Print Report

A3937 Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata Shrubland Alliance

Type Concept Sentence: This alliance consists of closed to open tall alder thickets of Alnus viridis on flat to steep slopes of southwestern Alaska on the Alaska peninsula, Kodiak Island and the Aleutian Islands.


Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Sitka Alder Shrubland Alliance

Colloquial Name: Southern Alaskan Sitka Alder Shrubland

Hierarchy Level:  Alliance

Type Concept: These shrublands and thickets are dominated by usually nearly pure stands of Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata or Alnus viridis ssp. fruticosa on steep exposed slopes. Some slopes are dynamic with landslides keeping tree growth at bay. These are shrublands of southwestern Alaska, including the Alaska peninsula, Kodiak Island and the Aleutian Islands.

Diagnostic Characteristics: Shrublands and thickets dominated by Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata or Alnus viridis ssp. fruticosa.

Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available

Classification Comments: These are pure alder stands on steep slopes.

Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available

Physiognomy and Structure: Tall to medium-tall deciduous shrubs.

Floristics: These shrublands and thickets are dominated by Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata or Alnus viridis ssp. fruticosa. Salix spp. may also be present but these never as abundant as the alder cover.

Dynamics:  Steep slopes are subject to frequent avalanches, keeping shrubs and any trees present below their potential in height.

Environmental Description:  This alliance is found on flat to steep slopes.

Geographic Range: This alliance is found on the Alaska peninsula, Kodiak Island and the Aleutian Islands.

Nations: US

States/Provinces:  AK

Categories
Never was there
Potential, but false report exists
Potential
Reported but false
Reported but doubtful
Reported but unconfirmed
Confident or Certain
500 mi



Confidence Level: Low - Poorly Documented

Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available

Grank: GNR

Greasons: No Data Available


Concept Lineage: No Data Available

Predecessors: No Data Available

Obsolete Names: No Data Available

Obsolete Parents: No Data Available

Synonomy: No Data Available

Concept Author(s): G. Kittel, in Faber-Langendoen et al. (2013)

Author of Description: G. Kittel

Acknowledgements: No Data Available

Version Date: 01-08-14

  • 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.