ruderal Forest

Hierarchy Level:  Macrogroup

Type Concept: This macrogroup has either a mix of native and exotic species that establish on soil disturbed sites or of non-native tree species that have escaped cultivation, dominate abandoned plantations or have otherwise become naturalized. These stands are not maintained by human activities for the purpose of their production. These stands are not abundant or even common, but they are certainly present and may increase with climate warming and further human disturbances across the landscape. Non-native species include Acer platanoides, Crataegus arborea, Ilex aquifolium, Ilex crenata, Pinus nigra, Pinus sylvestris, or Prunus padus. Characteristics of native species that occupy disturbed sites needs further review. Habitats range from sand dunes to old fields, often are present due to some type of severe disturbance or deliberate planting. Most stands are near current or past human habitations. They occur in Oregon, Washington, and southern British Columbia.

Diagnostic Characteristics: Exotic overstory species Acer platanoides, Crataegus arborea, Ilex aquifolium, Ilex crenata, Pinus nigra, Pinus sylvestris, or Prunus padus dominate these forests or woodlands within the range of ~Vancouverian Lowland & Montane Forest Macrogroup (M024)$$ and ~Vancouverian Subalpine Forest Macrogroup (M025)$$; understory species are characteristic of these western North American upland forests.

Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available

Classification Comments: Currently, this type description includes stands dominated by non-native tree species. But the concept of ruderal forests could include old-field or other sites with severe soil disturbance that may have a ground layer of exotic shrubs and herbs with a generalist or "weedy" native overstory.

Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: Tall evergreen or deciduous trees 5-20 m in height.

Floristics: No information is available other than dominance in the upper canopy by non-native tree species which may include Acer platanoides, Crataegus arborea, Ilex aquifolium, Ilex crenata, Pinus nigra, Pinus sylvestris, and Prunus padus, among others.

Dynamics:  No Data Available
Environmental Description:  These forests are uncommon in the Pacific Northwest. They can occur on various upland soil conditions. In Oregon, Pinus nigra and Pinus sylvestris occur on sand dunes and were planted as a soil erosion measure. In Washington and British Columbia, small stands of various species occur near human habitation.
Geographic Range: This macrogroup occurs in Oregon, Washington and southern British Columbia..

Nations: CA,US

States/Provinces:  BC, OR, WA


Confidence Level: Moderate

Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: GNA

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.90 Norway Maple - English Holly - Scotch Pine Vancouverian Ruderal Forest Macrogroup M405 1.B.2.Nd.90
Group 1.B.2.Nd.90.a Vancouverian Ruderal Forest Group G801 1.B.2.Nd.90.a
Concept Lineage: No Data Available

Predecessors: No Data Available

Obsolete Names: No Data Available

Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: No Data Available
Concept Author(s): Faber-Langendoen et al. (2014)

Author of Description: G. Kittel

Acknowledgements: Rex Crawford, Joe Rocchio, Jimmy Kagan, and Del Meidinger contributed information.

Version Date: 10-15-14
  • 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]