Tealeaf willow / Crowberry
	Salix pulchra / Empetrum nigrum
	n = 7
	II.C.2.g. Open Low Scrub – Willow
	Ecosystem: Discharge Slope

This uncommon Kenai Lowlands community is not documented in Alaska.  Several authors have described tealeaf willow (Salix pulchra) types, and two mention ericaceous shrub associates (Stiegers, et. al., 1983 and Brock and Burke, 1980, in Viereck, 1992).  Neither of these is similar to tealeaf willow / crowberry (Empetrum nigrum).

The sites visited are all located on foot-slopes above 300 meters (1200') elevation around the head of Kachemak Bay, mostly around Caribou Lake.  

A patchy, open willow stand covers open, patchy crowberry and birch (Betula nana).  Field horsetail (Equisetum arvense) may be common, and scattered bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensistussocks are usually present.  

Most sites have at least a histic epipedon (20 cm of organic material).  Frequently the organic horizon is thick enough to qualify as a histosol (40 cm).  The water table is near the surface.  All sites visited are jurisdictional wetlands.   

Table 1. Frequency of soil series occurrence and hydric status at NRCS holes.  Bold type indicates soils on the NRCS Alaska hydric soils list.

Table 2.  Summary of plant frequency and average cover for plants occurring in more than 50% of plots.

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