Print Report
G357 Alnus viridis ssp. fruticosa - Salix pulchra Shrubland Group
Type Concept Sentence: This group consists of mesic tall alder and willow shrublands found in the boreal region of Alaska at low to mid elevations in broad valleys, on mountain sideslopes, and in avalanche zones throughout the boreal region of Alaska and north into the low arctic region.
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Siberian Alder - Tealeaf Willow Shrubland Group
Colloquial Name: Western Boreal Mesic Alder - Willow Shrubland
Hierarchy Level: Group
Type Concept: This common shrubland group occurs throughout the boreal region of Alaska and extends north into the low arctic region. Stands are dominated by the deciduous shrub species Alnus viridis ssp. fruticosa or Salix pulchra or a combination of the two. Willows such as Salix glauca, Salix richardsonii, Salix barclayi, or Salix commutata may be codominant but have low constancy within the group. Other shrub associates include Vaccinium uliginosum, Empetrum nigrum, Betula nana or Betula glandulosa, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, and Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens. Understory herbaceous species include Calamagrostis canadensis, Equisetum arvense, Rubus arcticus, Chamerion angustifolium ssp. angustifolium, and Sanguisorba canadensis. This group occurs at low to mid elevations in broad valleys, on mountain sideslopes, and in avalanche zones. Soils develop on hillslope colluvium, glacial deposits, or residual substrates.
Diagnostic Characteristics: This group is defined by mesic willow- or alder-dominated shrublands. Differential species are Alnus viridis ssp. fruticosa and Salix pulchra.
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: Thickets of Alnus viridis ssp. fruticosa in the low arctic foothills of the Brooks Range are considered part of this group. The arctic tall alder stands of Alnus viridis ssp. fruticosa were previously treated in former North American Arctic & Subarctic Low Shrub Tundra Group (G369), but because they are relatively tall shrubs, we treat them here.
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: This group is represented by broad-leaved deciduous shrublands with a forb- or graminoid-dominated understory.
Floristics: Stands are dominated by Alnus viridis ssp. fruticosa or Salix pulchra or a combination of the two. Willows such as Salix glauca, Salix richardsonii, Salix barclayi, or Salix commutata may be codominant or dominant. Other shrub associates include Vaccinium uliginosum, Empetrum nigrum, Betula nana or Betula glandulosa, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, and Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens. Understory herbaceous species include Calamagrostis canadensis, Equisetum arvense, Rubus arcticus, Chamerion angustifolium ssp. angustifolium, and Sanguisorba canadensis. The most constant moss is Hylocomium splendens, but moss cover is often low under the dense shrub canopy.
Dynamics: Alnus viridis ssp. fruticosa has a growth form that tolerates avalanche disturbance and can maintain dominance on frequently disturbed sites. Frequent snow slides prevent tree seedlings and saplings from reaching the upper canopy. On sites with a less frequent avalanche cycle, trees may gain temporary dominance in the overstory. Alder-dominated stands may be extending further into the alpine in recent decades. Alder will resprout following fire, but the effects of fire on this type are not well known. The fire-return interval is likely long, possibly 500 to 1000 years. Early-season fire prior to green-up would be more likely to spread than late-season fire. Alder is also affected by insects and diseases.
Environmental Description: This group occurs at low to mid elevations in broad valleys, on mountain sideslopes and in avalanche zones. Upper avalanche slopes typically have a slope angle of at least 70% with less steep lower slopes and run-out zones. Soils are shallow and stony, underlain by colluvium, glacial till, and residuum.
Geographic Range: This group is common, occurring throughout the boreal region of Alaska and extending north to the low arctic in the Brooks Range foothills. To the south this group is replaced by ~Vancouverian Alder - Salmonberry - Willow Shrubland Group (G354)$$, which is widespread in the temperate region and extends in to the sub-boreal region of Alaska.
Nations: CA,US
States/Provinces: AK, YT
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.860838
Confidence Level: Moderate
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: GNR
Greasons: No Data Available
| Type | Name | Database Code | Classification Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class | 2 Shrub & Herb Vegetation Class | C02 | 2 |
| Subclass | 2.B Temperate & Boreal Grassland & Shrubland Subclass | S18 | 2.B |
| Formation | 2.B.3 Boreal Grassland & Shrubland Formation | F028 | 2.B.3 |
| Division | 2.B.3.Na North American Boreal Grassland & Shrubland Division | D025 | 2.B.3.Na |
| Macrogroup | 2.B.3.Na.1 North American Boreal Shrubland & Grassland Macrogroup | M055 | 2.B.3.Na.1 |
| Group | 2.B.3.Na.1.c Siberian Alder - Tealeaf Willow Shrubland Group | G357 | 2.B.3.Na.1.c |
| Alliance | A4276 Mountain Alder - Bebb''s Willow / Bluejoint Central Mesic Shrubland Alliance | A4276 | 2.B.3.Na.1.c |
| Alliance | A4277 Mountain Alder - Thinleaf Alder / Equisetum arvense Central Mesic Floodplain Shrubland Alliance | A4277 | 2.B.3.Na.1.c |
| Alliance | A4278 Sitka Alder - Thinleaf Alder - Feltleaf Willow Southwest Mesic Floodplain Shrubland Alliance | A4278 | 2.B.3.Na.1.c |
| Alliance | A4279 Sitka Alder - Red Elderberry Southwest Mesic Shrubland Alliance | A4279 | 2.B.3.Na.1.c |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: > Alnus crispa / Festuca altaica - Arctagrostis latifolia (Siberian alder / Altai fescue - wideleaf polargrass) (Craighead et al. 1988)
< II.B.1.d - Alder-willow (closed) (Viereck et al. 1992)
< II.B.2.d - Alder-willow (open) (Viereck et al. 1992)
< II.B.1.d - Alder-willow (closed) (Viereck et al. 1992)
< II.B.2.d - Alder-willow (open) (Viereck et al. 1992)
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