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A3483 Gaylussacia spp. / Trichophorum cespitosum / Sphagnum spp. Maritime Acidic Graminoid Bog & Fen Alliance
Type Concept Sentence: This is a maritime dwarf-shrub bog community of the coastal region of northern New England and the adjacent maritime provinces of Canada. It has an ombrotrophic or weakly minerotrophic nutrient regime and occurs in both coastal bogs and as thin peat blankets over sloping bedrock. The moss layer is essentially continuous and forms the vegetation substrate. Empetrum nigrum and Gaylussacia dumosa, often with scattered Juniperus communis, are the diagnostic shrubs.
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Huckleberry species / Tufted Bulrush / Peatmoss species Maritime Acidic Graminoid Bog & Fen Alliance
Colloquial Name: North Atlantic Maritime Dwarf-shrub Acidic Bog & Fen
Hierarchy Level: Alliance
Type Concept: This maritime bog community occurs in the coastal region of northern New England and the adjacent maritime provinces of Canada. It has an ombrotrophic nutrient regime and occurs in both coastal bogs and as thin peat blankets over sloping bedrock (3-10% slope); the two settings may be contiguous. Most known sites are within 24 km (15 miles) of the ocean. Peat accumulation isolates this community from groundwater influence. Conditions are highly acidic, with pH usually below 5.0. There are two subtypes of this alliance. The dwarf-shrub bog contains low or matted dwarf-shrubs, often less than 20 cm tall; trees and tall shrubs are absent or at most widely scattered. Herbs are likewise sparse. The bryoid layer is essentially continuous and forms the vegetation substrate. Empetrum nigrum and Gaylussacia dumosa, often with scattered Juniperus communis, are the diagnostic shrubs; other bog ericads are often present, such as Chamaedaphne calyculata, Kalmia angustifolia, Kalmia polifolia, Ledum groenlandicum, Rhododendron canadense, and Vaccinium oxycoccos. Rubus chamaemorus is often present. Characteristic herbs include Calopogon tuberosus, Drosera rotundifolia, Eriophorum vaginatum var. spissum, Rhynchospora alba, Sarracenia purpurea, Solidago uliginosa, Trichophorum cespitosum, and Trientalis borealis. The bryophyte layer is a carpet of primarily Sphagnum fuscum, with other species including Sphagnum rubellum, Sphagnum affine, Sphagnum flavicomans, Sphagnum magellanicum, and lichens of the genus Cladonia (Cladonia rangiferina, Cladonia arbuscula, and others). The dwarf-shrubs Empetrum nigrum, Gaylussacia dumosa, and Rubus chamaemorus, the sedge Trichophorum cespitosum, and the moss Sphagnum affine differentiate this subtype.
The sedge-dominated form occurs on the central, raised, relatively drier portions of maritime peatlands. The substrate is Sphagnum peat, usually saturated, and is acidic, around pH 4.5. Trees and shrubs are absent to sparse; dwarf-shrub cover is variable, from sparse to (rarely) over 80%. Even where dwarf-shrubs are abundant, however, their short stature allows the sedge lawns to visually dominate the vegetation. The bryoid layer is continuous. The peatland "lawns" are characterized by abundant Trichophorum cespitosum. Scattered low shrubs include Gaylussacia dumosa and Chamaedaphne calyculata, as well as occasional Andromeda polifolia var. glaucophylla, Empetrum nigrum, Kalmia angustifolia, Kalmia polifolia, Ledum groenlandicum, Rubus chamaemorus, and Vaccinium oxycoccos. Other associates include Arethusa bulbosa, Calopogon tuberosus, Drosera rotundifolia, Eriophorum vaginatum var. spissum, and Solidago uliginosa. The bryophyte layer is dominated by Sphagnum rubellum and Sphagnum fuscum, as well as Sphagnum magellanicum and Sphagnum flavicomans. Fruticose lichens characterize and distinguish this subtype and include Cladonia rangiferina, Cladonia mitis, Cladonia arbuscula, Cladonia terrae-novae, Cladonia uncialis, and Cladonia crispata. Diagnostic characters are its location in maritime peatlands and the relative abundance of Trichophorum cespitosum with other peatland plants. Empetrum nigrum and Rubus chamaemorus are also good indicators.
The sedge-dominated form occurs on the central, raised, relatively drier portions of maritime peatlands. The substrate is Sphagnum peat, usually saturated, and is acidic, around pH 4.5. Trees and shrubs are absent to sparse; dwarf-shrub cover is variable, from sparse to (rarely) over 80%. Even where dwarf-shrubs are abundant, however, their short stature allows the sedge lawns to visually dominate the vegetation. The bryoid layer is continuous. The peatland "lawns" are characterized by abundant Trichophorum cespitosum. Scattered low shrubs include Gaylussacia dumosa and Chamaedaphne calyculata, as well as occasional Andromeda polifolia var. glaucophylla, Empetrum nigrum, Kalmia angustifolia, Kalmia polifolia, Ledum groenlandicum, Rubus chamaemorus, and Vaccinium oxycoccos. Other associates include Arethusa bulbosa, Calopogon tuberosus, Drosera rotundifolia, Eriophorum vaginatum var. spissum, and Solidago uliginosa. The bryophyte layer is dominated by Sphagnum rubellum and Sphagnum fuscum, as well as Sphagnum magellanicum and Sphagnum flavicomans. Fruticose lichens characterize and distinguish this subtype and include Cladonia rangiferina, Cladonia mitis, Cladonia arbuscula, Cladonia terrae-novae, Cladonia uncialis, and Cladonia crispata. Diagnostic characters are its location in maritime peatlands and the relative abundance of Trichophorum cespitosum with other peatland plants. Empetrum nigrum and Rubus chamaemorus are also good indicators.
Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: Two associations form the core of the concept, one dwarf-shrub, the other sedge: ~Empetrum nigrum - Gaylussacia dumosa - Rubus chamaemorus / Sphagnum spp. Acidic Peatland (CEGL006248)$$ and ~Trichophorum cespitosum - Gaylussacia dumosa / Sphagnum (fuscum, rubellum, magellanicum) Acidic Peatland (CEGL006260)$$. Further information on maritime acidic bogs and fens are in Wells (1996); this publication should be carefully consulted and discussions held with Sean Basquill (formerly with Atlantic CDC, now with Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources).
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: The alliance is either dwarf-shrub- or sedge-dominated, and both have a continuous moss layer.
Floristics: There are two subtypes of this alliance. The dwarf-shrub maritime bog contains low or matted dwarf-shrubs, often less than 20 cm tall; trees and tall shrubs are absent or at most widely scattered. Herbs are likewise sparse. The bryoid layer is essentially continuous and forms the vegetation substrate. Empetrum nigrum and Gaylussacia dumosa, often with scattered Juniperus communis, are the diagnostic shrubs; other bog ericads are often present, such as Chamaedaphne calyculata, Kalmia angustifolia, Kalmia polifolia, Ledum groenlandicum, Rhododendron canadense, and Vaccinium oxycoccos. Rubus chamaemorus is often present. Characteristic herbs include Calopogon tuberosus, Drosera rotundifolia, Eriophorum vaginatum var. spissum, Rhynchospora alba, Sarracenia purpurea, Solidago uliginosa, Trichophorum cespitosum (= Scirpus cespitosus), and Trientalis borealis. The bryophyte layer is a carpet of primarily Sphagnum fuscum, with other species including Sphagnum rubellum (= Sphagnum capillifolium var. tenellum), Sphagnum affine (= Sphagnum imbricatum), Sphagnum flavicomans, Sphagnum magellanicum, and lichens of the genus Cladonia (Cladonia rangiferina (= Cladina rangiferina), Cladonia arbuscula (= Cladina arbuscula), and others). The dwarf-shrubs Empetrum nigrum, Gaylussacia dumosa, and Rubus chamaemorus, the sedge Trichophorum cespitosum, and the moss Sphagnum affine differentiate this subtype.
The sedge-dominated subtype occurs on the central, raised, relatively drier portions of maritime peatlands. The substrate is Sphagnum peat, usually saturated, and is acidic, around pH 4.5. Trees and shrubs are absent to sparse; dwarf-shrub cover is variable, from sparse to (rarely) over 80%. Even where dwarf-shrubs are abundant, however, their short stature allows the sedge lawns to visually dominate the vegetation. The bryoid layer is continuous. The peatland "lawns" are characterized by abundant Trichophorum cespitosum. Scattered low shrubs include Gaylussacia dumosa and Chamaedaphne calyculata, as well as occasional Andromeda polifolia var. glaucophylla (= Andromeda glaucophylla), Empetrum nigrum, Kalmia angustifolia, Kalmia polifolia, Ledum groenlandicum, Rubus chamaemorus, and Vaccinium oxycoccos. Other associates include Arethusa bulbosa, Calopogon tuberosus, Drosera rotundifolia, Eriophorum vaginatum var. spissum, and Solidago uliginosa. The bryophyte layer is dominated by Sphagnum rubellum and Sphagnum fuscum, as well as Sphagnum magellanicum and Sphagnum flavicomans. Fruticose lichens characterize and distinguish this subtype and include Cladonia rangiferina, Cladonia mitis, Cladonia arbuscula, Cladonia terrae-novae, Cladonia uncialis, and Cladonia crispata. Diagnostic characters are its location in maritime peatlands and the relative abundance of Trichophorum cespitosum with other peatland plants. Empetrum nigrum and Rubus chamaemorus are also good indicators.
The sedge-dominated subtype occurs on the central, raised, relatively drier portions of maritime peatlands. The substrate is Sphagnum peat, usually saturated, and is acidic, around pH 4.5. Trees and shrubs are absent to sparse; dwarf-shrub cover is variable, from sparse to (rarely) over 80%. Even where dwarf-shrubs are abundant, however, their short stature allows the sedge lawns to visually dominate the vegetation. The bryoid layer is continuous. The peatland "lawns" are characterized by abundant Trichophorum cespitosum. Scattered low shrubs include Gaylussacia dumosa and Chamaedaphne calyculata, as well as occasional Andromeda polifolia var. glaucophylla (= Andromeda glaucophylla), Empetrum nigrum, Kalmia angustifolia, Kalmia polifolia, Ledum groenlandicum, Rubus chamaemorus, and Vaccinium oxycoccos. Other associates include Arethusa bulbosa, Calopogon tuberosus, Drosera rotundifolia, Eriophorum vaginatum var. spissum, and Solidago uliginosa. The bryophyte layer is dominated by Sphagnum rubellum and Sphagnum fuscum, as well as Sphagnum magellanicum and Sphagnum flavicomans. Fruticose lichens characterize and distinguish this subtype and include Cladonia rangiferina, Cladonia mitis, Cladonia arbuscula, Cladonia terrae-novae, Cladonia uncialis, and Cladonia crispata. Diagnostic characters are its location in maritime peatlands and the relative abundance of Trichophorum cespitosum with other peatland plants. Empetrum nigrum and Rubus chamaemorus are also good indicators.
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: This alliance has two subtypes. The dwarf-shrub bog subtype has an ombrotrophic nutrient regime and occurs in both coastal bogs and as thin peat blankets over sloping bedrock (3-10% slope); the two settings may be contiguous. Most known sites are within 24 km (15 miles) of the ocean. Peat accumulation isolates this community from groundwater influence. Conditions are highly acidic, with pH usually below 5.0. The open graminoid subtype is an ombrotrophic, coastal bog community of northern New England and adjacent Canadian maritime provinces that occurs on the central, raised, relatively drier portions of maritime peatlands. The substrate is Sphagnum peat, usually saturated, and is acidic, around pH 4.5.
Geographic Range: This bog community occurs in the coastal region of northern New England and adjacent maritime provinces of Canada.
Nations: CA,US
States/Provinces: LB?, ME, NB?, NF?, NS, QC
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.899606
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.C Shrub & Herb Wetland Subclass | S44 | 2.C |
| Formation | 2.C.2 Temperate to Polar Bog & Fen Formation | F016 | 2.C.2 |
| Division | 2.C.2.Na North American Bog & Fen Division | D029 | 2.C.2.Na |
| Macrogroup | 2.C.2.Na.1 Leatherleaf - Small Cranberry - Few-seed Sedge Bog & Acidic Fen Macrogroup | M876 | 2.C.2.Na.1 |
| Group | 2.C.2.Na.1.a Leatherleaf - Few-seed Sedge - Bog Laurel Boreal Bog & Acidic Fen Group | G748 | 2.C.2.Na.1.a |
| Alliance | A3483 Huckleberry species / Tufted Bulrush / Peatmoss species Maritime Acidic Graminoid Bog & Fen Alliance | A3483 | 2.C.2.Na.1.a |
| Association | CEGL006248 Black Crowberry - Dwarf Huckleberry - Cloudberry / Peatmoss species Acidic Peatland | CEGL006248 | 2.C.2.Na.1.a |
| Association | CEGL006260 Tufted Bulrush - Dwarf Huckleberry / (Brown Peatmoss, Red Peatmoss, Magellan''s Peatmoss) Acidic Peatland | CEGL006260 | 2.C.2.Na.1.a |
Concept Lineage: Associations come from Old Alliance IV.A.1.N.g. Empetrum nigrum Saturated Dwarf-shrubland Alliance (A.1095) and Old Alliance V.A.7.N.p. Trichophorum caespitosum Saturated Shrub Herbaceous Alliance (A.1312), but we need to review how clean the relationships are.
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: No Data Available
- 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.
- 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.
- Wells, E. D. 1996. Classification of peatland vegetation in Atlantic Canada. Journal of Vegetation Science 7:847-878.