Print Report
A3775 Picea engelmannii Swamp Forest Alliance
Type Concept Sentence: This alliance consists of riparian wetlands dominated by Picea engelmannii, Picea glauca, and their hybrids. Betula papyrifera is occasionally present. It can be found in in riparian areas of Montana, Wyoming and Idaho where the climate has a maritime influence with moist air masses from the Pacific Ocean that release large amounts of snow and rain.
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Engelmann Spruce Swamp Forest Alliance
Colloquial Name: Engelmann Spruce Swamp Forest
Hierarchy Level: Alliance
Type Concept: This alliance contains coniferous-dominated swampy riparian areas with Picea engelmannii, Picea glauca, and their hybrids. Betula papyrifera is occasionally present. Shrub layer includes Alnus incana, Betula occidentalis, and/or Cornus sericea. The herbaceous layer is dominated by the forb Lysichiton americanus or Carex disperma, Cinna latifolia, and/or Athyrium filix-femina. This alliance can be found on level sites that have a high water table such as adjacent to meandering streams and ponds; the water table is usually within 50 cm of the soil surface throughout the year. Standing water may be present in depressions. Soils are poorly drained and have a high organic matter content in the upper horizon. Stands are located in low-elevation (880-900 m) valleys. The vegetation in this alliance occurs in riparian areas in Montana, Wyoming and Idaho.
Diagnostic Characteristics: Wooded wetlands dominated by Picea engelmannii, Picea glauca, and their hybrids.
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: This alliance covers stands with saturated soils throughout the growing season.
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: This alliance is characterized by a moderately open canopy of needle-leaved evergreen trees. The shrub layer has a moderately open canopy of deciduous species. Forbs dominate the herbaceous canopy.
Floristics: This alliance contains coniferous-dominated swampy riparian areas with Picea engelmannii and hybrid swarms of Picea (a result of its hybridization with Picea glauca, a common lower elevation condition). A moderately open canopy of Picea spp. dominates the tree canopy. Betula papyrifera is occasionally present. A number of shrub species occur in the understory; the most common species are Alnus incana, Betula occidentalis, and Cornus sericea. The herbaceous layer is dominated by the forb Lysichiton americanus. Cinna latifolia and Athyrium filix-femina are common associates, but occur in low abundances.
Dynamics: The driving variable of greatest importance is permanent soil saturation (spring flooding common).
Environmental Description: Stands are located in low-elevation (880-900 m) valleys adjacent to meandering streams and ponds. They are found on level sites that have a high water table; the water table is usually within 50 cm of the soil surface throughout the year. Standing water may be present in depressions. Soils are poorly drained and have a high organic matter content in the upper horizon.
Geographic Range: This alliance is found in Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, and may occur in Colorado.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: CO?, ID, MT, WY
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.899827
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.Nc Rocky Mountain-Great Basin Montane Flooded & Swamp Forest Division | D195 | 1.B.3.Nc |
| Macrogroup | 1.B.3.Nc.1 Engelmann Spruce - Narrowleaf Cottonwood / Red-osier Dogwood Riparian & Swamp Forest Macrogroup | M034 | 1.B.3.Nc.1 |
| Group | 1.B.3.Nc.1.b Western Red-cedar - Engelmann Spruce / American Skunk-cabbage Swamp Forest Group | G505 | 1.B.3.Nc.1.b |
| Alliance | A3775 Engelmann Spruce Swamp Forest Alliance | A3775 | 1.B.3.Nc.1.b |
| Association | CEGL000405 (Western White Spruce, Engelmann Spruce) / Softleaf Sedge Swamp Forest | CEGL000405 | 1.B.3.Nc.1.b |
| Association | CEGL000412 (Western White Spruce, Engelmann Spruce) / Yellow Skunk-cabbage Swamp Forest | CEGL000412 | 1.B.3.Nc.1.b |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: No Data Available
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