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A3938 Alnus viridis - Salix spp. Shrubland Alliance
Type Concept Sentence: These are shrublands and thickets dominated by Alnus viridis and various Salix species that grow on steep avalanche chutes in southern Alaska.
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Green Alder - Willow species Shrubland Alliance
Colloquial Name: Southern Alaskan Green Alder - Willow Shrubland
Hierarchy Level: Alliance
Type Concept: These are shrublands and thickets dominated by Alnus viridis and various Salix species that grow on steep exposed slopes. These slopes are dynamic with landslides such that trees cannot become established or grow to a size beyond that of shrubs. Alnus viridis and Salix alaxensis, Salix barclayi, Salix bebbiana, Salix commutata, Salix hookeriana, Salix interior, or Salix sitchensis codominate.
Diagnostic Characteristics: Shrublands dominated by a mix of Salix species and Alnus viridis .
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: This alliance is to accommodate mixed stands (50:50) of alder and willows; similar alliances are pure alder (Salix <50% of alder cover) and pure Salix (where alder is <50% of willow cover).
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: Medium-tall deciduous shrubs.
Floristics: Alnus viridis and Salix alaxensis, Salix barclayi, Salix bebbiana, Salix commutata, Salix hookeriana, Salix interior, or Salix sitchensis codominate. This alliance is to accommodate mixed stands (50:50) of alder and willows; similar alliances are pure alder (Salix <50% of alder cover) and pure Salix (where alder is <50% of willow cover).
Dynamics: Periodic avalanches wipe out these shrublands.
Environmental Description: These slopes are dynamic with landslides such that trees cannot become established or grow to a size beyond that of shrubs.
Geographic Range: This alliance is found on the Alaska peninsula, Kodiak Island and the Aleutian Islands.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: AK
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.899989
Confidence Level: Low - Poorly Documented
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.B Temperate & Boreal Grassland & Shrubland Subclass | S18 | 2.B |
| Formation | 2.B.2 Temperate Grassland & Shrubland Formation | F012 | 2.B.2 |
| Division | 2.B.2.Nf Western North American Grassland & Shrubland Division | D022 | 2.B.2.Nf |
| Macrogroup | 2.B.2.Nf.5 Northern Vancouverian Lowland-Montane Grassland & Shrubland Macrogroup | M172 | 2.B.2.Nf.5 |
| Group | 2.B.2.Nf.5.a Green Alder - Salmonberry - Feltleaf Willow Vancouverian Shrubland Group | G354 | 2.B.2.Nf.5.a |
| Alliance | A3938 Green Alder - Willow species Shrubland Alliance | A3938 | 2.B.2.Nf.5.a |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: < Alnus crispa - Salix lanata - Salix planifolia / Ledum decumbens - Carex bigelowii / Sphagnum (Viereck 1963)
- 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.
- Viereck, L. A. 1963. Sheep investigations: Survey of range ecology. Project W-6-R-4, Work plan E. Job 2-A. Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Juneau.