Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Western Hemlock - (Douglas-fir, Western Red-cedar) / Western Swordfern - Common Ladyfern Forest

Colloquial Name: No Data Available

Hierarchy Level:  Association

Type Concept: This western hemlock forest of Washington and Oregon and possibly British Columbia and California has a canopy dominated by a variable mixture of Tsuga heterophylla, Pseudotsuga menziesii, and/or Thuja plicata. Tsuga heterophylla or Thuja plicata always occupy at least 10% total cover and dominate tree regeneration. Acer macrophyllum or Alnus rubra are sometimes prominent. A well-developed tall-shrub layer dominated by Acer circinatum is often present. Shorter shrubs are usually sparse but often include Rubus spectabilis (an important indicator for the type) and Vaccinium parvifolium. The herb layer is dominated by Polystichum munitum, usually growing taller and more densely than it does in other settings. Frequent herbs which are indicative of the association are Athyrium filix-femina, Tiarella trifoliata, Blechnum spicant, Gymnocarpium dryopteris, and Dryopteris expansa, one or more of which is sometimes prominent. Other frequent herbs include Achlys triphylla and Clintonia uniflora. In Washington, this association occurs at low elevations in the western Cascades and the Olympic Peninsula except in the wettest part of the western Olympics and on the outer coastal strip. Sites are usually on lower or toe slopes or riverine terraces. Soils are moist and often deep. This association occurs within a narrow environmental range in the mountains of western Washington and has been impacted by logging.

Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available

Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available

Classification Comments: This association is distinguished by the relative abundance of the wet to moist-site indicator herbs, the presence of Rubus spectabilis, or the high percent cover of Polystichum munitum.

Similar NVC Types: No Data Available

note: No Data Available