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A3675 Pseudotsuga macrocarpa - Quercus chrysolepis Forest Alliance
Type Concept Sentence: This alliance consists of forests dominated by Pseudotsuga macrocarpa, with or without other tree species, where Quercus chrysolepis can be a codominant in the upper canopy. It is a montane forest that grows on steep to moderate slopes, between 275 and 2400 m in elevation on all aspects, in southern Coast, Peninsular and Transverse ranges of California.
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Bigcone Douglas-fir - Canyon Live Oak Forest Alliance
Colloquial Name: Bigcone Douglas-fir - Canyon Live Oak Forest
Hierarchy Level: Alliance
Type Concept: This is an alliance of forests with Pseudotsuga macrocarpa as the sole dominant or codominant with other trees, including Quercus chrysolepis. Other trees present may include Quercus agrifolia, Quercus kelloggii, Pinus coulteri, Pinus attenuata, Pinus sabiniana, Pinus monophylla, Umbellularia californica, and Juglans californica. The shrub and herbaceous layers are sparse. This alliance is restricted to southern California Coast, Peninsular and Transverse ranges (and just barely into the central Coast Ranges). Stands occur at montane elevations, between 275 and 2400 m, on steep to moderate slopes at all aspects. Annual precipitation varies with elevation, and ranges from 70-100 cm, with a distinct summer dry season. Precipitation is episodic, and droughts of several years duration are not uncommon. Soils that support this alliance are skeletal, rocky, and well-drained.
Diagnostic Characteristics: Pseudotsuga macrocarpa completely replaces Pseudotsuga menziesii in these mixed conifer stands in southern California.
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: Some reviewers suggested placing these into their own "southern mixed conifer group," but not enough information was available and it is assumed not enough diversity to warrant a new group. Pure stands of Pseudotsuga macrocarpa are included in this alliance.
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: This conical-crowned, temperate or subpolar, needle-leaved evergreen forest forms a continuous canopy less than 30 m in height. In older stands the canopy is two-tiered. Shrubs are infrequent, and the herbaceous layer is sparse.
Floristics: Stands are dominated by Pseudotsuga macrocarpa, with or without Quercus chrysolepis, which is often codominant, merely present or entirely absent. Other trees present may include Quercus kelloggii, Pinus coulteri, Pinus attenuata, Pinus sabiniana, Pinus monophylla, Umbellularia californica, and Juglans californica. In older stands the canopy tends to be two-tiered, with Quercus chrysolepis forming the subcanopy beneath the conifers. The shrub and herbaceous layers are sparse.
Dynamics: Pseudotsuga macrocarpa has the unusual ability to trunk sprout following a fire. The tree also has a thick bark, capable of withstanding most fires. This alliance seems to be well-adapted to low-intensity fire, and the natural fire frequency is probably high. Seedling densities on burned areas can be quite high.
Environmental Description: This montane forest alliance of central and southern California occurs on moderate to steep slopes of all aspects. Stands are found between 275 and 2400 m elevation. Annual precipitation varies with elevation, and ranges from 70 to 100 cm, with a distinct summer dry season. Precipitation is episodic, and droughts of several years duration are not uncommon. Soils that support this alliance are skeletal, rocky, and well-drained.
Geographic Range: This montane forest alliance occurs in California''s southern Coast Ranges, and Transverse and Peninsular ranges. It does appear in the southernmost sections of the central California Coast Ranges as well.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: CA
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.899727
Confidence Level: Moderate
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: GNR
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.2 Incense-cedar - Jeffrey Pine - Sierra White Fir Forest Macrogroup | M023 | 1.B.2.Nd.2 |
| Group | 1.B.2.Nd.2.a Incense-cedar - Sugar Pine - Sierra White Fir Forest & Woodland Group | G344 | 1.B.2.Nd.2.a |
| Alliance | A3675 Bigcone Douglas-fir - Canyon Live Oak Forest Alliance | A3675 | 1.B.2.Nd.2.a |
| Association | CEGL003084 Bigcone Douglas-fir Forest | CEGL003084 | 1.B.2.Nd.2.a |
Concept Lineage: A.140, A.141
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: = Pseudotsuga macrocarpa (Bigcone Douglas fir forest) Alliance (Sawyer et al. 2009) [82.100.00]
>< Bigcone Spruce-Cañon Oak Forest (#84150) (Holland 1986b)
>< Bigcone Spruce-Cañon Oak Forest (#84150) (Holland 1986b)
- 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.
- Holland, R. F. 1986b. Preliminary descriptions of the terrestrial natural communities of California. Unpublished report prepared for the California Department of Fish and Game, Nongame-Heritage Program and Natural Diversity Database, Sacramento. 156 pp.
- Sawyer, J. O., T. Keeler-Wolf, and J. Evens. 2009. A manual of California vegetation. Second edition. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento CA. 1300 pp.
- Sawyer, J. O., and T. Keeler-Wolf. 1995. A manual of California vegetation. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento. 471 pp.