Seward Wetland Mapping Project
Chugach National Forest Plant Community Descriptions
From: R.L. DeVelice, C.J. Hubbard, K. Boggs, S. Boudreau, M. Potkin, T. Boucher and C. Wertheim. 1999. Plant Community Types of the Chugach National Forest: southcentral Alaska. USDA Forest Service, Chugach National Forest, Alaska Region Technical Publication R10-TP-76. Anchorage, AK. 375pp. (download 3.5Mb .pdf)
Tsuga mertensiana/Alnus crispa
ssp. sinuata(mountain hemlock/Sitka alder)
(TSUMER/ALNCRIS; 4 sites)
IA1f.-1A2c. Closed and open needleleaf forest, mountain hemlock
A mountain hemlock / Sitka alder stand near the Snow River valley.
Vegetation-
Tsuga mertensiana (mountain hemlock) is the dominant andoften only tree species in this type.
T. heterophylla (western hemlock) orPicea sitchensis
(Sitka spruce) may be well represented on some sites. Alnuscrispa
ssp. sinuata (Sitka alder) is abundant and the indicator species forthis type. Other tall shrubs that may be common include
Menziesiaferruginea
(rusty menziesia), Rubus spectabilis (salmonberry), Echinopanaxhorridum
(devil’s club), and Cladothamnus pyroliflorus (copperbush), althoughconsistency and cover varies greatly for these species on individual sites.
Although occasionally present, low and dwarf shrubs do not provide any
indicator value in this type.
Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint reedgrass)is the most consistent graminoid, and
Gymnocarpium dryopteris (oak fern)the most consistent fern. There is little other consistency or dominance in
undergrowth composition within this type.
Physical setting- Mountain hemlock/Sitka alder is a minor type on the
Chugach National Forest. It occurs on low relief hills and dissected
mountain side slopes. Sites sampled are on all aspects, on slopes from 25 to
80 percent, and at elevations to 1450 feet.
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03 October 2006 12:49 |
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