Print Report
A3746 Picea sitchensis - Tsuga heterophylla - Alnus rubra Riparian Forest Alliance
Type Concept Sentence: These are riparian forests dominated by Abies grandis, Picea sitchensis, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Thuja plicata, and/or Tsuga heterophylla and may have Alnus rubra or Acer macrophyllum also present in the upper canopy. Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa is absent or, if present, is not the only deciduous tree and has less than 5% relative cover. These forests have riparian wet soil-dependent understory species and are found adjacent to rivers, streams, or creeks. Soils may be saturated but are also well-aerated. This alliance occurs in the coastal lowlands of Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon.
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Sitka Spruce - Western Hemlock - Red Alder Riparian Forest Alliance
Colloquial Name: Sitka Spruce - Western Hemlock - Red Alder Riparian Forest
Hierarchy Level: Alliance
Type Concept: These are lowland riparian forests dominated by conifer trees such as Abies grandis, Picea sitchensis, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Thuja plicata, and/or Tsuga heterophylla and may have Alnus rubra or Acer macrophyllum present in the upper canopy. This alliance also includes stands with just conifers present. Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa is absent or, if present, is not the only deciduous tree and has less than 5% relative cover. The understory contains riparian wet soil-dependent understory species and includes Polystichum munitum, Rubus spectabilis, Scirpus microcarpus, and others. This alliance occurs in the coastal lowlands of Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon. Sites are adjacent to streams, creeks, or rivers. Soils may be saturated but are also well-aerated.
Diagnostic Characteristics: An even mix of deciduous and conifer trees in the upper canopy. Cottonwood and ash are not present.
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: This alliance covers mixed deciduous-evergreen riparian forests. If Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa is present, then see ~Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa - Picea sitchensis - Tsuga heterophylla Riparian Forest Alliance (A3744)$$.
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: Tall coniferous evergreen needle-leaved trees with and without deciduous trees.
Floristics: This alliance is dominated by conifer trees such as Abies grandis, Picea sitchensis, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Thuja plicata, and/or Tsuga heterophylla. Deciduous trees may also be present to codominant and include Alnus rubra or Acer macrophyllum. Understory shrubs include Oplopanax horridus and Rubus spectabilis. Understory herbs include Bromus vulgaris, Oxalis oregana, Oxalis trilliifolia, Polystichum munitum, Scirpus microcarpus, and Tiarella trifoliata.
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: This alliance can be found along streambanks, floodplains, valley floors or terraces with coarse well-drained alluvial soils with and without fine, poorly drained clay/loam lens. Annual overbank flooding or seasonal soil saturation characterizes the hydrology of these riparian sites.
Geographic Range: This alliance is found in coastal lowlands of Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon.
Nations: CA,US
States/Provinces: BC, OR, WA
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.899798
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.3 Temperate Flooded & Swamp Forest Formation | F026 | 1.B.3 |
| Division | 1.B.3.Ng Vancouverian Flooded & Swamp Forest Division | D193 | 1.B.3.Ng |
| Macrogroup | 1.B.3.Ng.1 Vancouverian Flooded & Swamp Forest Macrogroup | M035 | 1.B.3.Ng.1 |
| Group | 1.B.3.Ng.1.d Sitka Spruce - Black Cottonwood - Oregon Ash Lowland Riparian Forest Group | G851 | 1.B.3.Ng.1.d |
| Alliance | A3746 Sitka Spruce - Western Hemlock - Red Alder Riparian Forest Alliance | A3746 | 1.B.3.Ng.1.d |
| Association | CEGL007297 Sitka Spruce - (Red Alder) / Salmonberry / Western Swordfern Forest | CEGL007297 | 1.B.3.Ng.1.d |
Concept Lineage: A.NCCN-005
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.