Print Report
G800 Southern Vancouverian Dry Douglas-fir - Madrone Woodland Group
Type Concept Sentence: This group consists of dry, mixed broadleaf-conifer forests dominated by Arbutus menziesii and Pseudotsuga menziesii with an understory that is usually species-rich and well-developed. It is found in lowland areas of the Puget Sound, including the San Juan Islands in Washington and the Gulf Islands in British Columbia, and as far south as the Klamath Mountains in northern California.
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Southern Vancouverian Dry Douglas-fir - Madrone Woodland Group
Colloquial Name: Southern Vancouverian Dry Douglas-fir - Madrone Woodland
Hierarchy Level: Group
Type Concept: This dry, mixed broadleaf-conifer forest group is dominated by the evergreen broadleaf Arbutus menziesii and the evergreen conifer Pseudotsuga menziesii. Some stands may have only Pseudotsuga menziesii. The short-lived conifer Pinus contorta, the broad-leaved deciduous Acer macrophyllum, and the shade-tolerant conifer Abies grandis can be locally dominant or codominant species. Calocedrus decurrens is absent. The broad-leaved deciduous tree Quercus garryana may also be present in the upper tree stratum or as a subcanopy. The forest understory is usually species-rich and well-developed. This group is found in lowland areas of the Puget Sound, including the San Juan Islands in Washington and the Gulf Islands in British Columbia, and as far south as the Klamath Mountains. It occurs along low-elevation (0-1000 m) mountain slopes and valley margins, usually on southern exposures with ample sun and seasonal drought. Sites usually have bedrock or sandy soils which drain quickly.
Diagnostic Characteristics: Dry stands dominated by Arbutus menziesii and Pseudotsuga menziesii.
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: No Data Available
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: Tall woodlands and forests up to 18 m in height.
Floristics: Stands are dominated by Arbutus menziesii and Pseudotsuga menziesii. Pinus contorta, Acer macrophyllum, and Abies grandis can be locally dominant or codominant species. Calocedrus decurrens is absent. Other conifers, such as Taxus brevifolia and Juniperus scopulorum, may be present in the tree layer, depending upon location and stand history. The broad-leaved deciduous tree Quercus garryana may also be present in the upper tree stratum or as a subcanopy. The forest understory is usually species-rich and well-developed. Common shrub species include Corylus cornuta var. californica, Gaultheria shallon, Holodiscus discolor, Lonicera hispidula, Symphoricarpos albus, and Vaccinium ovatum. The herbaceous layer is usually well-developed and dominated by xerophytic grasses and forbs. Festuca occidentalis, Elymus glaucus, and Bromus vulgaris are typical grass species. Vicia americana, Lathyrus nevadensis, and Sanicula crassicaulis are common forbs. Ferns include Polystichum munitum and Pteridium aquilinum.
Dynamics: Arbutus menziesii stump sprouts following fire, and these communities were probably subject to a moderate-severity fire regime in presettlement times. These sites are too dry and warm or have been too frequently and extensively burned for more than small amounts of Tsuga heterophylla or Thuja plicata to be present as regeneration. On sites where it occurs, Arbutus menziesii dominance is favored by high-severity fires; Pseudotsuga menziesii can be locally eliminated by logging and hot fire or repeated high-severity fires.
Environmental Description: This group occurs along low-elevation (0-1000 m) mountain slopes and valley margins, usually on southern exposures with ample sun and seasonal drought, often adjacent to saltwater shorelines. Primarily, this group occurs in areas with a pronounced rainshadow effect from the Olympics and other coastal ranges. Sites usually have bedrock or sandy soils which drain quickly.
Geographic Range: This group is found in lowland areas of the Puget Sound, including the San Juan Islands in Washington and the Gulf Islands in British Columbia, and as far south as the Klamath Mountains of northern California. It is less common around the margins of the Willamette Valley, Oregon, and on the lower foothills of the Cascades in Washington and Oregon.
Nations: CA,US
States/Provinces: BC, CA, OR, WA
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.933219
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.2 Cool Temperate Forest & Woodland Formation | F008 | 1.B.2 |
| Division | 1.B.2.Nd Vancouverian Forest & Woodland Division | D192 | 1.B.2.Nd |
| Macrogroup | 1.B.2.Nd.1 Southern Vancouverian Dry Foothill Forest & Woodland Macrogroup | M886 | 1.B.2.Nd.1 |
| Group | 1.B.2.Nd.1.a Southern Vancouverian Dry Douglas-fir - Madrone Woodland Group | G800 | 1.B.2.Nd.1.a |
| Alliance | A3716 Douglas-fir - Grand Fir - Pacific Madrone Forest & Woodland Alliance | A3716 | 1.B.2.Nd.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
- Faber-Langendoen, D., J. Drake, S. Gawler, M. Hall, C. Josse, G. Kittel, S. Menard, C. Nordman, M. Pyne, M. Reid, L. Sneddon, K. Schulz, J. Teague, M. Russo, K. Snow, and P. Comer, editors. 2010-2019a. Divisions, Macrogroups and Groups for the Revised U.S. National Vegetation Classification. NatureServe, Arlington, VA. plus appendices. [in preparation]