Abstract for CNVC00348

Forest
Forêt

Abies balsamea / Taxus canadensis / Rubus pubescens / Dicranum majus

Balsam Fir / Canada Yew / Dwarf Raspberry / Greater Broom Moss
Sapin baumier / If du Canada / Ronce pubescente / Grand dicrane

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CNVC00348 is a boreal coniferous forest Association that occurs on insular Newfoundland. It has a closed canopy dominated by balsam fir (Abies balsamea), often with a minor component of white spruce (Picea glauca) and paper birch (Betula papyrifera). It is one of the most floristically diverse forest Associations on the island. The shrub layer is well developed and commonly includes mountain maple (Acer spicatum), regenerating balsam fir, squashberry (Viburnum edule) and red-osier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera). The herb layer is usually dense and typically includes abundant spinulose wood fern (Dryopteris carthusiana) along with dwarf raspberry (Rubus pubescens), northern starflower (Lysimachia borealis) and twinflower (Linnaea borealis). The moss layer is usually well developed and includes greater broom moss (Dicranum majus), electrified cat’s-tail moss (Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus) and red-stemmed feathermoss (Pleurozium schreberi). Shaded wood moss (Hylocomiastrum umbratum) and stairstep moss (Hylocomium splendens) can be abundant when present. CNVC00348 occurs in a region with a very humid, maritime boreal climate. It is found on moist to wet, nutrient-rich sites. These are some of the most productive sites in Newfoundland. It is a late successional condition that occurs where fire has been absent for a long period. Windthrow and insect outbreaks are the primary natural disturbances. Canopy gaps or large patches that result from these disturbances promote self-replacement of this Association by the release of balsam fir regeneration. Four subassociations are recognized: Viburnum nudum, Taxus canadensis, Dryopteris carthusiana and Gymnocarpium dryopteris.

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