Abstract for CNVC00307

Woodland
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Picea mariana (Abies balsamea) / Kalmia angustifolia / Pleurozium schreberi

Black Spruce (Balsam Fir) / Sheep Laurel / Red-stemmed Feathermoss
Épinette noire (Sapin baumier) / Kalmia à feuilles étroites / Pleurozie dorée

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CNVC00307 is a boreal coniferous woodland Association that occurs on the island of Newfoundland. The tree layer is dominated by black spruce (Picea mariana), usually with lower abundance of balsam fir (Abies balsamea). Ericaceous shrub species, mainly sheep laurel (Kalmia angustifolia) and early lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium), form a dense shrub layer. The herb layer is moderately to well developed, although only creeping snowberry (Gaultheria hispidula) and bunchberry (Cornus canadensis) are constant. Red-stemmed feathermoss (Pleurozium schreberi) and broom mosses (Dicranum spp.) dominate the moderately developed to continuous moss layer. Reindeer lichens (Cladina spp., especially C. rangiferina) and clad lichens (Cladonia spp.) are usually present. CNVC00307 occurs on mesic, nutrient-poor sites that have been repeatedly disturbed by fire and/or logging. Frequent disturbances encourage the profuse development of a dense ericaceous shrub layer that inhibits succession to a forested condition, instead promoting the long-term maintenance of these woodlands on the landscape. This Association occurs extensively in the relatively more continental climate of central Newfoundland where the frequency of natural fire is higher. Two subassociations are distinguished, typic and Viburnum nudum.

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