Print Report
A4102 Picea mariana / Kalmia angustifolia / Sphagnum spp. Atlantic Swamp Forest Alliance
Type Concept Sentence: This poor (acidic) conifer swamp alliance is found in the Atlantic boreal region of eastern Canada, on poorly drained mineral soils or deep peats and minerotrophic peatland margins, and is dominated by Picea mariana with Atlantic boreal indicators, such as Kalmia angustifolia.
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Black Spruce / Sheep Laurel / Peatmoss species Atlantic Swamp Forest Alliance
Colloquial Name: Atlantic Boreal Poor Conifer Swamp Forest
Hierarchy Level: Alliance
Type Concept: This poor (acidic) conifer swamp alliance is found in the Atlantic boreal region of eastern Canada, on poorly drained mineral soils or deep peats and minerotrophic peatland margins. The vegetation is dominated by Picea mariana with other canopy associates, including Abies balsamea, Larix laricina, and Betula papyrifera. Most stands have a well-developed shrub layer. Shrubs are typically ericaceous species such as Chamaedaphne calyculata and Kalmia angustifolia (in Quebec). There is a continuous and often deep sphagnum layer. The habitat is characterized by poorly drained mineral soils or deep peats and minerotrophic peatland margins. The peats and groundwater are acidic and are most typically nutrient-poor.
Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: This alliance is being described by the CNVC team (K. Baldwin pers. comm. 2014). It includes poor conifer swamps, but it is not clear yet if this alliance also includes Atlantic boreal bogs. Elsewhere in eastern Canada, we recognize a poor conifer tree bog (A3836) separate from weakly minerotrophic poor swamp (A0197).
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available
Floristics: No Data Available
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: No Data Available
Geographic Range: This poor (acidic) conifer swamp alliance is found in the Atlantic boreal region of eastern Canada.
Nations: CA,US
States/Provinces: LB, ME, NF, QC
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.916781
Confidence Level: Low - Poorly Documented
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.5 Boreal Flooded & Swamp Forest Formation | F036 | 1.B.5 |
| Division | 1.B.5.Na North American Boreal Flooded & Swamp Forest Division | D016 | 1.B.5.Na |
| Macrogroup | 1.B.5.Na.1 North American Boreal Conifer Poor Swamp Macrogroup | M299 | 1.B.5.Na.1 |
| Group | 1.B.5.Na.1.a Black Spruce - Balsam Fir Atlantic Boreal Poor Swamp Group | G807 | 1.B.5.Na.1.a |
| Alliance | A4102 Black Spruce / Sheep Laurel / Peatmoss species Atlantic Swamp Forest Alliance | A4102 | 1.B.5.Na.1.a |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: No Data Available
- Baldwin, Ken. Personal communication. Forest Ecologist / Ecologiste forestier, Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service / Ressources naturelles Canada, Service canadien des forêts, Great Lakes Forestry Centre / Centre de foresterie des Grands Lacs, Sault Ste. Marie, ON.
- 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.