Abstract for CNVC00036

Forest
Forêt

Tsuga heterophylla - Abies amabilis / Blechnum spicant - Tiarella trifoliata - Polystichum munitum

Western Hemlock - Pacific Silver Fir / Deer Fern - Three-leaved Foamflower - Western Sword Fern
Pruche de l'Ouest - Sapin gracieux / Blechnum en épi - Tiarelle trifoliée - Fougère épée

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CNVC00036 is a mature to old, Pacific coast, coniferous forest association that is found on well-drained, colluvial and fluvial materials in very wet maritime to hypermaritime climates. The soils are mesic to moist, and in most cases nutrient-rich to very rich. Western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) is the leading species in the closed coniferous canopy, followed by Pacific silver fir (Abies amabilis). However, very old stands are dominated by western redcedar (Thuja plicata). On Haida Gawii (Queen Charlotte Islands), Pacific silver fir is absent and Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) often plays a more important canopy role. The shrub layer often features Alaskan blueberry (Vaccinium alaskaense), red huckleberry (V. parvifolium), and salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis). Common herb species include western sword fern (Polystichum munitum), deer fern (Blechnum spicant), five-leaved dwarf bramble (Rubus pedatus), spreading wood fern (Dryopteris expansa) and three-leaved foamflower (Tiarella trifoliata). Lanky moss (Rhytidiadelphus loreus) and stairstep moss (Hylocomium splendens) are the leading mosses. Two subassociations are recognized: typic and Picea sitchensis.

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