Print Report
A2577 Malus fusca Shrub Swamp Alliance
Type Concept Sentence: This wet shrubland alliance occurs in lowland depressions. Typical known examples are dense, monotypic stands of Malus fusca with an understory of Carex obnupta. Depending on hydroperiod, the understory ranges from nearly 100% cover of Carex obnupta to very low cover of any other vegetation because of prolonged seasonal ponding.
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Oregon Crabapple Shrub Swamp Alliance
Colloquial Name: Oregon Crabapple Shrub Swamp
Hierarchy Level: Alliance
Type Concept: This wet shrubland alliance occurs in lowland depressions. Typical known examples are dense, monotypic stands of Malus fusca with an understory of Carex obnupta. Depending on hydroperiod, the understory ranges from nearly 100% cover of Carex obnupta to very low cover of any other vegetation because of prolonged seasonal ponding. Other shrubs present may include Salix geyeriana and Spiraea douglasii. This type may have been more widespread historically, as large expanses of swamp vegetation once occurred in the northern Willamette and Tualatin valleys.
Diagnostic Characteristics: Wet depressions dominated by Malus fusca.
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: Associations with this alliance have not been well studied.
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: A small tree or multi-stemmed shrub that grows to 12 m tall, armed with sharp thorn-like shoots and bearing showy white flowers from mid April to early June.
Floristics: Typical known examples are dense, monotypic stands of Malus fusca with an understory of Carex obnupta, which ranges from nearly 100% cover to very low cover because of prolonged seasonal ponding. Other shrubs present may include Salix geyeriana and Spiraea douglasii.
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: It is found on lakesides and streambanks along the coast, from sea level to mid elevations, in moist, open woodlands. It presents a delightful spring sight when in bloom along the edges of river mouths and streambanks.
Geographic Range: This alliance is found in the lowlands of Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, Canada.
Nations: CA,US
States/Provinces: BC, OR, WA
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.899209
Confidence Level: Low
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.C Shrub & Herb Wetland Subclass | S44 | 2.C |
| Formation | 2.C.4 Temperate to Polar Freshwater Marsh, Wet Meadow & Shrubland Formation | F013 | 2.C.4 |
| Division | 2.C.4.Nb Western North American Temperate Freshwater Marsh, Wet Meadow & Shrubland Division | D031 | 2.C.4.Nb |
| Macrogroup | 2.C.4.Nb.4 Vancouverian Lowland Marsh, Wet Meadow & Shrubland Macrogroup | M073 | 2.C.4.Nb.4 |
| Group | 2.C.4.Nb.4.c Alder species - Willow species - Meadowsweet species Wet Shrubland Group | G322 | 2.C.4.Nb.4.c |
| Alliance | A2577 Oregon Crabapple Shrub Swamp Alliance | A2577 | 2.C.4.Nb.4.c |
| Association | CEGL003294 Oregon Crabapple - (Dune Willow) / Slough Sedge Shrub Swamp | CEGL003294 | 2.C.4.Nb.4.c |
| Association | CEGL003385 Oregon Crabapple Shrub Swamp | CEGL003385 | 2.C.4.Nb.4.c |
Concept Lineage: equivalent to A.2577
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: No Data Available
- British Columbia Government. 2013. Pacific crab apple (Malus fusca). British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources. [http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/library/documents/treebook/pacificcrabapple.htm]
- Faber-Langendoen, D., J. Drake, M. Hall, G. Kittel, S. Menard, C. Nordman, M. Pyne, M. Reid, M. Russo, K. Schulz, L. Sneddon, K. Snow, and J. Teague. 2013-2019b. Screening alliances for induction into the U.S. National Vegetation Classification: Part 1 - Alliance concept review. NatureServe, Arlington, VA.