Abstract for CNVC00018

Forest
Forêt

Picea sitchensis / Trisetum canescens

Sitka Spruce / Tall Trisetum
Épinette de Sitka / Trisète blanchâtre

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CNVC00018 occurs on middle fluvial benches along rivers in hypermaritime climates of British Columbia. This endemic association is usually found at low elevations as these mid-bench sites occur on lower reaches of the rivers. The benches flood frequently and have elevated water tables during much of the growing season. Stands have a moderately open canopy dominated by Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis), commonly with western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla). Red alder (Alnus rubra) is often present, usually with moderate cover. The shrub layer is characterized by low cover of salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis) and red huckleberry (Vaccinium parvifolium) along with regeneration of the canopy conifers. Tall trisetum (Trisetum canescens), deer fern (Blechnum spicant), and common lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina) are usually present in the herb layer. Stairstep moss (Hylocomium splendens) and lanky moss (Rhytidiadelphus loreus) dominate the well-developed bryophyte layer.

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