Area Area_Name Grid_Value Comb_Value NVCMES Level3

1 CONUS 1 1 01.A.3.D002M001E001 9238

1 CONUS 2 2 01.A.3.D002M001E002 9702

1 CONUS 3 3 01.A.3.D002M001E003 9305

1 CONUS 4 4 01.A.4.D004M005E004 9236

1 CONUS 5 5 01.B.1.D099M134E005 4132

1 CONUS 6 6 01.B.1.D099M134E006 4135

1 CONUS 7 7 01.B.1.D099M134E007 4134

1 CONUS 8 8 01.B.1.D099M296E008 4145

1 CONUS 9 9 01.C.1.D006M007E009 4505

1 CONUS 10 10 01.C.1.D006M007E010 4506

1 CONUS 11 11 01.C.1.D006M007E011 4536

1 CONUS 12 12 01.C.1.D006M007E012 5602

1 CONUS 13 13 01.C.1.D006M007E013 4508

1 CONUS 14 14 01.C.1.D006M007E014 4509

1 CONUS 15 15 01.C.1.D006M007E015 4503

1 CONUS 16 16 01.C.1.D006M007E016 4502

1 CONUS 17 17 01.C.1.D006M007E017 4321

1 CONUS 18 18 01.C.1.D006M008E018 4210

1 CONUS 19 19 01.C.1.D006M008E019 4212

1 CONUS 20 20 01.C.1.D006M008E020 4136

1 CONUS 21 21 01.C.1.D006M008E021 4102

1 CONUS 22 22 01.C.1.D006M008E022 4150

1 CONUS 23 23 01.C.1.D006M008E023 4129

1 CONUS 24 24 01.C.1.D006M008E024 4209

1 CONUS 25 25 01.C.1.D006M008E025 4153

1 CONUS 26 26 01.C.1.D006M008E026 4130

1 CONUS 27 27 01.C.1.D006M008E027 4146

1 CONUS 28 28 01.C.1.D006M008E028 4137

1 CONUS 29 29 01.C.1.D006M008E029 4204

1 CONUS 30 30 01.C.1.D006M157E030 4541

1 CONUS 31 31 01.C.1.D006M157E031 4332

1 CONUS 32 32 01.C.1.D006M157E032 4336

1 CONUS 33 33 01.C.1.D006M305E033 4504

1 CONUS 34 34 01.C.1.D006M305E034 8201

1 CONUS 35 35 01.C.1.D006M305E035 4507

1 CONUS 36 36 01.C.1.D006M305E036 4501

1 CONUS 37 37 01.C.1.D006M305E037 9902

1 CONUS 38 38 01.C.1.D006M305E038 8202

1 CONUS 39 39 01.C.1.D007M009E039 5501

1 CONUS 40 40 01.C.1.D007M009E040 4545

1 CONUS 41 41 01.C.1.D007M009E041 5502

1 CONUS 42 42 01.C.1.D007M009E042 5503

1 CONUS 43 43 01.C.1.D007M009E043 4511

1 CONUS 44 44 01.C.1.D007M009E044 4317

1 CONUS 45 45 01.C.1.D007M009E045 5504

1 CONUS 46 46 01.C.1.D007M010E046 4143

1 CONUS 47 47 01.C.1.D007M010E047 4518

1 CONUS 48 48 01.C.1.D007M011E048 4315

1 CONUS 49 49 01.C.1.D007M011E049 4316

1 CONUS 50 50 01.C.1.D007M015E050 4155

1 CONUS 51 51 01.C.1.D007M015E051 4152

1 CONUS 52 52 01.C.1.D007M015E052 4208

1 CONUS 53 53 01.C.1.D007M015E053 7602

1 CONUS 54 54 01.C.1.D007M019E054 4550

1 CONUS 55 55 01.C.1.D007M019E055 4320

1 CONUS 56 56 01.C.1.D007M019E056 4144

1 CONUS 57 57 01.C.1.D007M019E057 4319

1 CONUS 58 58 01.C.1.D007M019E058 4110

1 CONUS 59 59 01.C.1.D060M158E059 5811

1 CONUS 60 60 01.C.2.D008M012E060 4126

1 CONUS 61 61 01.C.2.D008M012E061 4307

1 CONUS 62 62 01.C.2.D008M012E062 4127

1 CONUS 63 63 01.C.2.D008M012E063 4101

1 CONUS 64 64 01.C.2.D008M012E064 4330

1 CONUS 65 65 01.C.2.D008M012E065 4118

1 CONUS 66 66 01.C.2.D008M012E066 4303

1 CONUS 67 67 01.C.2.D008M012E067 4117

1 CONUS 68 68 01.C.2.D008M012E068 4103

1 CONUS 69 69 01.C.2.D008M012E069 4105

1 CONUS 70 70 01.C.2.D008M012E070 4140

1 CONUS 71 71 01.C.2.D008M012E071 4151

1 CONUS 72 72 01.C.2.D008M012E072 4139

1 CONUS 73 73 01.C.2.D008M012E073 4121

1 CONUS 74 74 01.C.2.D008M012E074 4120

1 CONUS 75 75 01.C.2.D008M012E075 4106

1 CONUS 76 76 01.C.2.D008M012E076 4304

1 CONUS 77 77 01.C.2.D008M012E077 4104

1 CONUS 78 78 01.C.2.D008M012E078 4114

1 CONUS 79 79 01.C.2.D008M012E079 4313

1 CONUS 80 80 01.C.2.D008M012E080 4337

1 CONUS 81 81 01.C.2.D008M012E081 4122

1 CONUS 82 82 01.C.2.D008M012E082 4149

1 CONUS 83 83 01.C.2.D008M012E083 4115

1 CONUS 84 84 01.C.2.D008M012E084 4125

1 CONUS 85 85 01.C.2.D008M012E085 4109

1 CONUS 86 86 01.C.2.D008M012E086 4116

1 CONUS 87 87 01.C.2.D008M012E087 4334

1 CONUS 88 88 01.C.2.D008M012E088 4308

1 CONUS 89 89 01.C.2.D008M013E089 4306

1 CONUS 90 90 01.C.2.D008M013E090 8203

1 CONUS 91 91 01.C.2.D008M013E091 8504

1 CONUS 92 92 01.C.2.D008M013E092 4305

1 CONUS 93 93 01.C.2.D008M014E093 4333

1 CONUS 94 94 01.C.2.D008M014E094 4551

1 CONUS 95 95 01.C.2.D008M014E095 4331

1 CONUS 96 96 01.C.2.D008M014E096 4612

1 CONUS 97 97 01.C.2.D008M014E097 4542

1 CONUS 98 98 01.C.2.D008M014E098 4113

1 CONUS 99 99 01.C.2.D008M014E099 4323

1 CONUS 100 100 01.C.2.D008M014E100 4327

1 CONUS 101 101 01.C.2.D008M014E101 5517

1 CONUS 102 102 01.C.2.D008M014E102 4119

1 CONUS 103 103 01.C.2.D008M016E103 4133

1 CONUS 104 104 01.C.2.D008M016E104 4553

1 CONUS 105 105 01.C.2.D008M016E105 4301

1 CONUS 106 106 01.C.2.D008M016E106 4309

1 CONUS 107 107 01.C.2.D008M016E107 4549

1 CONUS 108 108 01.C.2.D008M016E108 4328

1 CONUS 109 109 01.C.2.D008M016E109 4322

1 CONUS 110 110 01.C.2.D008M016E110 4538

1 CONUS 111 111 01.C.2.D008M016E111 4329

1 CONUS 112 112 01.C.2.D008M016E112 4302

1 CONUS 113 113 01.C.2.D008M016E113 4310

1 CONUS 114 114 01.C.2.D008M016E114 4311

1 CONUS 115 115 01.C.2.D008M151E115 4131

1 CONUS 116 116 01.C.2.D008M151E116 4138

1 CONUS 117 117 01.C.2.D008M151E117 5805

1 CONUS 118 118 01.C.2.D008M151E118 4312

1 CONUS 119 119 01.C.2.D008M151E119 4154

1 CONUS 120 120 01.C.2.D008M153E120 4403

1 CONUS 121 121 01.C.2.D008M153E121 4128

1 CONUS 122 122 01.C.2.D008M153E122 4205

1 CONUS 123 123 01.C.2.D008M153E123 4123

1 CONUS 124 124 01.C.2.D008M153E124 4124

1 CONUS 125 125 01.C.2.D008M153E125 4207

1 CONUS 126 126 01.C.2.D008M153E126 4402

1 CONUS 127 127 01.C.2.D008M153E127 4401

1 CONUS 128 128 01.C.2.D008M153E128 4203

1 CONUS 129 129 01.C.2.D008M153E129 4202

1 CONUS 130 130 01.C.2.D008M159E130 4314

1 CONUS 131 131 01.C.2.D008M159E131 4211

1 CONUS 132 132 01.C.2.D008M159E132 5515

1 CONUS 133 133 01.C.2.D008M159E133 4539

1 CONUS 134 134 01.C.2.D008M159E134 4540

1 CONUS 135 135 01.C.2.D008M159E135 4537

1 CONUS 136 136 01.C.2.D009M017E136 4602

1 CONUS 137 137 01.C.2.D009M017E137 4543

1 CONUS 138 138 01.C.2.D009M017E138 4524

1 CONUS 139 139 01.C.2.D009M017E139 5302

1 CONUS 140 140 01.C.2.D009M017E140 4609

1 CONUS 141 141 01.C.2.D009M017E141 4529

1 CONUS 142 142 01.C.2.D009M017E142 4510

1 CONUS 143 143 01.C.2.D009M017E143 4548

1 CONUS 144 144 01.C.2.D009M017E144 4526

1 CONUS 145 145 01.C.2.D009M020E145 4324

1 CONUS 146 146 01.C.2.D009M020E146 4515

1 CONUS 147 147 01.C.2.D009M020E147 4525

1 CONUS 148 148 01.C.2.D009M020E148 4111

1 CONUS 149 149 01.C.2.D009M020E149 4527

1 CONUS 150 150 01.C.2.D009M020E150 4544

1 CONUS 151 151 01.C.2.D009M020E151 4531

1 CONUS 152 152 01.C.2.D009M020E152 4611

1 CONUS 153 153 01.C.2.D009M020E153 4532

1 CONUS 154 154 01.C.2.D009M022E154 4112

1 CONUS 155 155 01.C.2.D009M022E155 4528

1 CONUS 156 156 01.C.2.D009M022E156 4610

1 CONUS 157 157 01.C.2.D009M022E157 5605

1 CONUS 158 158 01.C.2.D009M022E158 4530

1 CONUS 159 159 01.C.2.D009M023E159 4520

1 CONUS 160 160 01.C.2.D009M023E160 4516

1 CONUS 161 161 01.C.2.D009M023E161 4517

1 CONUS 162 162 01.C.2.D009M023E162 4519

1 CONUS 163 163 01.C.2.D009M023E163 4603

1 CONUS 164 164 01.C.2.D009M023E164 4546

1 CONUS 165 165 01.C.2.D009M024E165 4601

1 CONUS 166 166 01.C.2.D009M024E166 4148

1 CONUS 167 167 01.C.2.D009M024E167 4547

1 CONUS 168 168 01.C.2.D009M024E168 4604

1 CONUS 169 169 01.C.2.D009M024E169 4613

1 CONUS 170 170 01.C.2.D009M024E170 4338

1 CONUS 171 171 01.C.2.D009M024E171 4522

1 CONUS 172 172 01.C.2.D009M024E172 4606

1 CONUS 173 173 01.C.2.D009M024E173 4607

1 CONUS 174 174 01.C.2.D009M024E174 4552

1 CONUS 175 175 01.C.2.D009M025E175 4318

1 CONUS 176 176 01.C.2.D009M025E176 4521

1 CONUS 177 177 01.C.2.D009M025E177 4605

1 CONUS 178 178 01.C.2.D009M025E178 4523

1 CONUS 179 179 01.C.2.D009M025E179 4608

1 CONUS 180 180 01.C.2.D009M025E180 9307

1 CONUS 181 181 01.C.2.D009M025E181 4533

1 CONUS 182 182 01.C.2.D010M026E182 4513

1 CONUS 183 183 01.C.2.D010M026E183 4514

1 CONUS 184 184 01.C.2.D010M026E184 4147

1 CONUS 185 185 01.C.2.D010M026E185 5603

1 CONUS 186 186 01.C.2.D010M027E186 5601

1 CONUS 187 187 01.C.2.D010M027E187 4512

1 CONUS 188 188 01.C.2.D010M027E188 5606

1 CONUS 189 189 01.C.2.D010M027E189 4534

1 CONUS 190 190 01.C.3.D011M028E190 9826

1 CONUS 191 191 01.C.3.D011M028E191 9847

1 CONUS 192 192 01.C.3.D011M028E192 9823

1 CONUS 193 193 01.C.3.D011M028E193 9814

1 CONUS 194 194 01.C.3.D011M028E194 9848

1 CONUS 195 195 01.C.3.D011M029E195 9802

1 CONUS 196 196 01.C.3.D011M029E196 9803

1 CONUS 197 197 01.C.3.D011M029E197 9818

1 CONUS 198 198 01.C.3.D011M029E198 9819

1 CONUS 199 199 01.C.3.D011M029E199 9820

1 CONUS 200 200 01.C.3.D011M029E200 9858

1 CONUS 201 201 01.C.3.D011M029E201 9857

1 CONUS 202 202 01.C.3.D011M029E202 9805

1 CONUS 203 203 01.C.3.D011M029E203 9850

1 CONUS 204 204 01.C.3.D011M030E204 9212

1 CONUS 206 206 01.C.3.D011M030E206 9308

1 CONUS 207 207 01.C.3.D011M030E207 9214

1 CONUS 208 208 01.C.3.D011M030E208 9914

1 CONUS 211 211 01.C.3.D011M030E211 9912

1 CONUS 212 212 01.C.3.D011M030E212 9715

1 CONUS 213 213 01.C.3.D062M031E213 9801

1 CONUS 214 214 01.C.3.D062M031E214 9845

1 CONUS 215 215 01.C.3.D062M031E215 9235

1 CONUS 216 216 01.C.3.D062M031E216 9843

1 CONUS 218 218 01.C.3.D062M031E218 9218

1 CONUS 219 219 01.C.3.D062M031E219 9804

1 CONUS 220 220 01.C.3.D062M031E220 9851

1 CONUS 221 221 01.C.3.D062M031E221 9210

1 CONUS 222 222 01.C.3.D062M031E222 4142

1 CONUS 223 223 01.C.3.D062M031E223 4141

1 CONUS 224 224 01.C.3.D062M031E224 9817

1 CONUS 225 225 01.C.3.D062M031E225 9717

1 CONUS 226 226 01.C.3.D062M031E226 9854

1 CONUS 227 227 01.C.3.D062M031E227 9836

1 CONUS 228 228 01.C.3.D062M031E228 9827

1 CONUS 229 229 01.C.3.D062M031E229 9844

1 CONUS 230 230 01.C.3.D062M031E230 9852

1 CONUS 231 231 01.C.3.D062M031E231 9806

1 CONUS 232 232 01.C.3.D062M031E232 9841

1 CONUS 233 233 01.C.3.D062M031E233 9840

1 CONUS 234 234 01.C.3.D062M031E234 9237

1 CONUS 235 235 01.C.3.D062M031E235 9839

1 CONUS 236 236 01.C.3.D062M032E236 9211

1 CONUS 237 237 01.C.3.D062M032E237 9213

1 CONUS 238 238 01.C.3.D062M032E238 9838

1 CONUS 239 239 01.C.3.D062M032E239 9208

1 CONUS 240 240 01.C.3.D062M032E240 9209

1 CONUS 241 241 01.C.3.D062M033E241 9301

1 CONUS 242 242 01.C.3.D062M033E242 9302

1 CONUS 243 243 01.C.3.D062M033E243 9911

1 CONUS 244 244 01.C.3.D062M033E244 9701

1 CONUS 245 245 01.C.3.D062M033E245 9915

1 CONUS 246 246 01.C.3.D062M033E246 9240

1 CONUS 247 247 01.C.3.D062M033E247 9239

1 CONUS 248 248 01.C.3.D062M033E248 9202

1 CONUS 249 249 01.C.3.D062M033E249 9203

1 CONUS 250 250 01.C.3.D062M033E250 9201

1 CONUS 251 251 01.C.3.D062M033E251 9916

1 CONUS 252 252 01.C.3.D062M033E252 9913

1 CONUS 253 253 01.C.3.D062M154E253 9829

1 CONUS 254 254 01.C.3.D062M161E254 9303

1 CONUS 255 255 01.C.3.D062M161E255 9206

1 CONUS 256 256 01.C.3.D062M161E256 9907

1 CONUS 257 257 01.C.3.D062M161E257 9906

1 CONUS 258 258 01.C.3.D062M161E258 9909

1 CONUS 259 259 01.C.3.D062M161E259 9910

1 CONUS 260 260 01.C.3.D062M161E260 9903

1 CONUS 261 261 01.C.3.D062M161E261 9904

1 CONUS 262 262 01.C.3.D062M161E262 9905

1 CONUS 263 263 01.C.3.D062M161E263 9703

1 CONUS 264 264 01.C.3.D062M161E264 9908

1 CONUS 265 265 01.C.3.D012M034E265 9831

1 CONUS 266 266 01.C.3.D012M034E266 9830

1 CONUS 267 267 01.C.3.D012M034E267 9855

1 CONUS 268 268 01.C.3.D012M034E268 9304

1 CONUS 269 269 01.C.3.D012M034E269 9824

1 CONUS 270 270 01.C.3.D012M034E270 9825

1 CONUS 271 271 01.C.3.D012M034E271 9813

1 CONUS 272 272 01.C.3.D012M034E272 9832

1 CONUS 273 273 01.C.3.D012M035E273 9306

1 CONUS 274 274 01.C.3.D012M035E274 9811

1 CONUS 275 275 01.C.3.D012M035E275 9812

1 CONUS 276 276 01.C.3.D012M035E276 9216

1 CONUS 277 277 01.C.3.D013M036E277 9809

1 CONUS 278 278 01.C.3.D013M036E278 9849

1 CONUS 279 279 01.C.3.D013M036E279 9846

1 CONUS 280 280 01.C.3.D013M036E280 9833

1 CONUS 281 281 01.C.3.D013M036E281 9856

1 CONUS 282 282 01.C.3.D013M036E282 9835

1 CONUS 283 283 01.C.3.D013M036E283 9816

1 CONUS 284 284 01.C.3.D013M036E284 9821

1 CONUS 285 285 01.D.1.D014M037E285 4201

1 CONUS 286 286 01.D.1.D014M037E286 4535

1 CONUS 287 287 01.D.1.D014M037E287 4326

1 CONUS 288 288 01.D.2.D016M299E288 9501

1 CONUS 289 289 01.D.2.D016M300E289 9815

1 CONUS 290 290 02.A.3.D095M287E290 3117

1 CONUS 291 291 02.A.3.D095M287E291 3115

1 CONUS 292 292 02.A.3.D095M287E292 3120

1 CONUS 293 293 02.A.5.D018M041E293 9219

1 CONUS 294 294 02.A.5.D018M041E294 9718

1 CONUS 295 295 02.A.5.D018M041E295 9602

1 CONUS 296 296 02.B.1.D020M043E296 5401

1 CONUS 297 297 02.B.1.D020M043E297 5402

1 CONUS 298 298 02.B.1.D020M043E298 5404

1 CONUS 299 299 02.B.1.D020M043E299 5516

1 CONUS 300 300 02.B.1.D020M043E300 4404

1 CONUS 301 301 02.B.1.D020M043E301 5408

1 CONUS 302 302 02.B.1.D020M043E302 5410

1 CONUS 303 303 02.B.1.D020M044E303 5210

1 CONUS 304 304 02.B.2.D021M045E304 7501

1 CONUS 305 305 02.B.2.D021M045E305 7401

1 CONUS 306 306 02.C.1.D022M048E306 7304

1 CONUS 307 307 02.C.1.D022M048E307 7307

1 CONUS 308 308 02.C.1.D022M048E308 7104

1 CONUS 309 309 02.C.1.D022M048E309 7202

1 CONUS 310 310 02.C.1.D022M048E310 5804

1 CONUS 311 311 02.C.1.D022M048E311 7203

1 CONUS 312 312 02.C.1.D022M048E312 5808

1 CONUS 313 313 02.C.1.D022M048E313 5812

1 CONUS 314 314 02.C.1.D022M048E314 7204

1 CONUS 315 315 02.C.1.D022M048E315 7206

1 CONUS 316 316 02.C.1.D022M049E316 5809

1 CONUS 317 317 02.C.1.D022M049E317 5806

1 CONUS 318 318 02.C.1.D022M050E318 7502

1 CONUS 319 319 02.C.1.D022M050E319 7604

1 CONUS 320 320 02.C.1.D022M050E320 7603

1 CONUS 321 321 02.C.1.D022M050E321 5505

1 CONUS 322 322 02.C.1.D022M168E322 7201

1 CONUS 323 323 02.C.1.D022M168E323 7205

1 CONUS 324 324 02.C.1.D023M051E324 7302

1 CONUS 325 325 02.C.1.D023M051E325 7306

1 CONUS 326 326 02.C.1.D023M051E326 7308

1 CONUS 327 327 02.C.1.D023M051E327 7311

1 CONUS 328 328 02.C.1.D023M052E328 7309

1 CONUS 329 329 02.C.1.D023M052E329 5301

1 CONUS 330 330 02.C.1.D023M053E330 5810

1 CONUS 331 331 02.C.1.D023M053E331 7310

1 CONUS 332 332 02.C.1.D023M054E332 7313

1 CONUS 333 333 02.C.1.D023M054E333 7315

1 CONUS 334 334 02.C.1.D023M054E334 5506

1 CONUS 335 335 02.C.1.D023M054E335 7312

1 CONUS 336 336 02.C.1.D023M054E336 5507

1 CONUS 337 337 02.C.1.D023M054E337 7314

1 CONUS 338 338 02.C.1.D023M054E338 7317

1 CONUS 339 339 02.C.1.D023M054E339 7316

1 CONUS 340 340 02.C.1.D023M054E340 7505

1 CONUS 341 341 02.C.1.D024M122E341 4335

1 CONUS 342 342 02.C.1.D024M122E342 7601

1 CONUS 343 343 02.C.1.D024M122E343 5802

1 CONUS 344 344 02.C.1.D024M122E344 5801

1 CONUS 345 345 02.C.1.D024M124E345 5511

1 CONUS 346 346 02.C.1.D024M124E346 5512

1 CONUS 347 347 02.C.1.D024M124E347 4325

1 CONUS 348 348 02.C.1.D024M124E348 5510

1 CONUS 349 349 02.C.1.D024M124E349 5607

1 CONUS 350 350 02.C.1.D024M124E350 5509

1 CONUS 351 351 02.C.1.D024M124E351 4107

1 CONUS 352 352 02.C.1.D024M124E352 5508

1 CONUS 353 353 02.C.1.D024M163E353 4108

1 CONUS 354 354 02.C.1.D024M163E354 7321

1 CONUS 355 355 02.C.1.D024M163E355 7301

1 CONUS 356 356 02.C.1.D061M091E356 5411

1 CONUS 357 357 02.C.1.D061M091E357 5405

1 CONUS 358 358 02.C.1.D061M091E358 5407

1 CONUS 359 359 02.C.1.D061M091E359 5409

1 CONUS 360 360 02.C.1.D061M094E360 5403

1 CONUS 361 361 02.C.1.D061M094E361 5406

1 CONUS 362 362 02.C.1.D102M162E362 7318

1 CONUS 363 363 02.C.1.D102M162E363 5214

1 CONUS 364 364 02.C.1.D102M308E364 5513

1 CONUS 365 365 02.C.1.D102M308E365 5514

1 CONUS 366 366 02.C.1.D102M309E366 9901

1 CONUS 367 367 02.C.1.D102M309E367 7319

1 CONUS 368 368 02.C.1.D102M309E368 7320

1 CONUS 369 369 02.C.2.D025M127E369 5107

1 CONUS 370 370 02.C.3.D026M057E370 9401

1 CONUS 371 371 02.C.3.D026M057E371 7503

1 CONUS 372 372 02.C.3.D026M057E372 7508

1 CONUS 373 373 02.C.3.D026M057E373 7506

1 CONUS 374 374 02.C.3.D026M057E374 3116

1 CONUS 375 375 02.C.3.D026M057E375 7507

1 CONUS 376 376 02.C.3.D026M057E376 5807

1 CONUS 377 377 02.C.3.D026M057E377 7510

1 CONUS 378 378 02.C.3.D026M057E378 7324

1 CONUS 379 379 02.C.3.D026M057E379 7504

1 CONUS 380 380 02.C.3.D027M058E380 3211

1 CONUS 381 381 02.C.3.D027M058E381 3124

1 CONUS 382 382 02.C.3.D027M058E382 5218

1 CONUS 383 383 02.C.3.D027M059E383 3305

1 CONUS 384 384 02.C.3.D027M059E384 3123

1 CONUS 385 385 02.C.3.D027M059E385 3122

1 CONUS 386 386 02.C.3.D028M060E386 3106

1 CONUS 387 387 02.C.3.D028M060E387 3119

1 CONUS 388 388 02.C.3.D028M060E388 3107

1 CONUS 389 389 02.C.3.D028M060E389 3118

1 CONUS 390 390 02.C.3.D028M060E390 3114

1 CONUS 391 391 02.C.3.D028M060E391 3112

1 CONUS 392 392 02.C.3.D028M060E392 3125

1 CONUS 393 393 02.C.3.D028M060E393 3113

1 CONUS 395 395 02.C.4.D029M063E395 9505

1 CONUS 396 396 02.C.4.D029M063E396 9504

1 CONUS 397 397 02.C.4.D029M063E397 9502

1 CONUS 398 398 02.C.4.D029M064E398 9503

1 CONUS 399 399 02.C.4.D029M065E399 9207

1 CONUS 400 400 02.C.4.D029M065E400 9506

1 CONUS 401 401 02.C.5.D030M066E401 9243

1 CONUS 402 402 02.C.5.D030M066E402 9230

1 CONUS 403 403 02.C.5.D030M066E403 9233

1 CONUS 404 404 02.C.5.D030M066E404 9232

1 CONUS 405 405 02.C.5.D030M067E405 9716

1 CONUS 406 406 02.C.5.D030M067E406 9215

1 CONUS 407 407 02.C.5.D030M067E407 9712

1 CONUS 408 408 02.C.5.D030M067E408 9231

1 CONUS 409 409 02.C.5.D030M067E409 9603

1 CONUS 410 410 02.C.5.D030M067E410 9713

1 CONUS 411 411 02.C.5.D030M067E411 9223

1 CONUS 412 412 02.C.5.D030M067E412 9241

1 CONUS 413 413 02.C.5.D030M067E413 9205

1 CONUS 414 414 02.C.5.D030M067E414 9204

1 CONUS 415 415 02.C.5.D030M067E415 9853

1 CONUS 416 416 02.C.5.D030M069E416 9222

1 CONUS 417 417 02.C.5.D030M069E417 9221

1 CONUS 419 419 02.C.5.D030M069E419 9242

1 CONUS 420 420 02.C.5.D030M069E420 9224

1 CONUS 421 421 02.C.5.D030M069E421 9234

1 CONUS 422 422 02.C.5.D030M071E422 9605

1 CONUS 423 423 02.C.5.D030M071E423 7402

1 CONUS 424 424 02.C.5.D030M071E424 9705

1 CONUS 425 425 02.C.5.D030M071E425 9710

1 CONUS 426 426 02.C.5.D030M071E426 9706

1 CONUS 427 427 02.C.5.D030M071E427 9707

1 CONUS 428 428 02.C.5.D030M165E428 9828

1 CONUS 429 429 02.C.5.D031M073E429 9403

1 CONUS 430 430 02.C.5.D031M073E430 5106

1 CONUS 431 431 02.C.5.D031M073E431 9226

1 CONUS 432 432 02.C.5.D031M073E432 9228

1 CONUS 433 433 02.C.5.D031M073E433 3402

1 CONUS 434 434 02.C.5.D031M074E434 9708

1 CONUS 435 435 02.C.5.D031M074E435 9709

1 CONUS 436 436 02.C.5.D031M074E436 9704

1 CONUS 437 437 02.C.5.D031M075E437 9609

1 CONUS 438 438 02.C.5.D031M075E438 9606

1 CONUS 439 439 02.C.5.D031M075E439 9837

1 CONUS 440 440 02.C.5.D031M075E440 9608

1 CONUS 441 441 02.C.5.D031M075E441 9607

1 CONUS 442 442 02.C.5.D032M076E442 9610

1 CONUS 443 443 02.C.5.D032M076E443 9227

1 CONUS 444 444 02.C.5.D032M076E444 9834

1 CONUS 445 445 02.C.6.D033M077E445 9711

1 CONUS 446 446 02.C.6.D034M079E446 9101

1 CONUS 447 447 02.C.6.D034M079E447 9103

1 CONUS 448 448 02.C.6.D034M079E448 9105

1 CONUS 449 449 02.C.6.D034M079E449 9104

1 CONUS 450 450 02.C.6.D034M079E450 9109

1 CONUS 451 451 02.C.6.D034M079E451 9110

1 CONUS 452 452 02.C.6.D034M079E452 9220

1 CONUS 453 453 02.C.6.D034M079E453 9106

1 CONUS 454 454 02.C.6.D034M079E454 9604

1 CONUS 455 455 02.C.6.D035M081E455 9108

1 CONUS 456 456 02.C.6.D036M082E456 9714

1 CONUS 457 457 02.C.6.D036M082E457 9810

1 CONUS 458 458 02.C.6.D036M082E458 3407

1 CONUS 459 459 02.C.6.D036M083E459 3405

1 CONUS 460 460 03.A.1.D039M087E460 5211

1 CONUS 461 461 03.A.1.D039M087E461 5303

1 CONUS 462 462 03.A.1.D039M087E462 5201

1 CONUS 463 463 03.A.1.D039M087E463 5304

1 CONUS 464 464 03.A.1.D039M087E464 7326

1 CONUS 465 465 03.A.1.D039M087E465 5212

1 CONUS 466 466 03.A.1.D039M087E466 7303

1 CONUS 467 467 03.A.1.D039M087E467 5203

1 CONUS 468 468 03.A.1.D039M087E468 5204

1 CONUS 469 469 03.A.1.D039M087E469 5604

1 CONUS 470 470 03.A.1.D039M088E470 5206

1 CONUS 471 471 03.A.1.D039M088E471 3111

1 CONUS 472 472 03.A.1.D039M088E472 5207

1 CONUS 473 473 03.A.1.D039M088E473 5209

1 CONUS 474 474 03.A.1.D039M088E474 5213

1 CONUS 475 475 03.A.1.D039M090E475 5202

1 CONUS 476 476 03.A.1.D039M090E476 5208

1 CONUS 477 477 03.A.1.D039M092E477 9822

1 CONUS 478 478 03.A.1.D039M130E478 7509

1 CONUS 479 479 03.A.1.D039M130E479 5217

1 CONUS 480 480 03.A.1.D039M130E480 7323

1 CONUS 481 481 03.A.1.D039M130E481 5216

1 CONUS 482 482 03.A.1.D039M130E482 5215

1 CONUS 483 483 03.A.1.D039M130E483 7322

1 CONUS 484 484 03.B.1.D040M093E484 5703

1 CONUS 485 485 03.B.1.D040M093E485 5205

1 CONUS 486 486 03.B.1.D040M095E486 3403

1 CONUS 487 487 03.B.1.D040M169E487 5305

1 CONUS 488 488 03.B.1.D040M169E488 5705

1 CONUS 489 489 03.B.1.D040M169E489 5706

1 CONUS 490 490 03.B.1.D040M169E490 5307

1 CONUS 491 491 03.B.1.D040M169E491 5308

1 CONUS 492 492 03.B.1.D040M170E492 5701

1 CONUS 493 493 03.B.1.D040M170E493 5306

1 CONUS 494 494 03.B.1.D040M170E494 5702

1 CONUS 495 495 03.B.1.D040M170E495 5704

1 CONUS 496 496 03.B.1.D040M171E496 5803

1 CONUS 497 497 03.B.1.D040M171E497 7305

1 CONUS 498 498 03.B.1.D040M171E498 5309

1 CONUS 499 499 03.B.1.D040M171E499 5707

1 CONUS 500 500 04.B.1.D042M131E500 5105

1 CONUS 501 501 04.B.1.D043M099E501 5103

1 CONUS 502 502 04.B.1.D043M099E502 7102

1 CONUS 503 503 04.B.1.D043M099E503 7103

1 CONUS 504 504 04.B.1.D043M101E504 7101

1 CONUS 505 505 04.B.1.D043M101E505 5101

1 CONUS 506 506 04.B.1.D043M101E506 5102

1 CONUS 507 507 04.B.1.D043M101E507 5104

1 CONUS 508 508 05.A.1.D047M106E508 3401

1 CONUS 509 509 05.A.1.D064M184E509 9107

1 CONUS 510 510 05.A.1.D064M184E510 9102

1 CONUS 511 511 05.B.1.D049M108E511 9808

1 CONUS 512 512 05.B.1.D049M108E512 9807

1 CONUS 513 513 05.B.1.D049M109E513 9225

1 CONUS 514 514 06.B.1.D050M110E514 3213

1 CONUS 515 515 06.B.1.D050M110E515 3406

1 CONUS 516 516 06.B.1.D050M110E516 3212

1 CONUS 517 517 06.B.2.D051M111E517 3206

1 CONUS 518 518 06.B.2.D051M111E518 3205

1 CONUS 519 519 06.B.2.D051M111E519 3302

1 CONUS 520 520 06.B.2.D051M111E520 3208

1 CONUS 521 521 06.B.2.D051M111E521 3207

1 CONUS 522 522 06.B.2.D051M111E522 3220

1 CONUS 523 523 06.B.2.D051M111E523 3219

1 CONUS 524 524 06.B.2.D051M111E524 3221

1 CONUS 525 525 06.B.2.D051M111E525 3210

1 CONUS 526 526 06.B.2.D051M132E526 3602

1 CONUS 527 527 06.B.2.D051M132E527 3506

1 CONUS 528 528 06.B.2.D051M132E528 3606

1 CONUS 529 529 06.B.2.D052M113E529 3202

1 CONUS 530 530 06.B.2.D052M114E530 3214

1 CONUS 531 531 06.B.2.D052M114E531 3209

1 CONUS 532 532 06.B.2.D052M114E532 3404

1 CONUS 533 533 06.B.2.D052M114E533 3604

1 CONUS 534 534 06.B.2.D052M114E534 3215

1 CONUS 535 535 06.B.2.D053M115E535 3301

1 CONUS 536 536 06.B.2.D053M116E536 3217

1 CONUS 537 537 06.B.2.D053M116E537 3203

1 CONUS 538 538 06.C.1.D054M117E538 3303

1 CONUS 539 539 06.C.1.D054M117E539 3201

1 CONUS 540 540 06.C.1.D054M117E540 3605

1 CONUS 541 541 06.C.1.D054M117E541 3607

1 CONUS 542 542 06.C.2.D055M118E542 3218

1 CONUS 543 543 06.C.2.D055M118E543 3306

1 CONUS 544 544 06.C.2.D055M118E544 3601

1 CONUS 545 545 06.C.2.D055M118E545 3121

1 CONUS 546 546 06.C.2.D055M118E546 3216

1 CONUS 547 547 06.C.2.D055M118E547 3304

1 CONUS 548 548 06.C.2.D055M118E548 3603

1 CONUS 549 549 06.D.2.D058M119E549 3503

1 CONUS 550 550 06.D.2.D058M120E550 3504

1 CONUS 551 551 06.D.2.D058M120E551 3501

1 CONUS 552 552 06.E.1.D070M329E552 3110

1 CONUS 553 553 06.E.1.D070M329E553 3105

1 CONUS 554 554 06.E.1.D070M329E554 3502

1 CONUS 555 555 07.A.1.D100M330E555 1401

1 CONUS 556 556 07.B.2.D101M331E556 1402

1 CONUS 557 557 07.B.2.D101M331E557 1403

1 CONUS 558 558 09.A.1.D301M332E558 8404

1 CONUS 559 559 09.A.1.D301M332E559 8407

1 CONUS 560 560 09.A.1.D301M332E560 8408

1 CONUS 561 561 09.A.1.D301M332E561 8402

1 CONUS 562 562 09.A.1.D301M332E562 8406

1 CONUS 563 563 09.A.1.D301M332E563 8401

1 CONUS 565 565 10.A.1.D400M333E565 8501

1 CONUS 566 566 10.A.1.D400M333E566 8101

1 CONUS 567 567 10.A.1.D400M333E567 8108

1 CONUS 568 568 10.A.1.D400M333E568 8107

1 CONUS 569 569 10.A.1.D400M333E569 8106

1 CONUS 570 570 10.A.1.D400M333E570 8301

1 CONUS 571 571 10.A.1.D400M333E571 8303

1 CONUS 572 572 10.A.1.D400M333E572 8304

1 CONUS 573 573 10.A.1.D400M333E573 8302

1 CONUS 574 574 10.A.1.D400M333E574 8103

1 CONUS 575 575 10.A.1.D400M333E575 8102

1 CONUS 576 576 10.A.1.D400M333E576 8502

1 CONUS 577 577 11.A.1.D500M334E577 2104

1 CONUS 578 578 11.A.1.D500M334E578 2103

1 CONUS 579 579 11.A.1.D500M334E579 2102

1 CONUS 580 580 08.B.1.D201M335E580 1301

1 CONUS 581 581 08.A.1.D200M336E581 1201

1 CONUS 582 582 08.A.1.D200M336E582 1202

1 CONUS 583 583 08.A.1.D200M336E583 1203

1 CONUS 584 584 08.A.1.D200M336E584 1204

ClassName

South Florida Bayhead Swamp

South Florida Cypress Dome

South Florida Dwarf Cypress Savanna

South Florida Mangrove Swamp

South Florida Hardwood Hammock

Southeast Florida Coastal Strand and Maritime Hammock

Southwest Florida Coastal Strand and Maritime Hammock

South Florida Pine Rockland

Atlantic Coastal Plain Fall-line Sandhills Longleaf Pine Woodland

Atlantic Coastal Plain Fall-line Sandhills Longleaf Pine Woodland

Atlantic Coastal Plain Upland Longleaf Pine Woodland

Atlantic Coastal Plain Xeric River Dune

East Gulf Coastal Plain Interior Upland Longleaf Pine Woodland -

East Gulf Coastal Plain Interior Upland Longleaf Pine Woodland -

Florida Longleaf Pine Sandhill - Scrub/Shrub Understory Modifier

Florida Longleaf Pine Sandhill- Open Understory Modifier

West Gulf Coastal Plain Upland Longleaf Pine Forest and Woodlan

Atlantic Coastal Plain Central Maritime Forest

Atlantic Coastal Plain Southern Maritime Forest

Central and South Texas Coastal Fringe Forest and Woodland

East Gulf Coastal Plain Limestone Forest

East Gulf Coastal Plain Maritime Forest

East Gulf Coastal Plain Southern Loess Bluff Forest

East Gulf Coastal Plain Southern Mesic Slope Forest

Mississippi Delta Maritime Forest

Southern Coastal Plain Dry Upland Hardwood Forest

Southern Coastal Plain Oak Dome and Hammock

West Gulf Coastal Plain Chenier and Upper Texas Coastal Fringe F

West Gulf Coastal Plain Mesic Hardwood Forest

East-Central Texas Plains Pine Forest and Woodland

West Gulf Coastal Plain Pine-Hardwood Forest

West Gulf Coastal Plain Sandhill Oak and Shortleaf Pine Forest an

Atlantic Coastal Plain Fall-Line Sandhills Longleaf Pine Woodland

Deciduous Plantations

East Gulf Coastal Plain Interior Upland Longleaf Pine Woodland -

East Gulf Coastal Plain Interior Upland Longleaf Pine Woodland -

East Gulf Coastal Plain Near-Coast Pine Flatwoods - Offsite Hard

Evergreen Plantations or Managed Pine

California Central Valley Mixed Oak Savanna

California Coastal Closed-Cone Conifer Forest and Woodland

California Coastal Live Oak Woodland and Savanna

California Lower Montane Blue Oak-Foothill Pine Woodland and S

Central and Southern California Mixed Evergreen Woodland

Mediterranean California Lower Montane Black Oak-Conifer Fores

Southern California Oak Woodland and Savanna

Madrean Encinal

Madrean Pinyon-Juniper Woodland

Madrean Pine-Oak Forest and Woodland

Madrean Upper Montane Conifer-Oak Forest and Woodland

Edwards Plateau Dry-Mesic Slope Forest and Woodland

Edwards Plateau Limestone Savanna and Woodland

Edwards Plateau Mesic Canyon

Llano Uplift Acidic Forest, Woodland and Glade

East Cascades Oak-Ponderosa Pine Forest and Woodland

Mediterranean California Mixed Evergreen Forest

Mediterranean California Mixed Oak Woodland

North Pacific Dry Douglas-fir-(Madrone) Forest and Woodland

North Pacific Oak Woodland

Edwards Plateau Limestone Shrubland

Allegheny-Cumberland Dry Oak Forest and Woodland - Hardwood

Allegheny-Cumberland Dry Oak Forest and Woodland - Pine Modif

Central and Southern Appalachian Montane Oak Forest

Central and Southern Appalachian Northern Hardwood Forest

Central Appalachian Oak and Pine Forest

Crosstimbers Oak Forest and Woodland

East Gulf Coastal Plain Black Belt Calcareous Prairie and Woodla

East Gulf Coastal Plain Northern Dry Upland Hardwood Forest

East Gulf Coastal Plain Northern Loess Plain Oak-Hickory Upland

East Gulf Coastal Plain Northern Loess Plain Oak-Hickory Upland -

East-Central Texas Plains Post Oak Savanna and Woodland

Lower Mississippi River Dune Woodland and Forest

Mississippi River Alluvial Plain Dry-Mesic Loess Slope Forest

North-Central Interior Dry Oak Forest and Woodland

North-Central Interior Dry-Mesic Oak Forest and Woodland

Northeastern Interior Dry Oak Forest - Mixed Modifier

Northeastern Interior Dry Oak Forest - Virginia/Pitch Pine Modifier

Northeastern Interior Dry Oak Forest-Hardwood Modifier

Northeastern Interior Dry-Mesic Oak Forest

Northern Atlantic Coastal Plain Dry Hardwood Forest

Northern Crowley's Ridge Sand Forest

Ouachita Montane Oak Forest

Ozark-Ouachita Dry Oak Woodland

Ozark-Ouachita Dry-Mesic Oak Forest

Southern and Central Appalachian Oak Forest

Southern and Central Appalachian Oak Forest - Xeric

Southern Interior Low Plateau Dry-Mesic Oak Forest

Southern Ridge and Valley Dry Calcareous Forest

Southern Ridge and Valley Dry Calcareous Forest - Pine modifier

East Gulf Coastal Plain Northern Dry Upland Hardwood Forest - Off

Managed Tree Plantation

Ruderal Wetland

Southern Piedmont Dry Oak-(Pine) Forest - Loblolly Pine Modifier

Acadian Low-Elevation Spruce-Fir-Hardwood Forest

Acadian-Appalachian Montane Spruce-Fir Forest

Appalachian Hemlock-Hardwood Forest

Central and Southern Appalachian Spruce-Fir Forest

Laurentian Jack Pine-Red Pine Forest

Laurentian-Acadian Northern Hardwoods Forest

Laurentian-Acadian Northern Pine-(Oak) Forest

Laurentian-Acadian Pine-Hemlock-Hardwood Forest

Paleozoic Plateau Bluff and Talus

Southern Appalachian Northern Hardwood Forest

Atlantic Coastal Plain Dry and Dry-Mesic Oak Forest

Atlantic Coastal Plain Fall-line Sandhills Longleaf Pine Woodland

East Gulf Coastal Plain Interior Shortleaf Pine-Oak Forest - Hardw

East Gulf Coastal Plain Interior Shortleaf Pine-Oak Forest - Mixed

Ozark-Ouachita Shortleaf Pine-Bluestem Woodland

Ozark-Ouachita Shortleaf Pine-Oak Forest and Woodland

Southeastern Interior Longleaf Pine Woodland

Southern Appalachian Low Mountain Pine Forest

Southern Piedmont Dry Oak-(Pine) Forest

Southern Piedmont Dry Oak-(Pine) Forest - Hardwood Modifier

Southern Piedmont Dry Oak-(Pine) Forest - Mixed Modifier

Southern Piedmont Dry Oak-Heath Forest - Mixed Modifier

Eastern Great Plains Tallgrass Aspen Parkland

Northwestern Great Plains Aspen Forest and Parkland

Northwestern Great Plains Shrubland

Western Great Plains Dry Bur Oak Forest and Woodland

Western Great Plains Wooded Draw and Ravine

Atlantic Coastal Plain Mesic Hardwood and Mixed Forest

East Gulf Coastal Plain Northern Loess Bluff Forest

East Gulf Coastal Plain Northern Mesic Hardwood Forest

North-Central Interior Beech-Maple Forest

North-Central Interior Maple-Basswood Forest

Ozark-Ouachita Mesic Hardwood Forest

South-Central Interior Mesophytic Forest

Southern and Central Appalachian Cove Forest

Southern Crowley's Ridge Mesic Loess Slope Forest

Southern Piedmont Mesic Forest

Appalachian Shale Barrens

Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Maritime Forest

Laurentian Pine-Oak Barrens

Northeastern Interior Pine Barrens

Northern Atlantic Coastal Plain Pitch Pine Barrens

Southern Appalachian Montane Pine Forest and Woodland

East Cascades Mesic Montane Mixed-Conifer Forest and Woodland

Middle Rocky Mountain Montane Douglas-fir Forest and Woodland

Northern Rocky Mountain Dry-Mesic Montane Mixed Conifer Fore

Northern Rocky Mountain Foothill Conifer Wooded Steppe

Northern Rocky Mountain Mesic Montane Mixed Conifer Forest

Northern Rocky Mountain Ponderosa Pine Woodland and Savanna

Northern Rocky Mountain Western Larch Savanna

Northwestern Great Plains - Black Hills Ponderosa Pine Woodland

Rocky Mountain Foothill Limber Pine-Juniper Woodland

Inter-Mountain Basins Aspen-Mixed Conifer Forest and Woodland

Inter-Mountain Basins Subalpine Limber-Bristlecone Pine Woodlan

Northern Rocky Mountain Subalpine Woodland and Parkland

Rocky Mountain Aspen Forest and Woodland

Rocky Mountain Lodgepole Pine Forest

Rocky Mountain Poor-Site Lodgepole Pine Forest

Rocky Mountain Subalpine Dry-Mesic Spruce-Fir Forest and Wood

Rocky Mountain Subalpine Mesic Spruce-Fir Forest and Woodland

Rocky Mountain Subalpine-Montane Limber-Bristlecone Pine Woo

Rocky Mountain Bigtooth Maple Ravine Woodland

Southern Rocky Mountain Dry-Mesic Montane Mixed Conifer Fore

Southern Rocky Mountain Mesic Montane Mixed Conifer Forest a

Southern Rocky Mountain Ponderosa Pine Savanna

Southern Rocky Mountain Ponderosa Pine Woodland

California Montane Jeffrey Pine-(Ponderosa Pine) Woodland

Klamath-Siskiyou Lower Montane Serpentine Mixed Conifer Wood

Klamath-Siskiyou Upper Montane Serpentine Mixed Conifer Wood

Mediterranean California Dry-Mesic Mixed Conifer Forest and Wo

Mediterranean California Mesic Mixed Conifer Forest and Woodlan

Sierran-Intermontane Desert Western White Pine-White Fir Woodla

California Coastal Redwood Forest

North Pacific Broadleaf Landslide Forest and Shrubland

North Pacific Dry-Mesic Silver Fir-Western Hemlock-Douglas-fir F

North Pacific Hypermaritime Sitka Spruce Forest

North Pacific Hypermaritime Western Red-cedar-Western Hemlock

North Pacific Lowland Mixed Hardwood-Conifer Forest and Woodl

North Pacific Maritime Dry-Mesic Douglas-fir-Western Hemlock Fo

North Pacific Maritime Mesic-Wet Douglas-fir-Western Hemlock Fo

North Pacific Mesic Western Hemlock-Silver Fir Forest

North Pacific Wooded Volcanic Flowage

Mediterranean California Red Fir Forest

Mediterranean California Subalpine Woodland

North Pacific Maritime Mesic Subalpine Parkland

North Pacific Mountain Hemlock Forest

Northern California Mesic Subalpine Woodland

Northern Pacific Mesic Subalpine Woodland

Sierra Nevada Subalpine Lodgepole Pine Forest and Woodland

Columbia Plateau Western Juniper Woodland and Savanna

Great Basin Pinyon-Juniper Woodland

Inter-Mountain Basins Curl-leaf Mountain Mahogany Woodland an

Inter-Mountain Basins Juniper Savanna

Colorado Plateau Pinyon-Juniper Shrubland

Colorado Plateau Pinyon-Juniper Woodland

Southern Rocky Mountain Juniper Woodland and Savanna

Southern Rocky Mountain Pinyon-Juniper Woodland

Northwestern Great Plains Floodplain

Northwestern Great Plains Riparian

Western Great Plains Floodplain

Western Great Plains Floodplain Systems

Western Great Plains Riparian Woodland and Shrubland

Central Appalachian Floodplain - Forest Modifier

Central Appalachian Riparian - Forest Modifier

Central Interior and Appalachian Floodplain Systems

Central Interior and Appalachian Riparian Systems

Laurentian-Acadian Floodplain Systems

Ozark-Ouachita Riparian

South-Central Interior Large Floodplain

South-Central Interior Large Floodplain - Forest Modifier

South-Central Interior Small Stream and Riparian

Central Interior and Appalachian Swamp Systems

Laurentian-Acadian Alkaline Conifer-Hardwood Swamp

Laurentian-Acadian Swamp Systems

North-Central Interior Wet Flatwoods

South-Central Interior / Upper Coastal Plain Wet Flatwoods

Southern Piedmont/Ridge and Valley Upland Depression Swamp

Atlantic Coastal Plain Blackwater Stream Floodplain Forest - Fores

Atlantic Coastal Plain Brownwater Stream Floodplain Forest

Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Tidal Wooded Swamp

Atlantic Coastal Plain Small Blackwater River Floodplain Forest

Atlantic Coastal Plain Southern Tidal Wooded Swamp

East Gulf Coastal Plain Large River Floodplain Forest - Forest Modi

East Gulf Coastal Plain Small Stream and River Floodplain Forest

East Gulf Coastal Plain Tidal Wooded Swamp

East-Central Texas Plains Floodplain Forest

East-Central Texas Plains Riparian Forest

Eastern Great Plains Floodplain Systems

Mississippi River Bottomland Depression

Mississippi River Floodplain and Riparian Forest

Mississippi River Low Floodplain (Bottomland) Forest

Mississippi River Riparian Forest

Red River Large Floodplain Forest

Southern Coastal Plain Blackwater River Floodplain Forest

Southern Piedmont Large Floodplain Forest - Forest Modifier

Southern Piedmont Small Floodplain and Riparian Forest

West Gulf Coastal Plain Large River Floodplain Forest

West Gulf Coastal Plain Near-Coast Large River Swamp

West Gulf Coastal Plain Small Stream and River Forest

Atlantic Coastal Plain Streamhead Seepage Swamp - Pocosin - an

Gulf and Atlantic Coastal Plain Swamp Systems

Southern Coastal Plain Hydric Hammock

Southern Coastal Plain Seepage Swamp and Baygall

West Gulf Coastal Plain Seepage Swamp and Baygall

Atlantic Coastal Plain Nonriverine Swamp and Wet Hardwood Fores

Atlantic Coastal Plain Nonriverine Swamp and Wet Hardwood Fore

East Gulf Coastal Plain Southern Loblolly-Hardwood Flatwoods

Lower Mississippi River Bottomland Depressions - Forest Modifier

Lower Mississippi River Flatwoods

Northern Atlantic Coastal Plain Basin Swamp and Wet Hardwood Fo

Southern Coastal Plain Nonriverine Basin Swamp

Southern Coastal Plain Nonriverine Basin Swamp - Okefenokee B

Southern Coastal Plain Nonriverine Basin Swamp - Okefenokee Pin

Southern Coastal Plain Nonriverine Basin Swamp - Okefenokee Ta

West Gulf Coastal Plain Nonriverine Wet Hardwood Flatwoods

West Gulf Coastal Plain Pine-Hardwood Flatwoods

Edwards Plateau Riparian

Atlantic Coastal Plain Clay-Based Carolina Bay Forested Wetland

Atlantic Coastal Plain Clay-Based Carolina Bay Herbaceous Wetlan

Atlantic Coastal Plain Southern Wet Pine Savanna and Flatwoods

Central Atlantic Coastal Plain Wet Longleaf Pine Savanna and Flat

Central Florida Pine Flatwoods

East Gulf Coastal Plain Near-Coast Pine Flatwoods

East Gulf Coastal Plain Near-Coast Pine Flatwoods - Open Underst

East Gulf Coastal Plain Near-Coast Pine Flatwoods - Scrub/Shrub

South Florida Pine Flatwoods

Southern Coastal Plain Nonriverine Cypress Dome

West Gulf Coastal Plain Wet Longleaf Pine Savanna and Flatwoods

Columbia Basin Foothill Riparian Woodland and Shrubland

Great Basin Foothill and Lower Montane Riparian Woodland and S

Inter-Mountain Basins Montane Riparian Systems

Northern Rocky Mountain Conifer Swamp

Northern Rocky Mountain Lower Montane Riparian Woodland and

Rocky Mountain Lower Montane Riparian Woodland and Shrublan

Rocky Mountain Montane Riparian Systems

Rocky Mountain Subalpine-Montane Riparian Woodland

North Pacific Hardwood-Conifer Swamp

North Pacific Lowland Riparian Forest and Shrubland

North Pacific Montane Riparian Woodland and Shrubland

North Pacific Shrub Swamp

California Central Valley Riparian Woodland and Shrubland

Mediterranean California Foothill and Lower Montane Riparian Wo

Mediterranean California Serpentine Foothill and Lower Montane

North American Warm Desert Lower Montane Riparian Woodland a

North American Warm Desert Riparian Systems

North American Warm Desert Riparian Woodland and Shrubland

Tamaulipan Floodplain

Tamaulipan Riparian Systems

Boreal Aspen-Birch Forest

Boreal Jack Pine-Black Spruce Forest

Boreal White Spruce-Fir-Hardwood Forest

Boreal Acidic Peatland Systems

Eastern Boreal Floodplain

South Florida Shell Hash Beach

Southeast Florida Beach

Southwest Florida Beach

South Florida Everglades Sawgrass Marsh

South Florida Freshwater Slough and Gator Hole

South Florida Wet Marl Prairie

California Maritime Chaparral

California Mesic Chaparral

California Xeric Serpentine Chaparral

Klamath-Siskiyou Xeromorphic Serpentine Savanna and Chaparral

Mediterranean California Mesic Serpentine Woodland and Chaparra

Northern and Central California Dry-Mesic Chaparral

Southern California Dry-Mesic Chaparral

Southern California Coastal Scrub

California Central Valley and Southern Coastal Grassland

California Mesic Serpentine Grassland

Columbia Basin Foothill and Canyon Dry Grassland

Columbia Basin Palouse Prairie

North Pacific Alpine and Subalpine Dry Grassland

North Pacific Montane Grassland

North Pacific Montane Shrubland

Northern Rocky Mountain Lower Montane, Foothill and Valley Gra

Northern Rocky Mountain Montane-Foothill Deciduous Shrubland

Northern Rocky Mountain Subalpine Deciduous Shrubland

Northern Rocky Mountain Subalpine-Upper Montane Grassland

Southern Rocky Mountain Montane-Subalpine Grassland

Rocky Mountain Gambel Oak-Mixed Montane Shrubland

Rocky Mountain Lower Montane-Foothill Shrubland

California Northern Coastal Grassland

North Pacific Herbaceous Bald and Bluff

North Pacific Hypermaritime Shrub and Herbaceous Headland

Willamette Valley Upland Prairie and Savanna

Mediterranean California Subalpine Meadow

Rocky Mountain Subalpine-Montane Mesic Meadow

Central Mixedgrass Prairie

Northwestern Great Plains Mixedgrass Prairie

Western Great Plains Foothill and Piedmont Grassland

Western Great Plains Tallgrass Prairie

Western Great Plains Sand Prairie

Western Great Plains Sandhill Steppe

Western Great Plains Mesquite Woodland and Shrubland

Western Great Plains Shortgrass Prairie

Arkansas Valley Prairie and Woodland

Central Tallgrass Prairie

North-Central Interior Oak Savanna

North-Central Interior Sand and Gravel Tallgrass Prairie

North-Central Oak Barrens

Northern Tallgrass Prairie

Southeastern Great Plains Tallgrass Prairie

Southern Blackland Tallgrass Prairie

Texas-Louisiana Coastal Prairie

Central Appalachian Pine-Oak Rocky Woodland

Southern Appalachian Grass and Shrub Bald

Southern Appalachian Grass and Shrub Bald - Herbaceous Modifier

Southern Appalachian Grass and Shrub Bald - Shrub Modifier

Central Appalachian Alkaline Glade and Woodland

Central Interior Highlands Calcareous Glade and Barrens

Central Interior Highlands Dry Acidic Glade and Barrens

Cumberland Sandstone Glade and Barrens

Great Lakes Alvar

Nashville Basin Limestone Glade

Ridge and Valley Calcareous Valley Bottom Glade and Woodland

Southern Piedmont Glade and Barrens

East Gulf Coastal Plain Black Belt Calcareous Prairie and Woodlan

East Gulf Coastal Plain Jackson Prairie and Woodland

Eastern Highland Rim Prairie and Barrens - Dry Modifier

Coahuilan Chaparral

Madrean Oriental Chaparral

Mogollon Chaparral

Sonora-Mojave Semi-Desert Chaparral

California Montane Woodland and Chaparral

Great Basin Semi-Desert Chaparral

Florida Dry Prairie

Florida Peninsula Inland Scrub

West Gulf Coastal Plain Catahoula Barrens

West Gulf Coastal Plain Nepheline Syenite Glade

East Gulf Coastal Plain Jackson Plain Dry Flatwoods - Open Under

West Gulf Coastal Plain Northern Calcareous Prairie

West Gulf Coastal Plain Southern Calcareous Prairie

Acadian-Appalachian Subalpine Woodland and Heath-Krummholz

Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain Interdunal Wetland

Atlantic Coastal Plain Southern Dune and Maritime Grassland

Central and Upper Texas Coast Dune and Coastal Grassland

East Gulf Coastal Plain Dune and Coastal Grassland

Great Lakes Dune

Northern Atlantic Coastal Plain Dune and Swale

Northern Atlantic Coastal Plain Heathland and Grassland

South Texas Dune and Coastal Grassland

South Texas Sand Sheet Grassland

Southwest Florida Dune and Coastal Grassland

North Pacific Coastal Cliff and Bluff

North Pacific Maritime Coastal Sand Dune and Strand

Northern California Coastal Scrub

Mediterranean California Coastal Bluff

Mediterranean California Northern Coastal Dune

Mediterranean California Southern Coastal Dune

Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Sandy Beach

Atlantic Coastal Plain Sea Island Beach

Atlantic Coastal Plain Southern Beach

Florida Panhandle Beach Vegetation

Louisiana Beach

Northern Atlantic Coastal Plain Sandy Beach

Texas Coastal Bend Beach

Upper Texas Coast Beach

Mediterranean California Serpentine Fen

Mediterranean California Subalpine-Montane Fen

North Pacific Bog and Fen

Rocky Mountain Subalpine-Montane Fen

Atlantic Coastal Plain Peatland Pocosin

Southern and Central Appalachian Bog and Fen

Atlantic Coastal Plain Central Fresh-Oligohaline Tidal Marsh

Atlantic Coastal Plain Embayed Region Tidal Freshwater Marsh

Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Fresh and Oligohaline Tidal Marsh

Florida Big Bend Fresh-Oligohaline Tidal Marsh

Atlantic Coastal Plain Depression Pondshore

Atlantic Coastal Plain Large Natural Lakeshore

Central Florida Herbaceous Pondshore

Central Florida Herbaceous Seep

East Gulf Coastal Plain Savanna and Wet Prairie

East Gulf Coastal Plain Southern Depression Pondshore

Floridian Highlands Freshwater Marsh

Southern Coastal Plain Herbaceous Seepage Bog

Southern Coastal Plain Nonriverine Basin Swamp - Okefenokee Cle

Southern Coastal Plain Nonriverine Basin Swamp - Okefenokee Nu

Texas-Louisiana Coastal Prairie Slough

Central Interior and Appalachian Shrub-Herbaceous Wetland Syste

Great Lakes Coastal Marsh Systems

Laurentian-Acadian Freshwater Marsh

Laurentian-Acadian Shrub-Herbaceous Wetland Systems

Northern Great Lakes Coastal Marsh

Eastern Great Plains Wet Meadow, Prairie, and Marsh

Great Lakes Wet-Mesic Lakeplain Prairie

Great Plains Prairie Pothole

Western Great Plains Closed Depression Wetland

Western Great Plains Depressional Wetland Systems

Western Great Plains Open Freshwater Depression Wetland

Cumberland Riverscour

Inter-Mountain Basins Interdunal Swale Wetland

North Pacific Avalanche Chute Shrubland

North Pacific Intertidal Freshwater Wetland

Temperate Pacific Freshwater Emergent Marsh

Temperate Pacific Freshwater Mudflat

Columbia Plateau Vernal Pool

Northern California Claypan Vernal Pool

Northern Rocky Mountain Wooded Vernal Pool

Columbia Plateau Silver Sagebrush Seasonally Flooded Shrub-Step

Rocky Mountain Alpine-Montane Wet Meadow

Rocky Mountain Subalpine-Montane Riparian Shrubland

Temperate Pacific Montane Wet Meadow

Willamette Valley Wet Prairie

Chihuahuan-Sonoran Desert Bottomland and Swale Grassland

North American Arid West Emergent Marsh

North American Warm Desert Riparian Mesquite Bosque

Western Great Plains Saline Depression Wetland

Acadian Salt Marsh and Estuary Systems

Atlantic Coastal Plain Central Salt and Brackish Tidal Marsh

Atlantic Coastal Plain Embayed Region Tidal Salt and Brackish Ma

Atlantic Coastal Plain Indian River Lagoon Tidal Marsh

Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Tidal Salt Marsh

Florida Big Bend Salt-Brackish Tidal Marsh

Gulf and Atlantic Coastal Plain Tidal Marsh Systems

Mississippi Sound Salt and Brackish Tidal Marsh

Texas Saline Coastal Prairie

Temperate Pacific Tidal Salt and Brackish Marsh

Inter-Mountain Basins Alkaline Closed Depression

Inter-Mountain Basins Greasewood Flat

Inter-Mountain Basins Playa

North American Warm Desert Playa

Apacherian-Chihuahuan Mesquite Upland Scrub

Apacherian-Chihuahuan Semi-Desert Grassland and Steppe

Chihuahuan Creosotebush, Mixed Desert and Thorn Scrub

Chihuahuan Gypsophilous Grassland and Steppe

Chihuahuan Loamy Plains Desert Grassland

Chihuahuan Mixed Desert and Thorn Scrub

Chihuahuan Sandy Plains Semi-Desert Grassland

Chihuahuan Stabilized Coppice Dune and Sand Flat Scrub

Chihuahuan Succulent Desert Scrub

Madrean Juniper Savanna

Mojave Mid-Elevation Mixed Desert Scrub

North American Warm Desert Active and Stabilized Dune

Sonora-Mojave Creosotebush-White Bursage Desert Scrub

Sonoran Mid-Elevation Desert Scrub

Sonoran Paloverde-Mixed Cacti Desert Scrub

Chihuahuan Mixed Salt Desert Scrub

Sonora-Mojave Mixed Salt Desert Scrub

North American Warm Desert Wash

South Texas Lomas

Tamaulipan Calcareous Thornscrub

Tamaulipan Clay Grassland

Tamaulipan Mesquite Upland Scrub

Tamaulipan Mixed Deciduous Thornscrub

Tamaulipan Savanna Grassland

Inter-Mountain Basins Mat Saltbush Shrubland

Inter-Mountain Basins Mixed Salt Desert Scrub

Inter-Mountain Basins Wash

Columbia Plateau Steppe and Grassland

Great Basin Xeric Mixed Sagebrush Shrubland

Inter-Mountain Basins Big Sagebrush Shrubland

Inter-Mountain Basins Big Sagebrush Steppe

Inter-Mountain Basins Montane Sagebrush Steppe

Colorado Plateau Mixed Low Sagebrush Shrubland

Columbia Plateau Low Sagebrush Steppe

Columbia Plateau Scabland Shrubland

Wyoming Basins Dwarf Sagebrush Shrubland and Steppe

Colorado Plateau Blackbrush-Mormon-tea Shrubland

Inter-Mountain Basins Semi-Desert Grassland

Inter-Mountain Basins Semi-Desert Shrub Steppe

Southern Colorado Plateau Sand Shrubland

Acadian-Appalachian Alpine Tundra

Rocky Mountain Alpine Dwarf-Shrubland

Rocky Mountain Alpine Fell-Field

Rocky Mountain Alpine Turf

Mediterranean California Alpine Dry Tundra

Mediterranean California Alpine Fell-Field

North Pacific Dry and Mesic Alpine Dwarf-Shrubland, Fell-field

Rocky Mountain Alpine Tundra/Fell-field/Dwarf-shrub Map Unit

Temperate Pacific Intertidal Mudflat

Mediterranean California Eelgrass Bed

North Pacific Maritime Eelgrass Bed

South-Central Interior Large Floodplain - Herbaceous Modifier

East Gulf Coastal Plain Large River Floodplain Forest - Herbaceou

Temperate Pacific Freshwater Aquatic Bed

Central California Coast Ranges Cliff and Canyon

Mediterranean California Serpentine Barrens

Southern California Coast Ranges Cliff and Canyon

Central Interior Acidic Cliff and Talus

Central Interior Calcareous Cliff and Talus

East Gulf Coastal Plain Dry Chalk Bluff

North-Central Appalachian Acidic Cliff and Talus

North-Central Appalachian Circumneutral Cliff and Talus

Southern Appalachian Montane Cliff

Southern Interior Acid Cliff

Southern Interior Calcareous Cliff

Southern Piedmont Cliff

Southern Appalachian Granitic Dome

Southern Appalachian Rocky Summit

Southern Piedmont Granite Flatrock

Rocky Mountain Cliff, Canyon and Massive Bedrock

Klamath-Siskiyou Cliff and Outcrop

North Pacific Montane Massive Bedrock, Cliff and Talus

North Pacific Serpentine Barren

North Pacific Volcanic Rock and Cinder Land

Sierra Nevada Cliff and Canyon

Western Great Plains Badland

Southwestern Great Plains Canyon

Western Great Plains Cliff and Outcrop

North American Warm Desert Badland

North American Warm Desert Bedrock Cliff and Outcrop

North American Warm Desert Pavement

North American Warm Desert Volcanic Rockland

Colorado Plateau Mixed Bedrock Canyon and Tableland

Columbia Plateau Ash and Tuff Badland

Geysers and Hot Springs

Inter-Mountain Basins Active and Stabilized Dune

Inter-Mountain Basins Cliff and Canyon

Inter-Mountain Basins Shale Badland

Inter-Mountain Basins Volcanic Rock and Cinder Land

Rocky Mountain Alpine Bedrock and Scree

Mediterranean California Alpine Bedrock and Scree

North Pacific Alpine and Subalpine Bedrock and Scree

Unconsolidated Shore

Undifferentiated Barren Land

North American Glacier and Ice Field

Orchards Vineyards and Other High Structure Agriculture

Cultivated Cropland

Pasture/Hay

Introduced Upland Vegetation - Annual Grassland

Introduced Upland Vegetation - Perennial Grassland and Forbland

Modified/Managed Southern Tall Grassland

Introduced Upland Vegetation - Shrub

Introduced Riparian and Wetland Vegetation

Introduced Upland Vegetation - Treed

Disturbed, Non-specific

Recently Logged Areas

Harvested Forest - Grass/Forb Regeneration

Harvested Forest - Shrub Regeneration

Harvested Forest - Northwestern Conifer Regeneration

Recently Burned

Recently Burned Grassland

Recently Burned Shrubland

Recently Burned Forest

Disturbed/Successional - Grass/Forb Regeneration

Disturbed/Successional - Shrub Regeneration

Recently Chained Pinyon-Juniper Areas

Open Water (Aquaculture)

Open Water (Brackish/Salt)

Open Water (Fresh)

Quarries, Mines, Gravel Pits and Oil Wells

Developed, Open Space

Developed, Low Intensity

Developed, Medium Intensity

Developed, High Intensity

on elevated
areas are often ridgescalled of limestone
tree islandsinas threetheydiscrete
occur on major slightlyregions;elevated the
Keys, southeastern
sites above the low-relief Big Cypress, marshesand andthe have Miami beenRock Ridge. "perhaps
considered Tropical
This system
hardwood is found
species areprimarily
diagnostic in the Everglades and Bigfew Cypress
the most striking botanical featureofinthe thesystem,
Everglades" although (Loveless are1959).
regions.
common This
orislands system
dominant consists
in have
all regionsof small forested
where these wetlands
hammocks in poorly
occur
Individual often a characteristic shape depending
drained
(Snyder depressions
et or al.dwarf
1990). which
Among arethe underlain
species by an to
likely impervious
be encountered layerupon thatthe
The
size; scrub
large islands arecypress
often system covers
teardrop-shaped, extensive
smaller areas
islands of aresouth
impedes
throughout drainage
are gumbo and trapslimbo, precipitation.
pigeon-plum, They receive
andregionwhiteofstopper. their common The
Florida,
circular especially
(Loveless in the
1959, Big Cypress
Gunderson and SwampLoftus 1993). southwest
Patches range
name
northwardfrom the
ranges unique dome-shaped
ofexceeding
these species are appearance
limited by in
the which
incidence trees of in the in
frosts
Florida.
size from These
acre stunted
to stands of300pond-cypress
or more acres. grow on
These shallow
islands sands
often
This swamp system occurs
thosealong intertidal and is supratidal
center are higher than around the Individual
sides (Monk andthe shorelines
Brown 1965). in
(Drew
or
formmarlanand
soils
abruptSchomer
aboveecotone 1984).
limestonewithDiamondleaf
bedrock.
adjacent oak
fire-prone one of
trees
marshes. are few
usually
Fires enter
southern
Pond-cypress
Description- Florida. is theThe
Ecological primary
dominant System species
tree,or with
land comprising
the
use oldest
class this
and system
largest are red
temperate
quite
bayhead small species
swamps and widely which
only attains
scattered,
under prominence
extreme withdrought canopyinconditions this system.
coverage andThese
ranging may fromkill
mangrove,
individuals black mangrove,
characteristically white
occupying mangrove, the center, and buttonwood,
and smaller each
and
forests
30-45%
much oftend
the to
(Flohrschutz have
bayhead a dense
1978).
vegetation canopy
The that
understory
and heavilyproduces shares
reduce deeper
much
peat shade,
overlap
accumulation. less
with
with
youngeressentially
individuals tropical around affinities
the margins.and poor Poolssurvival in cold highly acid
of stagnant,
evaporation,
wet
If prairies
left long stand ofand thelower
unburned, region air(Drew
bayheads temperature and
may than
Schomer
succeed surrounding
to1984)
hardwood and vegetation.
ishammocks.
dominated .
temperatures.
water
This may
system This
occurs in system
the center
in combination attains
thebeaksedge, of
Fall-Linewith best
these development
depressions
Sandhills region in
ranginglow
ofandfrom wave-
fromcentral1-4
This
by themicroclimate,
following in
genera: high water
flatsedge, muhly, tables, tends
sawgrass. to
energy,
feet
North in depositional
depth,
Carolina but environments.
becoming
extending increasingly Examples shallow occur along on soils
the generally
margins.
keep humidity
The open, stunted levels aspecthighisinto and central
the community
maintained Georgia.
in part quite byIt stresses
is mesic
the predominant
(FNAI by
imposed
saturated
The
systemunderstorywith brackish
flora water
is typified atbromeliad
allof
by times
species andwith which
tropical become ofinundated
affinities. .
1990).
extreme Ainseasonal
its range,
number of
watercovering
orchid level and most
changes the
andnatural
species
low-nutrient landscape
thrive in such
soils the
This
during
region.ecological
high
It occurstides. system
The
onmost occurs
brackish
upland as a narrow
environment
sitesplainranging band
from tends of
gently hardwood
to limit forest
competition and
conditions.
(Anonymous Unlike
1978). Ewel coastal
(1990b) systems,
suggests fire
a hydroperiod is arolling,
major broad to
of threat
shrublands
from
ridgetops along
othertospecies.steeper theAlthough
Atlantic
side slopes, coast
at least
as ofthree
well southeastern
as broad variants
locally in Florida
mesic ofswales
this and
~South
This Florida
approximately
system occursHardwood
6Volusia
monthsin the for Hammock
thisriverine
Fall-Line type. (CES411.287)$$.
Sandhills region of on For
from this reason, .
central
(approximately
system
terraces. can Mostbe recognized,
soils are County
well-i.e., to southward).
excessively mangrove Itdrained.
is foundforests,The stabilized,
fringe
vegetation is
This
many
North ecological
examples
Carolina system
occur
extending occurs
alongsideinto as a narrow
natural
central Georgia. band
firebreaks, of hardwood
such
It is the as the
predominant forest
leeward
old, coastal
mangrove
naturally dunes,
forests,
dominated often
and by basinwith
longleaf substantial
mangrove
pine shell
forests
(Pinus components.
(Lugo
palustris). et al.
Most The all
1988),
lying
side
system just
of inland
exposed
in its range, of the
limestone coastal
covering dune
(Robertson system
1955), in southwestern
moats created Florida.
by It
vegetation
are included ishave
characterized
here for now. bymost hardwood of the speciesnatural landscape with tropical of the
associations
is found
limestone
region. onsolution
It stabilized,
occurs
an
on
understory
(Duever old, coastal
upland et
sitesal. of1986),
scruband
dunes,
ranging
oaks.
often
from
The
withherb
elevated
gently
layer is
substantial
outcrops
rolling, shell .
above
broad
This
This system
affinities.
system As includes
such,
represents the pinelands
northern
longleaf of extreme
extent
pine of
forests thissouth
of type Florida
rolling,is limited growing
dissected by on
generally
components.
marshes, well-developed
scrub The vegetation
cypress, or and isdominated
sometimescharacterized by grasses.
mangrove by hardwood
swamps Wiregrass species
(Snyder with
et al.
ridgetops
limestone.
periodic
uplands to The
freezes
of the steeper
uniqueness
Eastand side
cold
Gulf slopes,
of
tolerance
Coastal the as well
flora
of
Plain. as
tropical
These locally
associated in
with
constituent
stands mesicthis
occur swales
type
species,
inland hasofand
such
(Aristida
tropical
1990). stricta
affinities. in the
As north,
such, theAristida
northern beyrichiana
extent of in
this thetypesouth)is limited by
terraces.
long
as beenand
theblolly Most
recognized,soils
butter-bough are well-
including to
(Johnson excessively
the othernumber
and Muller drained.
of endemic
1993a). The vegetation
andwhere
This West
system is .
coastal
dominates
periodic flatlands
in
freezes most and of(sensu
the
cold Peet but
range,
tolerance and of Allard
tropical 1993)
grasses and potentially
dominate
constituent species, isis
itsuch
naturally
Indian
closely
occupy dominated
species.
related
aForbs,
much It
to has
both
larger bybeen longleaf
inland
geographic estimated pine
tropical (Pinus
that
hammocks
areaforeststhan nearly palustris).
this one-third
and
related Most
southwest of the Florida
system, taxa
absent.
as
ThisJamaica-dogwood
system including
represents and many
white legumes,
longleaf stopper
pine are
(Johnson also
of abundant.
and
rolling, Muller
dissected Frequent,
1993a).
associations
found
maritime
extendingin this have
system
hammocks,
landward an understory
are
and
into restricted
may
the of
share
Upper scrub
toEastit,
some oaks.
including
Gulf species The
Coastal halfherb
overlap of layer
south
with
Plain inland is
by abouteach. .
low-intensity
This
uplandssystem
generally
Florida's ofendemic
the isfire
East
well-developed is Gulf
closely the
plants
dominant
related
Coastal
and
(Stout to natural
both
Plain.
dominated
and inland
Marion Theseecological
by tropical
standsUnlike
grasses.
1993).
force._x000D_
hammocks
occur
Wiregrass pinelands andof 50
miles.
_x000D_
southeast TheFlorida
characteristic maritime species is Pinus palustris, although many
the
This coastal
system
(Aristida
elsewhere flatlands
stricta
in encompasses
in
theupland the(sensu
southeasternnorth, ahammocks,
Peet
range and
Aristida
coastal of Allard and
vegetation
beyrichiana
plain,
maypresent
1993)
south
share
and
in the
florida
some
potentially
on
south) species
inland
slash pine sand is
stands
This
Variation:
overlap may
systemwith support
Openof
each. only
Understory relictual
longleaf - pine individuals
Grasses, -dominated
widely given a
vegetation
scattered long history
shrubs,ranges orof from
bare .
occupy
dunes
dominatesof a much
the in mostlarger
Coastal of geographic
Plain
the of
range, Georgia.
but area other than
These this
grasses dunes related are
dominate system,
associated
where with
to is
the only
exploitation native and pine
stand species
conversion. in this system.
This The system Understoryincludes vegetation
stands with it a
southern
sand and
extending Virginia
soil dominate
landward (beginning
into thethe approximately
understory.
Upper East Gulf atCoastal
open the James
aspect Plain River)
usuallyby about 50
certain
range ofrivers
absent. Forbs, such as the many
including Ohoopee and
legumes, Canoochee (Wharton 1978) and
theare
consists of
soilmany and hardwood
moisture species,
conditions. including
Mesic also abundant.
a extensive
stands number with
on fine-textured Frequent,
tropical
northeastern
maintained
miles. The Florida,
through
characteristic andspecies
frequent was perhaps
fire or
is other
Pinus most
management._x000D_ system in
are apparently
low-intensity
origins, and the eolian
fire is the
herbaceous in dominant
origin, flora formed
natural
is of palustris,
species-rich riverine
ecological and although
alluvial
force._x000D_
fire-adapted. manyThe
sands. .
soils
that
_x000D_
This are
area
system more
of arethe typical
outeronly
includes of the
coastal
oak-dominated system,
plain. Italthough
isincharacterized
forests limited
woodlands, xeric
by areas on
longleaf
shrublands pine
stands
sandy
_x000D_ may
soils support deep, coarse, relictualand xeric individuals nature. given Thea vegetation
long history ofand
deep
in an sands
Other
savannasupland are
Variation(s): also
setting present.
with naturalInOffsite
natural
exposure condition,
to frequent fire isfire. believed
A few to a
exploitation
consists
Variation: ofoccurring
anand stand
assemblage
Scrub/Shrub on
Loblolly,
deep ofsands
conversion.
- Fire xeric of
supressedThis the
Hardwood,
communities Pleistocene-aged
system
sites with Scrub/Shrub
includes
that alsostands
aintolerant
dense Ingleside
occur with
understoryin other
have been
occurrences
Understory. frequent
barrier-strandplain just north enoughof
ofCoastal the
the central to limit
range Texas development
of longleaf
coast andpine of
theon are dominated
Holocene-aged species by .
range
xeric
of scrubof oaks
soil and
habitats in
or moisture
the
shrubs._x000D_ conditions.
Plain. These Mesic include stands longleaf fine-textured
pine - turkey
This
of system
hardwoods
old-growth
eolian sand represents
and
loblolly
deposits bothpine. PinusIt palustris
taeda
occurs onand astands
Pinus
variety or of"islands"
echinata.well- on
Although
to excessively such
soils
oak are more
communities typicalandofaofthe the
scrub South
system, Texas
community Sand
although Sheet.
limited Topography
xeric areas varies
on
inakintheorto
_x000D_
excessively well-drained, sandy soils central Inland
Florida. Florida
Inof Scrub,
comparison
species
drained
from
This may
soils,
larger
system beand
dunes present
represents on
to the or
smaller
Pinus even
higher common
ridgesparts
palustris and of upland-wetland
swales.
stands most
Vegetation
"islands"mesic stands,
mosaics.
on this they
Most
deep
but
Other sands
lacking are
sand
Variation(s): alsopine. present.
This
Loblolly, In
system natural
Offsite is condition,
distinguished
Hardwood, fire
Open fromis believed
more
Understory. to
typical .
with
areas other
generally do Pinus
have frequent
an not palustris-dominated
share
understory dominance
of scrub in
oaks. system
the overstory types of the
unless southeastern
the system
physiognomically
excessively
have
xeric been
sandhills well-drained,
of variable
the enough
Coastal and
sandy
to dynamic
soils
limit
Plain ofitsThe
development
by system
central herbFlorida.
occurrence oflayer
primarily isthe
intolerant
on generally
In includes
comparison
deep species
sands
United
has been States,
well-developed this type
fire-suppressed._x000D_ is unique byinthree-awn
being found within a southeastern
matrix ofby
Inand
patches
with other (mottes)
Pinus of dominated
forests,
palustris-dominated woodlands and
system and
shrublands other grasses.
dominated
of
The
sand
hardwoods
river
common
pine dunes.
scrub
and
and both
addition
unifying
vegetation.
Pinus this taeda
feature
It occurs ofand
environment this
in
Pinus
system istypes
approximately
echinata.
naturally
is
of the Although
vegetation
9 isolated
such
naturally
_x000D_
Frequent,
plateau
United live low-intensity
States, oak. this Associated
type or fire
is isspecies
unique the dominant
in vary in
being anatural
infound north/south
withinecological manner
a matrix force.
ofthey .
species
dominated may
topographically be present
by longleafisolated and
pine. even common
consequently
This was formerly the
has a most
lower
the most mesic stands,
fire-return
extensive
patches
Variation:
across theranging
Open
range in
of size
Undestory from
thisdominance
system. 60-4000
-It Sites
Other where hectares,
canopy found
fire frequency
species primarily
or
in9the on the
vicinity of
sand pine
generally
interval
This systemthanscrub
do not
other vegetation.
share
encompasses upland asystems
range occurs in
ofwoody
of in
the
whichapproximately
overstorylongleaf
vegetation unless
pine isolated
the
is
present system
aend onTexas.
system
Ocala
management
Aransas within
National
National its
maintain natural
Forest.
Wildlife the range
Examples
open
Refuge, in western
also
aspect at the occur
with Louisiana
on
herbaceous
northern the end and
southern
of oreastern
widely
the range, of the
patches ranging indunes
sizelongleaf
from 60-4000 is hectares,
has been found primarily on the .
component.
stabilized
In
LakemostWales
scattered
include offire-suppressed._x000D_
upland
the
shrubs
blackjack region,
Ridge. inoak, ofis barrier
Fireunderstory._x000D_
the sand pine
absolutely
laurel
islands
oak,
and near-coastal
(presently)
essential
redbay, to
and amaintain
distinctive,
sugarberry.
strands,
this but system,
In this
Ocala National Forest. Examples also occur on the southern end
_x000D_
from
rarely
without
_x000D_
area,
central
dominant,
which
understory
South Carolina
element
it species
may be include
almost (approximately
of existing completely
yaupon, vegetation
fringed
Cooper
replaced (Harcombe River)
by scrub
greenbrier, al. of the
southward
etmustang
Lake WalesScrub/Shrub
Variation: Ridge.Volusia Fire -isCounty,absolutely essential to maintain this system,
to approximately
1993). However,
vegetation._x000D_
Other
grape, Variation(s):
and/or wax-myrtle. tree Sites
thisLoblolly, historically
Other
with
Offsite
canopy
a dominated
Florida. denseIt understory
Hardwood,
species
includes thethe
on
of scrub
vegetation
vegetation
Scrub/Shrub. South
oaks
whose
across
Texas
or
.
without
shrubs,
structure which
generally it may
fire be almost
surpressed._x000D_ completely replaced by scrub
nearly
_x000D_
Sand alland
Sheet, uplands
at composition
the regardless
southern are
end ofinfluenced
soil
of thetype range, bymoisture
or salt
include spray, extreme
(excluding
honey mesquite,
vegetation._x000D_
_x000D_
disturbance events, and the distinctive climate ofIndian
thedominate
immediate
wetlands),
Variation:
Texas and longleaf
Scrub/Shrub
Hercules'-club, pine
Understory
Brazilian forests
bluewood,-were
Dense among
Westshrubs the most thecoast.
valuable
shrub-verbena,
_x000D_
Other
Examples Variation(s):
are known Loblolly,
from the Offsite
barrier Hardwood,
islands of Open
Georgia Understory.
and Florida, .
economic
understoryand
lotebush, resources
often a veryas the in the
fewresult region
other at
ofspecies. the turn
fire surpression._x000D_
Many ofwith of the century
the species (Bray
foundorin
Variation:
such asTypical Open
Big Talbot Understory
Island, Florida, - Open woodlands
and on probably herbaceous
SapelotoIsland,
1906).
_x000D_
the northern partssites ofincluded
the range sandhills
of this system well-drained
are absent excessively
widely
Georgia. dispersed
Most shrubs,
typical stands generallyare maintained
dominated by by
oaks, orinother
fireprimarily the southern
live oak .
drained
Other soils,
Variation(s):
occurrences. A but also Open
characteristic more loamy
Understory.
component and clayey
of the upland
sparse soils.
ground The cover
This system encompasses most forests and shrublands of Atlantic
management._x000D_
and/or
importancesand live
of oak.
frequent Vegetation
fire has may
been also
well include
documented different
for thewoodland
within
Coast
_x000D_ the mottes
barrier islands andand forestssimilar acrosscoastal the entire
strands, rangefromis Virginia
Texas mallow. Beach
communities often dominated inbycomposition
perpetuation of this system. Unlike southern
comparable pine species.
systems Longleaf
eastgrasslands.
of thepine,
Canopy
to central
Other openings
South
Variation(s): are
Carolina. similar
Scrub/Shrub Areas are influenced
Understory. to surrounding
by salt spray, extreme .
pond pine,
Mississippi and
River, slash thispine type are all important
lies outside in
the range documented
of threeawn examples.
spp.
In addition to
disturbance seaside
events, and bluestem,
the distinctive other herbaceous
climate of the species
immediate common coast. in
These examples
(wiregrasses), buttend most to stands
have densely supported shrubbyopen subcanopies
grass-dominated and
canopy
Many openings
examples ofacross
this systemthe range will ofinclude
this system a component include brownseedof livelaurel
oak or
understories with species
rich in species such as
diversity. live oak, sand live oak, sand .
crowngrass,
wax-myrtle. gulfdune
Also included crowngrass,are embeddedbig bluestem, freshwater yellow Indiangrass,
depressional
oak, Chapman oak, myrtle oak, and southern magnolia. Unlike
hair-awn
wetlands muhly,dominated Georgia by shrubs frostweed, or small sandhill
trees, croton,such asand stiffplains
dogwood, snake-
maritime vegetation to in thedrainage
north, this cansystem may bedifferencesmore heavily
cotton.
swamp Minor bay, orchanges Carolina willow. cause major in .
influenced by natural On firethe regimes that barrier-strandplain,
may help to explainwhile the
species composition. Ingleside
predominance of the fire-tolerant pine species. It has beendeeper postulated
gulfdune crowngrass may dominate slightly lower areas, swales
that the natural fire frequency is from 20-30 years. .
are typically dominated by switchgrass, saltmeadow cordgrass, fimbry
spp., beach pennywort, beaksedge spp., umbrella-sedge spp., spikerush
spp., and flatsedge spp. .
where limestone or other calcareous substrateGulf occurs ridgesnear
progrades,
systems of olderthis region,beach ridges
examples are occurleft aswithin
interior a landscape enough
surrounded
matrix toby
more protected environments than ~East Coastal Plain Dune and
areas,
the
marsh. or
surface
These
historically those to with
influence
interior
occupied only beach thin
vegetation loess
ridges
by pine-dominated deposits.
composition.
are referred
uplandsAt least
to Examples
as in some
cheniers
and consequently are examples
most
(French
Coastal
This Grassland
small-patch (CES203.500)$$.
system occurs inof the Such
Southernareas Coastal
include relatively
Plain (Omernik
of
for
onlythis
common
oak) system,
occurred incoastal
because the intree
Black
they species
Belt
were
fire-sheltered normally
region
historically
locations associated
Alabama
dominated
in and
naturally with by bottomland
Mississippi,
live
small oak but are
(live
tocomponent.
large
This forested
stabilized
ecoregion 75). system dunes,
Examples of theare southern
sometimesknown East
with
from a Gulf and
substantial
inland Atlantic
portions shell of coastal
this region
habitats
also
oak). present
patches.Ridgesare
Examplesfound
in more
parallel toofandbe
the
thisabundant
isolated coast
system patches
and or are
tendoreven
in usuallydominant
other
tosheltered
occur portions
3 meters
onravines in
sites non-flooded
of the
above
intermediateregion,
mean sea
in
plains
Vegetation
including occurs parts onofsteep
structure the slopes,
East composition
Gulf bluffs,
Coastal are influenced
Plain (TNC by salt
ecoregion where spray, fireand
53) is
uplands.
including
level.
moisture Today, In many
western
tendency very cases,
Alabama,
few
(mostly the
remain bluffs
drynorthern
vegetated
to provide Florida,
dry-mesic), habitat
byrange and
a live
although "refugia"
western
oak-dominated
occasional for
Tennessee. plant
forest
xeric
naturally
extreme
Florida rare,
disturbance
peninsula generally
(TNC events, within
ecoregionand the
the natural
55),distinctive
and(Delcourt
nearby of
climate spruce
portions of pine
the of the as
species
Generally, that arevegetation
more common to forthe north andlimitsDelcourt
becausemay
stands
mapped
immediate
South bythe
many
Atlantic also
Kossuth
coast. have
beStands
Coastal
been
included.
andPlain consists
cleared
Michael
may Toward
be
(TNC
of
(1990)
dominated
forests
agriculture.
the and
ecoregion
and
northern
by
woodlands
southern
a
56).
Though
range
variety
Thick
not
magnolia
of
stands
on
needle-
well-
confined
ofasthis
of live
1975).
developed,
to coastal
system, Braun deep
itbyareas,
may (1950)soils.
salt(1990).
have noted
Related
domes
been that
less the
vegetation
arerestricted general
a distinctive composition
surrounding
feature
toincluding
small patches of
rock
alongpine, forests
inthe outcrops
fire-Gulf
mapped
leaved
oak and
and/or Outcalt
broad-leaved
sand live oak are Stands
evergreen
diagnostic are
trees, mesic,
of this and
system. vegetation
sand Examples typically
slash often
along
and
Coast
protectedthe
calcareous
of speciesbluffs
upper
locations, changes
prairies
Texas and and from
isoak,
mayLouisiana northbeen
accommodated
have to
wheresouth;under
they
formerly theother more
often
more northerly
ecological
form
prevalent a drastic on the
includes
pine,
occupy longleaf
locally pine,such
distinct live asmicrohabitats
American cabbage beech, southern
palmetto,
that differ pignut
from magnolia,
thehickory,
surroundingflorida
and
examples
systems.
contrast
landscape to arethe
even represented
low-lying
in areas in
Coastal
heavily this classification
Plain
influenced sediments
by by ~East
surrounding
fire.<br><br>ImportantGulf Coastal
them. .
anisetree,
sand hickory.
landscape, and
such other
Wetland
as species
shallow inclusions rarely
depressions encountered
may beordominated slight outside this
by pond-cypress
topographic system
highs in
in a
Plain
Formed
tree Northern
species by Related
the
vary Loess
rise of Bluff
saltheavily
geographically Forest
masses and (CES203.481)$$,
which push
according upto north
overlying
previous of the
strata, range
disturbance.salt
the
and region.
sweetbay.
predominantly The
longleaf forests
most whichsalt-influenced
pine-dominated occur on deep loess
examples soilsmay along the
appear
of
Sandsouthern
domes may
laurel magnolia
rise
oak 30
is a metersand
typical spruce
above
species pine.
the in Aslandscape.
surrounding
many currently
examples,
Although
defined
landscape. with
embedded
this
The
post system
oak,
western
pruned margin
or sculpted. of the region are classified as ~East Gulf Coastal Plain
in
Thisa matrix
ranges
naturalsystem
from
vegetation
ofabout
vegetation
includes forests
32cheniers
of degreeswithonN extremely
and barrier
latitude
saltfrequently
frequent
islands
(where
domes areandthe fire
spits
Big regimes,
oak-dominated formedRiver
Black during .
patches
southern
Southern red
Loess oak, and
Bluff white
Forest oak less
(CES203.556)$$. encountered,
Some component but
of this
the system
deltaic shifts areofsubject to only
the Mississippi infrequent
isRiver. or to
It also rare fire
includes events. Under
dissects
woodlands
dominant
associations the inandbluffs)
some forests.
arefirealso southward
stands.foundThe Thein and
Ingleside
overstory
temporarily restricted
barrier
offlooded
some the
strandplain
examplessouthern
floodplains isthe amay woody
part
be of
adjacent
more
the frequent
vegetation
Loess of
Bluff saltHills regimes,
domes in
(Ecoregion these
the sites
Mississippi
74a of would
EPA Riverlikely
(2004)). be
deltaic occupied
plain. by
Since
Pleistocene
quite
to
This diverse,
these
West
longleaf slopes,
pine.
barrier
Gulf with
It but
Coastal
has
ridge
hickories
this
been isthat
Plain outcrops
and
primarily other
ecological
postulated anthat
discontinuously
hardwood
upland
system
winter system.species
consists
burning
along
The ofoften
regimessystem
forests also .
thepresent.
Texas
and
have
natural
coast. deltaic
One of processes
these areas have
is been
locatedpine altered,
northeast barrier
of island
Galveston are no longer
Typically
includes
woodlands
This ecological mesic
essentially
dominated sites, as
uplandbyisindicated
vegetation
loblolly by species
of indicative
Pleistocene
and/or shortleaf of Bay
terraces,
pine these and
inalthough
allowed
being
supports this
formed vegetation insystem
type to classes
the expand.
Mississippi found A range
within
in
Delta limited
this ofregion
soil upland
ecologicaland
and areas
moisture
existing
system.
(especially
conditions
barrier
Shell ridges .
conditions,
these areare
combination
ravines and are
conceptually covered
withMore
sideslopes) a host under
transitional
ofofthe dry other to systems.
to dry-mesic
Gulf creek
Coastal Loblolly
floodplain
site
Plain hardwood
west This pine
systems.
of the is
species.
may
islandsbe present. undergoing mesic
subsidence examples and have
beach relatively
erosion. thin soils
system (to 50
located
sometimes
This along
type includes
was coast
present,
thewhile and
but
historical bay
it is margins
unclear
matrix ifareit
(dominant typically
is a natural dominated
vegetation component type) by for has
or large
Mississippi
cm) above
currently River.
clay, These
one xeric areas
forested are
examples
beach topographically
occupy
ridge deep
located isolated
(>130
at Grande cm) from well-
Isle in
halophytic
entered
portions only
of shrubs.
TNCas a Similar
result
ecoregion of vegetation
past
40 cutting.
(Upper may
Spruce
West also
Gulf be
pine found
or
Coastal on
shortleaf
Plain) coastalpine
where
historically
drained
Louisiana. sands. fire-prone,
Dominant pine-dominated
plant taxa of uplands
mesic in eastern
examples are Texas,
live Texas.
oak and .
This
dredge
may system,
also spoil. dominated
Vegetation
belongleaf
present in some by loblolly
structure examples. and pine, is endemic
composition
Stands may of
betooccurrences
central
found on of
it replaced
western
sand laurel Louisiana,
oak, along pine-dominated
and southern
with eastern vegetation.
Arkansas.
persimmon. Sites Inare thisoften
Trumpetvine region found of slopes
and along
Locally
this
above
This system this
rivers
system is
mayand known
occurs be
adjacent
in theas
influenced the "Bastrop
by
to sinkholes,
Fall-Line salt Pines."
spray
as well
Sandhills (onExamples
those
asparts
region other ofshellmay share
ridges,
fire-infrequent
from central salt
southern
slopes
greenbrier above Arkansas,
spp. perennial
dominate northwestern
streams
the sparseinLouisiana,
the region.
ground and
These
cover. Insites of
xeric eastern
haveexamples, Texas,
This
domes ecological
similarities,
habitats. and in
cheniers system
terms of
closestoccurs
the to west
vegetation,
the of
Gulf), the
with Mississippi
Coastal
tropical storms River
Plain and pine- primarily
hurricanes, .
North
this type
moderate
dominants Carolina
was
to high
include extending
historically
fertility
sand live into
present
and central
moisture
oak, on
longleaf Georgia.
nearly allless
retention.
pine, ItSoils
uplands
live is oak,
thein predominant
can the be
Carolina region
quite
outside
hardwood
and
This the
systemthe natural
systems
distinctive represents range
tocovering
climatethe of
east
longleaf oflongleaf
(TNC
the pine
Ecoregions
immediate
pine forests and coast.
of 40
rolling,commonly
and dissected
This 41)
system butwithin.
differ in
system
except
variable,
wiregrass, in
onrangingits
the
and range,
most from
southern edaphically
coarse
dawnflower.most limited
tothe loamyof the
This in natural
sites (droughty
surface
system landscape
texture.
is low sands,
inMost of
plant theare this
Like other sandhill onsystems
the fact
includes
uplands that
ofthe thethis
Northern
Eastsystem Gulf Gulf containsof
Coast
Coastal Gulf
only
Chenier
Plain. and
loblolly
These Atlantic
Plain pine
which
stands coastal
which extends
occur plains,
isinland
generally
from of
region.
calcareous
acidic
species in It occurs
clays,
surface
diversity and
reactions
compared upland
shallow andsites
to soil
less
most ranging
barrens/rock
commonly
other from
habitats gently
outcrops).
circumneutral.
in therolling, Such
region. broad
sites .
type is found
considered
Vermillion
the coastal Bay oninuplands
successional
flatlands Louisiana
(sensu inunderlain
the more
through
Peet and with
eastern deep,
Jefferson
Allard 1993)coarse
systems.
County,and sandy
The Texas;
potentially soils.
vegetationit These
also
ridgetops
are underlain
Vegetation
This system to steeper
by loamy
indicators
represents sideare slopes,
tomesic
fine-textured
longleaf as well
hardwoods
pine as
forests locally
soilssuch ofrolling,
of in
variable
as mesic
American swales
depths.
dissected and
These
beech,
sites areatypified
includes athe range
upper byTexas
of low
communitiesfertility
coastand and
(that moisture
have yet retention,
to be defined) which tothat
occupy
terraces.
are
whiteupland
uplands oak, of
much
Mostsites
and
the
larger
soils
on tree
American
East aregeographic
ridgetops
Gulf well-
holly,
Coastal tofrom area the
excessively
adjacent
although
Plain.
chenier
than this
side
scattered,
These
plain
related
drained.
slopes,
stands
south
system,
The
with
large-diameter
occur vegetation
moderate
inland of is .
contribute
range
Matagorda
extendingfrom tovery
Bay. open
landward dry to
into canopies
xeric
the uplands
Upper with East usually
to dry
Gulf and <60% even
Coastal canopy
mesic
Plain closure.
areas
by about with 50
naturally
fertility
pines
the (most
coastal dominated
andflatlandsmoisture
often by
loblolly
(sensu longleaf
retention.pine)
Peet pine
This
are
and also(Pinus
typeoften
Allard was palustris).
1993)alsoand
present. present Most
Spring- in
potentially more
Sparse
different
miles. understory
The suites of
characteristic vegetation
hardwood species and
associates.
isabundant
Pinus The patches
loblolly
palustris, ofpine
bare
although of soil
this
many are
region
associations
limited
blooming
occupy areas
a much have
of larger
herbaceous TNC an understory
ecoregion
species
geographic are41oftypical
scrub
(West
area than oaks.
Gulf
in The
thisitCoastal
the understory
related herb layer
Plain),
system,of is
where
most it
indicative
is genetically
stands may ofsupport
this system.
different only than Vegetation
strains
relictual indicators
toslopes
the
individuals east; are
given hasspecies
amuch
long tolerant
greater
history ofof .
generally
was confined
examples.
extending well-developed
landwardmore typically
intopossibleand
the todominated
Upper side East by
Gulf andgrasses.
other
Coastal Wiregrass
locations
Plain by not
about 50
droughty
drought sites,
tolerance. especially
It bluejack oak and Arkansas oak, but also
exploitation
(Aristida
dominated
miles. The byand
stricta stand
in
longleaf
characteristic theisnorth,
conversion.
pine.
species
thatThis
Aristida
There is arethis
Pinus
area
system
beyrichiana
no known was
palustris,
onethe
includes
in
"fidel" ofsouth)
although
the
stands epicenters
herbaceous
many
with a
blackjack oak and post oak. Longleaf pine is absent (or perhaps atfossil
of early
range
dominates
species
stands
of southern
soil
or any
may
and
insupport
most pine
moisture
localofonly colonization
conditions.
the relictual
endemic range, but
or globally of the
Mesic
otherrare
individuals
Coastal
grassesstands
plant
given
Plain
on
dominate
species,
a long
based
fine-textured
where
and
history
on itlow
overall
of is
frequency
pollen
soils are evidence.
more within its
typical range);
of the shortleaf
system, pine
although is usually
limited present.
xeric This
areas on .
absent.
this system
exploitation Forbs, may including
have
and astand many
supported
conversion. legumes,
relatively
Thisofsystem arelow also levelsabundant.
includes of vascular Frequent,
stands with plant a
system
deep supports
sands are also large concentration vascular plant endemics, near
low-intensity
species
range ofdiversity.
soil fire
and is present.
This thesystem
moisture dominant Inhas naturalnatural
undergone condition,
ecological
major firetransformations
isfine-textured
believed to
force._x000D_
endemics,
This
have system
been and of aopen
frequent number forests
enough ofconditions.
plant
orthe
to species
woodlands
limit
Mesic
development with stands
occupieshigh of
on
fidelity
broad,
intolerant to sandhills
sandy species
_x000D_
since
soils European
are more settlement
typical of the of system, region. although limited xeric areas on .
in
of the
flatlandsregion.
hardwoods inLoblolly Elsewhere
a relatively
and both in the
narrow
Pinus Atlantic
bandare
taeda andalong and
PinustheGulf coastal
northern
echinata. plains,
Gulf
Although of Mexico
such
Variation:
deep sands - These stands dominated by loblolly or slash
ofare thealso
including most of thepresent.
adjacent In natural
ecoregion condition,
(41), firesiteis believed to are
coast
species
pine east
as amay result be Mississippi
present
of past or even
disturbance River common [see mapin
history._x000D_ in these
the Peet
mostand mesic conditions
Allard stands,(1993)].
they
have
closely been frequent
associated enough
with longleaf to limit pine. development of intolerant species .
These
generally
_x000D_ areas, do often
not share called "flatwoods,"
dominance in the areoverstory
subject tounless high fire-return
the system
of hardwoods and both Pinus taeda and Pinus echinata. Although such
intervals
has
Other been even though
fire-suppressed._x000D_
Variation(s): they are
Offsite subject toOpen
Hardwood, seasonally
Understory, high water Scrub/Shrub tables.
species
Even-aged, may be present
regularly or even
spaced forestcommon stands inestablished
the most mesic byand stands, they
planting
Overstory
_x000D_
Understory. vegetation is characterized by Pinus palustris to a lesser .
generally
and/or seeding do notinshare the process dominance in the overstory
of afforestation or range unless the system
reforestation where
degree
Variation: by Pinus Loblolly elliottii. Understory
- Disturbed sites conditions
where loblolly fromhave
pines denselyinvaded
has been
individual
Historically, fire-suppressed._x000D_
treesthese are generally
savannas >
occurred5 meters on in height.
alluvial Specifically,
terraces and flat this
shrubby to open and
the site, generally higherherbaceous-dominated,
density canopies than based the largely
native longleaf upon fire
_x000D_
class refers to plantations dominated by deciduous species.
plains,
history. often
These forestsAlthough
stands._x000D_ with
and fires
deep,
woodlands
fertile
are naturally soils,
are limited
throughout
frequent, the California
they presumably
to coastal areas that receive occur .
Central
Variation:
Valley from Lake Offsite Hardwood
Shasta -
south tothan Heavily
Loseither disturbed
Angeles sites where
County. Valley oak is
with
_x000D_
more somewhat
annual precipitation lower frequencythan nearby coastal longleaf-dominated
chaparral. Highly types
successional
the characteristic hardwood oak ofspecies
these dominate
savannas, (sweetgum,
though otherwater types oak,
may be
or treeless
Other
localized savanna._x000D_
Variation(s): Offsite Hardwood,
endemic tree species include Monterey cypress, Gowen Open Understory, Scrub/Shrub. .
willow
present, oak)_x000D_
including interior live oak, coast live oak, blue oak, California
_x000D_
cypress, and Santa Cruz Island cypress in scattered groves along
_x000D_
buckeye, Texas redbud, San California juniper, and
Variation:
coastal
Other Mendocino,
Variation(s):
Offsite Hardwood
Loblolly, Mateo, - Disturbed
Open Santa Cruz, areas andpurple
that areneedlegrass.
Monterey dominated
counties.
There is somehardwoods
successsional evidence that much
(sweetgum, ofUnderstory,
the
water undergrowth
oak,
Scrub/Shrub.
red prior to the
maple)._x000D_
.
Shore pine, lodgepole pine, bishop pine, Torrey pine, and Monterey
invasion
_x000D_ by non-native annual herbs was composed of native annual
pine are dominant
Even-aged, regularly or codominant
spaced forest instands
these and other occurrences.
established by planting
wildflowers
Other Variation(s): such as Open tarweed, buckwheat,
Understory, clover,
Scrub/Shrub gilia, pincushion-
Understory. .
Pygmy
and/or woodland
seeding expressions
inoak-dominated
the process where
of woodlands nutrient-poor
afforestation sandstone
or reforestation soils
where and
These coast
plant, lupine, live
western rosinweed, vinegar-weed, occur throughout
trefoil, wild carrot, the
underlies
individual acidic
treesareas sands
are (ancient> marine
generally 5 meters terraces),
in height. andSpecifically,
stunted and this
Pacific
tarbush. coastal
Therepine from Sonoma
is considerable seasonal County, and California,
annual(often south in
variation to cover
Baja of
twisted
class shore
refers Cover to plantations stands along
dominated the Oregon coast
by evergreencanopies species. called pygmy .
California.
undergrowth species varies due from
to nearly
timing of interlocking
flowering and seasonal with lush
variation
forests) are also part of this system. Shrubs include sensitive
understory
in precipitation shrubs andsuch as California
temperature. Today blackberry,
this majestic creeping snowberry,
oak savanna is
manzanita, Labrador-tea, to evergreen blueberry, salal,
toyon,
reducedand poison-oak,
in acreage by agriculture more open andconditions withCalifornia
housing developments. long-lived .
rhododendron, and Pacific stands bayberry. The lichen and moss component
grasses. More open typically occur on south-facing slopes.
of this system
stands is arevery diverse, includes cup moisture,
lichen spp,such andascan be
Denser often in areas with more north
abundant in these communities. .
facing or at the bottom of a slope. Past land use such as fire, fire
suppression, livestock grazing, herbivory by feral pigs or other
wildlife, can also affect stand structure. .
pine with blue oak, interior live oak, coast live oak , valley oak,
California buckeye, manzanita, redbud, buckbrush, California
coffeeberry, oakwoods gooseberry, California juniper, and/or Coulter
pine . Foothill pine tends to drop out all together in the driest and more
This system occurs from Monterey, California, south across the outer
southerly sites, which are then dominated by blue oak. Foothill pine
Central Coast Ranges -to crestsforests
of Peninsular Ranges. found In much
These
density are mixed
varies basedoakon conifer
intensity and woodlands,
or frequency of fire,plains beingand in of
less thetits
These
range, oak
conifer woodlands
treess areand savannas
infrequent, occur
Coulter in pine
coastal occurs in scattered
valley
abundant bottoms, valley margins and canyon and foothill slopes ofis
stands andinbigcone areas ofDouglas-fir
higher intensity or
upfrequency
intermountain valleys from Ventura fires,Rangeshence into it
picksCounty, California,
in Transverse south south Bajato
northwestern
often more California
abundant on and
steep, southwestern
rocky or more Oregon.
mesic Ponderosa
north-facing pine is
California,
Mexico. Mexico. Coast
Characteristic treelive oak, include
species interior canyon live oak,live oak, coastslope
Engelmann oak,
live
usually
exposures. present with one or more oaks, mostclosed commonly California
and/or
oak,
These
California
California
oak woodlands blackwalnut oak,
occur
dominate
California a mixed
laurel, bigleaf ormaple,
open canopy.
and Pacific .
black oak, Oregon white oak,oncanyonbajadas, livefoothills,
oak or interiorcanyons, liveand oak. In
Southern inchaparral
madrone. Historic species
fire frequencysuch as was common chamise, lemonade sumac,
aslikely
well, higher in southern
this system
plateaus
many stands, north-central
Douglas-fir Mexico,
can occur Trans-Pecos or Texas,
replace much orNewallthan
of
sugarbush,
in similar skunkbush,
systems toThethe ceanothus spp., currant spp., and manzanita spp. .
Mexico
the ponderosaand Arizona.
pine. It isnorth.
dominated
stands often byhaveMadreanshrubby evergreen
understories oakswith such
Madrean
are also pinyon-juniper
characteristic. Thesewoodlands
woodlands occurring
may on
occur foothills,
as remnant mountains
patches
These
as Arizona
chaparral Madrean whiteforests
shrubs, oak,
or where
can and
Emory woodlands
be they oak, gray
grassy, with are
oak,
nativecommon
Mexican
perennial inblue
the Sierra
oak, and Madre
and
on plateaus
offshore in north-central
islands, Mexico,
include Trans-Pecos
endemic Texas,grasses
species southern
such asin or
island
mountains
Toumey
introduced oak. of northern
Madrean
annual grasses. Mexico
pines, and
Arizona extendcypress, northpinyon into mountains
and juniper trees .
New
oak
This Mexico
and
system Catalina isand Arizona.
ironwood.
largely endemic Soils
Most toare ofgenerally
the these
Edwards dry
woodlands
Plateauand rocky.
and The and
savannas
ecoregion
Trans-Pecos
may be present, Texas but and
are southern
less abundant New Mexico
than oaks. and Arizona.
Chaparral Common
species
presence
have
occurs been ofcanyon
onArizona Mexican
heavily altered
bottoms,pinyon, border
through
mesic urban
lower pinyon, and or
slopes other
agricultural
and Madrean
steep development
canyons, trees
trees are
including Mexican pine, apache
manzanita, pine,
turbinellaChihuahuan live oak, pine,
or southwestern
sumac may be
and shrubs
throughout
primarily is characteristic
southern
inArizona
the Southern California. of
Balconesthis woodland.
Escarpment, Redberry
butoak also juniper,
inmaythe Eastern .
white
present. pine, Grasses white
areprimarily
often oak, onEmory
prominent oak, soils
between or gray intermingled
This
These system
alligator
Balcones Madrean
juniper,occurs
Escarpment. forests
Pinchot's andjuniper,
This woodlands
system limestone
one-seed
also occur
include attrees
juniper,in the
upper
areas
in and
Edwards
elevations
and/or
of cliff
form
Plateau
two-needle
faces in and
the
with
an
and shrub
open
forms patches
woodland
the theor
ismore on mid-elevation
grassland
most withsystem slopes within
scattered (1500-2300
trees (savanna)m elevation).
of that is It
Sierra
pinyon
lower Madre
mayspecies
slopes be mountains
of boxed ofprevalent
abundant.
canyons northern Madrean
occurring Mexico oaks
as and such
narrow, this
extends
as area north
Arizona
sometimes Texas.
to
white
long"Sky
Other
dominated tree by present
warm-season may include
grasses. Arizona cypress, alligator
can
oak,also
Islands",
bands Emory
in
occur
isolated
areas oak, onorlimestone
often desert
gray
with oak
seeps
inmay
mountains thebe
where
shortgrass
inpresent,
southeastern
moisture
regions
butisless of
Arizona. TexasThey
abundant
consistently thanare .
and
more
juniper,
This
north upland
into Mexican matrix
Oklahoma. pinyon,
system
Thisandponderosa
occurs
system pine,
primarily
is pine
typified and on Douglas-fir.
bycoarse soils Chaparral
ofderived
restricted
pinyon
available and to
than cooleradjacent
juniper north
trees. east facing
Ponderosa slopes
iscanopy ata high
generally mosaic elevations
absent evergreen
or sparse.
shrubs
from
oak thesuch
forests, as on
weathering Mexican
woodlands of slopes.
manzanita,
underlying
and savannas
The tree
Wright's
granites
over in silktassel,
shallowthe is generally
Llano
soils and
Uplift
of rolling
closed.
turbinella
region
(1980-2440
Low shrubs
Common m) of the
and/or grasses
components Chiricahua,
include maycedar Huachuca,
also elm,be present.
Arizona Pinaleno, walnut, SantaBuckleyCatalina, oak, .
live oak and
of Texas.
uplands areThe common
underlying
upper under
slopes. the pine-oak
granitic
Plateau substrate
live oak tree canopy.
determines
or Ashe's Occasionally
the Coahuila
juniper range
are of this
and
laceySanta
oak, Rita mountains.
black cherryFires Common
(becoming trees
less common are Douglas-fir,
to the north), Texasfir,
grasses
system. are
characteristicItfirisabundant.
comprised
of this ofoaks
system. are
a mosaic
This frequentof
system invaries
vegetationthesefrom woodlands
types, denseincludingand
patches of
or
ashwhite
(dominant and Madrean
in theonnortheastern such as
plateau), Arizona white
chinquapin oak, Emory
oak, and oak,
This system occurs
forests.
closed-canopy forests, dry-mesic,
open woodlands, middlesavannas slopes ofand thesparsely
rolling uplands .
forest
gray interspersed
oak, silverleaf with grasslands
oak,ofbottoms
Chisos red tooak open savannalike
andscattered
Toumey oak. woodlands
It isSubstrate
similar with
bigtooth
of the maple.
Edwards Canyon
Plateau Texas. may
The have
canopy is typically bur oak.dominated by
vegetated
scattered
to ~Southern rockRocky
individual outcrops. or Common
small
Mountain groups
Dry-Mesictrees include
of trees. blackjack
Understories
Montane Mixed oak,
can
Conifer plateau
contain
Forests
(limestone)
deciduous and woodlands
and
trees, topographic
including at orBuckley
near
position loweroak, treeline
(northTexas and in
ash,eastfoothills
or aspects
cedar ofand
elm.the lower
live
Forestoak,
various and post
shrubs oak,
Woodlandand black
grass hickory,
species.
(CES306.823)$$ cedar
Grasslands elm,
which and
in honey
this
lacks system
Madrean mesquite.
tend
trees.to .
eastern
slopes)
Plateau Cascades
are
live the
oak in
dominant
and Washington
Ashe's characteristics
juniper and Oregon
are of
often thiswithin
system.
present 65but km
Small
not (40 miles)
seepage
dominant
This
grade ecological
Subcanopyfrom species system
shortgrass may occurs
includefrom
communities Texas thethe
in Santa
persimmon,
west Cruz
to Mountains,
whitebrush,
mixedgrass
of
in theare
areas
this Columbia
often
system. River
dominated
Canopy Gorge
closure and
byTexas
southern inOregon
themaidenhair,
is variable, Columbia
and this Plateau
with
system ecoregion.
Lindheimer's
can be
California,
Mexican-buckeye,
communities north into
tonearby
the southwestern
lotebush,
east. Substrate kidneywood, throughoutOhio the
buckeye, outer andof
Texas
Elevations
maidenfern
expressed asrange
on forests from and 460
moistwoodlands.1920 (limestone)
tohabitats. m.Other
Most prominent determines
occurrences ofthe
species thisrange
system
include
middle Coast
prickly-pear,
this system Ranges.
soaptree
within It occurs
yucca, Texasjust inland
bear-grass, of theand redwood
Christmas belt . It
cholla. also .
are
wand dominated
butterfly-bush, by agiven mix ofexamples.
Oregon white
Mexican-buckeye, Someand disturbed
oak and ponderosa
eastern areas of the
poison-ivy. pineFire or
occurs
Grasslands
western inplateau
southern
may be California
are dominated
now dominated inbymore bymesic,
little bluestem,
mesquite protected,
yellowcooler
woodland. sites of
Indiangrass,
Fire,
Douglas-fir.
probably plays Isolated,
little taller
role in ponderosa
theranges.
system, pine
while or grazing
Douglas-fir over
and browsing Oregon (by
the Transverse
switchgrass,
grazing and and
hairy
browsing Peninsular
grama, may alsosideoats grama,
influence Characteristic
Texas
this system. trees
needlegrass, includesilver .
white
native oak
as trees
well as characterize
exotic parts
ungulates) ofmay this system.
play an The
important understory
role in may
Douglas-fir,
beardgrass, and canyonWright's live oak,plantain.tanoak, Pacific
Granitic madrone,
glades California
and barrens are
include
recruitment dense and stands
understoryof shrubs or, more
composition. often,
Adjacent, be dominated
drier by grasses,
laurel,
sparselyand golden
vegetated chinkapin.
by crustose Onandthe eastern
foliose fringe
lichens, of thisslopes
several fernsare
system, and in
sedges
usually or wildflowers.
dominated by Shrub
various layers
oak may
species including
and Ashe's antelope
juniper. .
the
fern western
allies, and Siskiyous,
cacti. Thisother conifers
systemblack occur
also includes such as
small ponderosa
(up to 16 m inand
pine
bitterbrush,
This system basin big
is mostdepressionssagebrush, sagebrush, and green
Port Orford-cedar.
diameter) Incommon
southern inCalifornia
thehold Puget Trough -and
(Transverse Willamette
and PeninsularValley
Mixed oakshallow
rabbitbrush. woodlands
Understories from are that
southwestern
generally rainwater
Oregon and
dominated support
southwestern
by herbaceous wetland
ecoregion
ranges),
flora but
bigcone
including also occurs
Douglas-fir
the Texas in adjacent
replaces
endemic, rock ecoregions.
Douglas-fir
quillwort. These
but woodlands
co-occurs withare .
Oregon,
species, with Oregon
especially white
grasses. oak and
Mesic sitesCalifornia
have an black
open oak.
to closed sod-
fairly
canyondry live conifer
oak and forests
sometimesdominated coastbylive Douglas fir, often
oak. Incense-cedar withismadrone
Occasionally
forming
This system grasses otherand hardwoods,
asgrass-like including
plants such Canyon
as live
pinegrass, oak or madrone
Geyer's sedge,
or Oregon
occasional.
This ecological Inoccurs
white the oak,
southern
system
a matrix
but
is
rarely
portion
limited
onwith
to
relatively
other
ofthe thesouthern
range,thin-soiled
conifers tanoak,present.
portions
surfaces
Pacific
of the
of
North
can
Ross'be
plateaus important,
sedge,of the but
long-stolon
massive conifers
sedge,
limestones are
or not
blue
such as important
wild
as therye.Edwards or common
limestone. in this .
Historically
madrone, this
California was a widespread,
laurel, and golden fire maintained
chinkapin type,
become which
less has
Pacific
hardwood region.forest It occurs
and primarily
woodland in
system. the Puget
The Trough
understory andin Willamette
good
These
moved
important short
to occupy
or toaretallabsent.
shrublands
areas that were
Historic are formerly
variable in density
prairies wasand depending
oak than on
savannas.
Valley butareas
condition trickles aredown usually into the fire
native Klamath frequency
perennial ecoregion
grass orcomponent
higher
and into
deciduous
for
shrubs
amount
These
redwood of
sites bedrock.
are
forests, too White
dry
occuring and shin
warm
(every oak or is
50-100 an
have important
been
years). too frequently andof the
California.
(poison oak The
orsome woodlands but
snowberry), andintroduced
forests are annual dominated by Oregon white .
system,
extensively withburned areas
to have dominated
more than bysmall
plateau livegrasses
amounts oak.of
have become
Ashe's
western juniper
oak, and are most
dominant foundstands. on dry, Chapparal
predominantly low-elevation sites and/or
is often anorinimportant
hemlock western red-cedar. component of this
Pacific
shrubssystem.
madrone
suchOther as buckbrush
is favored speciesby high-
or
may
sites
sticky that experienced
manzanita are frequent
often present presettlement
as well. fires. Many places are
include
severity
This system
evergreen
firesencompasses
on sites sumac, where prairie
dryitor
sumac,
occurs,
hardwood andTexas redbud,can
Douglas-fir
forests
wildbeprivet,
on predominately locally .
being invaded by Douglas-fir other conifers with fire suppression.
Texas
eliminatedash, Mexican-buckeye,
by logging hot mescalbean, Texas persimmon,fires. and
acidic
Pacific substrates
madrone is theand
in also Allegheny
not
fire and
uncommon.
or repeated
Cumberland
Plant
high-severity
life plateaus,
under the and ridges
tree
This system
agarito.
Incense-cedarThis encompasses
system
isRidge
absent. also dry
includes hardwoodMohr forests
shin on acidic
oak-dominated substrates in .
in the southern
canopy was historically and Valley, mostly
composed of native west of the but Allegheny nowFront.
the Allegheny
shrublands that andare Cumberland
more common plateaus,
in the andgrasses
southern ridges in the
shortgrass
areRidge
prairieand
These
mostly forests
composed are typically
of can non-native dominated (introducedby white from oak,other southern red oak,
continents)
Valley.
northwest This of system
the Edwards also be found
Plateau, often as small isolated patches in the
oak, sharing dominance
chestnut
grasses, oak,
as well scarlet
as oak, and
poison oak, black
snowberry with or lesser
ferns. amountswith of red .
Southern
Pinchot's Blue
juniper. Ridge. Its
Disturbances range is
such more or
as fire and less consistent
maysometimes
be important with the
processes
maple, pignut hickory, mockernut hickory, sprouts of
"Mixed
maintaining Mesophytic this system. Forest Region"itofappears
However, Braun to (1950) and onGreller
This system
American is found
chestnut. in the
Scattered southern
and forest
small central persist
andinclusions Appalachian
offorests
pine may
most thin-
occur,
(1988),
soiled although
sites. it is not a mesic type. These can be .
Mountains north
particularly adjacent to Virginia
to and WestorVirgnia.
escarpments following These fire high-elevation
(shortleaf and
dominated by Quercus alba, Quercus falcata, Quercus prinus, Quercus
deciduous
Virginia pine, forests occurpine
or white on exposed
in the absence sites mostly of fire). between
It occurs 3000-4500
in a
coccinea, Acer The rubrum, Carya glabra, areand Carya alba. These
feet elevation.
variety of situations, weathered
includingsoils on nutrient-poorthin, nutrient-poor,
or acidic soils. lowoccurin in a .
variety
organic of situations, including The on nutrient-poor or acidic soils.
matter, and acidic. forests are dominated by red oakSprouts
and
of
white oak, with the individuals often stunted or wind-flagged. a
Castanea dentata can often be found where it was formerly
common tree. .
Chestnut sprouts are also common, but the importance of chestnut in
these forests has been dramatically altered by chestnut blight.
Mountain holly and early azalea are characteristic shrubs. .
the
of
dry range
Griffith
conditions. toetabout
al.The 70forest
2001). cmIt in occursthe southwest,
overclosed-canopy
relativelywheredeep it butbecomes
soils
can(as opposed
This
Texas system
and represents
Oklahoma, dry,isupland,
ranging
mostly
north predominantly
to southeastern hardwood
Kansas,
include
forests of
pH.and
increasingly erratic. Therefore moisture is often limiting during eastof
part
to "glades
patches of and
more barrens"),
open with circumneutral
woodlands. It is dominated surface by soil
a variable However,
mixture
limited
into
This
the eastern
system
growing portions Oklahoma.
consists
season. of the Coastal
They
ofEmbayment
The hardwood
system Plain
arewas common of
forests western
of
historically inthe largeKentucky
higher areas
characterized and
within
elevation astheir
zones
like
of other
dry-site Mississippi
oak and pine species such Prairie systems,
as chestnut oak, this type
white occurs
oak, in a
Tennessee,
range.
of the
having The
Southern northern
areaAppalachians,
significant consists
areasMississippi
ofofgraminoid
rolling andplains
generally Alabama.
cover with
above with The
primarily
4500 core
species feet. range
sandy
Included
composition oftored
thisare
matrix
oak,
This blackof
system acid
oak, soils,
scarlet
represents and oak,generally
pitch
thebeforests
vegetation forested
pine, and
ofbutsand vegetation.
white dunes pine; and In
these most
related may casesoccur
eolian
type
loamy
classiclies
resembling within
soils.
northern that the
Rainfall
hardwood
of Northern
can
nearby prairie Hillysystems,
moderate, asCoastal
well as Plain
somewhat (Level
high-elevation
punctuated by IV
erratic, Ecoregion
oak
short, therefore
forests.
stunted
individual
as oak
features forest,
of prairie
the mixed
lower openings
oak-pine
Mississippi arewhichsmall
forest,River and
or isolated
patches
Alluvial of from
Valleypine one
forest.
in another,
Missouri Heath but
and
65e)
water of
Thus,formerly
woodlands Omernik
isexamples
often and lacking(EPA
mayextensive
forests be 2004),
for the plants
dominated
dominated by byincludes
duringQuercus
post oak the
partand of Northern
rubra the growing
or
blackjack Pontotoc
various oak. season.
Other
were
shrubs
Arkansas. (hillside
These more
blueberry,
Pleistocene prior
huckleberry,
dunes to European
and
were overlooked mountain settlement laurel, forming
or unrecognized etc.), a
Ridge
These (222Cf),
forests
combinations
species, such ofUpper
and
as woodlands
mesophytic
black Loam hardwoods.
hickory, Hills
are (222Cg),
characterized
bluejack oak and by
High-elevation
(on Northern
moreopen Loessal
woodlands
xeric climate
sites), isHills
or
the
This
mosaic
often
until is the
of
dense,
the former
grassland
are
late 1970s matrix
and
characteristic.
(Saucier hardwood
woodlands Disturbance
1978). system
under
This fact of
frequent
agentsthe mostfire
include northern
regimes.
fire, Much
(222Ce)
closed
most
plateau
portions
of the
subsections
forests
important
live
of the
natural oak,dominated
ecological
winged
Upper
vegetation
ofEast Keys
byfactor.
elm,
of Gulf
the
eteastern
short, al. (1995).
stunted
Included
Coastal
region red-cedar,
hasPlain incoupled
These
post
been of oak
this areas
and and
system
western
converted
with
honeyoccupy long
blackjack
are
Tennessee, theperiods
limited
tomesquite,
pasture oak.
windthrow,
of weathering
eastern margin and and
ofice the damage.
human upper Increased
disturbance,
Coastal Plain site
as disturbance
well
where as proximity
elevation generally
is to a
greatest leads
terrace
Other
areas species,
locally such
known asas black
"beech hickory,
gaps" bitternut
and hickory,
"boulderfields. dwarf
can
and
to
and
also
western
secondary
mappedinfluence
be present.
Kentucky,
agricultural forest
as "prairie" of
uses,
loess
Inbut
southern some
vegetation
in is even
General
less
sites,
Illinois,
thanwith
Land
particularly
old-field aand
adjacentgreater
Office northern
vegetation in the
proportion
records,
areas to the
south,
Mississippi.
reflects of
haswest.
plateau
the
ledpine to
The andlive .
chinquapin
oak may oak,
codominate cedar theelm, and oak can also be present. The understory
Extensive
distinctive
weedy
considerable
This theforests
hardwoods
iscontains composition
confusion
former once
such ofwoodlands.
covered
as red
regarding this
theconsidered
flora
maple. thisand Shrubs
broad
In
type the area
ecologicalmay
absence
(T. of attain
Foti generally
dynamics.
of
pers.
significant
fire, flat
comm.).thisThe tosystem
flora
These
vegetation
often
cover in the has beenmatrix
species
understory, broadly
typicalhardwood
with of
speciesthe system distinct
surrounding
including
of the frommost
prairies,
yaupon othernorthern
(ofteninCoastal
particular
rolling
has
is much
believed
dunes uplands.
in
areofwest to common Most
develop
of Crowley'shave
with
into been
other
northern
Ridge cleared
prairies
hardwood
and for
of
near agriculture
the
the Mississippi
andBlack hemlock due to the
Embayment
forests.
andTennessee,
White rich, .
portions
Plain
little forests
bluestem. the Upper
(Bryant
Shrubs etEastal.
such Gulf
1993,
as Coastal
sumacFralish may Plain
and also of
Franklin
be western 2002)
present. but has
Drought,
dominant),
productive
as well as thebeautyberry,
soils derived
classic farkleberry,
from
Midwestern relatively gum bumelia,
thick
prairies._x000D_ loess possum-haw,
deposits. The areal
rivers,
western
received
grazing, above
Kentucky,
almost
and the
fire no normal
aresouthern
specific
the flood
primary study. level
Illinois, of
Although
disturbances the
and northern Mississippi.
vastly Mississippi.
affecting forested Examples
these whenforests in
eastern
extent
_x000D_
These ofpoison-ivy,
this
oak-dominated forested and coralberry.
system
forests has
are Where
been
one ofso the light
heavily
matrix penetration
reduced,
forest allows
that
systems thethe
Missouri
Extensive
compared
and woodlands occur
forests
to the amidst
once
loess
and help acovered
series
plains
maintain to of
this
the low-lying,
broad
west
their (USGSarea anastomosing
characteristic of generally
1992), most
species. channels
flat
of to in the .
the
development
component
Variant:
northeastern Woodland of
communityan herbaceoustypes
systems._x000D_ understory
remain or
undocumented in areas with
and reduced
speculative at
that have
rolling
vegetation
woody uplands.
canopy, is and
helped north-central
to
Most
recovering
the
protect
have
understory from them
been U.S.
one orOccurring
from
cleared
contains
extensive
more forforms
species
inalteration
agriculture drysevere
of
typical
todue
of
dry-mesic
more
the to the
disturbance typical
rich,
best._x000D_
_x000D_
settings,
in Arkansas they grade
where from
the closed-canopy
uplands haveoak been forests
largely tocleared.
patchy-canopy TheThe
productive
(Franklin and soils derived
Kupfer 2000).from relatively
White thick
dominates loess deposits.
the upland forestsareal
surrounding
_x000D_
Other
woodlands. Variant(s): prairies,
They in
Herbaceous.
cover particular
large expanses little bluestem,
at low to but
mid also including
elevations, wherebig .
uppermost
extent
which
These of
have thisportions
oak-dominated forested
been of
studied the
system
forestsin dunes
a has
limited
are support
been
one so
portion
of a
the xeric
heavilyof
matrix community
thisreduced,
area
forest similar
that
(Franklin
systems the to
inand
the
This
the system
bluestem,
Variation:
topography silverof
Hardwood dry-mesic
isbeardgrass,
flat - The
totypes upland
gently brownseed
native forests
expression
rolling, occurs
crowngrass
occasionally of most
this (toextensively
the
system
steep. south),
dominated
Soils on
are
sandhills
component
Kupfer
northeastern of community
2000), the
and West
but Gulf
communities
north-central Coastalremain
have
U.S. Plain not (WGCP),
undocumented
Occurring been described
in but
dry and aredry-mesic
to tooutside
speculative
the same theat
west-facing
yellow
by oaksand
acidic (white, loess
Indiangrass,
relatively slopes
Southern and on
sand
infertile, red, southern
dropseed.
post,
but not Crowley's
Drought,
blackjack),
strongly Ridge,
some
xeric. grazing, withand
pines
Oak more fire are
(shortleaf,
species
natural
best._x000D_
detail
settings, asrange
in
they otherof
grade bluejack
ecological
from oak, a diagnostic
systems.
closed-canopy species
forests to typical
patchy-canopy of the .
limited
the primary
loblolly)
These
characteristicoccurrences
may and
oak-dominatednatural
be dry-mesic
of on northern
processes
present._x000D_
forests that
are
conditions Crowley's
affect
one this
of(e.g., Ridge
the matrix system.
Quercus and forestin
Much
rubra, the erosional
of
systems this
Quercus in the
These
WGCP
_x000D_
woodlands. forests
examples. They woodlands
Instead
cover the
large are
dunes found
expanses supportthroughout
at low very to open
mid the glaciated
post
elevations, oak where
slopes
system
_x000D_
northeastern
alba, and
has
Quercus hills
been
and that bound
impacted
north-central
velutina, and bythe
QuercusGrandOccurring
conversion
U.S. Prairie
coccinea) terrace
to improved inMissouri
and dry ofto
Carya Arkansas
pasture
dry-mesic
spp. or and
arecrop
Midwest
woodlands
Variation:
the topography from with
Juniper eastern
islittle North
bluestem
- Successional
flat to gently Dakota
and sites
rolling, towith
abundantnorthern lichen
juniper
occasionally orcover
pines
steep. and western
(presumably
(loblolly,
Soils are
Macon
production.
Other
settings,
dominant Ridge
Variation(s):
they
in in
grade
mature Louisiana
Overgrazing Juniper.
from
stands. and and fire
closed-canopy Arkansas.
suppression The
forests vegetation
have led
toedaphically to
apatchy-canopy is very
increased .
Ohio.
cup lichen
shortleaf)
acidic They
and are
spp.),
strongly
relatively common
along with andCastanea
dominating._x000D_
infertile, can
pricklypear
but are occur
not dentata
within
sp.
strongly Less waslarger
xeric. prominent
prairie
Oak tree
landscapes
extreme
species
These
distinctive
woody
woodlands. oak
cover forests
from on
They and
that
mostcoverof woodlands
the
extant
large adjacent
occurrences
expanses found
alluvial
at and
lowthroughout
plain,
theto and
invasion
mid the
the of
elevations,glaciated
sites some where
before
or adjacent
slopes chestnut
support to ofoakblight
more savannas eradicated it as
and richerforests a canopy
oak forests. constituent.
Soilspostare Acer
well
_x000D_
characteristic
Midwest,
themselves,
areas
the bysand
topography typically
which
problematic is inclosed-canopied
dry-mesic
occur
flat gently
brush
to on
gentlyconditions
rolling
distinct
species rolling, such (e.g.,
landscapes.
slopes as that
in which
Quercus
eastern
occasionally They
rise rubra,
can
above
red-cedar
steep.
oak
theQuercus
occur and
Soils
isonstill
alluvial
honey
are
rubrum,
drained
important,
Other Betulaalong
Variation(s): or lenta,
sandy
with and
loam.
southern
Hardwood. Betula Trees
red alleghaniensis
form
oak anda moderately
possibly may be common
closed
other species.to closed
In .
alba,
uplands
plain
mesquite Quercus
within
surface, velutina,
a
also
inrelatively
the prairie
contrast
southern and Quercus
landscape
sharply and
withcoccinea)
near
it. and
floodplains,
Occurrences Carya or
of spp.
on
this are
rolling
system
acidic
associates.
canopy,
many and with
instances, Especially
canopy onpart
infertile,
closure
distinctive the of
butthe
drier
increasing
wetlands not system's
and strongly
more
with
imbedded range.
xeric.
acidic
time since
within These
Oak
sites, factors
species
heaths,
fire.
this Fire-
system have
are
dominant
glacialledmoraines.
generally
also to indecreases
mature
comprise stands.
Forest
dry-mesic
in cover
native Castanea
can range
forests
grass dentata
that
cover from
occupy
allowingwasa densea for
prominent
west-facingto moderately
annual tree
slopes
grasses
characteristic
including
resistant
also present oakKalmia of dry-mesic
species,
(~Lower latifolia,
in conditions
Gaylussacia
particular
Mississippi black
River (e.g.,
baccata,
oak,
Dune Quercus
bur
Pond and
oak, rubra,
Vaccinium
scarlet
(CES203.189)$$).Quercus
oak, spp.,
and
before
open
and chestnut
canopy
narrow,
forbs to and blight
"finger"
invade. there eradicated
is
ridgetops commonly in it
a as a
highlya canopy
dense shrub
dissected constituent.
layer.
landscape. Acer
Fire-resistant
In many .
alba,
may be
northern
Called Quercus
important
pin
"sand velutina,
oak,
ponds" shrubs
dominate
in andor
Arkansas, Quercus
dwarf-shrubs.
the overstory.
these coccinea) TheWith
depressions anda
understory Carya
long
have spp.
history
may
silty are
of
include
bottoms
rubrum,
oak
cases,species, Betula
these lenta,
in particular andbur Betula oak,alleghaniensis
northern red maythat
oak, be common
and/or arewhite oak,
dominant
human
shrubs
and and/or
perched in slopes
habitation, mature
a mixture
water
provide
manystands.
tables. ofThe
of
habitat
Castanea
the
woodland forests
margin
for dentata
plant
are
and
of
species
early-
grassland
these was toamid-successional,
ponds prominent
species,
are rimmed
uncommon
tree
including by
associates.
dominate
in other the
parts Especially
overstory.
of the on
alluvial the
Hickories, drier
plain. and more
including
Forests on acidic
shagbark
the sites,
ridgetops heaths,
hickory, are
before
where
little
willow chestnut
Pinus
bluestem,
oak and blight
strobus,
wavy
have eradicated
Pinus
hairgrass,
overcup virginiana,
oak andit(Heineke
as aorcanopy
Liriodendron
Pennsylvania 1987). constituent.
sedge. tulipifera
ExtremeAcermay .
including
bitternut
dominated Kalmia
hickory,
byorwhite latifolia,
and oak,mockernut Gaylussacia
northern hickory,
redand baccata,
oak are and Vaccinium
important
(Crowley's in portions
Ridge only), spp.,of
rubrum,
be dominant
drought, Betula
along lenta,
codominant.
with and
periodic Betula Within
ground alleghaniensis
these forests,
canopy may be
hillslope
fires common
maintain pockets the
These
may
the be
range
southern oak-dominated,
important
of this
redcanopyoak, shrubs
system.
cherrybarkclosed-canopy
or dwarf-shrubs.
Depending oak, post on forests
site
oak, Withare
location
black aone long of
and
hickory, the
history major
overstory
Shumard of
associates.
with
more impeded
open Especially
drainage structureonmay thethat drier
support and
supportssmallmore acidic
isolated sites, heaths,
wetlands, Itincluding
forest
human
canopy
oak, and systems
habitation,
density,
black in the
oak. the
many temperate
understory of Gaylussacia
the may regions
forests of oak
are
include the
early- regeneration.
northeastern
species asand
to mid-successional,
such
isnorth-
American
found
including
non-forested
primarily Kalmia
within seeps latifolia,
the or forested
"corn belt" wetlands
of the baccata,
with
United Acer and
States, Vaccinium
rubrum,
and Quercus
remaining spp., .
central
where
hazelnut, U.S.
Pinus They cover
strobus,
serviceberry, Pinusandlarge expanses
avirginiana,
wide variety oratLiriodendron
low
of to mid elevations,
wildflowers. tulipifera
Fire of may where
may be
bicolor,
large areasimportant
or Nyssa
of shrubs
sylvatica or dwarf-shrubs.
characteristic._x000D_ With a long history
the
be topography
dominant
maintained theorthis
is system
flat
codominant.
more open are
to gently canopy likely
rolling,
Within under
these
structure considerable
occasionally
forests,
that steep.
hillslope
allowed pressure
oak Soils
pockets due
are to
human
_x000D_
conversion habitation,
to and many ofand
pastureland the forestsdevelopment.
urban are early- tocharacteristic
mid-successional, .
mostly
with
regeneration acidic
impeded drainage
necessary relatively may
to infertile.
sustainsupport thissmallOak
forest. species
isolated
Continued wetlands, firetheincluding of
where
Variation: PinusMixed strobus, - Pinus
Early to virginiana,
mid-successional or Liriodendron examples tulipifera
of dry may
oak
moderately
non-forested
suppression moist
seeps soils
orresulted(e.g., in
forested red oak, white
wetlands with oak,
Acer black
rubrum, oak,Quercus
and scarlet
ahas
be dominant or also
codominant. succession to mesic hardwoods.
forest
This
oak) andwith
system hickory co-dominance
of upland
are shortleaf
dominant ofWithin
pines
pine
in mature
these
(white,
- hardwood forests,
Virginia).
stands.
hillslope
forests
Chestnut Pines
is pockets
co-may to
confined
oak be .
bicolor,
Extensive or Nyssa
conversion sylvatica for characteristic._x000D_
agriculture has fragmented this system.
with
dominateimpeded
Crowley's with drainage
native may
oaks._x000D_ support small isolated wetlands, including
present
_x000D_ butRidge on the less
is generally western importantside ofthan the Mississippi
the other oakRiver. species. This
non-forested
_x000D_
vegetation is seeps or
very distinctive forested wetlands
from ofwiththeAcer rubrum, Quercus
American
Variation: chestnut
Virginia/Pitch was formerly
Pine a that
- Areas prominent
strongly adjacent
tree.
dominatedRedalluvial
maple, plain,
black
by Virginia,
This
bicolor,
Other system or is
Nyssa
Variation(s): comprised
sylvatica of
Virginia/Pitch mostly dry
characteristic._x000D_
Pine, hardwood
Hardwood. forests largely .
and
birch,
white,the andridge
or pitchyellow itself also
birch
pine due contrasts
may be sharply
common
to disturbance._x000D_ with
associates. the adjacent
With a alluvial
long
dominated
_x000D_ by oaks, ranging from sandy glacial and outwash deposits
plain.
history
_x000D_ Crowley's
of humanRidge habitation, is a remnant many ofloess-cappedthe forests are feature rising from
mid-successional,
of Cape Cod
Variation: and Long- Island
Hardwood Oak (white, south black, throughNorthern the coastal red, plain
scarlet) of
30
where
Otherm to over
white
Variation(s): 60
pine, m (100-200
Virginia
Mixed, pine,feet)
Hardwood. orabove
tuliptree the alluvial
may be plain
prominent; surface, to .
Maryland
dominated and
mature Virginia stands. (to about
_x000D_ the James River). They occur on
about
however, 150the m (450 feet) above
appropriate oak or seahickory
level. The species baseare of present
the northern ridge
acidic, sandy
_x000D_ to gravelly soils with a thick duff layer. White though oak, redat
is comprised
reduced abundance. of Tertiary Within substrates
these forests, overlain by alluvial
hillslope pockets depositswith and
oak,
Other chestnut
Variation(s): oak, and Mixed, scarlet oak of
Virginia/Pitchare typical, Pine. andloess.American holly is
capped
impeded withdrainagegenerally may thin
support layers smallPleistocene
isolated wetlands, The Pleistocene
including non- .
sometimes present. From New Jersey north, conditions can grade to
alluvial
forested deposits
seeps or are often wetlands
forested sandy, and within ared very limited
maple, swamparea, white there are oak,
somewhat moist, reflected in the local abundance of beech. Sassafras,
outcrops
or black of
gum sandstone
characteristic. of uncertain origin. Forests on the ridgetops are .
This system
birch, aspen,represents
and hazelnut hardwood
are common forestsassociates
of the highest in earlier-elevations of
This system
dominated by occurs
shortleaf in the pine Ozark with and
varyingOuachita amounts Highlands of white andoak, far
the Ouachita,areas.
successional Rich, and Heath Black shrubs Forkare mountains
often extensive, of Arkansas and
and include
western
northern portions
red oak, of the
southern Interior Lowpost
red[2600-2800
oak, Plateauoak, regions
black along
hickory, gentle
and black to
Oklahoma
mountain (about
laurel, 790-850 m
blueberry, and huckleberry. feet]). Vegetation consists of .
steep
oak. slopes and over bluff escarpments with southerly to westerly
eitherLoess slopes andwoodlands
ravines aredominated dominatedby bywhite mesicoak or dry-mesic
forests or open or post oak.
aspects.
hardwood Parent
forests material
such ascan those range ofthe from
the calcareous
southern to but
acidic arewith of very
This system
Canopy trees isare
found oftenthroughout
stuntedwell-drained
due toOzark
the effectsand ridge,Ouachita
of ice, windHighlandsand cold
shallow,
relatively well- to excessively soils. This system was
ranging tolimited
conditions, the
in westernextent.
combination edgewith of the fog, Interior
shallow Low soils Plateau.
over It is the
rock, andnow matrix .
historically woodland in structure, composition, and process but
system
periodicofsevere this region drought. andSome occursstands on dry-mesic
form almost to mesic, gentle to
impenetrable
includes areas of more closed
Soilscanopy. Oak species suchto aswell-drained
post oak,
moderately
thickets. steep slopes. are typically moderately .
blackjack oak, and scarlet
thoseoak with an with understory of grassesAand
and more fertile than associated oak woodlands. closed
shrubscharacterize
canopy of northern this system. and Drought
white oakstress oftenisassociated
the major with dynamic
red oak
influencing and maintaining this system. .
hickory species typifies this system. Sugar maple or southern sugar
maple may occur on moister examples of this system. Wind, drought,
lightning, and occasional fires can influence this system. .
heath layers of blueberry and/or huckleberry. This system concept also
system
have
includes beenismany
distinguished
more open dry
successional fromconditions
under those further
communities of thatnorth
more in the
frequent
have been Ridge
impacted and
This system includes to dry-mesic calcareous forests of the by
Valley because
fire.<br><br>A
logging orRidge of its
number
agriculture, extreme
of differentsouthern oak location
species in
may the region,
dominate anstands
area
ofsuch as types to dominated
Southern and Valley, extending north by tuliptree, andpine, and
This
which system
is consists
transitional to dry-mesic
the "Oak-Pine-Hickory" dry oakinto forests Virginia
region. occurring adjacent
High-quality on open
of thislocust.
black system, Thiswith hickory
system is species also
naturally prominent.
dominated by In the drier
stable, uneven-
West Virginia. It includes calcareous forests on lower in escarpments
and
and exposed
historic
examples,
aged forests,
topography
examples
chestnut
withPlateau. oakare
canopy isattypically
lower over
typical
dynamics
todominated
mid most
dominated
elevations
of by bycombinations
the range, the reflecting
gap-phase
Southern of of
the
Blue Cumberland
Ridge, Southern RidgeExamplesand occur
Valley, andon a variety
Central of landscape
Appalachians
Quercus
relations
regeneration. species
withMost other andoaks Carya arespecies,
Appalachian long-livedsystemssometimes
with to thetypicalwith
east.age Pinus speciespost
In addition,
of mortality
positions
ecoregions. including
Vegetation ridgetops
consists and of upper
forests and midslopes,
dominated mostbut on deeperby
typically
and/or
oak, Juniperus
blackjack virginiana
oak,toand 400scarlet as a significant
oak willand also component
shareoaks dominancein certain
ranging
This
soils
Quercus system
than fromglade
prinus, 200
encompasses
systems
Quercus years.
of Scarlet
oak-dominated
the Quercus
alba, same regions.
rubra, black
forests, often
High-quality
and Quercus are
with and a or
shorter pinebelived
historic
coccinea,
landscape
prominent
with typical positions
in many
ages being and
of the withdrier particular
approximately examples. 50successional
Chinquapin
to 100 years, histories.
oak
while and/or These
white
component
examples
with varying arepresent,
typically
amounts of ofsomewhat
dominated
Carya fire-sheltered
spp.,by Acer
combinationsrubrum, dryand to dry-mesic
of oak
other andspecies. sites
hickory
forests
Shumard
oaks can occur
oak
live in
may
as along
variety
appear
as of
600 inhabitats
drier
years. and are
examples the on
with matrix
high vegetation
base status. type
in the
species,
This East
systemmost Gulf
sometimesconcept Coastalwith
also Plain.
pine Examples
and/or
includesunder red-cedar.
manynatural occur
successional These sites intermediate
forests
communities are in .
thethat
that covers
White oak may of the
also be landscape
present but not typically conditions.
dominant. Examples
In the
moisture
matrix
have been tendency;
vegetation
impacted excluded
typebyof under
logging are orboth
natural xeric and
conditions.
agriculture suchmesic
Fire sites as
frequency
aspositions
types indicated
and
dominated
can occur
submesic on
to a variety
dry-mesic topographic
examples, white and oak landscape
will typically exhibit
by
by the
intensity absence
are
Liriodendron of
factors species
determining
tulipifera, indicative
Pinus the
spp., of these
relative conditions.
mixture of Sites
hardwood where
or and
including ridgetops and upper and mid slopes. Robinia Fire pseudoacacia.
frequency and .
dominance,
this system possibly
occurs arewith black
somewhat oak
protected southern from red
most oak. The fires
natural by a
versus evergreen trees in this system. Much of this system is currently
intensity
understories is a factor determining the relative mixture of deciduous
composed ofare typically shrub-
forestsand thatsmall
combination of steep topography and by tree-dominated,
limited with of the
successional have arisenflammability
after repeated the
hardwood
typical versus
species evergreen
varying with trees
aspect, in this
soil, system.
and Much
moisture of this
relations. system is
vegetation.
cutting,
This system If
clearing, fires were more
and cultivation
encompasses frequent,
the prevailingof the originalthe
uplandvegetationforests.
forests would
The
of the likely
range
southernofbe .
currently composed of successional forests that have arisen after
replaced
this system
Piedmont. byHigh-quality
more
is tolerant
primarily southern
underlain bypines. Pinusare
circumneutral taeda is sometimes
substrates, which
repeated cutting, clearing,and andhistoric
cultivation examples of the original typically dominated
forests. The
present,
influence butthe it is unclear
vegetation if it is
composition. a natural component or has entered only
range of this system is primarily composed of circumneutral substrates, .
by combinations of upland oaks, sometimes with pines as a significant
as a result
component, of past
especially cutting._x000D_
in theinfluence
southernon portions of the region.
and this exerts an expected the composition of theThese
_x000D_
forests occur in a variety of habitats and, under natural conditions,
vegetation.
These spruce-fir forests .
Variation:
were the Offsite
matrix Pine cover
vegetation - Areas
type
large
dominated
covering
expanses byof
most of
the landscape in the
pine._x000D_
the landscape. Much
Acadian
_x000D_ and northern Appalachian regions. They occur at low to
of this system is currently composed of successional forestsare that have
moderate
Other elevations on a variety of landforms. The soils acidic and .
This
arisen isVariation(s):
the most
after repeated Hardwood
extensivecutting, forest dominated.
clearing,system and incultivation
the spruce-fir of region of
original oak- the
usually rocky,
Wetland vegetation mostly well- tofrom
resulting moderately
succession well-drained
following but sometimes
significant
northern Appalachian Mountains. It occurs mostly upwards of 1500 in
hickory forests._x000D_
with somewhat
anthropogenic poorly drained anpatches,
area. It particularly atcharacterized
slope bottoms.
elevation
_x000D_
Reclassed and isdisturbance
restricted toofprogressively is generally
higher elevations by
.
Dominant
unnatural trees are red spruce and balsam fir; black spruce, white
Variation: combinations itofisspecies
southward. Northward, (primarily
often contiguous native
with species,
Acadian though
Loblolly - Sites dominated by loblloy pine. PinesLow- can be
spruce,
they often andcontain
northern white
slight or cedar
substantial are common associates. Yellow birch
Elevation
mature Spruce-Fir
stands on sites Forest.
heavilyAt highernumbers
impacted elevations,
over 60
anditamounts
years gives
ago or way of to
dense
species
is the
alien most typical
to the region as well). hardwood associate; paper birch, beech, and red or .
Acadian-Appalachian
stands regenerating from Subalpine
a moreInWoodlandrecent and Heath-Krummholz,
sugar maple are often present. earlierdisturbance.
successional_x000D_ patches, paper
where
_x000D_ the trees are stunted and more sparse. It often forms anortheast,
mosaic of
This forested
birch, aspen, system
and larchis are onemixed of the matrix
in with forest
the typesand
spruce of the
fir. Small-scale
patches
Other of solid
Variation(s): spruce-fir
Hardwood, and mixed Mixed. spruce-fir-birch patches, with
ranging
blowdowns fromwith central New England
subsequent west to Lake areErie and south to the .
inclusionsgap regeneration the most frequent
occasional smaller of northern hardwoods, or patches of
higher elevations of Virginia and in West
form of natural disturbance, with large-scaleVirginia. Northern hardwoods
thefirestreeimportant
This atleast
rarethe
whitesystem
birch inconsists
former of forests
burn areas. the highest
Overall, elevation cover zoneis atfrom half
such ashardwood
intervals..
These sugar maple, forests yellow birch,
are balsam
one of theandmajor beechecological
are characteristic, systems either
across .
Blue Ridge Red
coniferous. northspruce to the and Central Appalachians
fir are the of Virginiaconifers.
dominant and West Gaps
forming
New a
England deciduous
andsnow, canopy
adjacent or mixed with hemlock (or in some cases
Virginia.
formed byForests
wind, are ice, Canada
generally and dominatedwest toby
harvesting Minnesota.
are red
thespruce,
major TheyFraser occur
replacement fir,inor a
white
various pine).
upland Other common
settings at low and to sometimes
moderate dominant
elevations trees
(generally include red
mixture
agents;
This of
fires the
pine or pine-oakmay two. be Examples
important
forest and coversoccur
but onlyas
large low
rarely. as 3200
aresItofisthe feet at
Greatlimited the northern
Lakes states, .
oak,
<2000) tuliptree,
across black
the cherry,
glaciated black
landscape. birch.Sugar of more
maple, yellow extent
birch,
range
This in West
systemand Virginia,
is found and
inconstrained
the may
driftless range up to the highest peaks.
Northeast,
and more
beechecologically
southern Canada. inregions
Soils the are loamy of southeastern
to sandy, Minnesota,
itsvarying
thesouthern
and areWisconsin,
the dominant trees (the latter only part
east ofof northern range.
Elevation
southwestern
from thin and
soil orographic
over bedrock effects
and to make
northern
deeper Iowa
soils, climate
and
sometimes cool
Illinois. and This
sandy. wet, with
region
These
Fire suppression
Wisconsin); hemlock appears and to have
(east of increased
the Great the
Lakes) extent red of this
spruce system.
are .
heavy
was
dry moisture
not glaciated
forests usually input
like
have from fog
thea surrounding
closed as well
canopy as
areas high
but and
arerainfall. Strong
thus is predominated
sometimes open.winds, Red
This conifer
frequent but and
minor mixed forest system ranges from the northeastern U.S.
extreme
by is a cold,
pinerolling hills
characteristicand canopy
rime ice,
bluff and associates.
other
outcrops.
species thoughextreme
This itPaper notbirch,
weather
system
is is found
always aspen,
are and red on
periodically
primarily
dominant.
and
maple,adjacent
important. along Canada
with whitewest to
pine, the areGreatcommon Lakes in and upper
successional Midwest,
stands. and
blufftops
Eastern
This system andoccurs
white dry
pineupper occurs
in the slopes
frequently
Fall-Line alongSandhills
the
andUpper typifies Mississippi
region some areas.
of forest
from Boreal .
River,
central
is a
This widespread,
system can matrix
include forest
large type.
expanses The forests
of species-richusually occur on
in low-
areas
although
conifers
North it can
may
Carolina range into into
occasionally bordering
be present. regions
Conifers such as
typically the Baraboo
characterize Hills
nutrient
of limestone soilsor at extending
low elevations,
similar bedrock, central
mostly
as well Georgia.
less
as thanIt2000.
forests is
thattheare predominant
Soils vary
relatively
in
theWisconsin.
canopy,in itsbut This
other system contains athe
mosaic of include
woodlands, savannas,
tocommon
Not available treemoist,
species may hardwoods
inforareas
system range, NatureServe
covering most .
from somewhat
species-poor
prairies and sparsely
dry ofsomewhat
granitic
vegetated (orofsimilar)
limestone,
natural
but are
bedrock
dolomite,
landscape
usually or not
and/or acidicof the
extremely
till.
sandstone
such
region. as red
It oak
occurs or on red maple,
upland as
sites well
ranging as aspen
from or paper
gently birch.
rolling, The
broad
dry. White pine,
Blowdowns hemlock,
or occasional
snow and ice andloading,
red oakwith are typical
subsequent canopy gap dominants;
outcrops,
latter
ridgetops with
are particularly
to steeper common
side talus,
slopes, especially
after
as well algific
largeasdisturbances
locally talus. Woodlands
such
indisturbance.
mesic as major
swales and .
beech is
regeneration, a common are the associate
most in
frequent some form areas. of Red
natural maple (or black birch
consist
fires,
terraces. of primarily
windstorms,
Most soils or aaremixture
logging.
well- of
toThe oak species.
shrub
excessively layer Sugar
can
drained. maple,
vary The from yellow
sparse
vegetation tois
This
at thesystem
southern consists
periphery of hardwood
of the range) forests of the
is also higher elevation
common. (Oaks besides zones
birch,
fairly
naturally pines
dense. and
dominated eastern
Blueberries by hemlock
and
longleaf hazel may
pine are occur
typical
(Pinus on more protected
species.
palustris). Fires
Most areas.
occurring
of
red the
oaksouthern
are essentially Appalachians, absent ranging thisnorth to Virginia and West
little from system, beinggrama. more
Prairie
every
associations openings
100-200 have contain
years anabovemaintain
understory bluestem
theofpine-dominated
scrub andoaks. sideoats
Thenature herbare ofclassic
layer this forest. .
Virginia,
representative generally of systems 4500
to thefeet south.) elevation.
Gap Included
replacement fromis
Historically, fire was the most important dynamic maintaining
generally
northern well-developed
treefalls, hardwood
and infrequent forests and
fire, as aredominated
well the asprimary by grasses.
the highest natural elevation Wiregrass
regenerationoak these
forests.
systems, however, fire suppression within the region has allowed
(Aristida
Thus,
modes.examples stricta in may thebenorth,dominatedAristida bybeyrichiana
various combinations in the south) of more .
canopy
dominates cover and very
inhardwoods
most of the few prairie butopenings remain. Algific talus
mesophytic range,
typically othermaple,
sugar grasses dominate
yellow birch, wherebeech, it is
This
harbors systema numberencompassesof unusual oak-dominated
Pleistocene forests
relict of somewhat
species, including fire-
plants
absent.
yellow Forbs, including
buckeye-- or by many legumes,
high-elevation red areoak also abundant.
(without other Frequent,
oaks).
sheltered
and snails.dry to dry-mesic sites in the coastal plain from southeastern .
low-intensity
High-elevation fire is the is
climate dominant
the most natural
important ecological
ecological force._x000D_
factor.
Virginia to Georgia. It occurs in areas somewhat protected from most
_x000D_
Included in this system are limited areas locally known as "beech gaps"
natural fires by some combination of steeper topography, isolation
Variation:
and "boulderfields."Offsite Hardwoods - Sites that have been heavily disturbed .
from the spreadby of offsite
fire, and limited flammability of the vegetation. If
and dominated hardwoods (water oak, sweetgum, red maple,
fires were more frequent, the vegetation would likely be replaced by
tulip poplar)._x000D_
more fire-tolerant southern pines, especially longleaf pine. .
_x000D_
Other Variation(s): Loblolly, Open Understory, Scrub/Shrub
Understory. .
actual distribution of theforests species appears to be much more
This
thesesystem
boundaries. represents Although and
Lawson woodlands
(1990) mapsof the nativeconfined
theOuachita and of
range
this region, there is local variation in the extent to which they
and almost
Ozark mountains
shortleaf absent
throughout from
region the Coastal
of Arkansas,
a relatively Plain
large adjacent (Chester
area of western 1990);
Oklahoma, andwere
when
Tennessee, southern
the
present. For example, thissmallsystem iswas historically orprominent
present, itinoccurs inof only in the(C.
Missouri
actual distribution which shortleaf
the species pinestands an on
appears drybesouthwestern
important
to much dominant
more confinedaspects
Ozark
Nordman Highlands
pers. where sandstone derived soils were common, being
comm.)._x000D_
component.
and almost Although
absent fromexamplesthe Coastal of this Plain system
(Chester occur throughout
1990); when this
excluded
_x000D_ from or diminished in other areas by inadequate winter
region,
present, there
it occursis local in variation
only small instands
the extent on dry tosouthwestern
which they were aspects present.(C.
precipitation
Variation:
This system and non-conducive
Hardwood
occupies - Disturbed
dry rolling soils.
toareas Inwhere
somewhat Missouri hardwoods
dissectedand Oklahoma, including this
For example,
Nordman pers. this system
comm.)._x000D_ was historically prominent onlyuplandsin the of the
system
oaks, occurs
sweetgum, on gently dissected upland cherty plains (insite._x000D_
addition to
Piedmont
southeastern
_x000D_ part tulip
of Virginia of the poplar,
and adjacent
Ozark and red
Highlands maples
Maryland where occupy
where it the
sandstone forms the soils
derived
sandstone
_x000D_
vegetational ridges).
matrix. The Thesecenter of
uplands distribution
are underlain would by be the
plutonic, northern felsic and
were common,
Variation: Mixed being - Sitesexcludeddominated from by or diminished
both short leaf in otherpine and areasoaks by
western
Other Ouachita
Variation(s): Mountains.
Mixed, Inand
Pine. the non-conducive
Ouachitas, theNatural
system occurs on
(Southern red oak, post oak, chestnut oak) co-dominate._x000D_ is .
metamorphic
inadequate and
winter acidic
precipitation metasedimentary rocks. soils. vegetation
In contrast,
the northernbyHogback
dominated dry, mixed Ridges oak excluding
forests with the Novaculite
ericaceous areas to the The
understories.
pine
_x000D_ was virtually ubiquitous in the historical forests of the Ouachitas.
south.
heavily Inericaceous-dominated
nearly all cases, shortleaf pine occurs
understories with a variable
(especially Kalmia mixture
latifolia
In nearly
Other all encompasses
Variation(s): cases (atHardwood, leastthe in the Ouachitas),
Pine. shortleaf pine occurs with
This
of
and
This system
hardwood
Gaylussacia
system species.
baccata)
encompasses The exact
help fire-maintained
composition
tospecies.
the prevailing distinguish upland ofwoodlands
this the hardwoods
system
forests and
offrom forests
is much
Southern
the southern of .
athe
variable mixture of hardwood The exact composition of the
more outer
Piedmont
Piedmont.closely Piedmont
Dry related
Oak-(Pine)
High-quality oftoGeorgia
aspect
and Forest and
and
historic theexamples
(CES202.339).Carolinas
topographic areand
factors the
Elsewhere than
typically Talladega
isdominated
inthethepine
hardwoods
This system isencompasses
much more closely
the related
prevailing to aspect
upland and
forests topographic
of the Piedmont
upland
component.
southern region
Piedmont (quartzite-slate
these species transition)
oaks, are of Alabama, where longleaf .
by
Thiscombinations
factors
from
system
than
Virginia is theofpine
consists
southward.
upland
ofcomponent.
shortleaf
High-quality Inlargely
sometimes
pine- and Virginia
some
and
confined
with pines
examples
historic
toofasmountainous
a significant
pine-dominated
examples this system,
are
pine
regionsis a dominant
and or codominant canopy species. Examples occur on
component,
forests
the in
aggregate themonadnocks
especially
southern
importance in of of the
the
Appalachians inner(lower
southern
hardwoods Piedmont.
portions beof Inthe
elevations) addition,
region.
and
thanadjacentQuercus
These
typically
rolling
prinus to dominated
somewhat
exhibits the by combinations
mountainous
same pattern, andupland of may
Pinus upland
slopes
taeda,
greater
oaks,
inaNorth sometimes
common
pine,
Carolina, with
forests
Piedmont;
especially occur in in
the a
onencompasses variety
northeast,
subxeric of
andand habitats
only
mesic in and,
Virginia.
sites. under natural
Examples conditions,
can occur on a .
This
pines
South system
as a
Carolina,significant Georgia, component.the prevailing
Alabama. These upland
forests
They are forests
occur
believed in ofa the
variety
to southern
naturallyof
successional
were
variety the of matrix treevegetation
topographic in theand southerntype
landscape Piedmont,
covering positionsmost is largely
of
over the absent.
landscape.
acidic Quercus
bedrock, Much
Piedmont.
habitats
be open and, High-quality
woodlands under with and
natural grassy historic
conditions,ground examples
were
cover, thebutare
matrixtypically
many vegetation dominated
areexamples
now type
closed
alba
of thisis system
including the most isabundant
ridgetops, currently
upper and
composed
and constant
midslopes, ofoak asfound
successionalwell in
as intact
forests
lower that have of
by combinations
covering
forests with most denseof of
the upland
landscape.
shrubs or oaks,
with sometimes
Much
little of
groundthis with
system
cover.pines is as aelevation
currentlysignificant .
this
arisensystem
mountain after along
repeated
valleys. with
Frequent, variable
cutting, associates
clearing,
low-intensity and of Quercus
cultivation
fires of coupled coccinea,
of original
with severe oak-
component,
composed of especially
successional in the southern
forests that portions
have arisen the
after region.
repeated These
Quercus
hickory
fires may velutina,
forests._x000D_
haveinbeen andthe Quercus
primary prinus.
factor Embedded submesic ravinesof
Aspen
forests
cutting, parklands
occur
clearing, a are
variety
and found ofprimarily
cultivation habitats ondetermining
and,
of original theunder Glacialnatural
oak-hickory
the conditions,
Lake occurrence
AgassizThey
forests. plain
and concave
_x000D_
this system landforms
and preventing support hardwood slightly more
dominance. diverse forests .
in northwestern
were thepine-dominated
matrix Minnesota, ranging into southern Manitoba and eastern
byvegetation
may be or of type covering
oak-dominated. most of the Cornus
An unusual landscape.
expression Much
of
characterized
Variation: Hardwood mixtures Dominated oaks, - several
The nativehickories,
expression of florida,
this
North
of
this in Dakota.
this system isThese
Virginia currently
consists areas areloblolly
of composed
old flat and ofpineusually
successional
savannahave that failry
forests has rich
that soils
have
developed
and sometimes
system, stongly Liriodendron
dominated tulipifera.
byclearing,
oaks (white, Increased
Southern sitered, disturbance
Northern red,
ranging
arisen
after from
after
frequent loamy
repeated
burns to gravelly
cutting,
on military in
lands.texture. Aspen
and cultivation parklandsof original include oak- a .
generally
post,
This leads
black)._x000D_
system to
is largely secondaryconfined forest vegetation
to steepbrush bluffsprairie,with
bordering a greater proportion
mosaic
hickory of tallgrass
forests._x000D_ prairie, wet prairie, and the northern
aspen-oak
of Pinusofvirginiana,
_x000D_
portion the eastern Pinus
edgeechinata,
of the Mississippi and weedyRiver hardwoods such as Acer
woodlands. They arefrom characterized by quaking aspenAlluvial with Plain.
scattered The
_x000D_
This
geology system
rubrum._x000D_
Other Variation(s):
is ranges
typically Loblolly
mapped the North
Pine,
as the Dakota/Manitoba
Mixed.
Jackson Formation. border
These west
bluffs to bur .
oak andAlberta
Variation: paperMixed birch. Shrubs
- Pines such part
co-dominate as willow and hazel are also prairie
central
_x000D_
extend up The to 150 and m is (500 considered
feet) tallgrass
in elevation ofwiththeand oaks._x000D_
boreal-mixedgrass
from 30 to 60 mwhich (100- is
This
common.
_x000D_ ecological system
most ranges
prevalent from South species Dakota is biginto southern
bluestem,
grassland
Variation:
200 feet) transition
Mixed
above the - region.
Sites
adjacent The
co-dominated
plain. climateThey byin this region
pines
consist (Virginia,
of a is mostly
belt of pitch)
Pleistoceneand
Canada
often
Other
This on moderately
associated
Variation(s):
system includes withHardwood,shallow
yellow
mesic to deep,hardwood
Indiangrass,
Loblolly.
deciduous fine to sandy
reedgrass, loam
and
forests soils.
prairie
of inland These .
subhumid
oaks
and (scarlet,
Tertiary low boreal
black,
eolian with short,
chestnut)._x000D_
deposits (Braun warm 1950) summers
that and
are often cold, deeplylong eroded
sites
portionsare
dropseed. typically
of Fire
the is
East moister
the most
Gulf than
important
Coastal most Plain, of the
natural surrounding
including process that
Alabama, area.
helps This
maintain
This
winters.system is found throughout theand northern partmoisture
of western Greatand
isMuch
_x000D_
and very steep, of
with thislargely
regiontop is tall,
covered with undulating to kettled
system
the open
Mississippi,
Plains. It
composed
parkland
often western
occurs or fertile
brushy
Kentucky,
as small
of
naturesoil
and
to
deciduous
of
largewestern
abundant
this
patchessystem. shrubs
Tennessee.
on Wind occuring
buttes, and
This
(Milleralong
grazing
system
escarpments,
glacial
Other
Neiswender
This till.
system Quaking
Variation(s):1987).
is found aspen
Hardwood,
The characterizes
vegetation
throughout Viginia/Pitch
the is this
oftentoand
western system.
Pine.
richer
Great than Common
Plains surrounding
and is .
upper
are also
covers terrances,
important
parts ofpaper gentle
processes.
the more slopes
themesic near
Conversion
forests breaks,in thePlain toeslopes,
agriculture
coastal plain and oftenfire in of
This
and inupland
associates
non-loessalfoothillare system
areas,zones, or
of usually
birch
those
Atlantic
and
with onbalsam
only
Coastal
northerly-facing
poplar
thin loess with ranges
slopes.
an
deposits. Itportion
from
understory
The
southern
is forestsof
typically
upper found
terraces orassociated
near rivers withand permanent Itormoist
ephemeral streams. Itsites
suppression
the
New Western
Jersey
dominated
mixedgrass by have
Mesophytic
south
bur
species decreased
to
oak Georgia
and with Forest
tall the
ashrubs.
sparse astreams.
range
in Region toof
variety
More ofthisBraun
of
moderate
poorly
usually
system butis
(1950)
cover
drainedand composed
allowed
ofreferred
non-wetland
prairie
sites may toof
moreas
found
may
one
shrubsor on
occur
more
and these
on bluffs
steep
shrubs
trees to withare
northern
establish. intermediate
grasses slopes such or in
as soil
within
junegrass, moisture
canyon for
bottoms
bluebunch the region
that do .
mesophytic
that are
grasses
contain or mixed
naturally
woodland hardwoods,
sheltered
sedges. from as
Shrubs well
frequentsuch as mesic
fire.
as choke forests
Such sites
cherry, in the
include
beakedadjacent
lower
and
not maywillow
experience
wheatgrass, and
bestthread-leaf
beperiodic sedges.
thought of Fire
as and
flooding,
sedge constitutes
mesic. althoughThe vegetationthe
Itsoil most
moisture important
may andsometimes
"Oak-Pine-Hickory"
slopes
hazelnut,
dynamic andin bluffs
snowberry,
this along
system region
or streams to the
Saskatoon
and prevents andfescue.
south
rivers
serviceberry
boreal (Greller
in is similar
1988).
dissected
conifer can occur.
species
to midgrass
Examples
terrain, mesic
Historically,
such of
be
this
referred
topography
prairie
flats systemsystems,
between
to as
allowbut
occur
drier
western
greater
on can
slopes
mesophytic
bethan
pine-dominated easily
and normal forest
moisture
distinguised
ravines uplands between
and
and
may
byconditions share
the uplands
dry presence
floodplains,
some ofwhite
compared
and
and at to
local
higher
spruce cover
andcover of
balsam grass fir species
from occurred
becoming as
too these
establishedstands were
inHighlands. more
this system. open
superficial
the
leastsurrounding
stream 10% bottoms.
similarities
areas.
of
Mesicshrubs withassuming
Occurrences
forests
cove forests
of thecan that
loess beof
littlethetoInterior
either
bluffs tree-dominated
no
are fire
treated suppression
invariableorIn .
separate
raised
due to areas
more within
frequent bottomland
fires. Grazing,terraces or
conversion wet flats.
to Soils
agriculture, are and past
many cases, these
predominantly bluffs
shrubland. provide
Ash and habitat
elm for
tress plant
typically species that are rare
has occurred.
ecological
in both
timber texture
harvesting Fire
systems,andalso and
being
pH. grazing
The
can confined constitute
vegetation
impact to that
this the
consists
system. primary
landform ofcharacterize
of forests
Overgrazing dynamics
steep bluffs
dominated
can also
this
andby
or absenton
system.
affecting Firefrom
this can other
influence
system. parts
Drought of
thisthesystem;
can Coastal
also Plain.feature
however,
impact Braun
grazing
this (1950)
system. is the noted
mostthat .
ravines
trees
lead that deep
include
to a decreaseofinforest loess.
a The
significant
understory most characteristic
component
species, of
and timbermesophytic of
harvestingthe vegetation
deciduous
the composition
prevalent dynamic process changes
influencing from north
this toasouth
system. This alongsystem thecan bluffs;
was
in some
hardwood
completely examples
species,
eliminate may
such beas
examples American
beech of orthis beech,
southern
system. but sugar
Few variety
maple.
good ofexamples
other
Upland and
Beech-Maple
more
often southerly
subjected forests
examples
to heavy are found primarily
are represented
grazing and trampling along
by theby the
~East southern
both Gulf
domestic Coastal of
Great
hardwood
bottomland
this system species
oaks
likely atmaythe
remain also
mid be
range
because found of in the
moisture overstory,
tolerance andare American
usually also
Lakes,
Plain
animals extending
Southern
andnot Loess
wildlife into thecan
Bluff
and northeast
Forest
be heavily inthese
extreme
(CES203.556)$$, disturbances.
degraded westernintheand
some Pennsylvania
these
areas. wouldInby .
Maple-basswood
beech
present, may particularly alwaysforests
whitebe are primarily
present.
oak, but Some found
sometimes stands where
may
also be
southernprairies
dominated red from
oak,
and New York.
contain Itmagnolia
is typically found on flat toandrolling uplands with rich
the westsouthern
addition,
American
cherrybark
exotic
meet
beech
oak, thespecies
and
or forests
white
Shumard
such
fromasas
oak,
an
oak. the important
Siberian
otherseast by
Loblolly inelm component.
Minnesota,
white
pine isoak
As currently
Russian-olive
orWisconsin,
sometimes cherrybark can
and
present, oak
loam
defined
invade soilsthis
this over
system
system. glacial ranges till. northward
This forest is characterized
from about 32 degreesby a dense N tree .
latitude
Iowa.
with
but This
itother
is unclearforestifhardwoods.
mesic system
it ismaterial is distinguished
a natural addition, by
In component orunderlying
loblolly has pine
entered moist
may onlybesoils a and
aslitter.
canopy
(where that
the Bigprovides
Black River in cuts for a thickforming
through layer
the ofa humus
bluffs), and and
occurs leaf onlytoin
the predominance
common
result of in some
past cutting. of hardwood
examplesUnderstories thespecies
southern
are portion moderately
of the range dense
and,
These
the provide
westernmost nutrients
portions forofathis dense
the Upper andusually
richGulf well-developed.
herbaceous layer. Shrub
Sugar
andEast
dense canopy. Examples of system occur Coastalmay
on valley Plain,
slopes
depending
and herb on previous
layers may be disturbance
sparse or moderately site conditions,
dense. beand locally .
maple andnorthern
including beech comprise and central mostMississippi,
of the canopy. western Associates
Tennessee, can include
and
bottoms
dominant often
[see with northern
CEGL004763]. orTo eastern
the aspects.
south this Soils
system areismoderately
replaced by
red oak, Kentucky,
western basswood,being hornbeam, restricted and hop-hornbeam.
todeepthe northern The of
part herbaceous
the Loess
well-drained,
~Southern fertile,
Coastal and
Plain medium
Mesic Slope to Forest loams that
(CES203.476)$$, have developed
which is
This
layer system
Bluff is
Hills is
very(Ecoregionfound and
diverse on74a lower
typically
of EPA slopes, includes
(2004)).toeslopes spring and valley bottoms
ephemerals - .
from
within glacial
the till or loess parent material. Sugar maple typifies this
within
wildflowersthe range that of
Ozark and
bloom spruce
Ouachita pine regions,
in early and
spring southern as well
before magnolia.
theas trees
on north Most
have of theIn
slopes.
completed
system,
vegetation with American
isnorthern
recovering basswood
from one and or more northern forms redofoak severe alsodisturbance
common.
the Ozarks,
leaf-out. Fire is very red oak increases
infrequent. Beech-maplein abundance forests compared
once to dry-
covered
The dense
(Franklin canopy
and Kupfer allows 2000). for a rich mixture of shrub and herbaceous
mesicareas
large habitats, within andtheir sugar maple
range but isconversion
sometimestoa agriculture leading dominant. has On .
species in the understory. Dynamic processes such as wind and fire
more alkalinedecreased
significantly moist soils, thechinquapin
range of this oak, American
forest, and very basswood,
few large and
can impact this may system over the long term. However, the most
eastern
stands redbud
remain intact.be common. In the Boston Mountains, mesic .
immediate
forests maythreats also betocommon remaining on examples
protected of this system are grazing
slopes and terraces next to
and conversion to agriculture. beechThis may system characterized the "Big
streams. Here, American be the leading dominant, with
Woods" region of Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. .
codominants of sugar maple, sweetgum, American basswood,
cucumber-tree, umbrella magnolia, and others. Similar habitats occur
in the western Ouachita Mountains. .
deciduous forests occur on deep andare enriched soils, in non-montane
Appalachian Mountains. Examples generally found on concave
alluvial
settings plain.
and The ridge
usually in is a remnant
somewhat protectedloess-capped landscape featurepositions risingsuch fromas
slopes that promote moist conditions. The system includes a mosaic of
30
covesm to or over
lower 60slopes.
m (100-200 Dominant feet)species
above the alluvial
include sugar plain maple, surface, beech, to
acidic and "rich" coves, the latter with higher diversity and density in
about
tuliptree, 150red m (450 feet) abovetree,
oak, cucumber sea and level. The walnut.
black base of the Hemlockridge ismay be a
the herbaceousTertiary layer. Both acidicoverlain
and richby coves may occur in the same
comprised
componentof of some stands. substrates Trees may grow Quaternary
very large inalluvial undisturbed
site, with the acidic coves creeping out of the draw, up to at least
deposits
areas. The and herb cappedlayerwith is very up rich,
to 15often m (50with feet)abundant
of Pleistocene spring loess. The
midslope on well-protected north-facing slopes. Characteristic species
system
ephemerals. is generally
See alsocomprised
the Southern of mesic and sugar forests Appalachian
Central that occupy ravines Cove
This
in the system
canopy encompasses
include yellow mixed buckeye,deciduous hardwood
maple, (or occasionally
white ash,
The
between
Forest hot, dry, and
narrow,
system, which rocky
"finger" is ofshale
ridges
similar barrens
and
but are a from
slopes
occurs distinctive
inPiedmont
a highly
the system
dissected
Allegheny of the
hardwood-pine)
basswood, tuliptree, forests mountain mesic sites
silverbell, in the beech, cucumber from Virginia
tree,
central
landscape.
Mountains
Pitch Appalachians
The sites
eastward.
pinemagnolia,
barrens ofand from
tend
inland to West
be
regions Virginia
more ofmesic to Pennsylvania.
than
the coves)
northeasternsites elsewhere
U.S. Occurring
occur in the at .
onthe
southward.
mountain Most examples occur
(mostly onacidic
in lower or north-facing
hemlock. slopes
See also
low
flat to
southeastern mid
to rolling elevations,
United
glacial the
States.
outwash substrate
In many
plains, includes
cases,
ancient areas
these of
slopes
sandwhich dunes,solidand rock
ravines as well
where topography
South-Central
Pine-oak barrens Interior creates mesic
Mesophytic moisture
Forest conditions.
system, A mixisand ofglacial
similar a small to
as shale
provide
till.
This Thesystem
scree,
habitat
sandy forare
usually
soils
encompasses
found
plant
are steeply
dry a
in pockets
species
to
range
sloped.
very that
of dry,
throughout
The
are
woody rare
acidic,exposure,
orand
vegetation
thesteep
absent low
northern
from
in
present
slopes,
other
nutrients.
and
on parts .
number
this
This
westernbut of
occurs
systemGreatmesophytic
is west
comprised
Lakes of trees
the
region. of is
Allegheny
dry usually
They pitch mainly dominant,
Mountains.
pine woodlands
occur with
on dry, beech
of the
sandy most
coastal
glacial
unstable
of thepine
Pitch shale
alluvialisCape scree,
plain and
(e.g., lack of soil
tuliptree, create
American extreme
basswood). conditions Canopies for are
barrier
prominent.
plain
outwash islands
from plainsAthefewand usual
Cod
where
dominant;
near-coastal
places south support
wildfire through
could
open
strands
heath Long
be
woodland
from
bluffs,
Island
quite
is the
southeastern
whereand
frequent. dense
New typical
Jack Virginia
shrub
Jersey, cover.
pine, layers
with
plant
dominated
This
Red growth.
system
oak, by
white The
American
consists
pine,barrens
of are
beech,
andpredominantly
gray usually
white
birch a mosaic
oak, and
evergreen
areAtlantic
common of woodlands
tuliptree,
woodlands
associates. with and
many
occupying
Thickets large
(Virginia
of mesophytic
occasional Beach) heath
occurrences northward
shrubssouth along
occur
to the
beneath
Maryland. an
The Coastal
open deep, tree Plain
canopy.
sandy to
soils Cape
Fire is
northern
open areas
associates.
very pin
exposed, of oak,
sparse
convex,and, to a
vegetation.
often lesser
rocky degree,
Dominant
south- red
and pine,
trees are eastern
west-facing primarily white
slopes, pine,
chestnutridge .
of
Cod.scrub
naturallyIt oak
includes or
infrequent dwarf
forests chinkapin
inoak, and
thisare oak
shrublands
system, are common.
whose
due toofthe A
structure
slopes thick
and and low-shrub
moist
support
black
oak and various
oak, and
Virginia combinations
whitepine, although of
mostoncanopycommon.
more pitch
alkaline They pine tend
substratesor pine-oak,
to be
the a
spurs,
layer iscrests,
composition typical, andwith
are clifftops
blueberry,
influenced inbythe central
huckleberry,
proximity Appalachians,
and sweetfern inSouthern Ridge
conditions.
tall-shrub
surrounded
common trees
If
byfire
layer closed
include
does
dominated penetrate,
forests
red-cedarbyofshrubby
jackit is likely
and apine oakto
white
marine
and/orto
species,
ash.
bemixed
low
Shale
environments,
and aintensity
oak
barren low-shrub
and and
pine,
and Valley
characteristic.
including
may not and
both
have Southern
The
upland
significantbarrensand Blueare Ridge.
often
wetlands.
ecological They
patchwork
Vegetation
effects. occur at
of
includesmoderate
open pine
narrow to upper
bands .
layer
where
endemics--characterized
fires(1500-4000
burn less
plants by
specially lowbush
frequently. adapted blueberry
Some to be and
species
able other
toknown low
survive shrubs.
from the The
tallgrass
harsh
elevations
woodlands,
of forests, closed-canopy
often featuring feet). The underlying
forest,
stunted scrub
trees oak
with rock
shrublands,
contorted is acidic and
branches, and dwarf- and
composition
prairies
conditions-- may or and
be structureinofin
common
aremetasedimentary
diagnostic this
oak-pine system
thedepressions
herb are closely
barrens,
layer, including
and these tiedhabitats
to fire
little bluestem
sedimentary
shrub-herb
dense vine frost
layers. pockets.
Different Small
treesare (e.g.,
may quartzites,
be present can sandstones
create
depending pockets andsupport
upon with
frequency.
and
many big In
bluestem.
rare general,
species. Other treecommonoaks more
species prevalent
include in those
Pennsylvania stands with .
sedge,
shales).
saturated
actual Thesoil,
location soils and are
dominated very
degree infertile,
byof shrubs
protection shallow
such as and
hazelnut,
fromfoster droughty.
mostthe buttonbush,
extreme A thick,
maritime
infrequent
American fire,
hazelnut, while and fires every
lowbush 8-10
blueberry.years Oak 'grubs', growth or the of "pine
poorly
highbush
influences; decomposed
blueberry,
major duff
and alder.
species layer,
can along with
Grassy
include areasdead
loblolly wood
dominated
pine, and
pitch bypine,highly
little black
plains,"
shrubby dwarf
forms pine
of oak stands 1 meter
tree species, in
may height.
be Dwarf-shrubs
common in areas such
that as
burn
volatile
bluestem
cherry, heath
with
beech, shrubs,
native
post creates
wild
oak,isand a
lupine, strongly
American bushclover, fire-prone
holly. and habitat.
other forbs Table provide .
This
bearberryecological
frequently. and Intense system
golden-heather
wildfire composed
in often
nearby offorests
form variable
a groundmay montane
layer
create inconiferous
pine
large plains.
Mountain
habitat for pine
several is diagnostic
rare and oftenincluding
invertebrates dominant, the occurring
Karner with pitch
blue
forests
Scrub
openings, typically
oak standsbelow
impacting mayforest Pacific
occur silver
without
soils fir forests
pine
and converting cover,along the'bracken
particularly
them to crest ineastlow-of
pine, Virginia
butterfly. pine,system orvertebrate
Carolina hemlock. The canopy is usually open,
areasImportant
the Cascades. This also species
includes include
montane the hognose
forests along snake, rivers
lying
grasslands' where
that oftencold-air
appear drainage
similar inhibits
to natural pine growth.
oak-pine Where
barrens. the .
but areas
whippoorwill, of closed
nighthawk,canopy may
and pine be present,
barrens especially where Carolina
pinetreefrog.
and slopes, and in mesic These barrens
water table is close to the"coves" surface, which
pitch were historically
lowland protected
(a separate
hemlock
always haveis prominent.
a history ofInrecurrent
some areas fires, pinesand mayfire be able to maintain
is required to maintain
from
system) wildfires.
occurs. Most
These occurrences barrensofare
pineconditions, thisvery system similar are dominated
in structure by a
dominance
them. due to edaphic such as very shallow soil and or .
mix of Douglas-fir
composition to the with grand firInterior
Northeastern and/or western Pine hemlock.
Barrens system Severalbut arebut
extreme exposure which can produce sustained drought conditions,
other conifers by
characterized canadditional
dominatespecies or codominate, indicative including
of the coastal western plain red-
most sites appearpine, eventually to white
succeed to oakand in the absence larch. of fire.fir
cedar,
setting. lodgepole western pine, western Grand
These
Fire dry, Douglas-fir
is alsofire-sensitive, forests
presumably ashade-tolerant and
strong influence woodlands occur
on vegetation at middle to low .
and other species dominate structure, forests on
elevations
producing inmoremountains in the greater Yellowstone region and extend
many sites aonce open woodland canopy structure and more
dominated by Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine, which
out in all directions
herbaceous ground cover. within the Middle Rocky Mountains. Limber pine .
were
or lodgepole pines may be present and form a mixed tree layer. forests
formerly maintained by wildfire. They are very productive
These
in are variable
the eastern Cascades mixed conifer forests, usually with Douglas fir
such aswhich have been priority stands for timber
Common
These are shrubs,
mid-elevation, mallow-leaf
moist to wet, ninebark,
mixed common
conifer forests juniper,found in .
present
production.
These with
ponderosa some Ponderosa
pineand woodlands pine, and often with some
savannas (grasslands lodgepole with pine,
mountain
the inland snowberry,
areas ofwhite the Pacific creeping Northwest. Oregon-grape It occurs often form
on valley abottoms,
layer
larch,
scattered or western
trees) areGrasses
found pine.in This
thepinegrass, system
foothills also
inRoss' includes
the northwestern the driest
US
This
beneath systemthe occurs at the broad transition between sagebrush andand dry
canyons
Douglas-fir andtrees.
-toesslopes
grand where
fir forests. like soil
The moisture
understory is high,
ofsedge,
thesebutand sites
forests spike
are fescue
arenot
western
conifer
are Canada.
forests.
frequently It Ponderosa
present,is comprised
but pine
usually of is usually
Ponderosa
withorred-cedar, the pine
low cover.with only or tree present,
Douglas-fir
flooded.
variable Western
but often hemlock
open, with and western
grassses Douglas-fir are .
although
savannas occasionally
or open woodlands, Douglas-fir, limberdeciduous
with sagebrush pine, and western shrubs.
bitterbrush larchFire or
and
most common. Moist begrand
suppression is changing these firforests,
forests are
leading included. Other trees such
western
bunchgrass juniper can
understories. found.Theyin Itoccur
occurs on on all to
dunes, greater
slopes
rocky and dominance
ridges, aspects, and of
This
as
grand ecological
western
fir, and white systemoccurs
reduced pine, lodgepole
cover of the
pine,
Ponderosa interior
Pacific
pine. montane
yew, and zone western of thelarch .
usually
scablands, hadora broken
grass layer rockofwhere pinegrass conditions or Idaho fescue,
prevent historically
a typical forest or
Pacific
may Northwest
beopenpresent. in northern
Ground cover Idaho
isvery
usually and adjacent
composed Montana,
of moist
These
characterized
woodland frompineby woodlands
widely
developing, spaced, and
but savannas
enough largetreesare
pine found
trees.
become in the forbs,
Other
established common
These
Washington,
ferns woodlands Oregon, and
and/or deciduous occur in
shrubs the Rocky
in southeastern
like american Mountain interior foothills
twinflower,British speckledfrom
Columbia. the to It
northwestern
grasses
form a include
savanna Greator Plains
bluebunch
open on gentle
wheatgrass,
woodland. to steep
needlegrass, slopes along prairie escarpments,
fescue or .
northern
also
alder, appears
RockyColorado in the east
Mountain Front Range
Cascades
maple, to Montana
of Washington.These
spreading extending
snowberry, east
andarefool's-openthe
into
These
buttes,
dry are
sedges. woodlands
canyons, Shrubs ridges,suchand asforests
ravines antelopeandfound rocky acrossareas.
bitterbrush, thebasinintermountain
Ponderosa big pine
sagebrush, west,
in the
plains
woodlands
huckleberry.on rocky andThese hills,
savannas especially
forests dominated
are very on cooler byColorado northand
western
productive slopes.
larch, The valuable
historically
produce trees are
but
most especially
mountain common snowberry in
tree theand mountains
and ranges
greenleaf of the
from scatter
manzanita large arePlateua
trees
common, inand aeither Great
grassland
and
often
maintainedpatchy by and fire.it include
Ponderosa tree pine
"savannas" and composed
Douglas-fir canof occur, limber .
timber.
Basin.
(savanna)
increase They to
with occur
dense
lack of on
trees moist on
fire. These soils
cooler on north
woodlandsslopes facinginand the mountains,
slopes,
savannas but is
were butbut are
frequently
pine,
these Utah
are juniper,
very open, Rocky
with Mountain
limitied tree juniper,
cover. or a mix
Understory of these
varies small
from
also
an found
open
widespread on
woodland. clay-rich
in the Junipers
interior soils in
and
northwest,intermontane
some deciduous
although valleys. trees
they are These
may forests
be
declining limber as are
present. the
In the Sites
trees.
grasses, high
low mountains
are often
evergreen of
rocky the
shrubs Great
with tofew Basin
deciduousshrubs and oreastern
grasses.
shrubs, California,
with However
the taller some
afires
mixthat
Prairie ofgrasses
deciduous
maintained are and
common
them coniferous
are(bluestem,
suppressed.trees, with
grama, quaking
western aspen
wheatgrass, always or .
pine
sites
shrubs and
may bristlecone
have more
declining after pine
abundant woodlands
fires.conifer shrub
These are found
and grasses.
woodlands on high-elevation
and Sagebrush,
savannas are ridges
mountain
abundant,
rocky and
junegrass) with one or more
occasional shrubs. species,
The woodlandsespecially were ponderasa
often pine,
restricted
and
mahogany,
disappearing slopes
antelope
as above
fires are the
bitterbrush, subalpine
suppressed, and forests.
skunkbush
being Site
invaded areare harsh
common
by grand for woody
shrubs
fir,
Douglas-fir,
to fire-protected subalpinerocky fir,
areas, Engelmann
but within spruce,
the lastor lodgepole
century have pine.expandedAs
plants,
and blue
subalpine with fir,drying
grama, winds,spruce
needle-and-thread,
Engelmann rocky and soils and acurly
prairie
hemlock. shortbluegrass,
growing season. or .
the
out forest ages,
intowoodlands
thewheatgrass quaking
prairieoften to become aspen slowly dies out until the conifer species
These
bluebunch on woodlands
arecommon
are southwestern-facing
grasses. and_x000D_
forestssteep because slopes, of or on
become
successful dominant.
fire Many different shrubs, grasses or herbs are morefound
ridge
Burning tops. Theprevention.
is infrequent trees are and
When fires
widely-spaced,
spotty because
doand occur,
generallygnarledthey are often
when
rocky theyoften
soils are
in these
severe forests,
now, which
killing the ponderosa can be quite pinediversetrees. in species. Many of these .
mature.
lack Intermountain
continuous vegetation bristlecone
needed pines
for fire can to reach
spread. agesBirds well suchover as1500
mixed forests are believed to have replaced pure aspen forests due to
years.
Clark's Shrubs,
nutcracker grasseswill and cache herbs are typically
the large seeds from not abundant.
this pine and Often the
fire supression and heavy grazing. Aspen is thin-barked and readily
herbs are 'cushion
inadvertenly plant plants',
trees in anew group areas. of plants with low, matted .
killed by fire, but itprotects
is adapted tofrom
fire by therespouting from rootstock
appearance which them dry, cold winds. The seeds
when the trees are collected
killed. Without fire,nutcracker,
these mixedand forests will slowly
of limber pine are by Clark's are cached by
convert to a conifer-dominated forest. .
these birds for future food. Sometimes the seed caches are not returned
to by the nutcrackers, and clumbs of seeds will sprout, with many pine
seedlings then growing all together. .
typically very cold inaspen winter and dry in summer.
for someThis system
most is found
white bark, quaking forests make of the beautiful
dominated
on ridgetops, almost
mountain entirely by
slopes, lodgepole
glacial pine,
trough often
walls 'even
and aged',
moraines,
These
of westernare subalpine
forests. They forests, occur occasionally
across a wide found rangeat lower elevations,
of elevations intalus
the
meaning
slopes, the
landslides trees all
and began
rockslides, growth and at the
cirque same time,
headwalls and and are the
basins. same It
where
mountains,lodgepole from about pine is1,525 the most to 3,050 common meters, treebut duerequire
to rocky and rain
adequate
age.
includesIn addition
opensoils. areasto lodgepole
with clumps pine, other
ofwell-drained
whitebark trees pine,can occur, as well most as
nutrient-poor
or snow Places include pumice deposits,
These
commonly
woodlands arefall the tomost
maintain
subalpine
dominated abundant
fir,
by
the soil
Engelmannhighmoisture
whitebark elevation
spruce,
pine
that
or
deciduous
conifer
quaking
subalpine forests
aspen,trees
larch. andor need.
Ininthe
glacial
The till
shrubs, andherbs alluvium
and on
grasses valley found floors
in where
aspen cold-air
forests are pools
very the
diverse.
woodlands
douglas-fir.
Cascade found
Underinthe
Mountains mountains
and trees, there
northeastern of the western
canOlympic
be dense US, occurring
shrubs,
Mountains, theon
or grassy cold,
tree
evenings,
Aspen is a on warm,
"clonal" dry
species,shallow with soils
groups over of fractured
trees growingquartzite from bedrock,
the
higher
swards,
clump elevation,
or evenis mostly
pattern dry manifestation,
to barren
moist sites. ground. They are are
Lodgepole notalsofound
forests onusually
wetterwith
or on roots
same shallow spreaddryone soils
through of volcanic
a large but
ash.
area. these
Following
After a fire a(or woodlands
fire that event
other kills all
upland
establish
an open sites, suchwithout
following
canopy, asa north-facing
fire,a because
tree toeslopes
this lodgepole
species andpatchiness
canmoistrapidlyvalley beginbottoms.
the
such trees
as previously
avalanche, growing
insect outbreakonclump/opening
a site,or clearcutting pine
by willto
man or them;
rapidly
beaver) in
In addition
seedling
fact, that is to
growth
quiteEngelmann
in areas
common spruce
where
with and trees
other
whitebark subalpine have
pine. fir,
been Douglas-fir
killed by and
fires.
sprout
kills from seed,
a conifer and grow into thedense, even-aged (trees the sameto .
of resprout
lodgepole
This is because pineortrees aspen
the conesmay forest,
be
arecommon.
aspenQuaking
tightly sealed
clones can
by sap, aspen rapidly
may be
releasing thepresent
seeds
age)
become forests.
astands.
new Other
aspen conifers
forest. cannotaspen grow on these extreme sites. These
in some
only when they Near
are upper Some
burned. treeline,
The seeds because
thenclones ofarewind
germinate thought
and
on to be
snow
bare many
ground
This
forestsis a
are high-elevation
dominated by system
lodgepole of the
pine Rocky with Mountains,
shrubs and the dry
or ribbonsorofbe .
centuries old, even though the trees themselves live about grasses,
150 years.
deposition,
where fire these
has woodlands
removed the duff maylayer formofpatchy "islands"
old needles. Lodgepole
eastern
barren ofCascades
growth and
under eastern
the Olympic
trees. Sometimes Mountains. there These
are areRocky
intermingled the major
These
trees,
forests woodlands
sometimes
in central occura shrubby
with throughout the southern
(krummholz) and central
growth form. Common
subalpine
mixed forests Colorado
conifer/quaking of theaspen arestands
northern currently
Rockies,that suffering
foundononhigh
occur gentle
pockets death rates steep
to deep
of very of
Mountains
shrubs
mature and
trees and due extend
dwarf-shrubsto an west are
epidemic into
creeping thepine
of Colorado
Oregon-grape,
bark Plateaucommon
beetles. region. They juniper,
mountain
finer-textured
thrive
slopes,
in adverse soils.high-elevation
In central Oregon,
environments
ridgetops and upperponderosa
that are Douglas-fir,
dry, rocky
slopes, plateau-
and windy, pine, on .
often
or grouseberry, while black crowberry, Cascade azalea, and square-
like
and
Dry surfaces,
white firandbasins,
may alluvial
bewarmer
present terraces,
as well. well-drained
Shrubs mayslopesbebenches,
dense orand not
twigforests
exposed ridges
blueberry woodlands
and
shrubs are common with
south a ormixinwestof conifer
the facing
northern trees
Rockies.that occur
at montane
Naturalto
inactive
present atstream
all. terraces. In drier and warmer regions, such as
throughout
upper treeline.
disturbances
Mesic mixed
theare southern
These
coniferoccasional
forests
Rocky
woodlands blowdown,Mountains.
areinfound are composed insect
inin cool,
In this
outbreaks
moist
region
of limber and
locations
of
pine or thefire .
relatively
severe
of
This ecological
Colorado and New system Mexico,occurs they cool
occur ravines,cooler on toeslopes
and moister andlandscape
dry climate,
bristlecone
(200-350 theytrees
pine
years). are found
with Rocky
Disturbance on from all aspects
Mountain
logging onis mountain
juniper,
common slopes,
lodgepole
whereslopes ridges
pine, of
more
southernnear
benches
settings, Rocky creeksMountains.
andside streams They ingrow
the on with
lower
mountains and middle
of northern and
and ridgesuch
ponderosa
accessible. tops,
pine, ascanyon
north-facing
whitebark pine, slopes,
slopes, and
Engelmann areas
plateaus. spruce late-lying
The or mix snow,
of trees
Douglas-fir ortrees
is
ravines,
central
toeslopes.
This system
on
Utah, stream
They into
isinbest
terraces,
southern
aredescribed
dominated on
Idaho,asby
north- as
aThese
or
well
Engelmann
savanna
east-facing
as in
that scattered
spruce
has
slopes,
widely
and
localities
and subalpine
spaced
otherallfir, .
variable,
less common depending the on
tree elevation
canopy. and moisture
pines areconditions,
long-lived as well
with as
some
places
the way where
south soils
into are moist.
theTheyTrans-Pecos Douglas-fir, of blue spruce, and arewhite fir on
and
how the
ponderosa
long
individuals
shrubs,pine
since
living
grasses
trees.
the and
fire.occur
lasttrees,
over 2000
wildflowers
Douglas-fir
years atandtheTexas.found
lower
forests
have
They
with
treeline,
occupy
wind-sculped
are
them usually
where
drier
found
highly
montane
sites,
branches
are
rockythe
diverse. most
soils These common
with some moisture but Engelmann
held by the spruce
soils. or
These ponderosa
woodlands pine are .
forests
often
that give
with wayforests
ponderosa to valley burngrasslands.
pine. very
At infrequently.
higher, Elevations
cooler range
elevations from
white less
willthan
fir is
may are
This very
be
dominated
knarled
widespread
present.
by
and
Quaking
bigtooth
twisted.
ecological
maple aspen Birds
but may
such
issystem
also asmost
is Clark's
sometimes
include mixed
nutcracker
common
found.stands throughout
Many
1900
commonly
cache mthenorthernfound,
large Wyoming
along with toblue 2700 m on
spruce, the
quakinghigheraspen, plateaus andof the
limber
the cordillera
different
codominated deciduous ofseeds
by the
Gambel
from
Rocky
shrubs oak,
these
Mountains,
often pines
form
scattered aand
from
denseinadvertenly
conifers, thelayerGreaterunder
box-elder
plant
Yellowstone
the trees
trees,in
or quaking
interior
pine.
new As
areas.southwest.
many as This
seven system
conifer istreefoundspecies on rolling
can be plains,
found plateaus,
growing or
region
such asItsouth.These
Rocky Mountain woodlands maple, occur
bigtooth where montane
maple, speckled forests givered- way .
aspen.
dry slopes
together. also
The occurs
usually
shrubs onandon
moresteeper,southerly
grasses north-facing
are aspects.
adapted slopes
toSavannas
drier arealder,
atconditions.
higher maintained
In the
to valley
osier dogwood,
elevations, grasslands
oftenfive-petal or shrublands,
adjacent cliffbush,
to Rocky typically
mallow-leaf
Mountain inGambel
warm,
ninebark, dry, exposed
New
Oak-Mixed
by a fire
past, fires pattern
were of frequent,
variable in how low-intensity
often and surface
how severe (burning
they in the
were. grass
Now,
sites.
Mexico
Montane Theselocust, woodlands
Shrubland square-twig are
or Rocky found
blueberry,
Mountainon allandslopes and
whortleberry.
Aspen Forest aspects Manybut
andofWoodland. can
herbs be .
and
fires needle
have litter)
been fires.
prevented A healthy
and many exampleof these often consists
forests don't open
burn and
very
common
and grass-like on steep plants slopescan or be ridgetops.
found, including Ponderosa fringedpinebrome,is the commonGeyer's
park-like
often. stands dominated
However, when they by do ponderosa
burn the pine.
fires areGrasses
severe, and
andherbskill most grow
tree;
sedge, Douglas-fir,
Ross' sedge, two-needle pinyon, lodgepole pine, quaking
fleabane,aspen,
and dry-spike
usually aresedge, screwleaf muhly,
under
of the the
trees. trees, species that resprout following surface .
and juniper
Virginia may be present.
strawberry, small-flower Under the trees is usually shrubby, with
logs arewoodrush, mountain sweet-cicely,
fires. Shrubs and downed uncommon. A century of human
sagebrush,
bittercress manzanita, bearberry, mountain-mahogany, cliffrose,
Open pine ragwort,
disturbance and fire and
dominated meadowrue.
woodlands
suppression found
has Fires on do
resulted dryinnot a happen
mountain
higher density often due
terraces ofand to
bitterbrush,
the moist, Gambel
cool oak, snowberry, choke cherry, Saskatoon
conditions. .
plateaus, usually
ponderosa pine on the
trees, east side the of the Sierra or andCascades, or
so inaltering fire
andpatterns speciesmixes composition.
serviceberry (less Montana), wild rose. Diverse of
Transverse
Presently, Ranges.
many They include
ponderosa pine Ponderosa
savannas have pine woodlands,
lotsfireof areyounger Jeffrey
treeswith
Lowland
grasses and and lower
herbs aremontane
also ofund. mixed The conifer
patterns woodlands,
of dominated
variable, byof
pine woodlands,
Douglas-fir or fir,oras occasionally
well as younger mixes of
ponderosathe two. pine. Rarely in the
Jeffrey
sometimes pine,high-intensity,
with a diverseinfreqent array of fires, mixedorconifers in some found on serpentine .
northern Modoc, Washoe pine replaces Jeffrey pine. cases At themore drier edges,
soils.
freqeunt, Often, low but not always
intensity fires. stoney,
The rocky thesesites sitesusually
usuallydoare notfairly
allowopen fires
western
Dry mixed Juniper
conifer occurs.
forests Historically
and woodlands, these usually
were open with with grassy
Douglas-fir
woodlands,
to spread very with far, a variable
except understory
under unusually ranging dry, from
hot dense
conditions. evergreen
understories,
codominant but most
with sugar stands
pine,and now have
incense cedar,shrubbyand/or understories pine. In .
shrubs to more open grasss wildflowers. They Ponderosa
occur below 1500 m
dominated feet) by
the transverse snowberry,
ranges of below bitterbrush,
southern sagebrush,
California, incense evergreen,
cedar and canandbe
(4550 in elevation winter snow accumulations
These
ceanothus.are mixed
due to conifer
fire forests
suppression. and woodlands found on serpentine
codominant
typically experience with white hotfir and in drythissummers.
sytem, butCommon further north species white fir is .
include
soils above 1500 m (4550 feet) in elevations in the Kalmath-Siskiyou
an indicator of
Douglas-fir, the moist-mesic
foothill pine, sugar mixed pine, Jeffrey coniferpine, system. These forests
knobcone pine,
Mountains.
This system These
represents are variable,
mid to highbut elevation,
usually have open Shasta
woodlands red fir, or
and woodlands were fire maintained ecosystems, mostly now found
tanoak,
These
western incense-cedar,
arewhite,
mixed conifer
Jeffrey manzanita
orforests
foxtail spp.,
dominated huckleberry
by with oak,
whiteevergreen and
fir, usually withon .
bear-grass.
dominated
ridgetops, by western
south and white
west-facing pine,pine slopes,
present,
occasionally Evergreen withand white fir,shrubs
deciduous occuring
some Douglas-fir,
dominating the incense cedar,
understory. Woodlands pine (Ponderosa,
often haveOregon Jeffrey,
smaller sugar patches most of
in the desertcan
hardwoods mountains
occur in of theNevada,
understory, south-central
but if these make and up eveneastern 20%
often),
barrens orand with Shasta
wetlands red
within fir at
them. higher elevations. In limited locations
California.
of the canopyThey theyoccur on all slopes
are classified and aspects,
as a different system.but most understory .
The frequently
in the central Sierra Nevada, giant sequoia dominates, usually withand
are
is found onusually
variable, drier areas, including southeast
with deciduous shrubs, and northwest
evergreen shrubs slopes
and
These
white areand
fir, giant conifers forests, found in the coastal fog belt. Among
are comprised of large, widely spaced white pine fir.
at the highest elevations also with California red
ridges.
wildflower They present. trees .
the tallest
These forests forests in the world,
are variable, withcoast diverse redwood,
understories Port Orford containing cedar,
with a grass, or mixed grass - forb and shrub understory. At the lower
Douglas firshrubs,
evergreen and western deciduous hemlock shrubs treesandgrow forbs.over These300 forests
feet tall, have
These
edges arestands,
of forestsoror onshrublands,
north slopes usuallyor moist found on
sites, recent
white or canunstabilized
100 fir be They
an
sometimes
expanded inwith
lower tanoak
areas and
of laurel
the subcanopies
mountains with over
fire feet
suppression. tall. .
landslides,
important most
component commonly on toeslopes above rivers, or immediately
terracesofand these stands, alongUnderstory
with Ponderosa
occur on river coastal slopes. plantspine are at the
along
lower the coast oror
elevations, anywhere
occasionally else landslides
lodgepole are pine. common.
DouglasThroughout fir, incense
diverse and typical of coastal conifer forests, although usually are
most
cedar and sugar pine are not present in this system. although other
of the region, they are dominated by red alder, .
composed
deciduous of evergreen shrubs orthimbleberry, perennial wildflowers. Theseclub and
species salmonberry, currents, devil's
beautiful tall trees are not to be confused with their Sierran foothill
sometimes bigleaf maple can also be codominant. Similar looking
cousins, the Sequoia Redwood, which tend to be larger in girth. .
habitats
This is aare createdforest following logging of unstable slopes. Compare this
dominant system in western Oregon and Washington,
with thesupporting
North Pacific Avalanche Chute Shrubland, which occurs at
usually mixed forests of Douglas-fir, Pacific silver fir and
higher elevations, and rather than landslides, is created by avalanches. .
western hemlock. These are giant conifer forests, with trees often over
250 feet tall if undisturbed. The understory is variable, including
shrubs, forbs, or ferns, and extensive down logs and snags. .
saltwater andred arecedar.
most abundant
They are along found the coast of Vancouver Island,
and western at low elevations, and usually
southern and northern portions of coastal British Columbia, the
within 15 miles of the ocean, with cool summers, abundant fog, very
Olympic Peninsula
withoutof Washington, and the islands of southeastern
wet winters a major snowpack. Most remnants are old-growth
Alaska. They live on the outermost coastal fringe where salt spray is
forests with dense understories of evergreen shrubs such as salal and
This lowland
prominent, mixedside
stream hardwood
terraces-and conifervalley forest
bottoms system near occurs
the coast
evergreen huckleberry, deciduous shrubs (fools and red huckleberry),
throughout
where therethe Pacificfog
is major Northwest.
accumulation. These Alongforests are composed
coastal bluffs, these of large
are
and ferns including
(swordfern and deer fern). The abundance of western red-
conifers,
open forests with douglas-fir,
dense evergreen western
shrub red-cedar,
understories, grand but fir,western
a little
cedar in relation to other conifers is one of the diagnostic characters of
hemlock,
further and/or
inland they sitka
are spruce,
more with deciduous hardwood trees present
is the typical,
Theseforests;
are the themajor lowland conifer coastal
forests found tall conifer rain-forests,
in foothills
these other low abundance of Douglas-fir andand Sitka
and
with usually
towering codominant,
trees and such
prolific as bigleaf
ferns. maple, oregon white oak, red .
mountains of western Oregon, Washington
spruce. Where these forests are best developed they occur in a mosaic and British Columbia.
alder, cascara false buckthorn, and pacific dogwood. Under the tree
They
with occur inrepresents
forested a matrix the
wetlands, with
bogs, theand moist-site
Sitka spruceDouglas-fir western
This
canopy system
are many deciduous moist-site
shrubs suchvariant
as vine offorests,
the
maple,major which lowland
beaked are often
hemlock
found on forest
stream system.
banks Historically
and on steep, they
nutrient were richcharacterized
soils. bytall
conifer
hazelnutforests
and pacific foundpoison-oak,
in foothills and mountainsshrubs,
but evergreen of western includingOregon, salal .
Douglas fir forests, with western hemlock co-dominant or occasional
Washington
and dwarf and British Columbia.
oregon-grape, ferns and with They occur in
wildflowers a matrix with the
grand firsuch as redwood
in the
This understory,
system representssometimes along
the woodlands, savannas or western
and open red cedar,
forests that
dry-site
sorrel, canDouglas-fir
be dominant. western hemlock forest system. Historically they
although
occur on themany havelava
recent become flowsconiferfound plantations. the These dry-site stands .
were characterized by a mixed of tallthrought
western hemlock, Cascades westernof thered
have
Pacificunderstory
Northwest. species
The such as includes
system salal, Oregon lava flows grape,from rhododendron,
2000 to 8200
cedar and Douglas fir forests, although many have become conifer
These
and are
twinflower large, moist
with the montane
ubiquitous conifer forests,
swordfern. found in the wettest and .
years old, asThese
plantations. well as other volcanic
moist-site giant coniferevents in thesehave
forests northwestunderstory systems
most productive areas of the Pacific Northwest's mountains. Pacific
pyroclastic
species such flows, mudflows,
as mountain
swordfern, lahars,oxalis,
Oregon and debris salmonberry, avalanches devil'screate club,
These are high forests and woodlands dominated by red
silver
This
openings fir,
system
vanilla-leaf,
western
in occurs
the
and
hemlock
on ridges
northwest
huckleberry.
and and
conifer western
rocky
forests, red
slopes cedar
which areslowly
around
are the dominant
timberlinerepopulated atfir, .
either
trees ofCalifornia red fir, Shasta red fir or noble fir. They are found
2900
by m these
plant (9500
life.
forests,
Depending
which rarely
feet) elevation on the in the support
southern
ageoften
Douglas-fir.
and elevation, Sierrathey Nevada The forests are
can and be
usually
varied, on
althoughdeep, well drained
most of these soils,
have some on
shrubsridges, in moutain
the understory,terraces andor
Transverse
dominated anda Peninsular
by combination ranges,
of up to 3500vine
Douglas-fir, m (11,500
maple, feet)
subalpine in thefir,
slopes,
many usually
are dominated in areas with
by huckleberry heavy snowpack.
evergreen, Other conifers
Alaska,Cascades. can
or red. Tree . often
Sierra
lodgepole Nevada, pine,and 2450
or western mwhite(8000pine, feet) in thewith
along southern the native shrubs and
be found, but are not usually important. The understory is variable,
species
forbs from often theoccur
area.asHowever,
krummholz barrengrowth lava,forms pumice with or avolcanic
wind-pruned,
often
Forests composed
and of
woodlands evergreen
found shrubs;
incover sometimes
the mountains ofdeciduous
the northwest. shrubs and
prostrate,
boulders and/or
comprise shrublike
most of appearance,
the but
inmountains
these in areas.
more protected sitesThesethey .
Subalpine
forbs are parklands found in the high of the Pacific
forests
form aremore
true always
woodland.important.
dominated
Stands The bysystem
are mountain
dominated occurs hemlock,
by just higher
whitebark and pine in the
occur just
and/or
This systemfrom
northwest,
mountains occurs
composed mixed onofridges
clumps
conifer andofrocky trees slopes
to small around
patches timberline
offir,
tall, at
full
below
Sierran the subalpine
lodgepole pine.zone, with forests
Important heavy shrubs
dominated
snowpacks
include
by
in the
pinemat
white winter and
andis
manzanita,
2600
sized,
replacedm (7900
subalpine
bysummers. feet) in
forests
Mountain The theof
hemlockcentral
mountain Sierra
forests Nevada
helmlock,
and woodlands and
silver 2450
fir, m
subalpine(8000
north. fir, .
to theforests,
short, incool
Sierran chinkapin, and treesoceanspray.
hillside get quite largeGrassesfor montaneand
feet)yellow
and the southern
cedar, with Cascades.
open mountain Woodlands meadows are foundof sedgeson wildflowers
concave
and moist or
often
mesichaving Ross'an openthreadleaf
understory of grasslike plants, andsuch
include sedge, sedge, Wheeler's bluegrass, asfrosted
woodrush,
grasses, slopes
alpine in areas
dwarf-shrubs with long-lasting
)mountain snowpack
heather), and better
moist soil wild
forbs
reedgrass,
buckwheat, and fescue, deciduous shrubs
pride-of-the-mountains, such
andexposed
timberline as thin-leaved
beardtongue. blueberry,
development
(lupine, thanbistort).
other drier andfound more subalpine woodlands. .
Cascadesvalerian, Often in ashrubs,
matrix with subalpine
azalea, grouseberry or evergreen including
The tree
andcanopy ishabitats
characterized andby
lakes, alpine above, and mountain
mountain hemlock
helmlock and may
orconifers
Pacific
This system
rhododendron, occurs
prince's on ridges
pine, and rocky
mountain slopes juniper.around Othertimberline at
include
silver
These firCalifornia
open forests
western red
below. fir,
juniper noble fir,
woodlands whitebark
and pine,
savannas and western
(grasslands white
with .
2600 m (7900
(subalpine, feet)
silver or inredthefir,central
Engelmann Sierra spruce,
NevadaAlaska and 2450 yellow m (8000 cedar,
pine. Mesic-site
scattered trees) shrubs
are found will include western moss heather, red
feet)
and in the
Douglas-fir) southern often areon
Cascades. foundlow Thesehills
in andforests
woodlands
these foothills areinfound
with the northwestern
mountain on concave
mountain-heath,
US. Occasional pink
ponderosa mountain-heath,
or Jeffery square-twig
pines may be blueberry,
present, but and single- .
or mesic
hemlock.
These slopes
woodlands in areas
occur with
on dry longlasting
mountain snowpack
ranges of and
the better
Great soil
Basin
others.
leaf Common
pinyon isthan juniper
absent. is found
Curl-leaf in most
mountain-mahogany stands subalpine
of the may northern
be common Sierra
development
region and eastern other
foothills drier and
of the more
Sierra exposed
Nevada. They woodlands.
are found on
Found at high elevations in the mountains of northern California
Nevada.
in Timberline
some areas. species
Characteristic Basin bigbeardtongue,
sagebrush
include as
Tsugaismesas,well as patches
the most common
mertensiana, Abies of shrub, and
grasses,
magnifica, sedges,
warm,
and dry
south-central
forbs sites
gradePinus on
Oregon,
into mountain
these
adjacent slopes,
are open
meadows. forests plateaus
and woodlandsand ridges,
dominatedabove
although
Abies
the valleys
antelope
procera, where
bitterbrush,
albicaulis,
sagebrush is
rubber
Juniperus
dominant.
rabbitbrush,
communis,
Severe
green
weather Penstemon .
andrabbitbrush,
events
almost
Curl-leaf entirely
mountain by Sierran
mahogany lodgepole
shrublands pine. They
or woodlands, have open understory,
usually found
and horsebrush
davidsonii, aswith are
well often
as present.
patches of Idaho
grasses, fescue,
sedges, curly
andwith bluegrass,
forbs grading and
occurring
often barren during the
grassesgrowing and season,
dry sedges such as frosts
dominant, and drought,
patches areinto
of
on rocky meadows.
bluebunch
adjacent outcrops
wheatgrass and and warm south-facing
threadleaf sedge hillare slopes
common fromincanyonsthe grass and .
thought
evergreen to shrubs
limit the suchdistribution
as ceanothus of pinyon-juniper
andextensive
manzanita. woodlands
These areand tousually
a
foothills
layer. to mountain
These woodlands ridgetops.
were These
generally limited to woodlands
rocky areas where
relatively
cold and dry narrowforests,altitudinal
sometimes zones. Singleleaf
occurring nearpinyon more the and Utah juniper,
characteristic
shrublands
fires are few. are common
Recently, across the
however Great
their range Basin hasfrom greatly expanded Sierra Nevada into
alone
subalpineor mixed together, are the main trees. Curl-leaf mountain-
and extendpine
sagebrush eastwoodlands.
steppe into
andsouth-central
bunchgrass-dominated Montana and western
grasslands Colorado.
because of .
mahogany is also common with the pinyon-juniper. Shrubs and
Most
reduced areasfirehave exposed
frequency rock by
caused andremoval
bunchgrasses of finesometimes
fuels by grazing with
grasses may be abundant to absent all together. Typical species include
scattered
livestock
These mountain
and
woodlands fire sagebrush,
suppression.
occur on these bitterbrush,
on dryare mountains snowberry
and oak, foothills shrubs or
ofwoodlands
the .
In thejuniper
This intermountain
manzanita, sagebrush,
savanna west,
isblackbrush,
grassland dryscattered
savannas
turbinella
with live and open
mature needle-and-
juniper trees
juniper
Colorado and pinyon
Plateau trees.
Region Curl-leaf
from the on mountain-mahogany
Western Slope Colorado is a slow-
to lyme
the
dominated
thread
(>150 grass,
years byold).
Utah
Idaho juniper,
Itfescue,
includes found
bluebunch
local areasplateaus,
wheatgrass, basins,great foothills
basin and
This ecological
growing, system
drought-tolerant isthecharacteristic
shrub that ofofthe
generally more rocky
does dense juniper
mesatops
not resprout trees
and after
Wasatch
lower
grass, and Range,
mountain south
slopes.
muttongrass. toA Mogollon
savanna is a Rim.
very openPinyon-juniper
woodland that
that
slopesform
burning onand woodland
the Colorado
needs thepatches.
Plateau
protection Elevationally
and fromwestern
fire itslope
that occursrockyofbelow
Colorado.
sites the The It .
provide.
woodlands
usually are the
is accompanied predominant
by abundant low elevation
perennial woodlands
bunchgrasses of plains
this
(growingregion,
ponderosa
vegetation
will recolonized pine zone
is composed
a burned in the
ofarea transition
dwarf a(usually
ifslopes,
seed between <3 m
source foothillls
is tall) and
two-needle
available. Mountain- in
on
in warm,
clumps) dry
and sites on
wildflowers. mountain These very mesas,
open plateaus,
woodlands andgrade ridges.
into
the southern
pinyon
mahogany and/or is Rocky
Utah Mountains
important juniper food trees
for indeer
northern
forming and New Mexico
extensive
elk. tall and .
Severe weather events occurring during outthe intogrowing season, and such
true pinyon - juniper forests and woodlands, and as
southerneastern
shrublands/stunted Colorado
woodlands extendingalong the the to
low-elevation the
valleys south
margins Utah
plains.
of
frosts
juniper and drought,
canjuniper
be replaced are thought
by desert to orlimit the distribution
one-seeded juniper, oforpinyon-
hybrids
One-seed
pinyon-juniper is the most
woodlands. common
Other shrubs, tree. if Sites
present, are may generally include tooblack
juniper
with Utahwoodlands
juniper. to relatively narrow altitudinal zones. Two-needle
warm and dry
sagebrush, for pinyon
Wyoming big trees, however
sagebrush, green anrabbitbrush,
occasional pinyon or tree may .
blackbrush.
pinyon and Utah juniper are the most common trees. Shrubs and
be present.
Grasses areCommon
uncommon grasses are similar
to abundant and to those incomposed
typically the shortgrass of dry and
grasses mayas be scattered or absent, and someJames'ofgalleta.the most common such include
steppe
droughtsuch tolerantwith blue grama
species. Succulents as .
manzanita, sagebrush, mountain-mahogany, blackbrush, cliffrose, are
species of yucca and pricklypear and dwarf-shrubs like snakeweed
bitterbrush, Gambel
These oak, blue have grama, James'expanded galleta, bluebunch
often present. savannas greatly into adjacent
wheatgrass, curly bluegrass, or muttongrass. .
grasslands during the last century because of fewer prairie fires.
Invasive savannas can be identified by having mostly young juniper
trees. .
Cephalanthus
This
rivers.ecological
Alluvial occidentalis,
system
soils andisBetula Cornus
found
periodic, amomum,
in intermediate
the floodplains Lindera of medium
flooding benzoin,
(every and Salix
5-25 large
locally
styraciflua prominent,
(in the with
southern half alleghaniensis
of this group's and
range), Fraxinus willows, spp. Salix
These
caroliniana
rivers open
of the woodlands
andwesternother Greatoccur
Salix spp.,on
Plains. warm,
Toxicodendron
It occursdry sites
on the in foothills
radicans,
lower and,
reachesand lower
overof the
years)
nigra is
especially typify this
characteristic system. of theTheselevees are the
adjacent perennial to the big rivers
channel. of
Commonthe
theSalix
mountains inrange, nigra
southern in
Colorado wettest and areas, and Platanus
north-central New occidentalis,
Mexico, and
parts
North
region ofand
with South
hydrologic Fothergilla
Platte, Platte,
dynamics major,
Arkansas,
largely Hypericumand
driven Canadian
bydensiflorum,
snowmelt rivers. Itea
Alluvial
in the
shrubs
with
This include
Fraxinus
riparian Cornus
pennsylvanica,
system amomum
group Ulmus
is Great
found andPlains
inViburnum
americana,
the floodplains spp. The
Liriodendron herb layer
of hills.
medium in
extends
virginica,
soils and out and into
periodic, southeastern
Rhododendron
intermediate arborescens.
flooding on
More
(every mesas southern
5-25 and
years) examples It isand
typify this
mountains.
the
largeforested
tulipifera,
rivers Communities
portions
Quercus
of the often
michauxii,
western within
features
Great this
Quercus
Plains system
abundant pagoda,
ranging range
spring and
from from
(atTexas floodplain
ephemerals,
least in
and thegiving
New
composed
may
system.contain of Hydrangea
two-needle pinyonbig
quercifolia, and/or one-seed
Hypericum juniperwith
densiflorum, treeshydrologic
with
and
forests
way to
Midwest)
Mexico aThese
toto wet
Quercus
Canada. are the
meadows
fern-dominated perennial
macrocarpa
Alluvial to gravel/sand
understory
soils in andmorerivers
in flats,
many of however,
the
well-drained
periodic, areas regionby
intermediate they are
mid-summer.
areas. The linked
flooding
Rocky
Morella
dynamics Mountain
cerifera
largely (= juniper
Myrica
driven byreplaces
cerifera
snowmelt one-seed
var. in juniper
cerifera);
the mountains. at higher
Hamamelis Common elevations.
vernalis
by underlying
Non-forested
particular
(every 5-25 mix soils
wetlands
years)of tree and
typify flooding
associated
species this will
system.regime.
with
varyincludethese
DominantGrass
acrosssystems cover
thecommunities underneath
include range
geographic shrub-
range theof
This
is system
Common
characteristic
These are the represents
shrubs in
stream andthe and thecreek-side
grasses streamside
Ozark/Ouachita present woodlands,
region.
woodlands Bigelow's
Open,and shrublands,sagebrush,
flood-scoured
shrublands and
found
communities
trees is
dominated
this systemsan and within
important
group, this
part
graminoid-herbaceous
with system
of
some this range
system.
treesand absentfrom This
vegetation. floodplain
over system Two is forests
often
uncommon to wet
subjected
from
gravel floodplain
flatstoprairies
mountain-mahogany,
rivershore
in the western found forests
Great along tothe
Gambel
feature
Plains. wet rivers
They meadows
oak,
Andropogon Scribner's
usually tooccur
streams
gerardii, inparts
gravel/sand the
needlegrass, offlats;
theblue
northwestern
Sorghastrum
within shortgrass
range;
however,
grama,
nutans,
for
meadows
to heavy
expressions
example,
This system grazing
Celtis,gravel/sand
occur and/or
along
Liquidambar,
encompasses flats,
agriculture
sub-boreal however,
and
floodplains and
rivers
Quercusfromthey
can in beare linked
heavily
northernmost
macrocarpa
southern New by
degraded.
are underlying
Newabsent
England to
they are orlinked Itby
Great Plains. occursunderlying ingrasslands.
habitats soilsranging
and the fromflooding deep regime.
cut ravinesStands are .
Arizona
Schizachyrium
prairie
soils
England
from and
Groundwater
the
Virginia.
fescue,
other
the
and
and
scoparium,
types
flooding
depletion
adjacent
Susquehanna
Mostly
James'
forested,
of
regime.
and
Canada:
drainage
galleta.
Chasmanthium
lack
these Grass
of
ice-scour
in
occur
They
cover
fire have
Pennsylvania.
on
latifolium,
occur
underneath
created
rivershores
floodplains
in drawsTripsacum
theboreal
additional
and
Understoryof
and
trees
medium istoan
along
species
species to
also
wide found
breaded
dactyloides, onand/oralluvial
river-beds. soilsCottonwood,
Panicum invirgatum.
highly variable willows,
Carex landscape
torta silveris settings,
sage,
typical and
of from
wetter
small
important
changes. rivers
floodplain
are mixed Inpart ininclude
most
forests.
but deep
of this
cases,
The cut ravines
system.
the
ice-scour
shrubs, majority torivershores
Tamarix
such wider and meandering
asofCephalanthus
the less
wetlack desirable
meadow streambeds.
extensive grasses
and
occidentalis, prairie
forests and
large
deep
grasses
areas rivers
cut
nearareravineswhere
the
the mostto
channel. topography
wide,
common
Forbsbraided and
dominant
are process
streambeds.
diverse have
species
and resulted
Dominant
in
variable these from in
linear the
species features.
occurrence
Flows
forbs
communitiesin
can these
invade maystreams
degraded
be means can
extremely be
areas flashy,
within
degraded and the may
or dry
floodplains.
lost down completely
These areas
and are for .
because
Cornus
development
include
The
to name spring
drummondii,
Andropogon
occurrence. of
"riparian" iceflows
a relatively
Some
and prevent
gerardii,Asimina
characteristicflat floodplain
Artemisia
narrow. triloba,
floodplain
Contrast
forbs cana
are
forests
sedges
with ssp.
with
Baptisiaafrom from
(Carex
complex
cana,
Great the Carexsystem.
developing,
spp.)
Plains
australis, of upland
pellita (=
This
some
often
except riparian
portion
subjected
in small system
of tothe heavy ranges
year. grazingfrom
Dominant southern
and/or species New vary
agriculture England
withand thecanto Virginia.
size
be of the
heavily It
grasses
and
Carex wetland(such
lanuginosa),
"Floodplain" asand
temperateElymus
systems, widely
Populuswhich scattered
hystrix,
alluvial balsamifera
refer Elymus
vegetation.
to pockets;
large ssp. This
river theforests
canadensis, vegetation
complex
trichocarpa Chasmanthium
and consists of
includes
(northern
shrublands,
Conoclinium
develops
stream
degraded. and on coelestinum
floodplains
valley
Another type.
factor and (=
Plains
is thatEupatorium
shores along
cottonwood,
groundwater coelestinum),
riverwillowschannels
depletion and Coreopsis
andthat
silver lack
lack of a fire
shrublands,
latifolium,
floodplain tallon
and
forests grasslands,
others)in which which graminoid-forb-dwarf-shrub
sometimes form savanna-like shoreline
vegetation.
toAcer saccharinum, Populus deltoides,
stands),
such as
pubescens,
broad
sagebrush
have
seeps, flat
created
and
Elymus
found are thelanceolatus,
Coreopsis
floodplain
additional
rivershore
the
most upper
tripteris,
due common
species
outcrops.
Fraxinus
Missouri
steeper Elephantopus
with
changes. inanspp.,
Montana.
sideslopes,
Characteristic
Panicum
herbaceous
In mostcarolinianus,
higher
shrubs cases,
virgatum,
gradient,
understory
the
include
Helenium
majority
Alnus orand of .
both.
Oxbows
Platanus
Pascopyrum
This may
occidentalis
floodplain support
smithii,
system herbaceous
are
Populus
is characteristic,
found vegetation
deltoides,
throughout as well
Quercus dominated
the as herbaceous
macrocarpa,
Interior by
low species
sloughs
Salix
Plateau,
autumnale,
Flooding
composed
the wet meadow Hydrocotyle
isof the major
grasses and sp., communities
process
including
prairie Ludwigia
affecting
little(= leptocarpa,
bluestem,themay vegetation,
western
be Lycopus
extremely wheatgrass,spp.,
but compared
degraded and
incana
including
and
spp., shrub
Cumberlands,and Alnus
Nelumbo
wetlands.
Schizachyrium Southernviridis
lutea
Most ssp.
and
scoparium,
Ridgeareas crispa
Typha
and areValley, Alnus
latifolia.
underwater
Sporobolus crispa),
Canebrakes
each
cryptandrus,
Western Myrica
spring;
Allegheny Ulmus gale,
dominatedPlateau,by
Orontium
to
sand
or flatdropseed.
gone sericea,
from aquaticum,
floodplain When
theUlmus areas,
system. Osmunda
the
heavily substrate regalis
use, suchis var.
more
as spectabilis,
too rapidly
frequent Oxypolis
drained,
livestock and .
Cornus
Arundinaria
microtopography
americana,
and lowerPhlox andgigantea
elevations Salix eriocephala
ssp.
determines
of rubra.
the gigantea
how
Southern andareBlue
long
In addition, many
present
theexotic other
various
Ridge. Salix
inspecies
somehabitats
Examples spp.,
areas.
such are and
as
occur
rigidior,
deposition
grazing, or is less
heavy carolina,
important
agricultural Pityopsis
than runoff, graminifolia
erosion. increasingThe var.
vegetation
streamslatifolia, is a
salinity,Rudbeckia
mosaic non- of
Dasiphora
Frequently
inundated.
Tamarix
This
along systems
large spp.,fruticosa
reworked
Depositional
riversUlmus
group wheressp. floribunda.
gravelbars
pumila,
includes and swamps
topographyand may
erosional Characteristic
be
Elaeagnusthat
and dominated
features
occur
alluvial may
angustifolia herbaceous
by
primarily both
processes young be
can
inthe species
Salix
present
invade
the
have
laciniata,
forest,
native trees and
woodlands, such Vernoniaas tamariskgigantea.
shrublands, and and Distinctive
herbaceous
russion olive shoals with
communities.
can replace Hymenocallis
Common
native
vary
nigra,
these with
depending
glaciated Platanus
systems. the
on
landscape setting,
theoccidentalis, although
particular
of the or Calamagrostis
Betula
floodplain,
eastern United nigra,
although
States,orcanadensis
they
there
with may is a
outliers is
have ubiquitous.
history sparse
found of
resulted
coronaria
trees
species.
Soils include
infrom
vegetation
in
See
some
a
and/or
of
well-developed
Betula
also
aareas
wide
Justicia nigra,
a similar
remain
variety
floodplain.
americana
Platanus
system
saturated
of annual
may
that A
be
occidentalis,
occurs
byMost
and
single
seepage
present
along
perennial
occurrence
and
waters;
as well.
Acer
larger
herbs other
may
Small
negundo.
rivers,
of patches
weedy forto .
deposition
the
seepssouth
extend of
andvirgatum in thethe
river's
fensSouth floodplain
periglacial
can and edge
often formation._x000D_
landscape.
across
becalled
foundthe the outermost
within these are small-patch
extent
habitats, of the features,
floodplain
especially at
Panicum
example
are well-drained the for Platte,
most Andropogon
of the growing gerardii
Western season.are Greattypical
These Plains of open,
Floodplain
rivershores flood- are
habits.
_x000D_
but
or tosome Occasional
where may it be
meets bedrock-scour
more a extensive
wet meadow areas
in larger
or in
upland gorges
basins system. have
or wet distinctive
Many flats; in
exampleseither
the headwaters
scoured
System. rivershore and terraces
prairies, of
and streams.
Carex These
torta is areas
typical are of typically
wetter areas .
flooded
vegetation
Variation:
case, they every Forest
are spring,
dominated
will- contain with
Canopybywetland summer
perennial
forest floods
herbsof
present._x000D_ in
rooted occasional
inofpockets years. and The
of this
dominated
near the system by usually
primarily
channel._x000D_ discrete elements
well-drained obligate the landscape.
levees,
species terraces sedges and The acidic
stabilized
(Carex
extent
crevices.
_x000D_
substrate
bars, and of Most
ice-scour
is
some willvaries
floodplains
typically mineral
include from
are soilyear
underwater
herbaceous with to ayear according
each
component
sloughs spring, of
andspecies toorganic
shrub and the snowpack
some
wetlands areas
muck;
spp.),
_x000D_
This ferns
floodplain (Osmunda system spp.),
is found and inother
the herbaceous
Interior Highlands assuchfar as as
west
and
may
Other
there conditions
be
may
resulting, submerged
Variation(s):
be
in a
part, during
peaty fromby ice-out.
high-water
Herbaceous.
epipedon.
beaver The
In location
events
some
activity. A during
cases, and
variety extent
the
such of as
soil of
growing shrub
kettleholes,
types versus
season. abe .
This system
Impatiens
Variation: is found
capensis.
Forest -as along
Flood-scouring
Forest streams
canopy and small
is aaccording
powerful
present._x000D_ rivers and within
ecologically themay Ozark
eastern
herb cover Oklahoma,
Microtopography
true peat will
substrate vary in well
determines
develops.time as andthroughout
how space
Vegetation long the thevarious
physiognomyInterior to low
how
habitats
ranges Plateau,
recent arefrom and
found
and
important
_x000D_ within
Ouachita abrasivethe floodplain
regions. force In along from
contrast thesevery
to larger well-drained
riparian floodplain
habitats. sandy
systems,
However, substrates
thisin to
Cumberlands,
severe
inundated.
forested the scour
swamps Southern
Floodplain events
to Ridge
have
morphology
semi-open and
been.
fens. Valley,
Boreal
canForested and
be floodplain
altered Western
swamps by Allegheny
forests,
occasional
may be north severe of
very
system dense
contrast
Other has
to clays.
little
larger
Variation(s): to Itno is
floodplain this
Herbaceous. variety
floodplain systems, of substrates
development
these systems in
and combination
often
have contains
little to with
no .
Plateau,
the range
floods.
dominated andof
Depositional
by lower
Acer Tsuga elevations
saccharinum,
and erosional
canadensis of the
develop Southern
features in areas
may Blue not
both Ridge.
strongly
be It
present occurs
different
cobble
floodplain bars flooding
and
development steepregimes banks. that
(i.e., ismixed
creates
Itfloodplains,
traditionallywith
the mix
if deciduous
of vegetation.
experiences
present, are wetland
not periodic,trees
Most
along
areas,aslarge
influenced
depending
such Acer by
onriversice-scour
the
rubrum or montane
streams
particular (i.e.,
or Nyssa where
depositional),
floodplain,
sylvatica; topography
althoughwhere
orterraces,
in and
areas there alluvial
topography
with is with
ahigher processes
history andpHof
strong except
flooding.
differentiated for
into Ittheis often
levees, alluvial
characterized
sloughs, ridges, forests,
by aLow are
cobble inundated
and bar abandoned atforest
some
This
have
processsystem
resulted
deposition have in isresulted
in
thefound
a throughout
well-developed
floodplainin a complex
formation. the ofInterior
floodplain.
upland A
and Plateau,
single
wetland occurrenceSouthern
alluvial may .
and/or
point
immediately
channel nutrient
each spring;
segments) levels,
adjacent and by
microtopography
with
oftenAcer
little rubrum
containto no and Fraxinus
determines
marsh
cobblebars how
development.
and nigra,
longelevations
steep with
the various
Canopy
banks. They
Ridge
extend
vegetation.and
from Valley,
river's
This Western
complexedge Allegheny
across
includes the Plateau,
outermost
floodplain and
extent
forests lowerof the
dominated floodplainby of
calciphilic
habitats
cover
are can
typically herbs
arevary inundated. andgradient
within
higher sometimes
Although
examples than with
of vegetation
this
larger Larix
system, laricina.
is quite
floodplains but High-elevation
variable
typical
and tree
experience inandthis
species
the
or Southern
to where Blue Ridge. Examples occur along small streams
northern
wetlands
broadly
include
periodic, in it
trees
defined
sweetgum,
strongthemeets
such
Allegheny
system,
flooding
asa wet
Populus
sycamore,
meadow
ofMountains
examplesshort
or are
balsamifera
may
riverduration.
birch,
upland
include andsystem.
characterized
maples,
Fraxinus
Acer and
Manybynigra,
saccharinum,
oaks.
willas well
additional
Thelittle to .
floodplains
contain
as herbaceous with
well-drained low
sloughs toand moderately
levees, terraces
shrub high
wetlands.and gradients.
stabilized
Most are There
bars,
underwater is be
and some each will
northern
Platanus
richness elements
occidentalis,
of the herbaceous suchLiquidambar
as Abies
and shrub balsamea layersand
styraciflua, can Picea
and
vary rubens,
Quercus
significantly, with
spp. open
moderate
include
spring;
This system floodplain
herbaceous
microtopography
represents development.
sloughs and
determines
predominantly shrub Flooding
how wetlands
wet long and
flatwoodsthe scouring
resulting,
various
of both
in part,
habitats
limited from
areas areof
shrub-
Understory
ranging and
from graminoid-dominated
species
species-rich are mixed, to butfens
species-poor.include and occasional
shrubs,seeps
Small such bogs.
as fens
and Common cankind
influence
beaver
inundated. this
activity. system,
Although and the
vegetationnature of
is the
quite landscape
variable prevents
in this the
broadly
the
This most
species
often systems
bein
Cephalanthus inland
foundthe group portions
understory
occidentalis
within includes of
thislayers the
and
system, East
coniferous Gulf
these to
of especially
Arundinaria Coastal
mixed
wetlands
gigantea
at but Plain
theswamps
include in western
and adjacent
Carex
ssp. gigantea,
headwaters andspp.,and .
of floodplain
defined
Kentucky,
sloping system.
as
seepage development
well Understory
as
forests related
in found
the species
broad, on larger
are
flat
temperate-boreal mixed,
areas rivers.
of the This
include
western
transition system shrubs,
zone may
Interior
of the such
Osmunda
sedges
terraces ofcinnamomea,
(Carex streams. spp.). This
Flooding Cephalanthus
system and likely
scouring occidentalis,
floods
strongly at Alnus
least once
influence spp.,annually
this
contain
as
Low buttonbushcobble
Plateau. ThisbarsUnited
and with
sedges.
part of adjacent
This
the wooded
system
Coastal usually
Plain vegetation
is floods
referred and
atto rarely
least once have
eastern
Rhododendron
and
system
any can
marsh
half
be
and of
altered
preventthe
maximum,
development, by the States
occasional Hypericum
floodplain
except
and
severe adjacent
densiflorum,
development
through floods.
occasional
Canada. and
Impoundments
found on largerJackson
They
beaver
as
Ilex the
occupy
spp. andThe .
rivers.
annually
Purchase and
andoradjacent can be altered by occasional severe floods.
basins
hemlock-dominated
conversion to"Jackson
agriculture wet Plain."
swamps slopes Flatwoods
in cool
can generally
also impact have
this long
settings.
develop The been
in larger
system._x000D_substraterecognized
lowland is as a
impoundments.
Impoundments
distinctive
typically subdivision The
and vegetation
conversion
within is aagriculture
to
this mosaic
region ofhave
(Davis forests,
or 1923, alsowoodlands,
impacted
Bryant andthis
basins.
_x000D_ Inmineral
kettleholes soil with
or otheran organic
deep fraction
glacial depressions, peaty epipedon,
semi-open infens
These
shrublands,
system.
Martin forested
1988). wetlands
andExamples
herbaceous are
in the uncommon
communities.
Pennyroyal inTypical
the
Plain glaciated
(oftree northeast
species
thethe western include .
most
develop cases
Variation: constantly
(colloquially
Forested saturated.
called
-extensive
Canopy kettleholeBasins
forest may
"bogs"),
present._x000D_ have where seasonal standing
nutrient-poor
except
sycamore, in areas
river with
birch, Carolina limestone
red maple, or otherwise
sweet gum, higher-pH
and oak.
Interior
water.
substrate
_x000D_ TwoLowand Plateau)
expressions
the reduced have been
arethroughflow knownoffor
characteristic, many
based
water onyears
create substrate and referred
oligotrophic pHShrubs
and to
Northern
substrate.
and herbaceous flatwoods
They develop
layers are found
vary in basins,
in throughout
richness with some
and the northern
cover.degree Small ofglaciated
groundwater
seeps
as "pondywoods"
minerotrophy.
conditions
Other fostering
Variation(s): In or
acidic "crawfishy
the and more
development
Herbaceous. land" (Chester
nutrient-poor
of Sphagnum et al.
settings, 1995).
peat Picea
and They
the rubensare
growth
Midwest
seepage,
dominated
also known
ranging
wherebyfrom the
sedges, east
the higherinto
ferns,
Shawnee
Lower
pH and and New
nutrient
other
Hills
England
ofherbaceous level and
Kentucky, areon
the Champlain
associated
species
Periglacial can often with abe .
or
of Picea
peatland mariana,vegetation. Acer rubrum,
Ericaceous Fraxinus
shrubs spp.,
and and Abies
dwarf-shrubs balsamea
(e.g., are
Valley.
more It usually
diverse flora occurs
than onespecially
that poorly
found2006), drained
in atthe uplands
typical or in depressions
found
lakebeds
the most within
Chamaedaphne (M. this
typical Evans system,
trees. pers.
calyculata) The comm.
herbaceous
dominate,
the
and
with and fromacidic
headwaters
shrub
patches the
layers
of
swamps
and
Moulton
tend
graminoid
terraces
to
of the
Valley
be of
associated
region.
streams. Thewith substrateglacialisfeatures usually such as tillplains,
mineral soil,They but there lakeplainsmay beorsomeoutwash .
of Alabama
fairly species-poor,
dominance. (A.
Some Schotzmaywithhavepers. acomm.
Nemopanthus sparse2006). tree mucronatus
layer, withtend and to
Acer berubrum
Osmunda confined spp.to
plains.
peat. Soils
Northern often white have cedaran impermeable
is a diagnostic clay tree layer
and that
may can create
dominate athe
relatively
as typical
and/or Nyssa small
shrub areas
and
sylvatica near
herb the
species.
characteristic. easternIn flank
circumneutral
Many, of the
though region
settings
notponding where
or
all, of these loess
where
shallow,
canopy or perched
be mixed water with table.
other Saturation
conifers can
or with vary, with
deciduous trees, most
deposits
seepage
swamps thin out.
waters a provideUnlikea ~South-Central
greater supply ofInterior
nutrients, / Upper Thuja Coastal
occidentalisPlain .
commonhave
commonly during
red maple
bryoid
wetterorlayer seasons,
black
featuringandSome Sphagnum.
drought possiblecan during the
Flatwoods
is characteristic (CES203.479)$$
and often ofash.
dominant. the same It may
examples
general be regionwith
mixed
be almost
(which Acer is
summer
entirely and autumn
deciduous and months.
dominated Thesebyfluctuatingblack ash. moistureRed-osier levels
dogwood can is
typified
rubrum, by complex
Fraxinus nigra,microtopography),
or Picea rubens this
(thesystemlatter occupies
especially broad
in
alead
flats
to complexes
common
underlain shrub. of forest
The
by fragipans. moss upland
layer isandoften
These fragipansbryophyte
wetland
extensive. species
impede the
occurring
downward .
seepage slope forests). Pin The oak herbaceous
dominates inand flora is typically
within this system. many areas; other common
migration
extensive, of andwater, smallresulting open fenny in wet areas conditions
may occur forwithinportions theofwetland.
the year.
trees include swamp white oak, bur oak, and/or red maple. Areas with
Fire
Peat was an important natural process in this system, probably
This may
more Piedmont be well-developed
dense tree system
cover have represents in circumneutral
less shrub isolated andwetlands
basinsin(cedar
herbaceous small,swamps). shallow .
maintaining relatively open-canopied stands (M. Evanscover, pers. while comm.).
basins
those within upland moderate settings tree wherecanopywater coverpools tend due to have to limited
a densesoil drainage
understory.
Stands are dominated by hardwood trees, including oak spp.,
(in the northeast,
Flooding, droughtVirginia and fireand canMaryland).
influence this Most system.known examples are .
sweetgum, hickory and spp.,consistand red ofmaple
forests(Chester et al. 1995).
seasonally flooded of wetland oaks, but Related
a few are
wet
treeless or open-canopied ponds. Vegetation is zoned with anofouter
flatwoods are apparently present in the Moulton Valley Alabama ring
and these are provisionally placed here. .
of trees, a more interior ring of shrubs, herbs and vines, and a central
area with or without standing water year round depending on
precipitation. .
systems. Flooding istoan important ecological factor in this system
fairly
of
(or the small
Southmost typical
relative
Central and
Plains; the
characteristic
scale III
Level of communities
tree species
Ecoregion 35 andfound
sensu help increate
EPA) stands
to some
the ofand
east
may be the most important factor separating it from adjacent systems.
variation
this
and systems
the in duration
group include
Crosstimbers of
(EPA floodingTaxodium
level and
III nutrient
distichum,
Ecoregion input.
27) Nyssa Soils
and are generally
aquatica,
Edwards Acer
Flooding brings nutrients and excludes non-flood-tolerant species.
fertile
saccharinum,
Plateau and(EPA notlevelstrongly
Platanus acidic.
occidentalis,
III flooding
Ecoregion Flooding
30 Populus
etc.) is generally
deltoides, seasonal
Acerand but
soilsmay
negundo,
This
Unlike system
river encompasses
systems, tidally tends floodedto beto the
deciduous
variable west. and Alluvial
forestsof shorter and
range
and Salix
to nearly
nigra. semipermanent.
Other trees may Vegetation
include Celtisconsists laevigata,almost Carya
entirely
sedimentation
shrublands
duration._x000D_
This system
processes
inrepresents
lower river a
typify this
floodplainssubset
geographic
system.
and edges Periodic,
of of estuaries
Kuchler's
intermediate
(1964) of the of
forests
illinoinensis,
flooding of wetland Fraxinus
and deposition trees. pennsylvanica,
Wetter
(every examples
5-25 Gleditsia
years) are strongly
dominates triacanthos, dominated
the formation by
North
_x000D_
Southern Atlantic
Floodplain Coastal Plain
Forest. from
Examples New York
may south
be found through
along Virginia.
large rivers
bald
Liquidambar
and cypress
maintenance and
styraciflua,
tupelo.
of Other
Nyssa
this system. examples
biflora,
Dominant Quercus
have mixtures
communities laurifolia, of these
withinQuercus species
this
This
Variation:
of the system
East andis restricted
Forest Upper - Canopy East to Gulf
narrow
foresthardwoods.zonesPlain,
present._x000D_
Coastal along upper tidal
especially thereaches of
with
lyrata,
system oaksQuercusand
range from other
michauxii,bottomland
floodplain Quercus
forests nigra,
to wet Quercus
Understory,
meadows pagoda, shrub
to gravel/sandQuercusand herb
Inner
_x000D_ Coastal
Apalachicola, Plain
Alabama, rivers and
Tombigbee, tributaries that
Pascagoula, have andsufficient
Pearl volumes
rivers,
layers
phellos,
flats; are
however, generally
Quercus they well-developed.
similis,
are linked Quercus by to Flooding
texana,
underlying Quercus is
soils an important
virginiana,
and the flooding Salix of all
of
Other fresh water
Variation(s): and short flooding
Herbaceous. be able tosmall
support tree canopies.
which
This
ecological
nigra,
regime. ultimately
system
Ulmus
Canopy encompasses
factor drain into
in this system,
americana,
dominants the
and the
may Gulf
floodplains
Ulmus bringing
include of Mexico.
of
nutrients
crassifolia.
pecan, Several
Three
cedar to medium
andelm, distinct
excluding
distinct American groupsnon- .
plant
These
communities areas arecan influenced
be by lunar tides of up to 3 feet, but freshwater
blackwater
flood-tolerant
of
elm, associations
sugarberry, rivers,
species.
can berecognized
intermediate
plateau recognized.
Unlike
livethe within
between
larger
oak, The
water riverthis
the
lowest,
oak, system
smaller
systems,
whitewettest that
streams
flooding
ash, may
areas
sycamore, be
andrelated
tends
have the
some
to
box-be
flows
to the from
array upstream
of different dilute
geomorphologic salinity to a negligible
features present level. within Deciduousthe
largest
variable
combination
elder,
This is rivers.
and
Arizona
a ofBlackwater
predominantly shorter
Taxodium
walnut, bur rivers
duration.
distichum
oak,
forested originate
red and
mulberry,
system of in
Nyssathethe
green sandy
aquatica
East ash,
Gulf areas
and
Coastal of
dominating. the
western Plain .
hardwood
floodplain. species
Some predominate,
of the major includiing green
geomorphic features ash,associated
red maple,with
Coastal
Natural
soapberry.
associated Plain
levees and
and
Overgrazing
withpumpkin have
small brownwater less
riverfrontsand/or well-developed
have a
overbrowsing diverse
rivers and creeks. depositional
mixture
may of
influence alluvial
trees
In contrast that to
swamp
different tupelo,
community types ash, and
include occasionally
natural levees, (ininfertile.
Virginia)
point bald
landforms.
typically
recruitment
~East
This
cypress. Gulf
system,
Soils
includes
Coastal are
ofdistributed sandy
Platanus
overstory Plain or
species
Large
from
mucky,
occidentalis,
and
River
southeastern
acidic,
Celtis
composition
Floodplain and
Virginia laevigata,
of
Forest the bars,
southward Fraxinus
understory meander
Vegetation
to andis
scrolls,
a(CES203.489)$$,
herbaceous oxbows,
mosaic of layers.
pennsylvanica, cypress and
Acer it
sloughs
and gum
saccharinum,
Shrub
has species
fewer
(Sharitz
swamps
major Acer
may and
and Mitsch
bottomland
negundo,
include
geomorphic
1993).
and
beautyberry,
floodplainother Vegetation
hardwoods species
possum-
features a .
ofthat
northern
This system Florida, encompasses the tidally flooded areas in lower river
generally
limited
benefit
haw,
typically gum from ofoccurs
includes
setassociated oaks
the
bumelia, high in light
forests
and
eastern
with
various
other dominated
levels
large
situations
species.
persimmon,
river and by
In
heavy along
bottomland
general small
alluvial
farkleberry,
floodplains. Those
and intermittent
hardwood
vegetation
deposition
eastern features
species
isred-cedar,
low of
thatin
these
are
floodplains
streams of and
the edges
"East of estuaries
Central Texas that
Plains" have sufficiently
(sensu EPA; fresh
Griffith water
et al.and
and
species
sites.
roughleafother
Soils trees
richness.
are
dogwood, tolerant
typically and of flooding.
sandier
rusty than
blackhaw, However,
those of
which theherbaceous
maylower occur and
bottomlands.
as shrub
dense .
present
short
(2004) tend
enough
Level to be
flooding
IIIbe smaller
Ecoregion to be and able
33) more to closely
support
andis"Texas intermixed
tree
Blackland canopies. with
Prairie" Bald one cypress,
(Level
vegetation
Arundinaria
patches may
following gigantea present
(giant
disturbance, in certain
cane) areas
a
butvegetationalcommon
are otherwise as well._x000D_
understory
generally in
fairlythese
another,
black
III gum,
Ecoregion resulting ash in
or 32), this less
generally obvious
comprising dominate. the Swamps
terrain zonation.
may
between bethe Bottomland
either
WestregularlyGulf
_x000D_
forests
This
sparse. on
system natural
Herbaceous is found levees along
cover and higher
rivers
includes point
across
Virginia bars,
the and
glaciated
wild rye, may become
Midwest.
common It
hardwood
flooded
Coastal by
Plain tree
lunar species
(or tides
South are
or typically
irregularly
Central Plains; important
flooded
Level by and
III wind diagnostic,
Ecoregion tides. 35 although
sensu .
Variation:
dominant
occurs
frostweed, from Forested
after thinning
river's
river-oats, -
edge Forestor
across
longleaf canopy
removal the
wood-oats, ofpresent._x000D_
the
floodplain overstory.
eastern or to Willow
where
gammagrass, it and
meets a
mesic
EPA) hardwood
to the east species
and the are also
Crosstimbers present in
(EPA level areas with less
III Ecoregion inundation,27 and
This
_x000D_
cottonwood
wet system
meadow encompasses
sandbars
system. may
It can the
have
havetidally
an flooded
open-canopy
a variety of portions
soil of river within
(woodland-type)
types
Drummond's
such
Edwards as upper Plateau aster,
terraces
(EPA white and
level avens,
possibly
III Canadian
Ecoregionsecond black
30bottoms.
etc. to Asfound
snakeroot,
the awest).
whole, Some
floodplains
Other
structure. which
Variation(s):
Moderate flow into
Herbaceous.
to spp.,
high the northern Gulf of Mexico east of the .
the
flooding
trees
floodplain
switchgrass,
that occurs
may
from
bedstraw
be
very
annually,
present butparts
well-drained
in and thesedge
stands
of
water
of
thesandy
this
floodplain
sp.
tablesystem
substrates
Herbaceous
usually away
include
tofrom
iscover
well very may the
below
sugarberry,
dense levee
be the
Mississippi
are
clays. usually
It is this River.
dominated Large
varietyinofmost by outflows
bottomland
substrates of freshwater
hardwoods,
and flooding keep
various
thatAreassalinity
creates mixtures levels
the mixby at
of of
quite
soil high,
surface especially
throughout situationsof where
thewalnut,
growing shrub season. cover is low. The
impacted
netleaf
awetland
minimum, hackberry,
oaks, and includingsycamore,
flooding is of
Quercus little
short enough
laurifolia, Arizona
duration
Quercus walnut,
to allow
michauxii, plateau survival live
vegetation
environment
beaver that
impoundments and includes
vegetation are Acer alsoofsaccharinum,
this
included system in Populus
become
this system. deltoides,
generally andwillows,
This
oak,
of tree
Quercus
system
water
canopies.
pagoda,
represents
oak, willow Bald
and Forest
a
oak,geographic
cypress,
sometimes tall tupelo,
a is
subset
indigobush,
number orwithash of
ofswamp
Kuchler's
generally
other privet,
oak
(1964)
dominate.
species, silveralong .
especially
correspondingly
Southern Salix
Floodplain nigra
drier in
from theeast wettest
which to areas,
westspecifically and Fraxinus
moister pennsylvanica,
representatives
restricted to the main
This
maple,
These system
wingleaf
swamps represents
may soapberry, semipermanently
be Quercus
regularly black willow,
flooded flooded
atgreen
least to saturated
ash,
twice honey-locust,
dailyforests (FNAI
with
Ulmus
(such
stem Liquidambar
asamericana,
ofand communities
the cedarRed Riverstyraciflua
and containing
in southwestern or other
macrocarpa
willow species.
oak,
Arkansas in The
more
cherrybark wettest
(partly well-drained
oak,
bordering white can
areas.
depressional
pecan,
1990). areas elm.of the The lower Mississippi
environment and River
vegetation Alluvial of Valley,
this system from .
be
Within
oak,
Texas)simple this
andand in
overcup structure,
system
Louisiana oakarein with
oxbows an
)correspondingly
occurring
the West understory
that may
along
Gulf the
Coastalbut
support little
eastern Plain shrub
Nelumbo
and and or lutea
northeastern
Upper herb layer;
and
West
southern
become Illinois
generally south
and to Mississippi anddrier Louisiana.
from east These
to west areas with have
others
Typha
margins
Gulf tend
latifolia.
Coastalof to
the have
range. well-developed
Understory
Plain.hydroperiod species
Representatives
Several distinct subcanopy,
are
plantofmixed,
this shrub,
but
system
communities includeand
may can herb
shrubs,
vary
be oak) inlayers.
such
the
amoister
distinctly
This system longer
representatives
isarecomprised (such as
ofAsimina than other
communities
"riverfront" parts of the
containing
Associations, landscape.
water
generally
Woody
as Cornus
openness
recognized vinesofdrummondii
the usually
habitat and prominent.
physiognomy. Shrubs
triloba and
(in small
Kansas), treessedges include and .
Typical
occurring
temporarily
Alnus and inwithin
serrulata, characteristic
thesometimes
(but
this system
eastern trees
parts
rarely seasonally)
Arundinaria
that
of
gigantea,
may
intheexamples
range.
flooded
be related
Carpinus of point
this
Representatives
on
tosystem
the array
bars and
caroliniana, include of
of natural
this
grasses,
different which
geomorphic features help form
present savanna
within vegetation.
thewater-locust,
floodplain. FloodingSome is
of
swamp
system
This
levees red
typically
system
adjacent maple,
occurs tooccurwater
thealong inhickory,
river stream-scoured
certain
thatbut pumpkin
river
formed and
them, ash,
situations
stream withdrainagesand
flooding varymore ofwater
in the
the
Cephalanthus
the
the primary
major occidentalis,
dynamic
geomorphic process,
features Clethra alnifolia,
drought,
associated with Cornus
grazing, different foemina,
and fire
community have all
tupelo,
openness
southern
frequent swampofviridis,
Coastal
than the blackgum,
everyhabitat
Plain fiveof and planertree,
physiognomy.
Florida,
years, by overcup
Alabama,
flowing oak,
Mississippi,
water pin
directly oak, and black .
Crataegus
had
types historical
within influence
the Forestiera
system on
include acuminata,
this system.
natural Ilex
Federal
levees, decidua,
reservoirs
point Iteafrom
bars, virginica,
have
meander
the
had a
Low
willow, bottomlands
southwestern and bald-cypress.
Georgia are usually
that Some
are seasonally
characteristic
characterized flooded by shrubsin backswamps,
dark include
waters highcommon with
in
stream.
Morella
serious They
cerifera,
and occur
negative along
Planera effect the
aquatica,
on lower Mississippi
Sabal
this system, minor,
along River
and
with andVegetation
Sebastiania
agricultureits tributaries that
scrolls,
flooding
buttonbush, oxbows,
more stiff and
frequent
dogwood, sloughs
than (Sharitz
every five
swamp-loosestrife, and
years, Mitsch usually
swamp 1993). more
privet, frequently
Virginia-
particulate
in the
fruticosa.
has Mississippi
converted and
Vines dissolved
muchmay River include
of this organic
Alluvial Berchemia
system materials,
Plain
to ecoregion.
scandens
drained and that
They
and
agricultural generally
are
Smilax classed
land. lack as .
bona-
generally
than
willow, every and includes
two years,
planertree. forestsgenerallydominated bycases
stillbywaterbottomland that may hardwood
bethatimpounded species
speciesHerbs
floodplain
Low Gradient development.
Riverine In
Overbank most are uncommon,
wetlands theseinare but floating
streams
a hydrogeomorphic water- have their
nox.
and Herbaceous
other trees tolerant of may include
flooding, Boehmeria
including cylindrica,
bald-cypress and Carex water
behind
primrose,
headwaters natural
lanceleaf
inCarexlevees,
sandy and
arrowhead,
portions are classed
ofhornwort
the as
Outerspp.,Low Coastal Gradient
waterweedPlain. Riverine
spp.,
Consequently,
classification.
complanata, Flooding debilis, is ofCarex lower duration
intumescens, than on
Carex adjacent
joorii, Leersia
tupelo.
Backwater
pondweed However, wetlands
spp., herbaceous
in
andvirginicus,
lesser and
hydrogeomorphic shrub vegetation
classifications. may be Low present in .
they carryLycopus
backswamps
virginica, littlewheremineral water isduckweed
sediment impounded
Mikania may
or suspended be found.
behind
scandens, clay
riverfrontparticles
Saccharum natural and are
baldwinii,
certain
bottomlands areas as
occur well. along This thesystem is
Mississippi generally River similar
and its in concept
tributaries to
in the
not turbid
levees. except
Flooding isafter
of the heaviest rainthan events. The water is classically
and
This
~West Typha
system
Mississippi Gulf latifolia.
consists
Coastal
River oflonger
Aquatic
Plain
Alluvial vegetated
Large
Plain
duration
and floating
communities
River
ecoregion. herbs
Floodplainon adjacent
include
Prolongedalong
Forest high
Lemna
Piedmont
flooding minor,
rivers,
dark
Nelumbo inofcolor
bottomlands lutea, dueNuphar
that toRiver
are concentrations
typically
lutea temporarily
ssp. ofwhere
advena, tannins, flooded.
and particulates,
Nymphaea Soils are and other .
typically
odorata.
south
(CES203.488)$$
dominates the thisJames but
system, is and in its
distinct Virginia,
from
duration it because
isswamps flooding
greater ofthat
the and flood-related
difference
in the adjacent in
materials
sandier thanderivedthose from
of low drainage
bottomlands. through Giant cane or marshes
(giant cane) (FNAI
is a
environmental
magnitude
Mississippi between factors
River Riparian the affect
typical vegetational
large
Forest. Overcup rivers composition
(such
oak isas the and
Trinity,
the characteristic dynamics. Neches,
1990). In understory
common comparison in with
these spring-fed
forests on rivers
natural andlevees brownwater and higher rivers of
point
Well-developed
and Sabine), examples
onsystem
the onetends areofclayey
hand, this system occur in the Triassic
on thebasins.
toand
dominant species. Soils the
with Mississippi
poor River other. .
the
bars, region,
and may this become dominant beafter
much moreinternal
thinning acidic
or removal drainage.
in nature of and
overstory.
The
Its vegetation
range islacks includes both
conceptually coincidentnon-forested with the barvast andmajority
scour communities of steep
generally
Willow
This systemand extensive
cottonwood
represents and continuous
sandbars
aforested
geographic may have
subset floodplain
anKuchler's
of open-canopy and (1964)levees;
and the
Subsection more extensive
234Ai of Keys et al. floodplain
(1995), communities.
excluding the portion Forests of 234Ai are
This system
banks alternating
(woodland-type) consists offloodplain
withForest
structure. vegetated swamps communities along
are Mississippi
more streams and
characteristic
Southern
generally
within
small
Floodplain
TNC in
rivers
differentiated
Ecoregion
the Piedmont
by found
depositional
42 (Mississippi
of the
west of the
landforms
River Alluvial
southeastern
such
United
as
Plain).
States
River.
levees,Its range .
where
(FNAI 1990). This system includes mixed rivers, with a mixture
Examples
sloughs,
is may be
ridges,
also coincident foundLevel
terraces,
with along
and IV large
abandoned rivers
Ecoregion of
channel
35g the(red West
segments.
RiverGulf Coastal The of
flooding
blackwater and and flood-related
spring-fed environmental
tributaries such factors
as the affect
Suwannee vegetation River.
Plain
system and
Bottomlands) Upper
is affected of West Gulf Coastal
by flooding
Omernik. through Plain, especially
wetness, scouring,the Trinity, deposition
composition
Canopy species and dynamics.
typical of this The vegetation
system are obligateincludes toboth non-forested .
facultative
Neches,
of material, Sabine, and and others.
input of Several
nutrients._x000D_ distinct plant communities can be
bar and scour
wetland species communities
such and the more extensive forested floodplain
recognized
_x000D_ within thisassystem bald-cypress that may (bald-cypress),
be related to the water array tupelo of
communities.
(water tupelo), Theandforests
Atlantic of white-cedar
these smaller floodplains
(Atlantic and bottomlands .
white-cedar).
different
Variation: geomorphic
Forested - by features
Canopy presentpresent._x000D_
forest within the floodplain. Some of
are not differentiated depositional landforms such as levees,
the major
_x000D_ geomorphic features associated with different community
sloughs, ridges, terraces, andpoint abandoned channel segments, because
types
Other include
Variation(s): natural levees,
Herbaceous. bars, meander scrolls, oxbows, and .
these features are small and flooding regimes are variable. The system
sloughs (Sharitz and Mitsch 1993). Vegetation generally includes
is affected by flooding through wetness, scouring, deposition of
forests dominated by bottomland hardwood species and other trees
material, and input of nutrients. .
tolerant of flooding, forestsincluding are foundbald-cypress along rivers and waterthrough tupelo.the However,
These swamp flowing Gulf
herbaceous andand shrub vegetation regionmay be present in certain areas
Coast Prairies Marshes of the Outer Coastal Plain of as
well. .
western Louisiana and adjacent Texas. Included are areas where the
rivers enter bays and estuaries along the northern Gulf of Mexico that
are somewhat tidally influenced. .
features. Those features that are present tend to be smaller and more
ponded
Coastal
closely water
Plain, for
intermixed a with
minimum
Chamaecyparis one of several
thyoides,
another, days at
Acer
resulting inan
rubrum, interval and
Liquidambar
inless obvious
This system
potentially forencompasses
long periods seepage-fed
of the year, wetlands
especially dissected
when Coastal
styraciflua,
vegetational Nyssa
zonation. sylvatica,
Bottomland Quercus phellos, tree
hardwood and species
Fraxinusare typically
Plain landscapes,
evapotranspiration from southeastern
is lowest. Thedominants. Virginia
vegetation to northeastern
of thiswooded system Florida.
supports
pennsylvanica
important
This West and
Gulf are characteristic
diagnostic,
Coastal Plainalthoughecological mesicsystem Tidal
hardwood consists species of are also a
swamps
forested
Examples
relatively are
low usually
vascular associated
plant with
diversity ravines
and thus or along
mayinterraces headwater
appear
This
from
presentwetland
wetlandsVirginia
in(often
areas system
to Florida
with
densely
consists
less are of forested
dominated
inundation,
wooded) inalong suchbywetlands
acidic, Taxodium,
as upper
seepage Nyssa,floristically
acidic,
influenced
seepage-
andorwetland
This
similarsystem
streams. toOverbank
other occupies flat
flooding
pine-hardwood lowlands
is a negligible
vegetation the southern
influence.
of the region. and
Fire The outermost
may dry be an
influenced
Fraxinus.
possibly Inhabitats
second the of
Mississippi
bottoms. the East
As River
a Gulf
whole, Coastal
Valley, flooding Plain,
along with
occurs extending
Taxodium
annually, into but the
habitats.
portions
important
portion These
of the
force
of andthis wetlands
Coastal
in some
vegetational may
Plain
and of
notoccur
mosaic the
in in
others.
is soilpoorly
southeastern
dominated developed
Vegetation United
by upland
States,
consists
grassy ground ofusually
open
central
distichum
water Florida.
table usually These
Nyssa is are mostly
spp.,
well characteristic
below evergreen
the trees forests
surface include generally
throughoutAcer found
rubrum,
most ofat
drainages,
over
to limestone
closed
cover toe-slopes,
forest
(longleaf substrates.
of and
acid-tolerant
wood-oats) small
Vegetation
with headwaters
wetland
scattered is stream
characterized
hardwoods
emergent bottoms.
by
(sweetbay
greenbriarsmixed These
and
This
Carya system
base of slopes
aquatica, consists of
orAreas
other poorly habitats drained, where organic
seepage or mineral
flowPlaneraisand soil flats
concentrated. of
the
swampgrowing
environments
hardwood
(greenbrier black species areFraxinus
season.
gum
spp.) prone
(FNAI
typical)
underneath toprofunda,
impacted
long
1997),
or a pondduration
often
nearly
Gleditsia
bywith
pine.
pure
beaver
standing aquatica,
hydric
Generally
loblolly
impoundments
water,
oak
there
pine species
is a
overstory.
are
tendcommon
dense also
toThe
the outer
Resulting
aquatica,
included Atlantic
moisture
Quercus
in this Coastal
conditions
lyrata,
system. Plain.
Quercus These
are saturated
palustris, areas orare
andeven saturated
Salix inundated.
nigra. by rainfall
At Thetheoften .
occur
(A. on
Johnson highly pers. acidic,
comm.). nutrient-poor
In Florida soils.
examples The vegetation
of this system islikely
shrub layer
historical
and seasonal
vegetation
southern edgeisconsisting
composition
high
of water
characterized
this
primarily
of
group's this
table type of is
without
byrange,
sweetbay species andshared
unknown,
influence
hydric swamp
hammocks ofwith
but river Atlantic
itblackgum.
seems
in tidalare
ornorthern Coastal
that
to
characterized
found
Plain
loblolly adjacent
Peatland
pine by
was to sweetbay,
the
Pocosin
a floodplain
naturaland blackgum,
Canebrake,
and of
even swamp
spring-fedincluding
dominant blackgum,
rivers with
inkberry,
component andof redsome
relatively
fetterbush,
this
flooding.
Examples
central Fire
Floridaoccur is
are generally
in characterized
theofouter infrequent,
portions but
of organic
by Chamaecyparis may
the Coastal be important
Plain
thyoides within for
and the
Sabal
This system it consists ispoorly drained, or to mineral soil flats
maple,
constant although
staggerbush,
system,
associations.
range
palmetto.of flows.
as
swampbay,
Important
Inthere
littleleaf
is in some
related
Vegetation andtiti,
wetland
some
areas,
bigoaks
systems
consists
where
variation
such
gallberry,
in
of
sweetbay as
the the
hardwood
throughout
according
and
West
isBig
an Bend
honeycups.
Gulf
or mixed
important
much
latitude.
region,
Coastal
of the or they
Plain
forestseven
range of(R. of .
the outer
Understory
occupy Atlantic
large vegetation
isareas Coastal
ofFoti
broad, Plain.
throughout shallow, These
theprairiesareas
region
mucky are saturated
consistently
or seepy byon
supports rainfall
butan
This
Evans system
Taxodium
dominant
include pers. obs.,
distichum,
species.
Quercus comprised
T.To
michauxii,Nyssa
the of
pers.
north forests,
comm.).
spp.,
Quercus thisbottomland
system Wetter
pagoda, and
grades areas
oaks,
Quercus arewetlands
woodlands
or
into dominated
other
~East
phellos, and by
wetland
Gulf
and seasonal
abundance
generally
Pleistocene do of high
ferns,
not
terraces water
receivesuch
in the table
as
overbank without
cinnamon
Mississippi floodinginfluence
fern,
Alluvial royal
(A. of river
fern,
Johnson
Plain or
and
pers.
of Arkansas, tidal
nettedcomm.).
an overstory
trees of similar ofNorthern
willow oak withlower an abundance of dwarf palmetto in the .
istolerance. The strata have beaffinities
Coastal
Quercus Plain
laurifolia. Seepage Swamp (CES203.554)$$, with
where pocosin
flooding.
chainfern.
In Alabama,
Missouri Fire
andInAlthough
most
this generally
cases,
system
Louisiana. is
It infrequent,
these
apparently
occurs wetlands but are
confined
primarily mayembedded
west to of important
floodplainsin uplands
Crowley's for
of some
the
Ridge with
understory.
or baygall species
evergreen systems are the
rather
largely specific
thanreplaced
theof role
river of
by fire
floodplain in
deciduous this system
systems
species is
that
in the have
associations.
deep sandy
Mobile-Tensaw
on Pleistocene Vegetation
soils. When
(A.canopy.
glacial Schotz consists
these
outwash communities
pers.depositscomm.), hardwood are
where or mixed
associated
examples forests
with
are of
streams,
unknown,
affinities
canopy. Due low-intensity
with totheexcessive groundThe
wetness, fires
combination
thesemayin Arkansas
have
habitats been
ofoaks,
canopy
areor and Missouri,
ecologically
dominants
normally and
and
Taxodium
they tend
topographically
on Macon todistichum,
Ridgebe low
higher
in Nyssa
gradient,
than
Louisiana spp.,
with
the and bottomland
narrow,
surrounding
adjacent often braided
floodplains.
Arkansas. other
The channels wetland
sites are and .
important.
nonriverine,
protected Such
from fires
non-seepage
fire could
excepthydrology have
thoselower originated
which distinguishes
occur in the
during surrounding
this systemdroughty
extreme ~East
from
trees
diffuse
above of similar
drainage
modern tolerance.
patterns.
floodplains, The
Duebut to
have excessivestrata
poor have
wetness,
internal affinities
these
drainage with
habitats
and pocosin
are are
flat
Gulf
other Coastal
periods.Coastal
These Plain
Plain Interior
systems._x000D_
environments Shortleaf
are prone Pine-Oak
to Forest (CES203.506)$
long-duration standing water,
or baygall
normally systems
protected rather
from fire than the
except riverthose floodplain
which systems
occur that have
with
_x000D_
and poorto
$.<br><br>In
tend runoff,
occurthe leading
western
on highly toparts
very
acidic, ofwet the conditions
lower
nutrient-poor terraces in
soils. ofduring
winter theand East extreme
spring.
Gulf .
affinities
droughty
They also with
periods.
often the havecanopy.
The a limited
claypan Theexamplescombination
thatofrestricts of canopy
in Oklahoma
both internal dominants
are somewhat
drainage and
and,
Coastal
Variation: Plain ("Florida
Taxodium/Nyssa Parishes") - Deeper Louisiana
water expressions (74d and adjacent
of thisfrom system 75a
nonriverine,
depauperate
later in the non-seepage
and
year, lack
water some hydrology
of
availability. the more distinguishes
Therefore,southern they andthis
are system
eastern
very taxa
wet in (e.g.,
the
of EPA), thebyflatwoods
dominated bald cypress vegetation
and/or water tends to tupelobe dominated
and swamp primarily by
other Coastal
sweetbay, swamp Plain systems._x000D_
blackgum).
winter/spring
hardwoods
blackgum._x000D_ in andthe most very dry
western in theportion,summer, anda moisture
a mixtureregime of spruce termedpine .
_x000D_
hydroxeric.
and loblollyBecause
_x000D_ pine in the of this moisture portion
intermediate regime,tothethecommunities east of this (Smith are
Variation:
variable, Oak"Louisiana
- Shallower water oakexpressions of this system dominated
1996b).
Other Inranging
this
Variation(s): from Oak. willow Florida flats to post
Parishes Spruce oak flats
Pine to prairies.
Flatwoods In .
This
by system
oaks (laurel, represents
swamp semipermanently
white, swamp flooded to saturated
chestnut)._x000D_
the 1940s,
Forest" some the Arkansas
characteristic Game speciesand Fish include Commission
spruce pine, produced
diamondleaf a
depressional
_x000D_ areas of the lower Mississippi River Alluvial
wildlife
oak,
This swamp habitat
ecological map
chestnut
system of
oak,Arkansas
water oak,
occupies in which
large, cherrybark these sites
seasonally oak, were
live oak,
inundated classified
loblolly
basins as
Valley._x000D_
Other Variation(s): Taxodium/Nyssa. .
"terrace
pine, and hardwood
southern forests."
magnolia. These
Some
with peaty substrates in the southern and outermost portions of the communities
important have
understory a largetrees variety
and of
_x000D_
upland
shrubs
This
Coastal and
system
include
Plain lowland
consists
ofwestern tree species,
of mayhaw,
wetlands
the southeastern ranging
dwarf
associated
United from
palmetto with
States. post(whichoakbasins
ovoid,
These to overcup
shallow
may often
are be oak
This
This system
Variation:
ecological encompasses
Forested system - species
Forest hardwood
occupies canopy large, or seasonally
mixed
present. hardwood-conifer
Species may
inundated include
basins
in a
very small
depressions
abundant
nonriverine area.with
and or Such
nearly
dominant),
dobald flat
notinflooded
receive diversity
bottoms
and switchcane.
overbank in may
parts beof
flooding. explained
the Atlantic
The by
southern Coastal limit .
swamps
swamp
This
with system
peaty of substrates
seasonally
blackgum, represents cypress,
predominantly
the southern non-riverine
and other and wet habitats
wetland
hardwood
outermost inflatwoods
the
portions Atlantic
obligates._x000D_ ofpeatyof
the the
regeneration
Plain. Often occupies
of
calledspecies large,
with
Carolina seasonally
dramatically
bays, these inundated
different
areas are basins
moisture
most with
numerous tolerances and
of this
Coastal
_x000D_
This system
Plain extends
from Longofinto central
Island (New Florida,
York), especially
south tothe along
Virginia. the Atlantic
The
thesystem
West
Coastal Gulf
substrates Plainin consists
Coastalof
the the Plain wetlands
of
southeastern
southern andsouthern associated
United
outermost Arkansas, with
States.
portions ovoid,
eastern
These
of shallow
Texas,
basins
Coastal and
are Plain
on
extensive
This
Coast same
ecological
in in
Volusia site
South in
system
and dry
Carolina and
occupies
Brevard wet
but years
are
large,
counties. onseasonally
also these
present
Examples hydroxeric
in arethe
inundated Inner
generally sites.Coastal
basins
substrate
Other
depressions is mineral
Variation(s):withdo nearlysoil, sometimes
Herbaceous.
flatStates.
bottoms overlain
insomewhat
parts by
of are a
the layer
Atlantic of well-
Coastal
western
nonriverine
of the
Because
Plain
with of
peaty
Louisiana.
southeastern
the
North and
sites
substrates are
Carolina.Examples
not
United receive
above
in is The may
current overbank
depressions
thecharacterized
southern
be
These
floodplains
and
flooding.
basins
have
outermost
more
and
mineralThe common
southern
nonriverine
susceptible
portionssoils with inlimit
and
to
ofderive
the
thedo .
clay
forested;
decomposed
Plain.
inland Often the
portions vegetation
organic
called of matter,
Carolina
the region but
bays,
but is
are not
thesealso by
deep
areas Taxodium
found peat.
are in The
most
the distichum,
waters
numerous
Outer Coastal Nyssa
and
of
notthis
being system
receive
drained, extends
overbank
they have into
flooding.
been central The
cleared Florida,
southern
at aan especially
range
even of
greater along
this the
system Atlantic
asrate
hardpans
This
Coastalsystem
biflora, that
Plain
evergreen trap
represents
of theand retain
predominantly
southeastern
"bay" shrubs, water from
United
and/or mesic combination
States.
mixed tohardwoods.
dry
These flatwoodsof
basins than
rainfall ofas
are
Emergent and
from
Plain
Coast overland
extensive
as
in in South
well.
Volusia flow
These and collecting
Carolina
areas
Brevard are but inare
usuallythe
counties. basin
alsofound depressions,
present
Examples on in the
nonriverine,
are Inner
generally well Coastal
Pleistocene some
extends
nearby
exposure
limited
nonriverine into
floodplain
of
areas acentral
and high
of inland Florida
forests.
regional
not portions
do also receive especially
water table.
of the
overbank along
West Some the
Gulf
flooding. Atlantic
examples
Coastal
The Coast
are
Plain.
southern in
essentially
These
limit .
Pinus
influence
Plain
high elliottii
of
terraces from
North maygroundwater
Carolina.
(EPA 35c). be The present.
Soils seepage.
depressions
are JohnsonSome
fine-textured, characteristic
Characteristic
have mineral
and tree shrubs
species
soils
hardpans with include
may clay
be
forested;
Volusia
permanently
areas the
and vegetation
Brevard
flooded, is
counties
while characterized
(A.
others support by Taxodium
pers.
water comm.).
levels distichum,
Examples
that vary Nyssa
are
of thisare
Cliftonia
include
hardpans usually
system
monophylla,
redthat maple,
trap found
extends sweet
and ongum,
into
Cyrilla
retain nonriverine,
central Florida,
racemiflora,
waterblack gum, Pleistocene
especially
Lyonia
willow high
lucida,
oak, ofterraces.
along
and and theSmilax
green Soils
Atlantic
ash.
present
biflora,
generally in
substantially
are
Coast
the
evergreen
forested;
fine-textured,
in Volusia
subsurface.
from and
"bay"
theBrevard
year
and to
hardpans
The
shrubs,
vegetation
year limited
and
may
counties.isfrom
and/or over
be
a combination
permeability
mixed
characterized
longer
present
Examples
hardwoods.
by
climatic
in the
are
ofbald-cypress,
these rainfall
cycles.
subsurface.
generally
soils
Emergent and
The
laurifolia._x000D_
Loblolly pine is not uncommon south of Delaware Bay.
exposure
contributes
Pinus
swamp
Vegetation
limited
of
elliottii
blackgum, a
to high
perched
includes
permeability
regional
may evergreen
also water
be
aofseries
these
water
tables
present.
of"bay"
table.
primarily
soils
during
Some
shrubs
contributes
Some fairly examples
characteristic
and/or
herbaceous substantial
mixed
to shallowly and
are
shrubs
hardwoods.
woodland
perchedincludeof .
essentially
portions
forested; the vegetation is characterized by Taxodium distichum,
_x000D_
permanently
the year (when
Cliftonia
Emergent
associations. slash flooded,
monophylla,Theprecipitation
pine may
wettest
while
Cyrillaalsoothers
sites isracemiflora,
greatest
behave
support
present.
open andSome water
Lyonia
water
levels
evapotranspiration
lucida,
characteristic
and
that and
floating-leaved
vary is Nyssa
Smilax
shrubs
water
biflora,
Variant: tables
evergreen
substantially during
Okefenokeefrom portions
"bay"
year shrubs,
Bay/Gum_x000D_
to year of the
and/or
and over year when
mixed precipitation
hardwoods.
longerblaspheme-vine.
climaticbut is greatest
Emergent
cycles.
lowest). Saturation
laurifolia._x000D_
include black titi, occurs notvegetation
from overbank tallflooding typically
aquatic
and
Pinus
_x000D_ vegetation,
evapotranspiration
elliottii
Vegetation maytiti,
includes
or
also
a
shining
marsh
is
belowest.
series present.
of
fetterbush,
Soil
primarily Some ofand
moisture graminoids.
fluctuates
characteristic
herbaceous and shrubs Drier
widely
woodland
sites .
include
whenever
_x000D_
often have precipitation
an open canopy events occur.
of Taxodium The local
ascendens, landscape with is
aand often
dense, aoften
throughout
Cliftonia
Other Variant(s):
associations. the
monophylla,
The growing
Okefenokee
wettest season,
Cyrilla
sites Taxodium,
havefromopen
racemiflora, saturated Lyonia
Okefenokee
water to
and very
lucida, dry,
Pine,
floating-leaved a condition
Smilax
complex
Variant:
fairly of ridges
Okefenokee
species-rich and swales,
Pine_x000D_ usually occurring in close proximity.
sometimes
laurifolia._x000D_
Okefenokee
aquatic
There isvegetation, Nupea,herbaceous
referred
vegetation
to
orand elsewhere
marshOkefenokee
variability
layer
vegetation
relatedshrub
beneath.
as xerohydric.
Clethra
toof soil
A Saturation
talltexture
few occurrences
graminoids. and moisture
occurs
Drier sites
arenot .
and
_x000D_
shrubby,
from but
overbank none contain
flooding but the dense
typically whenever layers of characteristic
precipitation events
_x000D_
often have an open canopy of Taxodium ascendens, with a dense, often
disturbance
Other
pocosin Variant(s):
species history. Most
Okefenokee
that occur examples Bay/Gum, support hardwood
Okefenokee forests
Taxodium, or
occur.
Variant:
fairly Local topography
Okefenokee
species-rich is in
Taxodium_x000D_
herbaceous the
a complex
layer bays with
of
beneath. organic
ridges A few and soils.
swales,
occurrences Vegetational
oftenare in
swamps,
Okefenokee
composition which Nupea,
often are often
and
varies heavily
Okefenokee
substantially oak-dominated.
Clethra
from year Important
to year, in species
response are
to .
close proximity to one another.
_x000D_but none contain the dense shrub layers of characteristic
shrubby, Ridges tend to be much drier than
tolerant
differences of inundation.
in water They
levels include
andBay/Gum,
drawdown swamp chestnut
times. oak,
Variation willow
in oak,
swales,
pocosin which
Other Variant(s):
species may hold
Okefenokee
that occur waterin the for varying
bays with periods
Okefenokee
organic of time.
Pine,
soils. Within
Okefenokee
Vegetational both
diamondleaf
hydroperiod oak,
is the and
most sweetgum,
important with
dynamic, sparse coverage
causing rapidofto wetland
major
ridges and swales,
Nupea, and Okefenokee
composition often there
varies is vegetation
Clethra
substantially variability
fromswales year to relating
year, inunusual soil texture
response to .
herbs
changes such in as
the southern
herbaceous waxy sedge. Some
vegetation. Unlike the support
steeper-sided
and moisture
differences and
inoccurs
water disturbance
levels history.
andsituations
drawdown The driest
times. ridges
Variation supportincontain loblolly
This
pocketssystemof water ashin andvarioushawthorn spp. Some along small
examples and can intermittent
solution
pine and depressions,
post oak; more where mesic many ridges different
have hydroperiods
loblolly pine are
with present
occurringoak
hydroperiod white
streams
loblolly of
pine.theis Edwards
the most Plateau, important with dynamic, causing rapid major
drier representatives in
within
and a
species short such distance
as and and
horsesugar vegetation
and southern zones simply shift, the flat-
changes
the western in the herbaceous
plateau thevegetation.
Stockton Unlikearrow-wood.
Plateau, the moister Fire may
andsteeper-sided solution
bottomed
have beenCarolina
anwhereimportant bays natural
experience process drastic in someyearly changes of
examples in this
depressions,
representatives (such many different
asofcommunities hydroperiods
dominated are present
by little walnutwithin anda
hydroperiod
system (T. Fotiandover pers.most their extent. Fire
comm.). zones simply shift, the flat-bottomed periodically spreads into .
short distance
splitleaf brickelbush) vegetation
in the eastern plateau. Representatives of this
the bays from adjacent uplands when conditions are dry, helps prevents
Carolina bays experience
system typically drastic yearly changes
occur in stream-scoured situations in hydroperiod
and vary in the over
invasion by less water-tolerant trees during dryinto periods, andfrom interacts
most
opennessof theirof the extent.
habitat Fireand periodically
physiognomy. spreads the bays .
with flooding to affect
when vegetational composition. Where fire is by
adjacent uplands conditions are dry, helps prevents invasion
removed, Pinus taeda often invades the bays.and Fire may also beflooding
less water-tolerant trees during dry periods, interacts with
important in preventing buildup of organic matter on the soil surface. .
to affect vegetational composition. Where fire is removed, Pinus taeda
often invades the bays. Fire may also be important in preventing
buildup of organic matter on the soil surface. .
seasonally saturated, mineral soils and historic exposure to frequent
low-intensity fire. They occur on a wide range of soil textures, which is
This
This system
system of of wet
openpond forests pine or-dominated
woodlands savannas
occupies and
broad, flatwoods
sandy
an important isfactor
endemic in to Florida,
distinguishing ranging
different in the north
associations. from The
ranges
flatlands from southern Virginia through South Carolina. It wasofonce one
vegetationinisa naturally
approximately relatively
Levy and narrow
St. Johns
dominated band by along
counties
longleaf the
(ca. northern
pine30 or, degreesonGulf Mexico
N latitude)
wetter sites,
of the
coast most
east of extensive systems in the coastward part of its range. It is
southward
slash pine tothe
or less Mississippi
approximately River
commonly Hillsborough,pond pine. [see map in Peet and
Osceola
Understory Allardcounties.
Polk
conditions (1993)].
may be
characterized
These areas, by
often wet,
calledseasonally
"flatwoods," saturated, are mineral
subject to soils
high and exposure
fire-return
It was once analtered
dramatically extensive by system
fire frequency withinand its seasonality.
historic range. In As
naturalcurrently
This
to system
frequent ofthough
fire. open forests
It occurs onareor woodlands
a wide occupies broad, sandytables.
botharange
intervals even they subject of
to seasonallysoil textures,
high which
water is anon
conceived,
condition this
in(frequent system fires, includes
including "scrubby
growing-season flatwoods" thatofoccur
component)
flatlands
important
Overstory
a relatively
factor
vegetation in is
narrow
variation in
characterized
band
cover along
and
by
the northern
species.
Pinus The
palustris
Gulf
vegetation
and to a isthere
Mexico
lesser
well-drained
tends
This
coast to
system be a soils
dense
of consists
eastdominated and
ground
the Mississippi typical
of pond cover
smallRiver flatwoods
of
forested herbs
[see that
and
wetlands,
map occur
low on
shrubs;
typically more poorly
grasses
dominated can
naturally
degree by Pinus by
elliottii. pine.
Understory There is aindense
conditions
Peet
range
and Allard
ground
from cover
densely
(1993)].
of
drained
dominate, soils.but The
there vegetation
is often a is naturally
large diversity dominated
of other byherbseither and longleaf
shrubs.
by
Thispond-cypress,
These
herbs areas,
range
and often
corresponds
low with
shrubs;called aroughly
characteristic
"flatwoods,"
grasses to Ecoregion
dominate and
arebut unique
subject75a is
there dome-shaped
to
(EPA high2004).
often fire-return
aupon
large These .
shrubby
pine or
appearance to
slash openpine, and and herbaceous-dominated,
less frequently includes based
pond largely
pine. Examples fire
intervals
areas,
diversity
history. often of in
even
Although
which
though
called
other trees
they
"flatwoods"
herbs.
fires are
in
arethe
Frequent,
naturally orcenter
subject toare
"flatlands,"
low-intensity
frequent,
higher
seasonally
arefire
they
thanhigh
subject those
isorthe
presumably
water around
todominant
high tables.
fire-
occur
vary
This
the in
sides
Overstory aspect
montane (Monk from
riparian
vegetation and well-developed
system
Brown
is group
1965).
characterized understory
is found
Examples
by Pinus on
arelayers
theknown
palustris peripheryscrub
from
and to species
of
the
a the
lesser
return
natural intervals
ecological even though
force. they are subject to seasonally high water .
with
to moresomewhat
northern
Southern herbaceous,
Rockies lower
in the frequency
savanna-like
Columbia than
River either
conditions. Basin, longleaf-dominated
There
along is a
majordense types
ground
tributaries
degree
tables. byCoastal
Overstory Plain (Omernik
Pinus elliottii.
vegetation Understory
is Ecoregion
conditions
characterized 75
by and
range
longleaf adjacent
from pine 65)
densely
and (EPA
to a
or
andtreeless
cover
2004) theof
ofmainlow savannas._x000D_
Florida shrubs,
stem and grasses, and
ofherbaceous-dominated,
the
Georgia,Columbia herbs.
extending Frequent,
at relatively
intobased low
Alabama, low-intensity
elevations
Mississippi fireand
and atis
shrubby
lesser to
degree open and
byendemic
slash pine. Understory conditions largely
range upondensely
from fire
This
_x000D_
the
higher system
dominant
elevations isnatural in mountainto
ecological Florida, force.
ranges ranging
of the from
Great approximately
Basin and along Lee, the .
Louisiana.
history.
shrubby to Examples
Althoughopen and fires occupy
are naturallypoorly frequent,
herbaceous-dominated, drained depressions largelywhich
they presumably
based upon are
occur
fire
Desoto,
Variation:
eastern Highlands,
slope Open of the and
Understory
Sierra Okeechobee-
Nevada Areas counties
dominated
within a southward.
broad by herbaceous
elevation It was
range oronce
from
most
with oftenFireembedded
somewhat
history. is in frequent,
lower frequency
naturally a matrixthan of
with pine
either flatwoods. The oldest
longleaf-dominated
a fire-return time of from and
types
an extensive
widely
about scattered
1220 m system
to shrubs.
over within
2135 Open its (4000-7000
m historic
aspect range.
generallyfeet).The vegetation
maintained
This system is one to
through
group
largest
or treeless
four individual
years. trees
savanna._x000D_ typically occupy the center of these domed
naturally
fire
often or other
occurs dominated by south
management._x000D_
as smaller
a mosaic of youngerflorida communities
multiple slash pine, being that largely
are outside .
wetlands,
_x000D_ with and individuals around thetree-
margins.
the natural with
_x000D_
dominated rangea of pond pine,
diverse shrubslash pine, and
component. The longleaf
variety pine.
of plant In natural
Pools of stagnant,
Variation: Scrub/Shrub highly acidic
Understory water may stand
- Areas with in the
dense center
shrubs, ofoften
these
This
Other system
condition,
Variation(s):
associations was
examples
connectedthe historical
are generally
Scrub/Shrub
to this matrix
system open vegetation
Understory, with
reflects a of
variety
Offsite
elevation, the ofouter
Hardwood.low
stream portions
shrub and .
depressions
the result ranging
ofGulf from
fire surpression._x000D_ 1-4 feet in depth, but becoming increasingly
of the
grass
gradient,West
species forming
floodplain Coastal a Plain
dense
width, and in
ground Louisiana
flooding cover.
events.and eastern
Frequent,
Important Texas,
low-intensity
shallow
_x000D_ along the margins. These sites are underlain by an and impervious
occurring
fire was
diagnostic the most
trees frequently
dominantinclude natural
Abieson relatively
ecological
concolor, recent
force,
Pseudotsuga geologic
but most formations
areas
menziesii, haveAlnus .
clay
Other pan which
Variation(s): impedes drainage
Open Understory, and traps
Offsite precipitation.
Hardwood. Some
within
undergone
incana, the
Betula range
long of longleaf
periods
occidentalis, of pine.
fire
Populus These
suppression areas
angustifolia, are
resulting characterized
Populusin greaterfremontii, by
examples
These are may
riparian have thick
woodlands (50-100 and cm) organic
shrublands layers.
found In addition
in thecanopies
foothills toand
poorly
dominance
Populus drained
balsamifera upland
of shrubs andsoils
ssp. saw with high
palmetto,
trichocarpa, water
Alnusas well tables (Bridges
as denser
rhombifolia, and Orzell
Populus of
pond-cypress,
mountains other
of the condition,
Greatwoody Basin species
and may
eastern include
Sierra swamp
Nevada. blackgum,
They areand .
1990).
slash In
pine
tremuloides, natural
(Huffman
Celtis and
laevigata Judd monospecific
1998, Noel
var. reticulata, stands
et al.
Betula of
1998). longleaf
occidentalis, pine or and
Bottomland and foothill stream-side thewoodlands,
Chapman's St. John's-wort, myrtleleaf St. John's-wort, forests shrublands
system.myrtle
usually narrow wet habitats along streams, dahoon,
species-rich
Pinus ponderosa. herbaceousImportant layers shrubs characterize
include thisforming
Amelanchier
aWidespread
patchy
alnifolia,
wetlands
swamp from
doghobble, the interior
wax-myrtle, of the Columbia
common Basin.
buttonbush, Found sweetgum,along major
mosaic
alterations
This lowerof open following
montane woodlandsEuropean
riparian orsystems
forests,
settlement, willows,
group rushes,
including
is bottomland
found sedges,toand
changes
throughout natural
Artemisia
rivers
coastal cana,
tosweet-pepperbush,
small Cornus
streams, sericea,
they range
shining Crataegus
from large
fetterbush, douglasii,
and downy gallerythe
Philadelphus
snowbell. .
moist
fire
Rocky herbs
regimes, and
have grasses.
produced Common drastic trees
changes include to narrowleaf
this system, and few
forests,Mountains
lewisii, Prunus
to a small and Colorado
virginiana,
shrublands Rosa Plateau
nutkana,
lining streams regions
Rosa within
narrowaSalix
in awoodsii, broadexigua,
valleys, at low
cottonwood,
large examples
elevational black cottonwood,
arefrom
extant. Examples Fremont 900cottonwood,
appear toto2800be somewhat Goodding's more
Salix gooddingii,
elevations ofrange
mountianSalix approximately
eriocephala,
foothills. Salix
Isolated lasiolepis,
cottonwoods m.SalixThese systems
andlaevigata,
Ponderosa
willow
common
often and
occur in conifers
western
as present,
mosaics such
Louisiana as
of multiplewhitethan fir, and
eastern
communities Douglas-fir.
Texas. Shrubs such as .
Salix
pine lemmonii,
are often Salix lucida
with ssp. lasiandra,
western birch, Salixthat
willows, lutea, areand
hawthorn, tree- or white
silver
dominatedsagebrush, red-osier
with aPatchesdiverse dogwood,
shrub component.and willows
Occurrences(arroyo, Booth,
are found
Symphoricarpos
alder dominant. albus. Herbaceous
of sedge layers are
meadows or often
wet dominated
grasslands by
coyote,
within theLemmon's
flood or ofyellow) are common. Theor habitats are often
species
sometimes of Carexoccurzone and
withinJuncus,rivers,
these and onperennial
islands,habitats.
streamside sand
grasses cobble
and mesic bars, and
forbs, .
altered
immediate by livestock
streambanks. overuse, causing
They canElymus them
form large, to be open,
wide occurrences with fewer on
such as Deschampsia
stream side caespitosa,
woodlands andorshrublandstrachycaulus, at lower Glyceria
elevations striata, in
These
shrubs are
mid-channelandconifertrees
islands dominated
with larger wetlands,
inintroduced rivers usuallybands
grazing-tolerant
narrow dominated
grasseson small, by rocky
such as
Iris
the missouriensis,
Rocky Mountains. Maianthemum
This lush stellatum,
vegetation or Thalictrum
occurs on stream fendleri.
banks,
Engelmann
Kentucky
canyon spruce,
bluegrass,
tributaries but sometimes
creeping
and well-drained Lodgepole
bentgrass, timothy
benches.stolonifera,pine, western
common.
Stands arePoa red cedar
found in .
alsopratensis,
Introduced
adjacent forage species,
floodplains, and cansuch occuras Agrostis
on in-stream islands, and sand
or western
backwater hemlock.
channels andThe occur
other on valley
perennially bottoms
wet shrublands or
buttectorum, small
less scoured lake or or
sites,
These
Phleum are thestream-side
pratense, and the forests,
weedy woodlands,
annual Bromus and
arewetlands
often
cobble
pond bars.
basins, It can
and form
occur large,
most wide
commonly occurrences
in the low along
to mid larger rivers
elevation or
such
found asalong
floodplains
the swales in and irrigationRocky ditches. Dominant They trees may .
onstreams
present in disturbed stands. thecanyon
Northern Mountains.
narrow
areas of bands
the mountains.small, rocky
Most sites have tributaries
patches andopen
of well-drained
water, mucky
include Acer
usually occurnegundo, within a forestedPopulus landscape,angustifolia, and Populus
are domintated balsamifera, by
benches.
or peat bottoms,It is alsoand typically
a diverse found array in of
backwater
wetland channels and other
pine orplants
Populus deltoides, Populus fremontii, Pseudotsuga infirthe
menziesii, Piceaor
cottonwood, with some conifers (spruce, grand usually)
perennially
understory. wet but less scouredSalix sites,amygdaloides,
such as floodplains swales and
pungens,
tall shrubsPopulus such astremuloides,
mountain alder, red-osier dogwood, or birch). Low .
Juniperus
irrigation ditches. Hardwood trees and tall shrubs (cottonwood, maple,
scopulorum,
shrubsare
These lowPicea
(snowberry mariana,
and rose)
elevation (not and
and
in the Picea
forbs glauca.
(lady fern,
mountains) Dominantmale andfern shrubsand include
alder, western birch, creek dogwood and willowriver species), creek-side
conifers
Acer
meadow
forest, glabrum,
senecio)
woodland Alnusareorincana,
and often
shrubland Betula
important.habitatsoccidentalis,
found in the Betula Pacific papyrifera, .
(Douglas-fir,
These are mixed spruce hardwood Ponderosa- conifer pine) dominate
wetlands and most
swamps, sites,which with a
Cornus
Northwest. sericea, Crataegus
It includes black rivularis,
cottonwood Forestiera gallery pubescens,
forests, Prunus
hardwood
These
diverse are woodlands
understory and
ofpatch
low forests
shrubs found
(rose, along
snowberry), rivers and streams
wildflowers from
occur asof
virginiana, fairly
Rhus small
trilobata, sitesOregon
Salix in the forests
monticola, ofbigleaf
Salix Oregon
drummondiana, and andand Salix
forests
mid elevations
grasses. red and
to white
the upper alder, limit of tree ashline and in the Rocky maple, mountains.
This
exigua,
diverse
wooded
Washington, stream
but
Salix irrorata,
willow
become bank
shrublands
community
much
Salixorlucida, more
woodlands.
occurs
extensive
Shepherdia Most
along
to the
argentea,
examples
mountain
north, orare narrow .
streams
until
Trees includes
throughout subalpine
the Pacific fir,
Northwest Douglas-fircoast, and
on theEngelmann
mainland spruce,
and on
becoming
Symphoricarpos quite abundant
spp. Exotic in southeastern
treeson Elaeagnus Alaska. They occur
angustifolia and in larger
river
Tamarix
and
aspen,linear in
cottonwood, character, and occurring
mountain floodplains
alder, with or
diverse lower
shrubs terraces
and of
islands.
valleys,
spp. It
and occurs
around on steep
the edgesstreams of and
lakes narrow
and large floodplains
marshes, above
occasionally
riversareand
wildflowers
common
streams.
in
inWhere
some stands.
the understory. the river This banks
includes arestreamside
steep, and the forestsstream andbed
.
foothills
occuring but
on below
wet the tree-less
slopes. As with alpine
most environments.
wetlands, they Surrounding
are flooded at
itself is steep,
woodlands thatthe stream
occur side forest
in narrow stream willborders
be quiteinnarrow. steep, But where the
habitats
least part include
of the subalpine
year. This parklands
system back is and montane
extremely forests.V-shaped
variable, Dominant
stream
valleys is
and not steep,
canyons, andto meanders
broader floodplains and forthin wide across valley aincluding
broad
bottoms. valley,
species
mixed include
Oregon lodgepole pine, black cottonwood, white fir, California .
may Ash - conifer
wide forests from Willamette Valley floor,
the forest be quite and interspersed with tall willow clumps
red fir, quaking
coastal swamps,aspen and several different
and hardwood-conifer swamps kindsfound of alder, at highcurrent,
as well as cottonwood trees. These communities like to keep their feet
goosberry,
elevations and
inisthe willow. These forests and
Cascades.of deciduous shrub dominated wetlands tall shrublands like to keep .
Thisand
wet system are composed
adapted to flooding, and the damage that may occur with
their feet wet and are adapted to flooding, and the damage that may
found throughout
big floods, such asthe scourPacificand Northwest.
deposition. Cottonwood They occur atand low elevations
willows
occur
along with big floods, suchvalleys,
as scourand and deposition. Cottonwood and
actually thedepend
coast, in
oninterior
new deposits of sandinand highgravel
montane for meadows.
germination. .
willows actually depend on new deposits of or sand andwetland
gravel systems, for
Usually associated with lakes, ponds, rivers large
germination. Forests along streambanks can be quite different fromand the
they usually are found in mosaics with marshes, forested swamps
adjacent forest because of its shrubby or more deciduous character. .
forested wetlands. The shrubs vary from tall species such as thinleaf
alder, Sitka alder, crabapple and diverse willows, to smaller shrubs like
spiraea. .
Goodding's willow, box-elder, common buttonbush andoaks California
cottonwood,
Edwards Plateau alder,and and upwillows, often with conifer and occurring
This
grape. ecological
Herbaceous system isinto
components found thecan lower
mostlyincludemontane
in the Santa zone
central of Sky
and
barbara inner Island
sedge,
as well.
mountains. They The vary
woody from tall,
riparian bottomland
stands occur gallery in forests
mountain along
canyons the and
northern
Douglas' Coast
wormwood, Rangesand of California
various marsh and species
Sierra Nevada such asfoothills.
giant It
bulrush
major
valleys rivers,
ofsprings, to
southern narrow Arizona, riparian New stringers
Mexico, in small
western streams.
Texas andDominant
adjacent
includes
and cattails alongseeps, riverbanks and perennial
and in and intermittent
backwater areas. streams
Black walnut,in
trees mayand include white alder, box-elder, butred
Mexico, consist of mid- toarelow-elevation alder
(1100-1800 in related
the Coast Ranges;
serpentine
Tree-of-Heaven substrates (true
and tamarisk serpentinite problem also
invasive other woodym) riparian
species.
Fremont
corridors cottonwood,
along perennial Red and
andare Goodding's
seasonally willow, Douglas-fir,
substrates).
Periodic Serpentine soils have highintermittent
calcium aretoin streams.
magnesium The
to ratio,
These
California areflooding
riparian
sycamore,
and associated
woodlands
Coast live and sediment
oak,shrublands
and
scour
bigleaf found maple
necessary
the
in foothills
central andand
intermittently
which
maintain strongly
growth flooded
affects
and basins are
the biotic life.
reproduction relatively
of small
Characteristic
vegetation. depressions
speciesregimes
Flooding on
include broad
mountain
south coast canyons
foothills. andDominant
valleys ofshrubs southern includeArizona, coyote New Mexico,
willow and and
mesas,
Brewer's plains
willow, andSargent
valleyaltered bottoms in that receive runoff from California
adjacent
arecypress,
have been significantly California
all but a few coffeeberry,
tributaries that support
adjacent
arroyo Mexico.
willow. Theytrees
Exotic usually
tree-of-heaven, narrow wet habitats spp.,
Eucalyptus along the
and
areas.
laurel,
this The
fountain
system. riparian vegetation
thistle, white-stem is a mix of riparian
hedge-nettle, woodlandsCleveland's
goldenrod, andherbs .
streams,
such as giantwith reed a patchy also mosaic
occur. of open
These arewoodlands
disturbance-driven or forests,systems willows,
shrublands.
ragwort,
This systems Characteristic
shield-bract
group includes woody
monkeyflower, peatlands species
seepthatinclude
monkeyflower,
are found Aceratnegundo,
theVan Alnus
Houtte's
near-boreal
rushes,
that sedges,
require and and
flooding, moist
scour herbs and
and deposition grasses. Common
forportions
germination trees include
oblongifolia,
columbine,
latitudes of theBaccharis
sawtooth
northeastern salicifolia,
sedge. and Celtis laevigata
Stream-side
north-central United var.States thisand
ofreticulata, system are
and
narrowleaf
maintenance. cottonwood, Rio Grande cottonwood, Fremont cottonwood,
Fraxinus
adjacent velutina,
disturbance-driven
Canada, Juglans
and require
where major,
climate Platanus
limited
allows wrightii,
flooding,
the ash,
rate and ofscour Pluchea
peat and sericea, to .
deposition
accumulation
Arizona sycamore, Arizona walnut, velvet wingleaf soapberry.
Populus
for
exceed angustifolia,
cottonwood
its and willow
decomposition, Populus resultingdeltoides
germination in acidicssp.
and wislizeni,
maintenance.
peatlands. Populus
They Many varyrare from
Coyote
This willow,
ecological plum
system spp., Arizona
isminerotrophic,
limitedProsopis alder,
to riparian and mulefat
areas of theare common
lower Rio
fremontii,
and endemic
ombrotrophic Prosopis
herbaceous
to weaklyglandulosa,species occur on velutina,
oftenserpentine
within Prunuswetlands.
the samespp.,peatland,
Salix .
shrubs.
Grande Vegetation
Valleyarrangements is
andriparian
Rio dependent
Corona inupon annual
southern Texasor periodic flooding and
and northeastern
exigua,
with
This Salix
various
Tamaulipan lasiolepis, Salix
systems geyeriana,
of raised groupbog occursSalix
(ombrotrophic)gooddingii,
along theand Sapindus
lower poor Rio fen
associated
Mexico. sediment
Stands occur scour
on and/or
riverbanks, annual rise
floodplains in the and water
deltas. table Thesefor
saponaria,
(minerotrophic)
Grande and Shepherdia
and reproduction.portions;
Rio Corona inmostargentea.
southern areoccur These
atTexas
least systems
partly
and may
ombrotrophic.
northeastern have Mexico. The
These
growth woodlands
and and shrublands along lower elevation rivers .
woodlands
inclusions
surface areherbaceous-dominated
of
morphology a unique mixbog
ofvalleys
the of mayspecies from
vegetation,
be more-or-lesssoutheastern
typically
level, North
Pleuraphis
domed, orand
Palm
and grove
streams riparian
in desert forests and and woodlands
canyons inare the found on
southwestern riverbanks US.
Aspen-birch
America
mutica,
eccentric, and
Pascopyrumforests
subtropical
butwhiletypically are isearly-successional
smithii,Central
over theAmerica
Panicum water and
obtusum,
table.boreal often hardwood
ASporobolus dominated
maritime forests
version by
airoides,
floodplains,
Common trees includearroyo shrublands
box-elder, velvetare restricted
ash, Fremont to drainages
cottonwood, in into
and
sweet
or woodlands
acacia,
Sporobolus
along the north widespread
shagbark
wrightii.
Atlantic hickory,
Coast throughout
sugarberry,
south to boreal Texas
easternmost Canada Maine and
persimmon, extend Texas
develops .
upland
Goodding's areas or
willow, ramaderosarroyo that
willow, are only
netleaf intermittently
hackberry, flooded
and Arizona and
the
ebony,northern
distinctive knockaway, United
raised States
Rio Grandein northern
ash, Minnesota,
eastern cottonwood, northern or Wisconsin,
cedar elm,
often
walnut. dry. The Soils areplateaus
shrublands typically
theare
when somewhat
often occurring deeperinofbasins,
than those or willow,
occurs theas
of ranging a
This
and forest
northern
many
"blanket occurs
other
bog" Michigan.
overtree on
a species
sloping southern
They cancomposed
present
rocky edge
occur ofinthe
to locally
substrate a in Geyer's
boreal
variety
dominant,
extreme offorest,
upland
with
maritime
silver
settings.
pecan,
surrounding
buffaloberry,
from eastern landscape.
and
Alberta coyote to Palm
willow.
eastern grove
Canada characteristic
and species are the .
Theypine-black
black
This
settings.
Jack originate
system
hickory,
TheSabal naturally
includes
post
vegetation
spruceoak, a seriesafter
and
physiognomy
forests offires
plateau
can beand
wetlandslive
found oak
varies ofsouthward
blowdowns,southern
more
fromthe
from but
common
forest into
more
Florida,
upper
Minnesota
in ranging
to anacua, the
low-shrub
Midwest
neotropical
and the Great Lakes mexicana
region. with Ebenopsis
It isherbaceous-dominated
widespread ebano,
in mixed
much Ehretia
of
commonly
northern
in physiognomy
dominance,
and Canada
originate
extent.often
tothea The
from
with
limited
after
highly
open logging
patches
region and
variable of understory
conifer or
of graminoids
northwestern and is dependent
bryophyte toits
conifer- range
tree- on canopy
lawns.
and
The
andMaine
Leucaena pulverulenta, and many other riparian plants. and New
Inrocky,
the
can
densitydominate
hardwood
dominated and forests.
may
patches, landscape.
Quaking
include
including dense Soils
aspen shrub
nearly are
and oracidic
paper
herbaceous
monospecific birch usually
are the
layers.
stands most
of and
Carolina .
maritime
Hampshire.
shrublands, bogs Theseare
thespecies. almost
forests
dense shrub always
often
canopy non-forested
cover large
is poorly
a mix and
areas.
of species often
Soils feature
are
often lawns
nutrient-
including
range
important
willow from
(Davis well-drained
tree 1943, Lovelessto somewhat
Pines and
1959, spruceCraigheadcan drained.
occur1971). but The
are
These low-
scattered
wetlands or
of
poorTrichophorum
Acacia and loamy tocaespitosum.
farnesiana, sandy,
Celtis varying
pallida, In Haematoxylum
settings
from thinwhere soil over trees form aProsopis
bedrock
brasiletto, partial
to deeper to
elevation
abundant
hold water forests
onlyfor much are
inisstunted
small typified
of areas.
the yearbyOtherwhite
and spruce
common
have some and balsam
hardwoods
of the longestfir.
are Black
bigtooth
moderate
soils. Jack
glandulosa, cover,
pine
or Tecoma the (or
characteristic
stans. less frequently
overstory well-developed)
tree, occurring Picea
with black .
These
spruce
aspen, southern
isandoften boreal
present, floodplains
along with are found
occasional injackthe pine.
extreme Common northern to
marianared
hydroperiods
spruce and/or maple,(8-12
Larix
red and,
months)
laricina
pine. in wetter
Paper are a areas,
inbirch
the region
dominant
and balsam
characterized
aspen poplar.
trees,
may and
also byThis aspen-birch
wetlands.
dwarf-shrubs
be present,
portions
abundant
forest
Most of the eastern
boreal
is maintained
are maintained, byatU.S.,
hardwoods repeated
least and
include believed
quaking
disturbance
historically, to be
by aspen
withinmore
American and widespread
50-yearpaper birch.
return in
(Chamaedaphne
especially
This marsh ifsystem
the calyculata,
area was has been
aflat Ledum
dominant disturbed groenlandicum)
type by fire
throughout or system andalligators.
logging.
much sedges Shrub
ofplant
the are
Canada.
Other
intervals
Alligators They
hardwoods
andwere consist
would are
such ofdominant
relatively
otherwise
a floodplains
minor.
succeed
disturbanceThis
to along forest
conifer northern
force systems.
in manyrivers,
may in
include .
common
cover invarythe understory. Dwarf-shrub-dominated areas arelow
earliercan
Everglades
depositional region
areasfrom not sparse
ofpatches,
southeastern
strongly toindense. Blueberries
Florida.
influenced Itand
by consists
ice-scour,and other
largely
where of shrubs
communities successional of south Florida which
that their aspen
role has birch
been are
compared dominant with or
dominated
are mostby
are with low
common. ericaceous
Ahavelayer shrubs
of a(including Kalmia angustifolia,
willfeathermosses
herbaceous
topography marsh
and vegetation
process across
resulted range
in a complexof soil is typical
and on
hydrologic
of upland the
and
mixed
that of bison spruce
in the and
prairiesfir, that
(Craighead develop1971). into spruce-fir
Through constantforests.
Kalmia
ground.
conditions, polifolia,
but Ledum
generally groenlandicum,
falls within Chamaedaphne
conditions outlined calyculata,
by Duever et .
wetland
Blowdowns
movement, alluvial with
they vegetation.
subsequent
create numerous This
gap complex
regeneration
smalland pools includes are floodplain
the
and pondsdumosa),most foreststo
frequent
(analogous
and,
al. near the
(1986), i.e.,coast, Empetrum
hydroperiod of nigrum
225-275 days Gaylussacia
per year, maximum with
wet-
dominated
form of wallows)
naturalby northern welltrees
disturbance, such to
with as and
balsam poplar and black ash, as
thelarge-scale
buffalo asconifers. as trails fires
theseimportant atboglonger
patches
season of
water stunted
level of 40 cm., In and raisedfrom
occurrence portions, on peat
pools
secondary
soils.
through
Several pools
well
return
sawgrassas herbaceous
intervals.
marshes. sloughs
These and shrub
paths eventually wetlands.widenreferred (Silver
and deepen maple is .
may be present.
individual marsh These
community peatlands are
associations sometimes have been to asinto
recognized a based
uncommon
creeks. Many or absent.)
of boggy
these small Most areas
freshwater are underwater
creeks have eachbeen spring;
invaded by
"muskeg," a flat peatland howwith andscattered
on species composition, structure, aspect. treeshabitats
Variations and aare fairly
largely dense
microtopography
mangroves and determines
hardwoods, including long the various
Carolina willow, in theare absence
shrub
due
This tolayer on mounded
the interrelated or hummocky
effects of fire, peat.and hydroperiod.
soils, kind Sawgrass the .
of firebeach
inundated.
This and with
system
ecological
The distribution
decreases
represents
system
carbonate
is
thethe
ininalligator sand
southernmost
U.S. appears
populations
beaches
to be
of
of
the
its
primarily
(Craighead
Florida
along
1971).
Keys and
beds
mainlandor "glades"
coast ofmayNorth have beennorthern
America. theItssingle
southerly mostand extensive
location component
Canadian,
Some
south emergent
Florida withmangrove
incursions
wetlands into
included
islands (afterwithin Maine
Johnson the conceptand of distinguishes
northern
Barbour systemTheit
this1990).
of
fromthis system
other
Minnesota. types (Hilsenbeck
along the et al.soil
Atlantic 1979),
Coast, andprimarily
large areas duemay to the have the .
may
This also
system
vegetation have
isof originated
ranges
poorly from
known from
Anclote Key
but apparently and topographic
southward includes to at changes
Cape leastRomanoonein former
appearance
prevalence of nearly
the monotypic
tropical flora it stands
supports. of sawgrass.
This type However,
is related local
to
sawgrass
(Johnson
endemic marshes
and Barbour following1990). severe
Withinfires that
the northern consume organic
Gulfspeciesregionmay these
variation species,
~Southwest in composition
Florida
Garber's
Beach andsandmat.
stature Other
(CES411.276)$$ are also diagnostic
often
but isand apparent.directly
affected For by
substrate
beaches
include and
are decrease
distinguished
Jamaica-dogwood soil by elevation
and the highest
blackbead. (Gunderson
species richness, Loope 1982b).
greatest
example,
much
One higher
component
twowave broadenergy
of
aspectfrom
this system
types of Atlantic.
the
(&#8243;
sawgrassThis marsh
heads&#8243;
are often
region has some
may originate of .
cover of
Thishighest succulents,
systemwave includes and
marl high cover
prairies of dune
ofheight
the Atlantic marsh-elder
southern Florida and several
Everglades
recognized
the
This chaparral based on density
energy
shrubland along
occurs and/or
the in entire
patches (Kushlan 1990,
Coastal Gunderson
Plain (Tanner
as circular
tropical or
species oval-shaped
(Barbour etsolution
al.of1987). holes Sands or restricted
basins,
are relatively to sands,
being maintained
coarse and,
region
and
1960). and
Loftus related
1993) vegetation
with denser and thetaller
Florida stands Keys. This system
typically occurring occurson .
sandstones,
and
unlike possibly
other other
enhanced marine
beach soils systems by sediments,
the alligator
ofbedrock
the northern and stabilized
activity.
Gulf Without sand
ofsurface
Mexico, dunes
this within
activity,
are
only
higher on shallower
topographic positionswith and deeper close to
organic the soils, while(Gunderson
sparser,
the
there fog
extremely beltrich
would throughout
be in a tendency
calcium thefrom central
for thean and northern
hole or basinofto California
fill with coast. organic It is
and
shorterLoftusstands 1993).occur Composition
intolower andabundance
topography variabilityonand incalcareous
shallower this system
soils.
shell
is heavily
In
characterized
material
fragments. and by
succeed a combinationother manzanita
systems. Soils are Ceanothus,
mucky peats. which In are
This rich other
influenced
addition, chaparral marshoccurs
by hydrology, types with on
aremesic
the sites such as
alsopredominant
interfingered north-facing
community
in theDepending
sawgrasstypes slopes, .
species
addition, that reproduce
Carolina willow by seed
seeds rather
are than
readily resprouting.
dispersed by wind and on
concavities,
occurring
matrix where onor bottom
seasonally
wetter offlooded
slopes throughout
depressions (3-7
are months
found coastal
and/orper year) California
where soils;
fires but may
with
have
the location,
rapidly colonize a different
wet endemic
depressions manzanita
and disturbed species areas. is the
In thedominant
absence
inland
diminished
burned from
away coastal
hydroperiod
peat soils. fog belt.
species It occurs
composition mostlychanges on north-facing (Hilsenbeck slopes et of
al. .
shrub,
fire but chamise, black sage, California coffeeberry, holly leaf
up toand
1979). 1500 disturbance,
Possibly m (4550 the most theseunique
feet) inareas
elevation may remain
and up in
vegetational to a1830
componentforestedm (6000 condition.
are feet) in
small-
buckthorn
Otherwise, and
theycoast would live oak between are oftendifferent also present. Stands canstates, be very
southern
patch California.
communities It iscycle
found dominated
on elevated byareas
a variety physiognomic
of oolitic of mixed rocks orreferred
single- to
dense
including with little
sawgrass to no herbaceous undergrowth,
marsh. and sclerophyllous (thick-leaved and or more open with .
species,
as pinnacle that are evergreen
rock (Gunderson and Loftus 1993) or resulted
table rock
grasses inbetween shrubs. Controlled burns have in poor
drought
(Hilsenbeck resistant) shrubs This
et al. 1979). that resprout
system also fromincludesthick roots embeddedfollowing fire.
solution
survivorship of manzanita species and scientists believe they need
Common
holes (depressionsspecies include
formedscrub fromoak, scrub
limestone interior
collapse). live oak, birchleaf .
long fire-free intervals, so that many seeds maytoyon, build up in the soil
mountain-mahogany, California ash, silktassel, honeysuckle,
over time,cherry,creating what isbuckthorn,called a viable seedbank,redberry. that willMost be the
hollyleaf hollyleaf and hollyleaf
source of new shrubs following fire. .
chaparral species are fire-adapted, resprouting vigorously after burning
or producing fire-resistant seeds. However, this is not a system that
requires frequent fire for perpetuation. .
include common chamise, sedgeleaf buckbrush, California flannelbush,
deer oak, huckleberry oak, silktassel spp., California laurel, Siskiyou-
This ecological coffeeberry,
mat, California system occurs andinpinemat
Mediterranean manzanita. California
California in the north
and south such
endemics CoastasRanges muskbush and alsothe northern
occur. Foothill Sierra Nevada,pine canon cool
merely
northerly
present to slopes andMany
abundant. toeslopes locally withendemicthin, rocky, and serpentinite
rare wildflowers soils.can
This open chaparral
Serpentine savannas, shrubland
found in low is found
areas that inland
aretowet from
enough maritimetoratio,
support
Serpentine
occur, such soil
as can have
twistflower very
spp., Calcium
dwarf-flax spp.,Magnesium
buckwheat spp., which
chaparral
forests and upwoodlands,
to 1500 m with 4550the feetrocky,
in elevation,
mineralized in interior
soils valleys and
keeping the
impacts
tarweed biotic
spp., composition. Sargent
monkeyflower spp., cypress,
onion spp., foothill
and pine,
serpentine chaparral
their margins,
sites open. from northern
Usually found onCalifornia river terraces, through lower themountain
northern slopes, end of the
silktassel, leather oak, California laurel, and
mixCalifornia
milkweed. Thisoften chaparral typeOregon.tends toAhave fewer trees coffeeberry are
arethan
Central Valley and north mesic and
and ridgetops, withinto southern exposures. ofThese
drought deciduous
grasslands or
characteristic.
chaparral. Common associates include toyon, common chamise, .
evergreen chaparral species, including
open chaparral shrublands with isolated Jeffrey pine or occasionally common chamise, buckbrush,
and the California endemics sticky whiteleaf manzanita and muskbush.
several
knobcone manzanita
pine trees. species,
Grasses California
andchaparral flannelbush,
exceptionally bushmallow,
diverse forbs bushm
This
Common ecological
herbs system
can includeincludesTorrey's melicgrass,from sea Idaho level up todominate
fescue, 1500
iris spp.,
poppy,
the and stingaree-bush. In Oregon, it is characterized by buckbrush
and understory,
(4550 feet) elevation with variable
throughout shrubs. central and southern California and is .
locally endemic serpentine wildflowers. Structurally, this system
and manzanita, usually
Baja with bunchgrass understories. These chaparral
inland
sometimes portions of Norte, Mexico. Itdense
is found intall,
dry-mesic to
This mixedlike
shrublands coastal
usually a woodland,
shrubland
occur in and
and occurscan be
around from larger very
central California
patches of nearly
oak south tree-like
savannas,into
This
mesic system
chaparral,site is found from
conditions
depending analogous
on fire10-1200 to
history. m (30-3600
mesic chaparral. feet)Santaelevation;
Ana winds
Baja Norte,
woodlands
receiving
Mexico.
onand mixed50
average
It is composed
hardwood
cm (range
of
- conifer
25-100
drought-deciduous
woodlands.
cm) ofsystems.
shrubs
Fires are per
precipitation intense, .
such
drive late-summer, stand-replacing fires in these
as
theCalifornia
shrubs sagebrush,
reseed after rain. black
fire, so sage,
it white sage,
is considered purple sage, California
a fire-adapted
year, mainly
Characteristic asspecies
winter include It is found
bigpod with fine-textured
ceanothus, hoaryleafsoils, moist or
ceanothus,
brittlebush,
shrubland.. and California wild buckwheat. Also present are fire-these .
even waterlogged
chaparral whitethorn, in winter,
Mojavebut very dry
Desert in summer.
whitethorn, common Historically,
chamise,
tolerant evergreen shrubs,among laurel sumac, lemonade sumac, andand hollyleaf
grasslands
redshank, were common
bigberry manzanita, oak savanna
birchleaf and woodland
mountain-mahogany, smooth
These grasslands
buckthorn. Recent are of very in
increases limited
the distribution
number of firesin have
California
converted within
probably experienced sugarbush,
mountain-mahogany, similar frequent and fire regimes. Characteristic plant .
the
many Coast Ranges,
of these Sierra Nevada,
shrublands to non-native, andmission
Transverse
annual manzanita.
Ranges onAbundance
grasslands. deep soils
species include purple needlegrass, threeawn spp., boreal yarrow,
with serpentine-rich parent material.
of fire-tolerant shrubs, and coastal prickly-pear have increased in Serpentine soils can have verymany
blow-wives, annual goat-chicory, common goldenstar, prettyface,
low
areas.Calcium to Magnesium ratio that impacts the biotic composition. .
wavyleaf
This lush soap-plant,
bunchgrass winecup
prairie fairyfan,
occurs tall mountain
ondominates,
deep, productive shootingstar,
soils in easternblue
In this system, native perennial grass though typically in
These
wild drybeardless
rye, grasslands lymeof the inland
grass, Pacific fescue,
California Northwest are found on
California
Washington
less dense and Oregon,
cover than other and west-central
grassland Idaho. Idaho fescue and
Thetypes. Characteristic species
steep canyons
melicgrass, and
attenuate foothill slopes.
Indian-paintbrush, grasslands
and curly are composed
bluegrass. of .
bluebunch
include wheatgrass
serpentine are
reedgrass, the most
California abundant poppy, grasses
Eastwood's with needle-and-
fescue,
bunchgrasses that are often open or patdhy especially on steep sites
thread, Scribner'shayfield
curly bluegrass, needlegrass, tarweed, giant wildrye,
nodding great basinand
needlegrass, lyme grass, or
purple
with
These rocky
are or gravelly
relatively largesoils..
areas Bluebunch
of dry wheatgrass,
mountain meadows Idaho in fescue,
the and
curly bluegrass. Scattered shrubs may
needlegrass. Historic fire regimes in this system are not well known. . be present such as Saskatoon
panhandle
Cascade prickly-pear
Mountians are
of snowberry,common
Oregon andand species.
in the Sierra Occasional
Nevada Massive deciduous
of California
serviceberry, common black hawthorn.
shrubs
and Nevada. may beThey present cansuch behas as snowberry,
found up tothis 3500 oceanspray,
m (10,300 serviceberry
feet) in and
conversion to agriculture reduced once-extensive grassland to
currant.
elevation. They occur in openings of mountain forests, along ridgelines .
remnant
These arepatches that are now typically associated with steep and rocky
high elevation, dry meadows, particularly south-facing
and
sites.other exposed mountain-top areas, where soils are deeper than
slopes,Invasion from exotic grasses cheatgrass or Kentucky bluegrass
typically imbedded in or above subalpine forests and
forest
also soils
threaten and are well drained. Native
it. dense shrublands found scattered in small to 'bunchgrasses' that form .
These
woodlands. are often
dense clumpsThey arebase,dominated by bunchgrasses, most commonly
at their along with other native grasses tend to
occasionally
fescues green, large
alpine, patches
Idaho, in andthe coniferous
Roemer, forests
often withofan theearly
Pacific season
cover
These the ground.
shrublands Commonoften found grasses on include
foothill, wildrye, Idaho fescue and
Northwest.
wildflower They are usually
component. created by fire orlower othermountain
disturbance, and but .
nodding needlegrass. Aforfew wildflowers areusually
presenton and theform
canyon slopes accents
the shrubs can in the Columbia
persist decades Plateau
or more, and northern Rocky dry Mountains.
These
to low to
the surrounding middenseelevation
sea shrubs
ofslopesgrasslands
grass. found-inbunchgrass
Occasionally the mountains
there might be aand single
They
ridgetops,vary from
exposed south toor openrocky shrub sites where they habitats.
are Tall
valleys
conifer of
treethein northwestern
the meadow, US
separateand extend
from southeast
the surrounding in to the middle
forest. .
deciduous
established.shrubs Deciduoussuch astall ninebark,
shrubs vine hawthorn,maple,mock-orange,
serviceberry, smooth and
Rocky Mountains where the climate (predominately winter moisture)
sumac,
huckleberry, and serviceberryshrubs with grasses like and fescue, bluebunch
certainevergreen snowbush, wildflowers beargrass
favors
These mountain grasses.
grasslands Common occur grasses
at higher areelevations
large bunchgrasses
inoccur
the Canadian
wheatgrass,
are the most pinegrass
common and
species.elk sedge. They sometimes nearare open .
High mountain
(bluebunch shrublands
wheatgrass, in the
prairie northern
fescue, Idaho Rocky fescue, Mountains
or western that
needle-and-
Rockies,
Ponderosa extending
pine and south to
Douglas-fir eastern Oregon,
woodlands, Idaho
sometimes and higher in the
These
often
thread) are grasslands
dominated
often withbyscatteredfound at
various mid- todeciduous)
deciduous high-elevations
shrubs. Fool's-huckleberry, inandtheacentral and
Montana.
mountains They
near are larch found
or true on(usually
ridges
fir. While and foundoften dryer shrubs south
on alllodgepole
aspects, facing diverse
they slopes
are
southern
alderleaf
range ofon Rocky
buckthorn,
forbs. Mountains,
bristly mixed
black with
currant, spruce-fir,
thimbleberry, Cascade pine, .
Gambel
ranging
usually oak
form shrublands
small
fairly steep isolatedoccur
slopes intoeslopes.
patches
or the to mountains,
parklands,In areasplateaus
or that
more and foothills
extensive
received heavy
ponderosa
azalea, Sitkapine and
mountain-ash,quaking aspen
and forests.
whortleberry Places
are they
common occur are
shrubs, flat to
of
drythe
livestock southern
grasslands.grazing, Rocky
Lush Mountains
grass
introduced cover and Colorado
appears
Kentucky to limitPlateau.
bluegrass tree
andseedling They are
timothy aremost
growth
rolling
which plains
occur and along
with intermountain
forbs such as iris, 'parks'braken (large ferntreeless valleys
and fireweed. within
These
commonly
with
often occasional
common. found fires also dry foothills,
killing tree lower
seedlings. mountain slopes, and
Bunchgrasses such at as
the .
These
the widespread
forested mountains) shrublands onare found in the soilsfoothills, canyons and
shrublands
This
edge
fescues ecological
of the
and
occur
western on
system
needlegrasses
sites
Great isorwith
found
Plains,
are
lower
shallow,
mostinand sideslopes
are
common
moist
discontinuousoften and
that
situated
are either
that
patches
include
dry.
below
above
The
prairie
burn soils
300
pinyon- too
fescue,m
lower
of these
frequentlyelevation
areas
or are mountains
resemble
otherwise soils slopes
found
poor ininthe
habitat Rocky
midwestern
for trees.Mountains
prairies,
However, and
being onhigh
hills
(1000
juniper feet) elevation
woodlands. from San Francisco Bay north into Oregon on
inGambel
Idaho fescue, greenleaf fescue, oakwestern
isGreat
the predominant
needlegrass, shrub,
and but other
and
in canyon
organic
avalanches slopes
matter
do not and
occur the western
usually
repeatly slightly
oninthese Plains.
acidic. sites.TheThey are Richardson's
predominant found on
plants .
coastal
deciduous
needlegrass. terraces
shrubs
A and (lose
variety ridgeline
their
of balds
leaves
sedges, such the
winter)
as Coast
Hood's Ranges
include
sedge, and
serviceberry,
blunt Klamath
sedge,
exposed,
are grasses, rocky
which and dry
grow sites
in that
dense limit
clumps, tree growth,
mixed with although
wildflowers. scattered
Mountains.
basin
and It occurs
big sagebrush,
scirpus-like inandareas
sedgemountain-mahogany,
herbsthatlike receive more
choke rainfall
cherry, than other
Stansbury's
juniper
Some or ponderosa
important grass pine
speciestrees may or
include bespur
present.
timber
lupine, mountain
Mountain-mahogany
oatgrass, Parry's
meadow
oatgrass,
California
cliffrose,
cinquefoil, grasslands
antelope
Virginia of the
bitterbrush,
strawberry, interior
New
and southern
Mexico
fireweed locust,
are coastal
often California.
or snowberry.
present. In .
Fire
shrubs are especially common in foothills in the Colorado Front
Idaho
recent
typically fescue,
playsArizona
centuries, anthese fescue,
importantwere wild Thurber's
role fire-dominated
in fescue, slim-stem
this system, systems,die-back
causing as wellRange,
muhly, as
of the
and north muhly,
mountain in Wyoming or or southwheatgrass.
in New Mexico, however aofmixture of
Native
shrubs American
in some usebluebunch
areas, of fire in these
promoting stump areas.
sprouting
Many
While species
still
of shrubspresent, upland
annuals
inorother
dry
birdsshrubs
utilize including
these Utah
grasslands serviceberry,
for forage antelope
and nesting bitterbrush,
habitat.in .
herbs
areas, are
andnot as prevalent
controlling in these
the invasion grasslands
of Gambel
trees into astheelsewhere
mountain snowberry may be present. oak isshrubland
generallysystem. absent.
California.
Natural firesWith often fire suppression,
result in a mosaic coyotebrush
of dense shrub and other clusters shrub and
Natural fires ofplay an important roleoften in this system andascan many of thethese
components
openings dominated north coastal
by herbsscrub and grasses. invade replace .
shrubs require
witha scrub-dominated
disturbance such systems. as fire toBentgrass.,
reproduce. California With less
grasslands
frequent burning shrubs become larger and grasses become less fescue,
brome, Pacific reedgrass, California oatgrass, red fescue, Idaho
abundant. .
tall false oats, and perennial wildflowers such as mountain iris,
California blue-eyed-grass, hairy gumweed, and footsteps-of-spring are
characteristic. .
These are grass and forb dominated cliffs, bluffs and grass balds which
are commonare theinnon-forested
the interior coastal valleys headlandsand the lower mountains
along theofPacific western
These found
Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. They are dominated by
Ocean from central Oregon north to British Columbia. They occur
This
grasses grassland
and diverse system is known only
wildflowers, oftentomoss the Puget rich, and Trough occur and as
both on headlands area. on theThey coast, asrare,
welldry, as on manyprairies of the small to
Willamette
openings inValley a conifer forested are
landscape. upland
The shallow soilsand and steep
large
High off-shore islands. The winds and salt spray either prevent or limit
slopeselevation
savannas foundprevent
usually meadows
in the valleys treeare found throughout
and foothills
establishment, but the Rocky
of western
small Mountains,
Washington
forested patches and
tree
often invasion
in athemosaic into these
with grasslands or shrublands (which were also
Oregon.
occur in Dominated
larger byconifer
balds. native
The forests
bunchgrasses
balds andof spruce
bluffs and and
founddiversefirimmediately
just below the
wildflowers,
historically
treeless alpine kept openSometimes
zone. by native American they areare burning).
found at middle The include:
often
along with
the a few
coastline open and andon scattered
ocean islands trees of Oregon
distinguished white and oak,
as a lower
different
dense
The
elevations shrub
northern of thickets
mixedgrass
the of
mountains, evergreen
system but arehuckleberry,
extendsmostly from found salal
northernon or salmonberry;
gentle Nebraska to into .
Douglas-fir
system.
The or
central mixedgrass Ponderosa pine.
prairie In
once Washington
covered &
vast areas British Columbia
from southern
tall
southern
moderategrassland Canada
slopes. and forblands
and
These westward with Pacific
through reedgrass,
the Dakotas angelica,
to the Rockycoastal
prairies
South can
Dakota betofound northern on meadows
glacial
Texas.
are often
outwash
Itinis stillareas,
moist,
common while butinare
in
only wet
Oregon
areas notand theyin
This meadow oroccurs inismountains Califorina, western Nevada
wormwood,
Mountain
the
are spring
on deep Front
when
soils brakenfern;
in
snow
andMontana.
were and
melting. Thelow
maintained Ingrasslands
growingthe by lateseason
native with
summer and
Indian redthey fescue
rainfall dryare
burning. out,and and
converted
Oregon. to agriculture.
Tree This prairie contains both shortgrass and
seapink.
intermediate
are
Without oftenregular
good toestablishment
drier
habitat
burning, units
formore to is the
burrowing limited
andsouthwest by harsh
mammals
more treesandwould environmental
mesic
such as tallgrass
come ground in regions .
and
tallgrass
conditions prairie
such species,
as excessively whichcomprisingcombine
wet thensuch tothe
dry form
soils, the oftenmixedgrass
with prairie.
very high
to the east. Grasses typically greatest canopy cover snow
squirrels
shade outor the pocket
prairie gophers.
sun-loving Meadows wildflowers. as these
Much are
ofplants
these diverse
prairies in
Western
deposition, wheatgrass
then windsweptand little dry bluestem
conditions. are Common
widespread in this prairie.
include
include
plant
have been western
speices, covertedwith wheatgrass,
a tomix of
agriculture greenor
herbs needlegrass,
and grasses;
developed andhousing.
often
for fescue.
they appear Fire as and .
Other
tundra
Tallgrass common
aster, grasses
shorthair
prairies can include
reedgrass, sideoats
Mt. Hood grama, littlethebluestem,
pussy-paws, shorthair big
grazing
lush fieldsconstitute
ofgrassland the be
wildflowers. found
primary Some in patches
dynamics
of the throught
affecting
common western
this system.
plants include Great
Drought
This
bluestem,
sedge, mixed
frostedneedle-and-thread,
wild occurs
buckwheat, on foothill
prairie
and narrow and
dropseed, mesa
false and slopes
oats. blue along
grama.
Burrowing a
Plains.
can
fleabane,also They
impact are
bluebells, similar
this system, to the
beardtongue, inbandcharacteristic
general
bellflowers,favoring tallgrass
the
lupines, prairies
shortgrass
goldenrod, of the
The
Numerous
mammals sand
relatively prairies
narrow
forb
are and
often constitute
elevational
sedge
present a
species very unique
near
can the
also system
base
occur of within
the
within the
southern
the western
onRocky
mixedgrass
eastern
component
licorice-root,
Great Plainsand
Great Plains,
at western
theare expensebut are
meadowrue,
often ofand theincrease
usually
considered
found
mid-grasses.
Sitkapart
theasnumber
valerian,
ofplains
the
small
With of plants
patches
intensive
western
tallgrass
ingrazing,
orconeflower,
mixedgrass
site. .
Mountain
prairie. SomeFront and
dominant extends forb east
species on to the
include perennialin higher ragweed,elevation black-
mixedgreass
cool-season prairies,such often as on terraces above floodplains orcan in areas
arrowleaf
regions
piedmont inand theexotics
balsamroot,
areas western
from hairgrass,
Great
northeastern
Kentucky
Plains. prairie
NewThe bluegrass
junegrass,
largest
Mexico
and and
expanse bromeperennial
ofoak sand
totothe
samson, rush skeleton-plant. southeastern
with
increase
brome. deep, in loamy
dominance. soils. Similar
Shrub toOak
species thesuchspecies
prairies as such
can aseast,
also bur
increase this can system
in
prairies
Wyoming.
occur in(approximately
areasThisprotected
area receives 5from
million more
fire ha)
due can
abundant be found
to topographic precipitationin position.
the Sandhills
than Grazingthe of .
is dominated
dominance with by big
fire bluestem.
suppression. The This primary
system dynamics
is one of forthe this
most system
Nebraska
surrounding and South Dakota.
shortgrass toprairie The unifying and controlling feature for
and
This
include
disturbed
This
fire
system
system
are
fire, important
is found
climate
grassland
of prairies mostly
and
systemsand grazing.inand
maintaining
in
associated
canthe
south-central
Fire
Nebraska,
support
character
suppression
North
woodlands areasmidof
and is
of
in
and this
the
these
South
found
tall grasslands.
prairie.
Western
areas
Dakota,
in the
Fire,
Great
has and
this
Common system
especially, is
plants that
prevents coarse-textured
include trees a mixture
and shrubs soils
of predominate
grasses
from such
dominating as and
bigthe the
bluestem,dominant
grasses. .
Plains
allowed
Canada.
Arkansas Division
for the
Historically, ranging
invasion thisfrom
of woody
system southwestern
species
covered . Wyoming
Grazing
approximately and
also southwestern
has
38 million ha
grasses
little
This systemareRiver
bluestem, is
Valley region
well-adapted
mountain
found to
primarily thisofin
muhly, Arkansas
condition.
green
the
and adjacent
Another
needlegrass,
western half ofimportant
western
the
Oklahoma.
Western feature Greatis
Nebraska
contributed
in
This Nebraska,
region uptois into
these
North theand
distinctly Nebraska
changes South
bounded and Sandhill
likewise
Dakota,byGrasses
the andregion,
led
BostonCanada.to south
a decrease
Mountains Nowto central
it of
to this
covers
the Texas.
north
their
wheatgrass,
Plains susceptibility
Division ranges to wind
needle-and-thread, from erosion.
the New
Nebraska Mexico dominate
needlegrass,
Panhandle the
south sandintoprairies,
blue grama
Texas
The
system climate
approximately
and the as
Ouachita is
overgrazingsemi-arid
270,000
Mountains to
favors
square arid
to kmfor
shortgrass
the much
in this
south, andof
region.the region
mixedgrass
although it has in which
systems.
been this .
although
(degraded
and New relative
sites),
Mexico. dominance
orItbluebunch
is the likewise
most can change
wheatgrass
common due to
(northern
system impacts sites).
inexcessively
this of
range. wind
This This
system
Conversion
considered occurs. to This
agriculture system is found hason somewhat
probably decreased the to
range of
disturbance.
grassland
system
excessively occursispartSand of bluestem
maintained
primarily
well-drained,
the Ouachitaby
ondeep and to
frequent
flat
Ecoregion
prairie
sandy fire.
rolling sandreed
soils
(TNC are
Without
uplands
that are
Ecoregion
fire
with the
often shrubsmost39).
loamy
associated
common
maysoils
The
and
this
valley system.
is Thus,
characterized thisuse system
by broad, likelylevel only
to occurs
gently in
rolling small patches
uplands and
derived
species.
invade
is The
and
characterized primary
convert by to
blue of
shrubland.
grama. this system
Climate, has fire beenand grazing.
grazing Although
influence .
with
in dune
scattered systems
locations and ancient
throughout floodplains. Typically, this system byis are
from
This
greater shales
system
than and
is found
90% isofmuch the less rugged
primarily
Sandhills inits the range.
regionand
southernmore
is Large-patch
heavily
portion
privately of
owned, occurrences
impacted
the Western
the known
this
mostly system.
characterized isolated The
byto ashort
sparse
slopes grasses
to
and that dominate
moderately
swales dense
of rolling this
woody
uplandssystem layer aredominated
where extremely
either
Arkansas
Great
fragility Plains
ofRiver
the erosional
Division,
soils and theprocesses
primarily cautions than
in Texas, usedcan the adjacent
Oklahoma
byotherranchers mountainous
andto eastern
avoid New
poor
drought-
by
grazingsand and
sagebrush.
or grazing-tolerant.
cultivation Associated
are more Inproblematic.
contrast
species to vary prairie
with systems,
geography, fire
regions.
Mexico.
grazing In
It addition,
is
practices dominated have the valley
by
allowed honey receives
mesquite annual with precipitation
shortgrass total
species of 2- .
The
is less
amount central
important.
and tallgrass
season prairie
However,
of wasfor once
historically,
precipitation, fewer significant
extremely
fires
disturbance, didchanges
thatabundant
and occur
soil inwere
texture. in the
the often
6such
inches
vegetationas blueless ofUS than
grama the
theCurrently,
Sandhillssurrounding
oreastern
buffalograss
and other regions
typically
sand due to a compared
present.
prairies rainshadow
Historically to this
other
Midwestern
very
Edaphic expansive.
and from
climatic factors fire Nebraska
are suppression
the most andimportant
Kansas
and moretodynamic northwestern
extensive grazing
processes
produced
system
grassland by
probably a combination
occurred as of a prevailing
natural western
component winds
on more and mountain
fertile soils .
Indiana.
in
for the
this regionItsystems.
type, ishavenow drought
with
Fire also
much
likely less can
decreased
and common influence
extreme due
thesoils
fire
winds
this
to system.even
conversion
frequency
impacting to more.
this agriculturalA
orographic
and along effects.
drainages, The but shale-derived
it has expanded its associated
range into with
prairie thesystem
prairies
uplands
uses.
large These
part
significantly prairies
of droughty.
the rangeare
insavannas
some for
areas. found
this Fire onand
system deep, has rich
grazing been soils, often the
converted more than 1
toglaciated
Northern
are
in thin
recent andoak
decades. are
The
Historically, found
combined fireprimarily
effect
controlled ofconstitute
in the
thisnorthern
droughty system soils, most
and reduced
limited
meter
agriculture.
important deep. Grasses
Other
disturbances areas between
have
affecting 1
been and
this 2 meters,
impacted
system. by sometimes
the unsuccessful up to 3
regions
precipitation,
the of
development the Midwest
and prevailing with the
level largest
topography concentration create in the
conditions prairie- highly .
meters
attempts tallto in the of
develop woody
richest
dryland cover.
locationscultivation Likewise,
typifyduring thisedaphic
system.
the Dust Big Bowl bluestem,of and
the
forest
conducive border ecoregion.
tofactors Itandisnorthern
typically offound on rolling areoutwash plains,
topographic
This
yellow
1930s. system
Indiangrass,
This isthe
systemfoundignition
limited
and
in incombination
the this
switchgrass spread
system fires.
to
Midwest,
are
with the deep Stands
most alluvial
particularly
associated common. typically
soils
wetland in systems
inOther
hills
dominatedand ridges.
relatively by
low big Soils
bluestem,
topographic are typically
yellow
positions moderately
Indiangrass,
along broad well- toglacial
switchgrass,
valley well-drained
floors. and little .
Minnesota,
shorter
represents grassesoneWisconsin,
that
of thewere Michigan.
richest often areaspresent It
for is often
or even
mammals found onbirds.
characteristic
and features
in
Endemic small
deep
bluestem. loams. Some This system
extant is
examples typified of by
this scattered
system trees
remain, over but a continual
most are
such
patches
bird as kames,
suchtoasthe
species eskers,
dry slopes.
shortgrassmoraines, Many
system lakeplains
wildflowers
may (excluding
constitute canspeciesbeone the
found ofand Great
theincan Lakes
these
fastest
tallgrass
small andprairie.
isolated. Bur Theyoak were is the most
common commonon the tree western edge of the
lakeplain),
prairies, as sandplains,
well, making and them along one eolian
of the dunes.
most In
diversecontrast to
grasslands. the
declining
Northern
range
region from bird
oak
bordering 10-60% populations.
barrens occurThe
cover.
orsupporting
possibly on well-drained,
understory
included in the coarse-textured
is Crosstimbers
dominated by(TNC sandy Fire .
tallgrass
deeper, richer soils other tallgrass systems in the region,
was
soils
prairie necessary
Ecoregion derived
species 32) fromto prevent
suchglacial
where
shrubs
bigoutwash,
asprecipitationbluestemand and trees
end from
moraine
andagriculture
little bluestem.invading
formations,
conversion
the orwere the
prairie.
Historically,
underlying
Most
This sites
system soils
burned in
ismaintained
found this
every system
2-5
primarily tend
years.within theto be
However, more
Flint shallow,
conversion
Hills sandy,
to rocky,
agriculture
lakeplain
frequent
lowest. dune
fires systems inthisthe savanna
north-central system U.S. withinand and adjacent
its Osage
range Plains .
Canada,
and
and/or
has
of been
Kansas gravelly
theand prime outwash
Oklahoma. disturbance soils.
Small Grassland
since
patches Europeanspecies
can beof such
settlement.
found as
in thelittle
The Ozarksrich of
and
would extends
have into
restrictedthe northeast
tree canopies in a limited
to 10-30%. area Fire western
suppression New York.
in the
Northern
bluestem, tallgrass
big the bluestem, system andrangesgramas along the Red
characterize idealRiver this basinforinand
soils
Missouri
The
region
and long
sandyhas andsoils
allowed
growing
Arbuckle
have low
trees
season
to fertility, make
Mountains
establish
this
organic of an
more Oklahoma.
matter,
dense
location
and
canopies.Itsystem
is distinguished
moisture- farming
Periodic,
vary
Minnesota
from
row sparse
crops, and
and the
toTallgrass
as aThisDakotas
moderately result veryto Lake
dense. fewWoody Manitoba
examples species ofinthisCanada.
more It constitutes
tolerant
system remain. of
from
retention
strong
the
Central
wind
northernmost
capacity.
disturbancesextension
Prairie
oakand of
System
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browsing
the "true"
byalso
system having
isimpact
prairies.
more
a scrubby, this
Similar
species
open-treed
system.
to Central Much .
with
droughty conditions such as Jack pine and oaks may be found in
southwestern
system
of dominated
this system geographic
hasthis by graminoids
also been affinities
converted andandshrubs.
theagriculture,
to presence
The canopy ofand a thin layer
thus soil issome
its layer
range
Tallgrass
examples. Prairie,
Fire and system
drought areis dominated
the major by
dynamics tallgrass species
influencing such
thistheas
over
dominated
has limestone
decreased by beds
black
considerably.ranging
oak, with to more
some buracidicoak substrates.
and white Because
oak. Canopy of
big bluestem,
system. If fire yellow
and indiangrass,
periodic drought and are switchgrass.
not present, However,
woody the soils .
species
presence
structure of
variesthe rocky
from asubstrate
dominant close to the surface
herbaceous ground andlayer thewith rolling
This
in thissystem
begin region
to invade isarefound
this primarily
notsystem.
as rich Wind norindeep, the
canBlackland
and
also thus play Prairie
this system
aagriculture.
role, region
especiallydoes ofsparse,
Texas
not
on
topography,
scattered this
"savanna" area is
canopy relatively(5-30%), unsuitable
through for
oak-dominated Thescrub, Flintto
but
have can
examples as range
much found into
species
on southern
diversity
sandplains Oklahoma.
as grasslands
and/or It is typified
eolian to the south.
dunes. by theThis presence system of .
Hills
adark, contain one of the largest remaining, relatively intact pieces of
ismore closed
basic soils woodland canopydrier (30-80%). Fire was an important
often found onover calcareous
well-drained, parent soils material
and can interspersed
grade with
into Eastern
tallgrass
factor inofprairie.
maintaining The vegetation
thisloams.community. in thisOak system wiltisand typified
droughts by aalso dense
patches
Great Plains acidic,
Tallgrass sandy Aspen Microtopography
Parkland toto thehigh north such
and as east. gilgaiGrazing and
cover
reduce of tallgrass
tree cover. species with moderate density of forb species. .
mima
and mounds can occur and arehistorically.
important microhabitats that lead to a
Shrub and tree species are relatively infrequent. Fire and grazinghas
fire influenced this system Much of this system
high
been degree
converted of plant diversity with
to agriculture in this verysystem. Little bluestem)
few unaltered and highly and
constitute the majorare dynamic processes
frequentfor this region. Although many
yellow
fragmented Indiangrass
examples remaining. the most species. Fire and grazing .
of the native thecommon plant dynamics
species still occur, grazing does impact this
constitute major natural influencing this system.
region. Poorbut grazing practices can lead to soil erosion andestablishing.
invasion by
Infrequent, intense, fires prevent woody species from
cool-season grasses. .
Fire suppression and over grazing have allowed woody species to
invade, and heavy grazing has allowed species such as buffalograss and
Texas grama to invade. .
dominants include little bluestem, thebrownseed crowngrass,
in the highest
slopes occurs elevation
from zone
the Central ofAppalachians
Southern Appalachians,
north to New yellow generallyIt
England.
Indiangrass, and big bluestem. Wetland dominants butundisturbed
above in
occurs5000 at lower feetelevations
but occasionally over much to 4000 of its feet.
range, Vegetation consists can
occasionally
occurrences
either of dense include switchgrass
shrub-dominated and
areas eastern
(heathgammagrass;
balds) or dense disturbed
be
This found
system at up to
consists 4000 offeetdense in West
herbaceous Virginia. andThe substrate
shrubland rock is
communities
occurrences
herbaceous may
cover be dominated
dominated by by bushy
grasses or broom-sedge.
sedges (grassy Some balds). estimates
The
acidic,
in thethat often
highest granitic,
elevation including
zone traprock
ofsouthern
the Southern in New England.
Appalachians, The tree
generally
at
state 99% elevations
of coastal of the
prairie has been Appalachians,
lost through generally
conversion above
to
combination
canopy is patchy,of high-elevation,
mostly open non-wetland
woodland and sites,
often and
containsdense non-
above
5000
other 5000
feet
uses but
and feet but occasionally
atenvironmental
somewhat lower to 4000 feet.
elevations
degradation dueat its Vegetation
to northern
the interruption consists
limit inof
herbaceous
wooded or shrub
openings. vegetation
Pitch pine without
and/or Virginiaappreciablepine are rock outcropand
diagnostic
either
Virginia
important of dense
andecologicalshrub-dominated
West Virginia. processes, Vegetationareas
such as (heath
consists
fire, balds)
needed or dense
eithertoofmaintain dense shrub- this
conceptually
often are mixed distinguishes
with dry-site thisoaks system from allblack
(including others oakinand the scarlet
Southern
herbaceous
dominated
system. In cover
areas
the dominated
(heath
absence ofbalds) byorgrasses
regular dense
fire, or system
sedges will
herbaceous
this (grassy
cover be balds). The
dominated
invaded by by
Appalachians.
oak) and sprouts However,
of American the widespread
chestnut. Someareasareas of degraded
have spruce-fir
a fairly well-
combination
grasses
woody or
shrubssedgesofandhigh-elevation,
(grassy
trees. balds). non-wetland
The combination sites, and of dense
high-elevation,
system
developed withheath grassshrub and shrublayer, cover,
others and
a grassythe invasion of grassy balds
layer. Conditions are dry by .
herbaceous
non-wetland orsites
shrub and vegetation
dense without
herbaceous appreciable
or shrub rock outcrop
vegetation without
Open
trees
and woodlands
blur thegrassland
nutrient-poor, with
distinction
andand aatgrassy understory,
somewhat._x000D_
many, if notismost, on thinasoils
sites, history over calcareous
ofSouthern
firefrom
is
This mixed
conceptually
appreciable distinguishes
rock outcrop woodland
this system
conceptually found
from primarily
all
distinguishes others ininsystem
this thethe Ozarks,
rock,
_x000D_
evident. occur at low to moderate elevations from the Central
Ouachitas,
Appalachians.
all
Theseothers
mixed
Appalachians
and
in the east
However,
southern
grasslands
down
into
into
Tennessee
thewoodlands
Appalachians.
and
the Ridge
and
widespreadHowever,
and
Kentucky
areareas
Valley. primarily
with
of degraded
Mostlythe found scattered
widespread
open
spruce-fir
in
and areas .
thepark-
Variation:
occurrences Herbaceous
in northern - Grassy
Missouri. balds,
Itand may
occurs have
along and widely
moderate scattered
tobalds
steepofby
system
of degraded
Ozarks with
and grass
spruce-fir
Ouachitas and and shrub
with cover,and
grass
east the invasion
shrub
Kentucky, cover southern ofthe grassy invasion
Illinois, and
like,
shrubs, in some
but steep cases, they
generally grade
herbaceous into and closed-canopy
usually maintained forests. Red-cedar
through fire,is
slopes
trees
grassy and
blur
balds the valleys
distinction
by trees blur on primarily
somewhat._x000D_
the distinction south- to
somewhat. west-facing slopes. .
southern
agrazing,
common Indiana
tree,
or and/or with
increasing
mowing._x000D_ small, in scattered
cover in occurrences
in the absence in northern
of fire, and
Limestone
_x000D_ dolomite bedrock typify these glades with shallow
Missouri.
chinquapin
_x000D_ They
oak isoccur on flatrock
diagnostic outcrops and
and indicative of the along moderate
limestone to steep
substrate.
soils interspersed
Variation: Shrubwalls -with
Shrub rocks.
balds These
dominated soils often dry
by rhodendrons, out during the or
kalmias,
slopes
Prairie or valley
grasses (big of
bluestem, rivers. They are found on chert, igneous,
and then become wet during the winter and are .
Other Variation(s): Shrub. Indian grass, little bluestem, grama)
summer
in wetter and
areas autumn,
alders._x000D_
and/or
the sandstone
dominant bedrock with dry,isshallow soilsCharacteristic
interspersed with rock
Little bluestem is richness
herbs; forb often andhigh. forbs
spring.
_x000D_ characteristic commonly associated with
and boulders.
include whorled These soils arewild
milkweed, typically
bergamot, dry duringlyreleaf thesage,summer aromatic and
big
Otherbluestem,
Variation(s): sideoats grama, and calcium-loving plant species.
Herbeceous. .
autumn
aster, and butfalse
wetboneset.
during theFirespring and winter.
is sometimes anGrasses
important such means as little
of
Stunted
Alvars woodlands primarily dominated by chinquapin oak
natural are
bluestem andnatural
disturbance, yellow non-forested
the opensystems
Indiangrass
but typify this
vegetation centeredsystem
structure around
with areas
maystunted alsoof beoak
interspersed
glaciated with
horizontal eastern red-cedar
limestone/dolomite occur onspecies
bedrock variable-depth-to-bedrock
pavement with a
species (post oak, blackjack
maintained by drought and landslides. oak) and shrub such as blueberry .
soils.
This
patchy, Fire
system
thin is soil
the primary
includes
mantle. naturalnatural
Almost dynamic,
grassland
all of North and
vegetation prescribed
America's and firesoccur
associated
alvars help
occurring where enough soil accumulates. Eastern red-cedar can be
This
manage small-patch
these system
by Lakes
restricting encompasses
woody growtha natural
complex
and of sparsely vegetated
wooded
within
present thevegetation
and Great
often in a basin,
increases relatively
in small
primarily
the absence in ofan arcmaintaining
region
fire. along
These ofthe sites
the
Mississippi
Niagaranmore
are
This
rock system
outcrops, encompasses
perennial a range
grasslands, of plant
and communities
woodlands on associated
shallow soils with
open
and
This glade
Alabama
systemby
Escarpment
influenced
structure.
north
consists
fromdrought toofaand
northern small
open Lake part
glades
infrequent ofand
Michigan southern
surrounding
across
to southwestern
occasional Tennessee
northern (Black
woodlands
fires. Lake
Prescribed on on .
Belt
Huron
thin
the soils
Cumberland
Subsection on flat
231Ba areas
Plateau,
ofand of
Keys Ordovician
extending
etofal. limestone
into in the Inner
Virginia. Nashville
shallow,
and
fires eastern
help high pH, rich
Ontario
manage this soils
northwestern
vegetation the1995;
byRidge Blackland
New and YorkValley Prairie
state. region
These Ecoregion
from 65a
Basin
of of southward.
Herbaceous
Griffith Tennessee
et plants,
al. 2001). (Ecoregion
including
It occurs 71i
smooth over ofmaintaining
Griffith
sandwort,
relatively etdeep
are
an
al. open
(1998),
typical.
soils
glade
EPA
Scattered
(as opposed
Virginia
communities
structure. are These
characterized glades by occur
distinctive in broad
flora valley
and bottoms
fauna with orless .
(2004);
shrubs
to "glades Subsection
occur andon the222Ed
barrens"),margins ofin
with Keyspatcheset al.
circumneutral of(1995)),
deeper
surface with
soil.soil a few
Fruticose disjunct
pH.experience lichens
However,
rolling
than 60% basins
tree where
cover. soils
Alvars are shallow
tend to flood over flat-lying
each spring, limestone
then strata.
occurrences
may
like be prominent
other in Kentucky.
Mississippi inlocally
some The
Embayment vegetation
examples. Virginia
Prairie of thispine
systems, system and
this includes
red
type maple
occurs in a
The
This flat
moderate terrain
to
ecological severe and
system drought occurs xeric in soils
in summer mountains may
months. have
across been
They especially
include
southeastern open
New
sparsely
woodlands
matrix of vegetated
surround
acid soils, rockthese
and outcrops,
outcrops
generally annual
on
forested the dropseed
Cumberland
vegetation. spp.-dominated
Plateau.
In most cases .
susceptible
pavement,
Mexico
This to
(Guadalupe
Jackson periodic
grassland, fires that helped
and shrublands/woodlands.
Mountains) and Trans-Pecos maintain the
Common
Texas prairie-like
(Chisos speciesand
system
grasslands, ofPrairie
little the system
southern
bluestem-dominated includes
Piedmont natural
(in thegrassland
perennial northeast,
grasslands, vegetation
southernmost
seasonally
individual prairie openings are insmall
openings
include and
eastern Itsavanna-like
white cedar, woodlands.
white and isolated
theToday, much from one
ofcomplexes
the another,
system isbut
Mountains).
associated
Virginia
wet wooded
only)
herbaceous often
consists
washes dominants
vegetation
ofand gently
seeps, a spruce,
along
to relatively
moderately
shrublands, juniper,
mid-elevation
smallsloping
as little
natural
well asbluestem,
transition
region
woodlands and
from
ofof
were
poverty
the formerly
currently somewhat
oat-grass.
Chihuahuan more
Desert extensive
more into closed prior
mountains and to European
brushy,
(1700-2500 settlement
suggesting m). fire
It rock forming
occurs on a .
Mississippi,
shallow
dominated soil the
byover Jackson
bedrock,
eastern Hills
red-cedar Subsection
usually andwith oaks. (231Bj)
areas also
of exposed
Tennessee called
purple the
evident.
coneflower
mosaic of grassland
suppression._x000D_
foothills, mountain and woodlands under frequent fire regimes. theMuch
Jackson
Bedrock
and Prairie
includes
limestone glade a slopes
Ecoregion
variety
milkvetch and
65r.
of canyons
Thiscompletely
igneous
are system
andin drier occurshabitats
metamorphic
endemic below
on montmorillonitic
torock types,
thispasture
system.
of the
_x000D_
encinal natural
and vegetation
pineslowly
woodlands of the region
and issoils often has been
associated converted
with moreto xeric
Vertisols,
including deep
shale. Examples permeablesupport openformed vegetation in residuum
of patchy, weathered
There
and
and
are numerous
agricultural
Comments:
coarse-textured Other uses, other
but even
calcareous
substrates
disjunct
glade
such
and
old-field near-endemic
systems
as vegetation
limestone, of the same
basalt
plants.
reflects or themixed
region
alluvium, occur
.
from marl of chalk.
physiognomy with a Examples
significant occur
woody in component.
a larger matrix Shallowof primarily soils
As
on noted by
distinctive
hillslopes. Shanks
composition
They (1958)
are of the
subject and described
flora
to and mesic
different by
ecological DeSelm
erosional (1989),
dynamics.
processes, these
The flora
zonal
especially
acidic
which soils,
impede in transition
and of growth,
tree areas
generally with
helpPinus more
taeda-dominated
distinguish this woodlands.
system forest from The
vegetation.
forest
barrens
has much
vegetation occur,
in at
common least in
with part,
other on Cretaceous
prairies of gravels
the Mississippi which cap
Embayment
oftopatterns,
moderate
In most cases dense
individual and Piedmont.
shrub generally
canopyopenings
prairie different
includes ecological
many
are smallshrub andoak dynamics.species
isolated fromsuch .
systems
Mississippian the southern
limestone strata on Thisinsystem
hills the is
Tennessee structurally counties of
as
as well
Quercus as the classic
intricata, Midwestern
Quercus prairies._x000D_
pringlei, Quercus invaginata,
one another,
intermediate
Dickson, but
Hickman, were
between formerly and more
non-forested
Lewis, Lawrencerockextensive (theseprior
outcrop systems
mapped andQuercus
to European
in forestet al.
Miller
_x000D_
laceyi, Quercus grisea, Quercus emoryi, Quercus toumeyi, several
settlement
systems.
This Madrean forming evergreena mosaic of
shrubland grassland
(chaparral) and woodland
extends under
into also thefrequent
US in .
1966).
Variant:
This The terrain
Herbaceous
shrubland occurs issystems._x000D_
flat to gently
across central sloping.
Arizona Shanks
(Mogollon (1958) Rim), western
widespread
fire regimes. chaparral
Much of species
the such
natural as Arctostaphylos
vegetation of the pungens,
region has been
Trans-Pecos
specifically Texasto(Chisos
refers barrensand on Davis mountains), and southeastern
_x000D_
New Mexico,
Ceanothus
converted greggii,
to southern
pasture andUtah
Fallugia and"cherty
paradoxa,
agricultural Nevada.uses,
residuum,
and It is the
Garrya
with
elsewhere
common and
wrightii,
concomitant shrubland
species
New Mexico
characterized
Other Variant(s): (Guadalupe
by Planosols
Woodland. Mountains),
with impeded and is common
drainage." in theproposed
Some Madrean .
system
destructionalong
characteristic of the
of
most mid-elevation
thisprairie
systemremnants. transition
such as Arbutus The from
flora the
arizonica,
has Mojave,
much Arbutus in Sonoran,
common
Oriental
factors rangeChihuahuan
which in northern
have functioned Mexico. to It occurs
maintain in openness
their foothillsmountains ininclude
mid- the
and
with northern
xalapensis (= Arbutus
othertransition
prairies ofzones
the deserts
texana),
Mississippi into
Fraxinus thegreggii,
Embayment southwestern Fendlera
asChihuahuan
well as rigida (=
the classic
elevation
droughty, gravelly soils and (1700-2500
resulting m)
stresses above to the
vegetation, as well Desert
as
(1000-2200
Fendlera
Midwestern m).
linearis), It occurs
prairies. Garrya on foothills,
ovata, Purshia mountain
mexicana slopes(= andmexicana),
ssp. canyons in .
and
fire. below
The the oak and pine woodlands found in desert mountains.
hotter
Rhus andsame
virens drier
var.
gravels
habitats
choriophylla
are
belowmapped
(= oakRhus
in the
and TVA Land
ponderosa
choriophylla), pine Between
and woodlands.
endemics
the
Sites
Lakes are
(LBL)dry and and rocky. The vegetation
this vegetation could may be composed ofallseveral
These
Salvia are usually
lycioides (=dense
Salvia shrublands
ramosissima), withbeSalvia
a expected
mix of there (if
species
roemeriana, such asSalvia
andMohr
shrubby
examples
A mix Most oak
have
of montane species, including
not chapparal
succeeded Coahuila
to woody
shrubs scrub
and vegetation
open oak,
forest lacey
dueandtosavanna oak,
lack of fire). .
found
turbinella
regla. live oak,
chaparral Toumey
speciesoak, are shaggy
fire-adapted, mountain-mahogany,
resprouting vigorously
shin
in oak,
theburning Vasey's
mountains. oak, and
The treesDesert many chaparral
are variable, species,
usually such
pine or as Mexican
cypress,within but
crucifixion-thorn,
after Mojave
or producing fire-resistantwhitethorn, seeds. Wright's
Stands silktassel,
occurring
This evergreen firshrubland
manzanita, xalapa (chaparral) occurs above low-elevation desert
occasionally
Stansbury's
montane or madrone,
cliffrose,
woodlands oak, but
sugarbush,
are seral
Gregg's
never
and
ash,
becoming
skunkbush,
a result
evergreen
of an
and
recentactual sumac,
Mexican forest,
fires.
and
manzanita several
usually aor
scrub
sages. and
Grass below cover pinyon-juniper
may be woodlands
significant. of
Fires shrubsare the western
an important Mojave and .
very open
pink-bracted woodland
manzanita or savanna.
at higher Chaparral
elevations. Scattered include remnant manypinyon
Sonoran
ecological deserts
process andin extends
chaparral. from Mostsouthern
chaparral California are intofire-adapted,
Baja Norte,
species
and with
juniper leathery,
trees evergreen
mayvariable
be present. leaves
Most and in theplants
chaparral north some
species areMuller
adapted to
Mexico.
resprouting Shrubs are
vigorously after and include John-Tucker oak, oak,
deciduous
fires, growing shrubs. from Trees
rootstocktendburning
to have
after
or producingopen
a scattered
burning or producing
fire-resistant
canopy orseeds.
fire-resistant can be .
California scrub oak, greenleaf manzanita, Mexican manzanita,
clustered,
seeds. Examples over a usually
occurring continuous
within montane dense shrub woodlands layer. are Trees can of
a result
birchleaf mountain-mahogany, Mojave Desert whitethorn, and pine,
include Jeffrey
recent fires. pine, white fir, California red fir, western white .
California
sugar pine,juniper.Coulter Fires pine, are an important ecological process in
knobcone pine, tecate cypress, Cuyamaca
chaparral.
cypress, andMost Piutechaparral
cypress.plants aresclerophyllous
fire-adapted, resprouting
Typical chaparral shrubs
vigorously after burning or producing fire-resistant seeds. .
include pinemat manzanita, greenleaf manzanita, Eastwood's
manzanita, mountain whitethorn, pinemat, Kern River buckbrush,
tobacco-brush, and Sierran chinkapin. .
and central Great or Basin extending west into1990).
central California.
within
organic this
hardpansregion (Davis
clayey 1923,
subsoil Bryant (FNAI and Martin 1988).
This typeThey wasThese tend to
sequence
shrublands of
be confined expansive sand
have anridges
to an area in open nearand
canopy ancient
the eastern with dune
spaces fields which
between are
shrubs oriented
either
historically several regionsflank of the region
of Florida (Harperwhere 1927). loess
essentially
bare north-south in the Florida andPeninsula. This system has long
Earlyorsurveyors
supporting patchy grasses herbs. Common on shrubs
deposits thin outnoted
and gravelly or sandy soils include
large expanses of this predominate.
system the Examples
plains near
been noted
Greenleaf
are typified for its
manzanita, unique
by ridge-and-swale Mexican and interesting
manzanita,
topography. vegetation
mountain-mahogany,
The ridges by authors
are such
somewhat as
the Kissimmee River, north from Lake Okeechobee, and in the area
Vignoles
littleleaf
coarser-texturedm(1823), Harper
ountain-mahogany,
soils (1914),
and retain Mulvania
California
less moisture (1931),
wild Kurz
buckwheat,
than do the (1942),
and
swales, and
west
This of one
is Lake ofOkeechobee
two described (Fisheating
calcareous Creek)
prairie(Huffmanecological and Judd
systems
Laessle
turbinella
although (1958,
live
both 1968).
oak.
occur in More
Curl-leafa tight recent treatments
mountain-mahogany
local mosaic. by
The Myers
is generally
soils (1990)
appear and
toabsent.
have
1998).
which The
occur original
within extent
the has
pine-dominated been heavilyportionsreduced by
of the Coastalclearing forof
Plain
Menges
Fires
This are (1999)
is one and
well-developed an of two have
important provided
ecological
describedfor
subsurface the
calcareous
hardpans. most
process The comprehensive
in
prairie chaparral.
ecological
impermeability summaries
Most systemschaparral
of thesehave
agriculture
west conversion forage production. Intact examples
whichof
scrub
plants arethefire-adapted,
available. Mississippi
According River. This type
to Harper
resprouting is the"the
(1927),
vigorously more
after northerly
nearly
burning pureorranging
white
hardpans
been occur
further within
contributes
altered the
by pine-dominated
tofire
shallowly
suppression perched portions
which water of the
tables
changes Coastal
during
the Plain
portions
proportion
of
sandtheof
producing two the [compare
ground
fire-resistant against
surface, seeds. ~West
when Gulf
viewed Coastal
from a Plain
short Southern
distance, gives .
west
of
Thistheof year
system
of grasses andthe Mississippi
when
is precipitation
confined
shrubs River.
to the This
is
Catahoula
and may furtherThis type
greatest isandthe
geologic
altersystem more southerly
evapotranspiration
formation
speciesincludescomposition. ranging
of is
eastern
Calcareous
the impression Prairieof a (CES203.379)$$].
thin rift of wind-driven snow. The vegetationnatural is
of the two
lowest (not [compare
duewere against
to overbank ~West
flooding). GulfThus, Coastal soilPlain
inmoisture Northern
Texas
Frequent
grassland
mostly
and western
fires
vegetation
dwarfed,
Louisiana.
gnarledanand important
associated
and
It includes
crooked, natural
wooded
and
a vegetational
process vegetation
presents athis in
tangled, a fluctuates
mosaic
system, ranging
with an
relatively
scraggly
Calcareous
widely
from throughoutPrairie
herbaceous-dominated
estimated frequency (CES203.377)$$].
the of growing
1-4 areas
years season,on
(FNAI Examples
from
shallow1990). soil include
saturated and to natural
very
exposed dry, a .
small
This
aspect." natural
glade The region
system
appearance, of
is presentthe Upper
only in
floristics, West Saline
and Gulf
boundary Coastal
and Pulaski Plain
of Florida of
counties, Arkansas
scrub
grassland
condition
sandstone vegetation
sometimes
to deeper and
referred
soils adjacent
with to
openas wooded
xerohydric
woodland vegetation
(Evans
vegetation. in a relatively
1991). Fire
Woodlands was
and adjacent
Arkansas,
contrast on Oklahoma.
distinctive, Although
massive other
outcrops calcareous
ofAlthough
igneous prairies
substrate are found
adramatically
small
an natural
important region
natural ofwith theinoverstory
Louisiana
process "high
this and pine"
Texas.
system, or sandhill
and well-burnedvegetation
most examples
exampleswhich
include
west of the post oak-dominated
Mississippi River, this system grading
represents into somelongleaf of pine-
the
("nepheline
is
areoften
typicallyadjacent syenite").
upland,(Laessle Zonal vegetation
1968).
some include small communities
stream are
bottomsaluminum present
or riparian .
tend
These toexpanses
dominated be relatively
areas. ofSeasonalopen-canopied
stunted droughtiness,
conifers with well-developed
occur shallow andsoils,
nearexamples. slightly herbaceous
above
largest
around known
the and
outcrops. highest
Interior quality remaining
herbaceous-dominated zones Plant can be
areas
layers
toxicity,that
(M. andbisect
Evans the
periodic pers. prairies. This
Comm.)._x000D_
fires are systemfactors
important is found thatprimarily within the
montane
communities
mesic to wet treeline as in
in springs
this northeastern
system and pine,smallNorth
occur over
ephemeralAmerica.
relatively streams Oninfluence
deep higher
soils
flow (as
across
the
mountains,
well theas
historical
_x000D_
composition range and of longleaf
structure of limestone)
this or TNC
system. Ecoregion 41, but it extends
it forms
shallow
rock outcropsa zone
soils overbetween
and chalk montane
water and
pools spruce-fir
in flat forest
withDeeper,
areas. and
circumneutral morealpine tundra;soil
surface
heavily on .
somewhat
Variation: beyond
Open this
Understory area to - the
Areas north. In
dominated addition,by examples
herbaceous or
mountains
pH,
woodedwhich that
is
vegetation do not
unusual reach the
given
develops above
along treeline,
predominance
thethe flatPostorit slightly
may cover
of acidic, the ridgelines
generally
sloping outcrop
occurring
widely westIntoshrubs.
scattered the eastern Frequentedge of Oak Savanna region of
In mostitfire
and summits. Appalachians or management
occurs mostly above are3000usually
forested
edges. soils in the region. cases individual prairie openings .
eastern
needed Texas
to butmaintainare also included here. Plant communities in this system
This
are system
elevation
small and consists
can
isolatedbethe at open aspect._x000D_
primarily
much
from onelowerofanother,
grasslands
elevationsbut wereandnear related
the north
formerly shrublands
Atlanticof
more
occur
_x000D_
Atlantic over relatively
Coastal Plain deep
barrier soils with circumneutral
islands and related surface soil
near-coastal pH.
areas
coast.
extensive Sprucepriorand to are fir become
European progressively
settlement, forming stunted a mosaicas exposureof grassland
These
Other
from conditions
Variation(s):
North Carolina unusual
Scrub/Shrub
southward in the local
toUnderstory.
northern landscape which is .
increases,
and woodlands and may
under form nearlyfire
frequent regimes. Florida.
impenetrable floraFor
"krummholz"
The hasthe muchremainder
thickets in
predominantly
of the Florida one of acidic, generally forested soils. In most cases
above
common with Coast,
treeline. other south of
The vegetation
prairie Cape
systems structure Canaveral
of the EasttoGulf
ranges the Coastal
from sandy
scattered portions
trees as
Plains of
to
individual
the prairie openings areoccurs
small and isolated from onefashion.
another.
wellFlorida
shrub ascover
classic Keys,
to sparselythis
Midwestern system
vegetated
prairies. in a more
dwarf-shrubs attenuated
and herbs, interspersed A .
Although theyofwere openformerly more extensive prior to
distinct
with patches system could be recognized,
rock. Deciduous butshrubs
this does suchnot as European
seem
nannyberry necessary.
settlement,
Upland they apparently and werenon-flooded
much smaller than examples of ~West
provide plant covercommunities
in somewhat protected areas; dwarf wetlands heaths (including
including
Gulf Coastal
"maritime Plain
wet grasslands") Northern Calcareous
are included Prairie (CES203.377)$$. or .
Labrador teac, sheep laurel,and bilberry, andinlowbushthis system as embedded
blueberry, are the more
This
This system
system of the
includes Atlantic Gulf Coastal Plain encompasses
"inclusional"
typical in open areas. vegetation
shrublands. The environment
Crowberry of
is coastal
a diagnostic dunes
of this along
and system theisnorthern
sometimes highly
wettestof dune swales and basins on barrier orislands
Gulf Mexico, including theby northwestern andeoliancoastal areas,
dynamic.
dominant Reworking
dwarf-shrub. of sand storms bypanhandle
slower of Florida,
processes .
supporting pond changeor andmarsh-like vegetation. Most in examples
southern Alabama, southeastern Mississippi. The vegetationare and
may completely the local environment a short time,
permanently
consists largely orsystem
semipermanently
of herbaceous andfloodedembedded withshrublands
freshwater, but are of
portions
These sand of the dunes areof may occupy
found along sites
the shoresfairly ofearly
thestorm in theon
Great Lakes
barrier
process and
This system
affected by consists
salt spray or wetland
overwash and upland
during herbaceous
periodic and shrubland
events. .
islands
primary and other near-coastal
succession. The combined areas where
effects saltchronic
of spray, saltwater
and extreme salt
Lake
This Champlain.
vegetation
system of barrier
occurs Plant
in islands
the cover
Gulf and varies
of Mexicofrom
near-coastal open,
along areas active
the in thedunes
northern
southwestern to areasGulf
coast
This
spray system
overwash,and ocean and consists
sand
overwash of vegetation
movement prevent of
are trees, sandy
important
or dramatically barrier
ecological islands
inhibit and other
forces.
woody Thisplant
dominated
of
of Mexico
Florida. by
along grasses,
Components the upper shrubs,
of Texas
this and coast,
system atdepending
includeleast on the
to Galveston
herbaceous degree
Bay.
vegetation of
Plant
exposed
vegetation
growth. coastal
differs areas,
from ranging
that of from
other northern
regions ofNorth
the Carolina
Gulf, and to region
this .
sand
on deposition,
communities
dunes and of sand
primary
related erosion,
and
vegetation and
secondary
just distance
inlanddunes, from the
interdunal
ofsubstrate
the dunes, lake. Dune
swales
often on and
southern
forms
This a
system Maine
natural (where
unit
occurssands. with
on extensive
similar
theThese sandy
climate
ridge-and-swale coastlines
and topography are replaced
(Johnson
within 100by
1997).
km
grasses, particularly American plant beachgrass,
adjacent
recently mainland are included. Salt spray, little
saltwater bluestem,overwash, andbut prairie
and
rocky
There
of the
Sandplain aredeposited
coasts).
Texas A range
agrasslands
number
coast on ofthe
and
of
diagnostic
Holocene-aged
heathlands
areand generally
communities endemic
of eolian
the
upland
may plant
southernsand
plant
be present,
species
deposits
New which
England of the
the and .
sandreed,
sand movement
communities dominate
andare less the most
important
commonly active
ecological areas.
non-flooded More
forces. dune stable swale portions
wetlands. may
most
South classic
characterize
Texas component
this
Sand system,
Sheet is a dune
including
(primarily grassland,
florida
Kenedy with
rosemary, American
Brooks beachgrass
woody-goldenrod,
counties and
New
have York
Althoughlow coast
shrubs
vegetation are areas
includingis may
mostlyof grass-,
beach sedge-,
heather,
herbaceous, and
juniper,
there shrub-dominated
and sand
areIntypically cherry.
scattered
diagnostic.
gulf bluestem,
extending Shrublands
into sand
adjacent squares,Jim occur
and
Hogg, in
gulf limited
rockrose
Hidalgo, areas.
(Johnson between
and some
Barbour
vegetation
Back
shrubs dunes
of maintained
may
various grade
heights by
into maritime
wooded
present. conditions
cover
Examples ofand and
pines
of
Willacy
this periodic
and
system
counties).
other firesandy
occupy or othersoil
one
dunes,
1990). and intimately connected with them, narrow wetland grassy
While
trees.
of
the
disturbance.
fourSome
vegetation
distinctive Developing
of thecoastal of the
best exampleson ridges
acidic,
regions
and
of
in of
swales
nutrient-poor,
this system
Florida.
is somewhat
and very
includea Grand
Although
distinct,
well-
given Sable .
swales
they are maynot develop.
separated Small
here. patches
In general, natural woodland,
ridgesgrasslands,
areIndiana
dominated typically
by in seaside
drained
Dune
communityand soils,
Sleepingthey may
component Bear occur
of thisas
Dunes inheathlands,
system Michigan
may and or support
Dunes a
This system
featuring
bluestem pitch
and
includes
a pine,
mixture
non-tidal
may of also
forbs, bemaritime
present
and swales inoverlap
grasslands
limited
are
in species
occurring
areas,
dominated
on
especially
by gulfdune in
patchwork
Indiana.
composition of grass
with and
those shrub
of other vegetation.
Florida Characteristic
coastal regions, species
thereTexas. include
are are .
barrier
the islands
northern partandof mainland
the range. areas
The near
dominantthe coast of southern
ecological processes
crowngrass,
huckleberry, big bluestem,
bearberry, broom hair-awn crowberry, muhly, and yellow
Nantucket Indiangrass.
shadbush, golden
important
This
those includes
associatedand sometimes
grasslands
with themay ofconsiderable
primary
maritime anddifferences
secondary
environment, based
dunes,
including on plant
interdune
frequent
Brownseed
heather, crowngrass
blueberry, little bluestem,be important
and in
Pennsylvaniaboth environments.
sedge. They Inaresalt
species
swales,
spray, composition,
barrier
wind, flats,
saltwater vegetation
and the
overwash, structure,
mainland. and Some
sand and physical of
examples
movement. sitethis system
addition
important
Coastal tohabitat
dunes the include
dominants,
for several
beach common
bird and
strand herbaceous
not other
the animal
beach components
species
itself includeor .
including
butwithin
sparsely
characteristics
naturally occurred (Johnsonas an and
open Muller
matrix 1993a).
of midgrass The dune species vegetation, like
native
lovegrass
the short-eared
densely spp., round
vegetated owlareas and copperleaf,
regal
behind thetall
fritillary, silverbush,
beach, andforedunes,
(along Texas
with sandsensitive-pea,
brushyspits, plains
andand
that of other
mesquite - Florida
acacia regions,
shrublands includes
dominated sea-oats,
by honey coastal
mesquite, panicgrass,sweet
Texas
and
active tread-softly,
woodlands)
toand stabile dunessandhill
provided and croton,forslimspike
habitat
sandsheets the extinct prairie-clover,
heath hen. plains .
dune
acacia, marsh-elder. blackbrush Beachberry,acacia but havederived
coastal beach
become from
sandmat, quartz
and or
shrub-dominated gypsum
sea-grape due to
snake-cotton,
sands. They hoary
are In found milkpea,
throughout McKelvey'sthe northern beeblossom,
Pacific Georgia
Coast,eliminated
from
help
the distinguish
lack of fire. this manysystem areas from this those
system to thehasornorth.
been However,
virtually while all
This ecological system to includes
frostweed, shrubby beebalm, unvegetated
pointed phlox, sparsely
American vegetated
snoutbean, rock
south-central
other
due to dune
conversion Alaska
communities to tame the central
inpasture,
Florida Oregon
have
cropland, coast
frequently
or to roughly
due occurring
to lack Coos
of burning.Bay. .
cliffs
queen's and very steep bluffs of glacial deposits along the Pacific Ocean
A patterndelight,
distinctive ofspecies andwhich
sometimes Riovery Grande
helpopen greenthread.
and sometimes
distinguish them, These very
such grasslands
dense are
species occur
and erodingwith
intermixed slopes in southwestern
woodlands dominated British Columbia
by plateau livesouthoak and/orinto central
vegetation
lacking on dunes
inIt this system. is driven
However, by sandmore deposition
inland coastal and erosion
grassland caused
Oregon.
honey mesquite. is composed of barren and sparsely vegetated substrates,
by wind
components and of occasional wave overwashinclude duringtropicalstorm tidal surges. Salt .
typically including exposed sediments, bedrock, and scree slopes.and
this system sometimes bluestem
water inlets and
hairy grama, among tidalother marshes species maynot be found
nearby.in Plant coastal lifegrasslands
typically
Exposure to waves, eroding and shrub,desiccating winds, slope failures and
includes
elsewhereherbaceous,in Florida (Johnson succulent, and Muller and1993a).
tree species with varying .
sheet erosion create gravelly to rocky substrates
and sandthat are often
degrees of tolerance for salt spray, wind abrasion, andunstable.
There canstability.
be sparseCommon cover of species wildflowers, grasses, lichens and
substrate include sand ryegrass, redlow fescue,
shrubs. .
sea lyme grass, or various forbs. Salal and evergreen blueberry are
commonly seen shrub species. Some dunes may have patches of
young shore pine. .
yellow bush lupine, blueblossom, seaside woolly sunflower, orange
near beaches to more extensive
bush-monkeyflower, poison-oak, dunes near larger
California rivers and
blackberry, bays.
thimbleberry,
This
They system
incude includes
salmonberry, open sand
California sparsely
dunes, vegetated
stablized
coffeeberry, ocean with
dunes
oceanspray, beaches native
salal, constituting
grasses, the
cow-parsnip,
outermost
forbs
and sword zone
fern. ofThese
and shrubs, coastal
and rarely
areas vegetation
forests.
have supported ranging
This coastal from northern
system
extensive occurs North
stand-replacing in
Carolina
scattered northward
wildfires.locations
Without fire, to the
on theGrand terminus
coastfir from of
andPoint extensiveConception,
Douglas-fir sandy coastlines
can invade California, andand
the
north
becomebeginning
to prominent..
Coos Bay, of rocky Oregon.coasts.
Neighboring Coastal Examples dunesgenerally
grasslands, include
part of extend
beaches,
the seaward
foredunes,
California
Coastal dunes include beaches, foredunes, sand spits, and active to
from
sand
Northern foredunes
spits,Coastal
active or but may
Grassland include
stable dunes , will flats
made
have behind
of quartz
shrubs breached
or gypsum
begin to foredunes.
invade sands.
and with
stabilizing
Oceanside backdunes
cliffs, headlandsand sandsheets
and bluffs derived
found from the
along quartz rugged or gypsumcoastal
Although
They
time, may
will these
also
convert habitats
occurinto asthearechaparral,
situated
extensive dunejust
in above
fields
the the mean
dominating
absence of firehigh
large
and/or tide
coastal
sands.ofThe
parts mosaicOregon
southern of sparse andtoCalifornia,
dense vegetation south toinmayduneNorte,
Baja systems is
including
limit,
bays.
grazing. they
Dune are constantly
vegetation impacted
typically by waves
includes and
herbaceous, be flooded
succulent, andby
driven
off-shore
high
by
spring
sand
islands. deposition,
tides and Habitats
storm
erosion,
are
surges steep and lateral
and sparsely
(Fleming
movement.
et al. vegetated,
2001).
Duneusuallysalt .
Constant
low-shrub
This species
systemtypically represents with varying
beaches degrees
and overwashof tolerance
flatsand for
inandthe salt spray,
Sea Island
vegetation
supporting grasses, includes
wildflowers herbaceous,
(often succulent,
succulent), low-shrub
occasionally
spray
wind and sand
and rainwater abrasion, maintain and generally
substrate moist
stability. conditions.
Coyote Substrates
brush, silver
region
species
small of
shrubs South
with that Carolina
varying degrees
can copesand and Georgia.
of
withnative tolerance
saltshellsprayThe forentire
and salt region
spray,
drought. is
wind distinctive
and sand .
consist
burr of unconsolidated
ragweed, buckwheat, and and dune sediments
grasses thatforbs
and are constantly
are most
on the Atlantic
abrasion, Coast, and wave energy is generally lower here than
byand stability of the sand. Generally, this dune system
shifted
important. winds
Introduced and floods.European Dynamic beachgrass disturbance and regimes
yellow bush largely
lupine
any otherfewer
includes point perennial
along the grasses Atlanticand Coast more (Tanner
succulent 1960). plantsHuge than morein
quantities
limit
the vegetation
north invade to
andpioneering,
change thesesalt-tolerant,
systems. succulent annuals. Cakile .
of fine-textured
northern dune systems. sediments This aresystem
deposited can be by dominated
alluvial rivers by red in the sand-
edentula ssp. edentula and Salsola caroliniana are usually most
region,
verbena,many pink of which drain beach
sand-verbena, relatively large interior
saltbush, Menzies'areas of the
jimmyweed,
numerous and characteristic. Other scattered associates include
Piedmont,
saltgrass, where
California clay is
croton, an abundant
dune lupine, by-product
andPolygonum of
sea-fig. weathering and .
Sesuvium
This system maritimum,
includes Polygonum
sparsely vegetated glaucum, sand beaches along ramosissimum
the these
erosion. Thus, as opposed to other beaches of the Atlantic Coast,
This
var. beachcoast
prolificum,
northeast system is northern
Suaeda
from found along
linearis and
North theSuaeda
Atlantic
Carolina Coast ofand
maritima, extreme
toAtriplex
The
beachespanhandle
are beach
characterized system by theranges from
prevalence ofnorthward
northwestern
fine-textured Florida mid-coastal
sediments.
southern
pentandra.
Maine Georgia
(where ranging
extensive into
sandy eastern
coastlines Floridagive to
way approximately
to rocky Cape .
coasts).
(Ochlockonee
In addition, the extensive Continental Shelf coupled with lowthe
River) to southeastern Mississippi. It includes wave
Canaveral.
They Unlike Atlantic Coastal Plain Sea Island Beach
energygenerally
outermost zone extend
contribute of tocoastal seaward
a paucity offrom
vegetation shellthe sand dunes
extending
components seawardofbutthemayfrom
beach include
(CES203.383)
flats behind to the
breached north,
dunes. this system
Although is subject
these habitatsto natural
higher
are wave
situated just .
foredunes.
substrates. Within the northern Gulf of Mexico, the boundaries
Louisiana beaches arecomponent
predominantly found on remnant barrier
energy
above
of this
andmean
the
system
a greater
arehigh tide
fairly limit, they
distinct;
of sand.
the are
western
Vegetation
constantly
boundary
of this
impactedis byislands
area
mineralogical
is
waves
associated
distinct from with that historic
further delta
south lobes
along ofthethecoast
Mississippiof Florida River. Since and
(Johnson
and may
the be flooded
eastern by
is defined high byspring
a vegetated
region tides and storm
of ocean
sunken, surges.
flooded Constant
coast line the
This
normal
Muller systemdeltaic
1993). includes
processes sparsely
have been altered, the beaches
formation constituting
of new .
This
salt
where system
spray and
beaches includes
rainwater
are sparsely
absent. maintain vegetated
In addition, generally ocean
these moist beaches
beaches conditions. of the
areincluding upper
distinguished
outermost
barrier zonehas
islands of coastal
been vegetation
halted and mostrangingLouisiana from and barrier islands are
Texas
Substrates
by high Coast.
cover These
consist ofbeaches
of sea-oats unconsolidated
and are gulfgenerally sand eroding
bluestem, shelland
andwetlands
along narrow.
sediments
with local It are
that
endemic
This system
Matagorda
undergoing includes
Island south
deterioration. unique
tozone assemblages
include
Within Padre
the northern of
Island in Texas.
Gulf regionspecies
These
these restricted
constitutes
constantly
species of the
shifted outermost
woody-goldenrod by winds and of coastal
floods.
and nailwort vegetation
Dynamic
(Barbour ranging
disturbance
et unusually
al. 1987). from
regimes
to serpentine
beaches are and ultramafic
located on accretionary substrates,soils that have high .
Plainbarrier of islands, toandthethey
distinguished by dominance saltmeadow cordgrass are islands
mainland
largely limitshores of the
vegetation Chenier
to pioneering, ofsalt-tolerant,
Louisiana succulent barrier annuals.
calclium
generally
instead to magnesium
well-developed Alsorations. with These
aof stable sites
dune remain
system moist
behind orand wet
them.
and spitsofof
Sea-rocket
sea-oats.
central
and RussianTexas characteristic
northare
thistle Matagorda
usually
are coastal
mostIsland.
sandbur
numerous Although andinclude these
throughout
Examples
saltmarsh the year
generally
dropseed and
extend
(Barbour mayseaward
have
et al. substantial
from foredunes
1987). sphagnum but may accumulation. .
habitats
characteristic,are situated
with just
other above the mean high tide limit, they are
These
Some
flats wetlands
may
behind bebreached
bogshave in the scattered
year-around
sense ofAlthough
foredunes. maritime
water
nutrients and environment
deep
and
these peat soils,
moisture
habitats associates.
most
primarily
are situated
This system
constantly is openings
impacted found innesting
by montane tomaysubalpine elevations confined to
orwaves
These
often beaches
found as provide in and
meadows,habitat onforbeslopes,
flooded
piping by
plovers storm and surges.
other
coming
just above from the rainfall,
mean high more
tide commonly
limit, they they
are areor
constantly along
seeps or rivers
impactedfens and
by
specific
Dynamic
birds. environments
disturbance defined
regimes by
largely groundwater
limit discharge,
vegetation to soil
pioneering, .
streams
wind andinconfined
maintained northwest
salt byspraygroundwaterrainforests.
and maydischarge.
be TheyThe
flooded are
by relatively
acidic
storm abundant
(6.5-6.7
surges. pH) and in
Characteristic
Fens are
chemistry,
salt-tolerant, and peattoaccumulation.
succulent specific
annuals. environments
TheseThisbeaches
system definedincludes
are by groundwater
generally "extreme unstable rich"
This
Alaska system
andsoil includes
British wetlands
Columbia butof organic
diminish soils on the
rapidlydeficiency outer terraces of
ofinaterosional
size
leastand
nutrient-poor
dominants are substrates
xerophytes produce
and severe
include thenitrogen
perennials railroad-vine number
which and
discharge,
(alkaline,
and highly high
impactedchemistry,
infrom
nutrients and
andpeat
bysoutheastern
attempts planttoaccumulation
diversity)
limit the fens
natural which 40
are cm.
quite
the
favors
beach coastal
farther south. plain
insectivorous
morning-glory Wetland shrubs,
plants.
and the water
Characteristic
annual Virginia
tolerant
twisted plantto the
trees,
species
sea-rocket. Carolinas.
and wildflower
include .
Fens
rare. form form
Fens
processes. at lowatpoints low inisthe
points inlandscape
thebasins, theor
landscape onor slopes
ofnear where
slopes where
Occurring
herbs
CaliforniaoccurAccumulation
on but broad flats
no single
darlingtonia, or limited
gentle
species
roundleaf or bysuite
sundew, lack
the
of species
few-flower sediments
vegetation is entering
is particularly
spikerush,
groundwater
the gulf cotton-grass,
because intercepts the soil surface. Groundwater inflows maintain
predominantly
typical.
fringed
This system What ismost
dense
consists common rivers
shrubland
California
of isin
peat-based
this
and
usually
sedge, area
very
a mix
wetlandsandenter
shrubby bays
ofassociated
tufted with
open
conifer-dominated
hairgrass. theirAround
woodlands.
with
sediments Athe
acharacteristic
fairly
not reachingconstant the water
gulf. level year-round, with water at or near the .
swamp, ofshrub suite of primarily evergreen shrubs, greenbriars, and
edges
depressions
surface
these
most inofswamp,
fens
the
the
Portand
Southern
time.
open
Orford-cedar
Cold
moss can
andtemperatures
Constant Central
high
orAppalachians
sedge
occur
water and
mire.
and
constant
levels
Many
form
andto
lead
part species
adjacent
high of
waterthe
pond
common pineto dominates.
boreal These
continental shrubs include fensinkberry, fetterbush,
of bogs
fen. Fens and occur here, in such ascan
areas.
levels leadare
These
accumulation to important
sites occur
accumulation
of organic habitat
atmaterial. for They
elevations
organic rare belowspecies
material
are 4000
often that
(i.e. respond
feet peat).
dominated poorly
Fens positively
bywithdrained
speciesbe
staggerbush,
labrador-tea,
to burning. littleleaf
bog titi,
blueberry big gallberry,
and small and
cranberry.honeycups,However, along it is also .
bottomlands
"rich",
of sedge, which on
birch, bog soils
means which
alkaline
sedge, are and often
full saturated
of minerals, and mucky.
with many Wetness
plant
laurel greenbrier.
distinguished Pond pineor isbybulrush.
thethe The surrounding
characteristic of tree, along landscape
with may
results
species,
be ringed from
towith a from
"poor" other
the boreal
combination
whichwetland areofacidic,
groundwater
systems,
presence
nutrient
e.g., input,
poor,
streamside
Pacific
seepage
and have coastal
from
fewer or a
shrublands,
loblolly-bay,
species, including sweetbay, Alaska and swamp bay. Shore
yellow-cedar, Herbs pine, are scarceSitka and spruce, largely
adjacent
species.
variety of slopes,
Fens
upland can rainfall
be and
dominated
systems impeded
from by drainage.
aquatic
grasslands sedge,
to Sitka Vegetation
forests.mud sedge, is atwiregrass
least .
limited
Western toHemlock,
small open patches.
Western Under
red-cedar, pre-European
salal, settlement
sedge, Lyngbye's fire
partially
sedge, open, birch,
swamp typically Pacifica complex
bog of patches
sedge, simple ofbog
herbaceous-dominated
sedge, and
regimes,
sedge, stands of switch cane (canebrakes) would have been more
areas
Rolland'sasandwell California
as shrub darlingtonia.
leafless-bulrush. thickets Theand
In addition,
often
surrounding forested many
landscape zones. rareThe wildflower
may bewettest ringed
common
species canand extensive.
occur in bogs Soiland saturation,
fens. sheet flow, and peat depth
areas have herbaceous vegetation dominated
with other wetland systems, e.g., streamside shrublands, or a variety by sedges. Scattered of .
trees
create a distinct zonation, with the highest stature woody vegetation on
and
upland
These shrubssystems
freshwatermay from betidal
present
grasslands
marshes in theoccur toherbaceous
forests.
on theMany zones.
upper rare Most
reaches andexamples
endemic
of large in
the
Theseedgestidal and lowest
freshwater inmarshes
the center. of Catastrophic
the embayed fires
region arefromimportant
also
species
rivers have can a
influenced dense
be foundshrub
by in
tidal zone
fen around
habitats.
flooding the
beyond edges.
the Some
reach of examples
saltwater. have
They .
This
this system naturally
system, representsoccurring tidally influenced atCarolina
moderate fresh marsh and
frequency. Firestidal generally
southernmost Virginia and North are characterized by fresh
forest
are
shrublands
kill
zones
especially as
ranging
all above-ground
well, around
well developed
fromvegetation
the onin
approximately edges
thelarge or as
Chesapeake a
Morehead
patches,
matrix and in
City,
which
which
Delaware
NC, southward
recovers Bay to
oligohaline
numerous waters
small driven
herbaceous by irregular
openings wind
are tides,
embedded. with minimal
Hemlock, lunar
red
drainages,
to St. Johns
rapidly and
in most River,extend
of the northeast
FL burned
[see Montague areas,to include portions
and Wiegert
primarily of the Hudson
(1990)].
by system
sprouting. This system .
tidal
maple, influence.
black gum, They are the predominant marsh in the drowned
there and pitch pine areflowcharacteristic trees.
River,
occurs Connecticut
where River,
is adequate Merrimack river River, andKennebec
discharge toCharacteristic
River and their
maintain
creeks
shrubs and
include inland great estuary shores of the
rhododendron, smooth embayed alder, region.
nannyberry, This system and
tributaries,
fresh to among others.
oligohaline conditions, The vegetation
while still includes
within marshes
tidal range. dominated
These
typically
poison occurs as complexes dominated by large graminoids such as .
sumac.
by tall grasses
marshes most often such as occurwildwell rice;inside marshes of lowerofstature
thesometimes
mouths dominated
tidal species-rich
creeks and
salt hay, bulrushes, cattails, and rushes, with
by forbs
rivers. such as water
Elevation differenceshemp,within rosemallow, the marsh and correspond
others; and to vegetation
the
associations of shorter graminoids,rosette-formingforbs, and floating herbsorsuch submerged
characterized
occurrence of by ground-hugging
different vegetation types. as estuary .
aquatics.
pipewort Irregular flooding and fireSediments are both important forces in spots this
and riverbank quillwort. of more protected
system, and rising sea level is a particularly important driver of long-
are comprised of finer-grained materials that are poorly drained, or of
term trends. .
well-consolidated peat deposits. Areas with greater flooding force and
scouring action have coarser mineral substrates such as sand and
gravel. .
This system includes tidal freshwater and oligohaline marshes of
formed as swales in mainland eolian sands or natural blockage of the
small
lakeshores
United
northern States
Gulfin theand
of Outer
Canada.
Mexico CoastalIt canthe
along Plain
include of the
Florida a complex
southeastern
Big Bend variety
area United
of wetlands
(roughly States.
drainages by sediment movement. Soils are generally sandy, with
Natural
occurring
from lakes
Wakulla along are the
County generally
Greatthe Lakes
rare features
shorelines, throughout
ascounty
well as most portions
of this ofregion.
in the to wettestPasco/Hernando line on Florida's
mucky surfaces areas. Vegetation is often zonal in
However,
tributary
west system
This coast). rivers
examples
The andtidal
represents streams
range
range northward
non-tidal that
in this are
marsh directly
to vegetation
region theisAtlantic
affected
higher Coastal
by
than
in the Great Plain
inpeninsula
the Lakes
westerninof
response to variation in duration ofofflooding: open waterdelta. or are
floating-
southeastern
water
Panhandle,
Florida regimes. and
and in the Virginia
Itwavealso and
forms
energy Northmuch
is Carolina,
low; the
lunar, St.but
windClair
no examples
and Riverseasonal Species
known
tides
leaved aquatics in Tallahassee
theand center ofarea. These highland
theHowever
deepest basins, marshes occupy
emergent marshin
from
make
different South
distributions
flooding
types Carolina
and community
irregular
of depressions Georgia.
(Montague patterns
such asand are Wiegert
former examples
determined
lake1990). by
basins, areIn present
multiple
comparison
shallow peat-
zones in semipermanent water, drawdown zones with diverse small
Florida,
abiotic
to whereand
factors,
the valleys,
filled matrix-forming they
including aresalt
zones apparently
the
andtype
around brackishoffound
existing aquatic on smaller
marshes
natural system lakes lakes
(lakeshore,
ofwoodland
the same
(Kushlanthan those
region,major
1990). to
graminoid
This small-patch and forb vegetation,and
system occupies dense
rounded shrub or
depressions in the edges.
southern A
the
river
this
The north.
channels,
system
marshes Hydroperiod
is smaller
confined
andofthe tributary
remains
to
basins small
they relatively
rivers,
patches major
that constant
deltas,
are from
generallyor estuarine),
year to
restricted year, to
This
smaller
portions systemnumber
ofwhentheincludes
East a variety
basins
Gulf may
Coastal ofoccur
have seasonal
Plain.
within
emergent Most
are unstable
depression
trees
examples ponds
throughout.
occur
overinin time
central
the
especially
Great
areas
due to Lakes
near the
subsurface water-level
compared
mouths of
subsidence fluctuations,
toLake
rivers smaller
andwhere drainage surficial
limesink
freshwater bedrock,
patterndepressions
is glacial
abundant.
changes. ofIn the
some .
Florida,
Hydroperiod
near-coastal especially can
flatlands varyalong (sensu the
substantially Peet Wales
and from Allard Ridge.
year to
1993) Examples
year,and andtend are rounded
vegetation
to occupy
This
region.
landform,
examples,systems
Vegetation
surfacegroup
climate, mayincludes
and
waterflow land
appear non-forested
use. to Although
be
isdepressions
generally zonal wetlands
in
wetland
lacking relationship that
species
duetoto areto found
are
distance
theis presence in
or
can irregularly
similarly shaped,
vary. shallow
Besides by flooding from tens hundreds of byof
ofand its variation, or fire
basins
wet that
basins were
(closed formed
or open), subsidence
pondshores, ofopensurface
and sediments
streamshores an
caused
throughout
from
generally
limestone
This the lakeshore
ecological widely
near the distributed,
system and
surface, may
of range
but those
western water from more
levels
Florida andtemperate
water
have fluctuated
adjacent prairie
floating-leaved
Alabama regions
greatly and
meters
important
solution in indiameter
natural
underlying (Abrahamson
force in the
limestone outer et
or al.
drier
as 1984).
portions.
swales Extensive
in eolian variation
sand deposits. is .
This
the
aquatics
are
overfoundsystem
Northeast
time inin theincludes
todeeper
the
(Patton the
southern
and herbaceous
Greatwaters
Judd Lakes
parts of
1986). oftheseepage
and
the upper
lakes,
Soils basin, wetlands
rangetoMidwest,
emergent
while
from and
those and
mucky nearly
ofinmore
marsh treeless
adjacent
zones
surfaces boreal to
Mississippi,
present based may
on be
the considered
variety of a
soils "lush and grassland"
resultant (Kindell
hydroperiods. et al. 1997),
Most
Soils
plains
Canada.
along
and are
over
subarctic
the generally
Many poorly
edges. occur
regions sandy
drained
Insome in
some are insoils
cases
foundbasins
association there
inin of
central
with
the both
arenorthern
wet types
Florida.
larger hardwoodorAlthough
lakes
parts origin.
or
of streams.
swamps
the examples
basin. Inor
sandy
"grass-sedge
examples loams exhibitor sands,
savannah" but slowly
(Clewell
zonation permeable
1981),
vegetation wet subsoils
prairie
and contribute
(FNAI
nearly all are to
1990), the
ringed
Hydroperiod
of
shallow
this
present.
Vegetation system
basinstypescan
are
with vary
similar
found substantially
particularlyto
across other
this from
nutrient-poor
wetland
diverse year to
ecological
set and
of year,
acidic
abiotic and
systems, vegetation
conditions,
factors these
can beare .
presence
wet
by savanna
saw of
palmetto.standing
(Collins water
et
Characteristical. for
2001). much As
or aspect of the
implied
dominant year.
by
species The
these vegetation
names,
associated thismosaic
with
can
placed similarly
characterized
Sphagnum-basedinto a vary
by
number the significantly
fens presence
of develop;
zones, of in
other
subtropical
though settings
not andall dominants.
plant
develop
are species
present as Fire
mineral-soil
not
at a is an
occurring
given
includes
system
the interior a range
consistsof the ofofponds
mostly
primarily herbaceous
herbaceous plant communities
vegetation that may be
with panicgrass,
relatively
important
in
marshes.
site.
This The Innatural
herbaceous-dominated
first
ecological areas
four force
of
systemzones ininclude
more-or-less
arethetypically
wetlands
occupies outer,maidencane,
large, drier
permanent
farther portions
inundated north,
seasonally
cut-throat
standing of many
especially
directly water,
inundated examples,
cut-throat
freshwater
bycomprising
lake
basins
referred
thick
Arcadian cover to asof marshes,
St.Atfiresgrasses
John's-wort, meadows,
and sedge
and through and
species.
short-spike prairies,
Examples
bluestem. collectively
occupy low, flat .
and
waters:
with periodic
panicgrass.
marshes peaty with
(a) herbaceous
least
submergent
substrates may some sweep
marsh
in the vegetation
examples -
southerncontaininghave
arethe interior
characteristic.
dense cover
submergent
and outermost during of dry
Shrub
grasses
and/or
portions periods.
ofswampsand
floating
the
aplains
relatively
on diverse
poorly number
drained soils,of associations.
often saturated Permanent
for 50-100 waterdays bodies
per year.
Vegetation
low
and shrubs,
fen
vegetation;
Coastal Plain may
vegetationwith
(b) exhibit
fairly
emergent
ofincluding
the typically distinct
richmarsh
southeastern species
includezonation composition.
United inofresponse
areasStates.
- characterized graminoid
by
These tobasins
Examples
shallow variation
may
dominance
water in and
be
or
aresmall
support
Frequent
This a fires,
systems
ecologicalrange groupof
systemsubmerged
is typically
occupies and
growing-seasonfound floating
large, on aquatic
burns,
glacial
seasonally are species.
essential
potholes,
inundated Areas
along for
basins with
duration
most
shrub small-patch
common
semipermanently of
dominance, flooding.
along ecological
and
flooded Communities
the scattered system
southern
soils, stunted
and partincludes
can of
typicallyrange
trees
the wet,
from
Lake
may
dominatedfire-maintained,
be floating
Wales present.Ridge
by aquatic area.
bulrushes, .
nonriverine
approximately
maintenance
streams, ponds, and a
of thisdo
meter
channelsnot
system.receive
of standing overbank
Some examples
innon-persistent
glacial water
outwash flooding.
tend to
have
and The
support
onathe sparse southern
dense
lakeplains. tree limit
stands
with
seepage
types peaty
Freshwater
cattails, (in and substrates
communities
the centers
marshes,
other ofin
in
with
emergent the
thethe southern
outermost
deepest
species, and
basins)
but outermost
portionsto of
emergent
herbaceous
also containing portions
East
herbaceous
vegetation, of These
Gulf
submergent the
are
of this system
emergent
component
wetlands consist extends
ofherbaceous
slash ofof pine
deep into or
to central
perennials,
longleaf
shallow Florida,
often
pine
areas in
and
of especially
monospecific
scattered along
shrubs, thesuch
stands; Atlanticas
Coastal
zones
associated
and/or (inPlain
Plain,
floating with of
east
semipermanent the
lakes,
vegetation;southeastern
the
ponds, Mississippi
water
(c) United
drawdown
slow-moving
shore River
fen - infreshwater
States.
zones)
streams,
saturated These
Louisiana,
tovegetationmarsh
basins
sparse,
and/or yetare
Mississippi,mats
Coast
species
wax-myrtle.in Volusia
include and
broadleaf Brevard cattail,counties.
pickerelweed, Examples are
American generally lotus, and
dominated
nonriverine
Alabama,
diverse,
impoundments
characterized small by and emergent
andvegetation do
extending
graminoid
by not
orgroundwater
ditches. and
receive
across
and submergent
overbank
forb
Scattered northern
influenceherbaceous
shrubs species
flooding.
Florida.
from may that
be The
These
vegetation
shoreline may
present be
southern
wetlands
tobut
habitatsbaldusually
but are .
limit
forested;
others.
surrounded the
Where by there
a zone is less
of iswetcharacterized
water
meadow. (usually by
Stands Taxodium
present may only
be distichum,
during
open ponds wet Nyssa
with
of thisless
generally
cypress
total
affected system
by found
woodland
than extends
25%
lake-levelonedges.
gentle,
cover. intoSome central
almost
The
fluctuations, Florida,
imperceptible
examples
substrate and is may especially
typically
dominated slopes
have by along
maintained
emergent
muck over
herbaceous thetreesAtlantic
orby
mineral
biflora,
season),
floating evergreen
more
or rooted graminoid"bay"
aquatics, shrubs,
vegetation
deep and/or
marsh is mixed
present,
with hardwoods.
with
bulrush species
or Emergent
cattails,such or as wet .
Coast
constant
throughout
soil.
shrubby in species;
Typical Volusia
seepage
their
species and
zones
extent.
and Brevard
in(d) and/or
someshoreline counties.
perched
freshwater or Examples
water
strand marsh - tables. areExamples
a communities
narrow generally
zone arejust
include
at or
Pinus
meadow. elliottii
maidencane, They may
southern
range also in be
cutgrass,
size present.
from and Some
other
fairly characteristic
species.
small to With
several shrubs
historic
acres. include
water
The
forested;
typically
Typha
above the
grass
latifolia,
the water vegetation
and
Typha
level sedge isdominated,
characterized
angustifolia, and
Phragmites byare Taxodium
often distichum,
species-rich.
australis, Nyssa
Pitcher
Cliftonia
level
hydric
biflora, soils monophylla,
fluctuations,
evergreen are the where
flooded
"bay"
Cyrilla
vegetation
by
seasonal
water
shrubs,
racemiflora,
mosaic
at
and/or
water-level
depths has
mixed
Lyonia
of also
several
fluctuations
lucida,
changed,
hardwoods.
and
centimeters
and
Smilax
sometimes
Emergent to
plants
waves (pitcherplant
Schoenoplectus
cause erosion, spp.)
americanus, and whichare notable
Thelypteris indicators
is dominated palustris, of
by annualmany
Impatiens community
or pioneercapensis,
laurifolia._x000D_
quite
over 1rapidly.
meter for most of the growing season. Emergent marsh species .
Pinus
types
Carex
herbaceouselliottii
in thisspecies.
spp., may also
system.
Potamogeton Shrubs
The benext present.
spp., frequently
set ofSome
Nuphar zones characteristic
encroach
advenaare inland(=inNupharthe
from shrubs
absence
lutea include
the water's of fire;
ssp.
_x000D_
such
edgetoas
Cliftonia
due
advena), Typha
monophylla,
greater
and spp.(e)
topographic
Nymphaea and Schoenoplectus
Cyrilla racemiflora,
isolation,
odorata. Where the spp.
most
standing dominate
Lyonia
interior lucida, the
examples core
and ofare
Smilax this
Variant: and include:
Okefenokee herbaceous
Clethra_x000D_ and shrubby wetwater meadows does -not persist
system, with
laurifolia._x000D_
often
through naturally
the season,an occasional
shrubbier. shrub swamps scattering and wetof tall Carex
meadows spp. and forbs that
varying .
characterized
_x000D_ by saturated or seasonally flooded soils,develop,
and typically
can
_x000D_
from vary
small from pocketsdense to open
to grasses,
extensive cover. Wet
acreages. meadows
Theybut oftencan surround
have aOkefenokee the
patchwork
dominated
Other by
Variant(s): sedges,Okefenokee and
Bay/Gum, other herbs, Okefenokee occasionally
Pine,
emergent
Variant:
of shruband marsh
Okefenokee
and core
graminoid along
Nupea_x000D_ wet
dominance; mineral typical soils or
species shallow include peat with
Salix spp., the
dominated
Nupea, by shrubs; and
Okefenokee (f) shrub or
Taxodium wooded swamps - characterized .
water
_x000D_
Cornus table
amomum, typically just
Cornus below the
sericea, Alnus surface for most
incana,species. of the
SpiraeaSpecies alba,growing
by seasonal flooding and dominated by woody
These
season.
Other freshwater
The vegetation
Variant(s): emergent
Okefenokee in the and/or
wet
Bay/Gum, submergent
meadow zoneon marshes
isthedominated are dominatedby sedges
Calamagrostis
assemblages incanadensis,
these zones tall
changeCarex spp.,Okefenokee
depending and Juncus Pine,
effusus.
interaction Okefenokee
Trees
of
by herbaceous
(Carex
Taxodium, spp.) and and vegetation.
grasses
Okefenokee They
such as
Clethra are common
Calamagrostis throughout
canadensis. the These .
are generally
factors acrossabsent the Great and,Lakes if present,Basin.are scattered;
These systems Acer canrubrum
be divided is
northeastern
systems also and
can north-central
contain a zone United
of wet States.
prairie Freshwater
species such marshes
as Spartinaoccur
typical.
into
This asystem
system An especially
number of
includes geographicaldistinctive
small streams (and
variants, and rare)
based
sloughs expression
on theLakes
that within
various
course throughthis
This
in basins
pectinata. that
Shrub is found
are mostthroughout
swamps often can alsothe
flat-bottomedbe northern
associated andGreatshallow,
with the or
wet Basin
forming
meadows athe
in the
systems
community
coastal group
prairie types are
in the
found
Louisiana ribbed
across andbogsthe
Texas.or
range fens of in which
the system: a pattern
(1) Lakeof narrow .
United
ring
within States
around
these theand
systems. Canada.
edge of This
deepershrub
Typical system,
basins. which
They include
species can
are associatedinclude
Cornus many
with
spp., lakes,
Salix
(2- to 3-m wide), lowoccurs(less than (2)1 Lakem
thedeep)
Michigan Lacustrine Estuary; ridges
Erie-St. are
Clair oriented
Lakeplain at Marsh;
right
associated
ponds,
spp., and/or wetlands,
slow-movingCephalanthus streams, along
impoundments
occidentalis. Great
Trees Lakes
or
are shoreline
ditches.
generally Except directly
absent for old
and,
Eastern
angles
(3) Lake toGreat Plains
the direction
Ontario Lagoon marshes
of theMarsh; are (4)
drainage found along
St.(National
Lawrence creeks
Wetlands
Riverand Estuary;
streams
Working or
(5) in
affected
cattaiil
if present, by
stalks,areGreatthe Lakes
herbaceous
scattered. water regimes.
vegetation Species
does notdistributions
persist through and the .
depressions
Group
Lake 1988).
Superior or Wetalong
Poor Fen;poolslake or borders
depressions
(6) Northern from eastern
occur
Rich North
between
Fen;abiotic Dakota
(7) Northernthe to
ridges.Great They
community
winter. Scattered patterns shrubs are determined
are often by
present. multiple
Trees are factors,
generally absent
western
develop
Lakes Illinois
almost(8)
Marsh; and
entirely
Greensouth north
Bay to northern
of 46 degrees
Disturbed Texas.
Marsh; NThey
latitude
and can
(9) in beeast-central
Saginawadjacent Bayto
including
and, if present,Greatare Lakes widely water-level
scattered. fluctuations,
The substrate surficial
is the bedrock,
typically well
floodplains
Canada
Lakeplain and but
the
Marsh. do not
adjacent receive
U.S. regular
They are flooding
minerotrophic from river
peatlands or in .
glacial
decomposed landform, organic climate,
muck and
inover landmineraluse. Vegetation
soil. types found across
Prairie
stream.
which potholes
theThey can
vegetation are found
range has from the
developedhaving glaciated water
into a in Typical
northern
pattern the soilof Greatplants
just
strings Plains
below include
(raised, ofthethe
this diverse
cattails,
United marsh
States set fern,
of abiotic factors
touch-me-not, vary in any number
pondweeds, water of ways, but they
lilies,
soil
usuallysurfacelinear toand water
features)Canada,
a few and and are
feet deep characterized
anddepressions
tend to by
have depressional
fine textured
These
can be prairies
pickerelweed,placed are found
into
and a
tallnumber on flarks
rushes the
of such
(wet
lakeplain
zones, as thoughnear not
chairmaker's the all separating
southern
are
bulrush. central
present
the
at a
wetlands
soils,
strings).
This
Great
often
system
Lakes
formed
These silty,
includes
of the
by
dense
peatlands glaciers
clays
the zones
United usually
playa
scraping
or
States
muck.
lakesdevelop
and
the
of The landscape
vegetation
theinwestern
Canada. openStands
during
basins
Great is
occur and the
typically
Plains
on flat plains, .
and
level
given site.
Pleistocene The first
era. Many four of maythe prairieare typically
potholes inundated
aregammagrass,
closed directly
basins by
andlake
dense
and
the thecharacterized
patterned
rainwater basins by
portion prairie
insurface
Nebraska. cordgrass,
occupy They only
are eastern
a fraction
primarily ofwell
uplandthe entire
landscapes
waters: (a) where
submergent the marsh; soil
(b) does
emergent not retain
marsh; water shore (i.e.
fen; sands
and
receive
numerous
peatland. irregular
large inputs of
sedges, andwater in from areas,
wetter their surroundings.
spikerush. Other Thus, water
talllayer
marsh
depressional
or
(d) sandy
shoreline loams) basins
or but typified
strand. where The by
anext
layer thesetofpresence
of silty
zones clay of
are aninland
soil impermeable
beneath from the the surface .
levels
species cansuch vary as substantially
cattail can be from
associated season-to-season
with this and
system. year-to-year
Some parts
such
impedes
water's as edge
acomplete
dense andclay, hydric
drainage
include: soil
(e)of the and
herbaceous area. is usually
There
and shrubby recharged
are often wet by
temporaryrainwater
meadows
and the wetland vegetation areexpands
of this system may be saline and and contracts suchinas response to these
or inhave species saltgrass
and nearby
inundations
(f) shrub runoff.
after
or They
heavy
wooded rains
swamps. rarely linked
the spring,to outside
followed by dry and
groundwater .
changes.
saltmarsh Prairie
clubrush. potholes
Fire include
hasextensive
been elements of marshes and wet sedge
of thethe
sources and do not have an primary growing
watershed. influence
Pondsseason. keeping
and lakes these
conditions throughout much remaining These
meadows
wet areas free that develop
ofthis trees. into
Many a pattern
areas of concentric
have been converted rings. to Bulrushes,
agriculture,
associated
prairies are with
dominated systemby can
tallgrass experience
species periodic
typically drawdowns
m high. during
1-2 responsible Trees
cattails,
but this and
usually sedges requiresare prominent.
some sort ofPrairie
drainage. potholes are for .
drier
and seasons
shrubs are andvery years,
rare. andAreas are around
often replenishedChicago andby Detroit
spring rains. were
a significant percentage of the annual production of many
Species
likely inrichness
this system can but varyare considerably
heavily converted among now individualand few examples
sites of
economically important waterfowl and house more than land50% of North
this
remain.system and is especially influenced by adjacent use, which is .
American's migratory waterfowl.provideMuch of the andoriginal extent of The
often agriculture, and may nutrient herbicide runoff.
prairie potholes have been converted to agriculture andincludes
only western
vegetation is short (usually < 20 cm tall) and typically
approximately 40-50% remain undrained. .
wheatgrass, spikesedge, foxtail barley, meadow barley, and/or prostrate
knotweed. Dynamic processes that affect these depressions are
hydrological changes, grazing, and conversion to agricultural use. .
prairies. In areas of saline soils, bothalong isolated lakeand open that depressions
lowland depressions. It also occurs borders have more
metamorphosed
will geologies. The most distinctive parts of the system are
open basins and a permanent water source through most of theSalt
be more brackish, with associated vegetation differences. year,
dominated
encrustations by can shrubs,occur prairie
on the grasses,
surface and
in forbs.depressions,
some Some areas and developthe a
except during exceptional drought years. These areas have a large
riparian
soils are woodland
severely affected composed andofhave riverpoor birch and sycamore.
structure. SpeciesSome that typify
watershed and/orinclude significant connection to the groundwater table.silkyThe
common
these systems shrubs are salt-tolerant smooth andalder,halophyticriver birch,
species bubttonbush,
such as Distichlis
system includes submergent and emergent marshes and associated
dogwood,
spicata, Virginia sweetspire,
Sporobolus airoides, andsmooth Hordeum azalea, poisonOther
jubatum. ivy, and red- wet
commonly
This
meadowsecologicaland wetsystem
prairies. occurs These within types dunecan fields
also in the
drift into Intermountain
stream
cedar.
occurring Prairie
taxa grasses are characteristic, including big bluestem, Indian
western
margins U.S. that asinclude
are small
more (usually Puccinellia
permanently lessnuttalliana,
than
wet and 0.1 ha) Salicornia
linked interdunal
directly rubra,
to theSuaeda
wetlands basin
grass, little
calceoliformis, bluestem,
Spartina Indian
spp., woodoats,
and shrubs eastern
such asgamagrass,
Sarcobatus and
thatgroundwater
via occur in windflow deflation
from/into areas, thewherepond sands or lake. areHydrology
scoured down is the to the
swithgrass.
vermiculatus Thisand system ismay
Krascheninnikovia affected bylanata.
flood-scouring intable
somemay areas .
water
primary table. Small
process influencing ponds be associated. The water be
Narrow
and depositionshrublands foundThere
in others. onthis steep system.
mountainsides
is typically
Grazing and
a gradient where conversion
from heavydry,
to
perched
agriculture over can ansignificantly
impermeable layerprevent
impact of
thecaliche
hydrology (hardenedand species calcium) or
snowpack
nutrient-poor creates avalanches
conditions upslope that tocoastal
moist the establishment
and relatively enrichedof forests.
This
clay system
or,
composition in the occurs
case ofthroughout
of this system. the Great the
Sand Dunes margin
of and
Colorado, intertidal
a geologic zone of
These
conditionsare seasonally
downslope. wet, tall shrublands,
Flood-scouring aoften
is Inlet,
powerful denseand andecologically .
the Pacific
dike that Northwest
creates a closed Coast, basin fromthat Cook
traps water. Alaska,
These south to areas
wetland the
impenetrable.
important abrasive Sitkaforce alder,along vine the maple, riverbanksand thimbleberry
where this are
system the most
is
central coast
are typically of Oregon.
dominated Intertidal
by common freshwater
emergentwetlands herbaceous occur as narrow
vegetation
common
found. shrubs, but young or broken-off trees such as Alaska cedar, or
strips
such astospecies
Ephemeral more ponds extensive
of ringed
spikerush, patches rush,
by seasonal along the
andmeadows tidally
bulrush. Dune
with influenced portions
field ecological
spectacular spring of .
other shrubs
Freshwater and
mudflats tall wildflowers
are found make
scattered up lush
throughout to open the growth
temperate on these
coastal
processes
wildflower rivers. The plant
distinguish
displays, these
this speciesemergent
system dominating
ofwet wetlands
shallow thesefrom wetlands
similar are not well
non-dune
steep
regions slopes.
of the Some
Pacific slopesCoast areofnot North and arewater
America. only
In
bodies
covered
the Pacific
areinmostly
grasses.
studied,
wetlands.
very small but the
3 square dominant meters species include Sitka spruce, red alder, .
These
Northwest,are quite they distinct,
occur butbut
primarily often cantoo
in
be narrow
quite large
seasonally to map
flooded
depressions
well.
shallow
square
Avalanche
Lyngbye's
mile, and sedge,
are known red-osier
throughout dogwood, the from western
exposed water-milfoil,
volcanic scablands narrowleaf
of the
These
chutes
Shallow are
can freshwater
befloodplains,
ephemeral quite long, marshes,
ponds extending
ringed mostlybysystem permanently
seasonal the subalpine
meadows flooded withor
into semi-
theRiver.
lakebeds
cattail, and on common especially along the lower Columbia
Columbia
permanently
montane Plateau
and flooded,
foothill in ladyfern.
Washington,
usually
toeslopes.
This
with Oregon,
some peat is driven
and or northern
muck. by dailyNevada.
These tidal
are .
spectacular
During
flooding any
of isspring
one year,
freshwater wildflower
they
rivers, mayand displays.
be the absent these
kinds ofsystems
because plant are shalloware
of commuities
year-to-year
Inundation
dominated by irregular,
emergent sometimes
herbaceous not occurring
species, usually for several
sedges, years.
rushes,
ephemeral
variation
varied andinwaterriver
depend bodies
water
onfill found Mudflats
levels.
substrate incharacteristics
depressions must up be
and to several
exposed
the hectares
tidalbeforeflooding theofin
These
bull-rush,wooded
Depressions spikerush,vernal
usually orpoolswith
cattail.arerain small
They water shallow
are during
called freshwater
winter
emergent and wetlands
spring.
because They
the
size
regimeamong
vegetation ofhave grasslands
develops
particular from and
sites.soils. open
seeds woodlands
laying dormant throughout
in the the
soil. northern
When these .
glacial
typically origin that
silty partially
clay orattotally
Pools dryoften
are upofasthe thelake
found growing aseason
vernalwithin
plants mounded
Centralare
annual
rooted
Valley
plants of in
appear,
the mud
California.
they range
the bottom
Northern from claypan
open, sparsely
or
pools pond,
vegetated
and a
includeto
progresses.
or biscuit-swale
"emerge" Thesetopography
through sites
the water are usually
with sagebrush
surface. shallow
Red-wing and
andless open
black than 1m
grassland
birds canin bedepth,
or
clay hardpan that retains mwater inputs throughout asome portion
extensive
but can
rarely
abundant beindense
Ponderosaasthemuch sods
pine
spring asofsavanna.
2inherbaceous
deep.habitats.
these In Thethe vegetation.
pools
northern The
haveColumbia predominant
ring of trees of the .
Plateau,
This
spring,
speciessystem
but
include occurs
typically blunt inthe poorly
depression
spikerush, drained
western depressional
dries down
grasswort, entirelywetlands, into the largest
early
and water
These are
surrounding high-elevation
the ponds that communities
provide shade found andthroughout
influence pygmyweed,
the
their Rocky
characteristic
characterized species
as playas, are predominantly
the smaller as annual
vernal pools, diverse.
or along seasonal
summer
awl-leaf
Mountains months.
mudwort,
and Theywestern
Intermountain tend to
marsh be circumneutral
regions, cudweed, dominated creeping to alkaline
lovegrass,
by herbaceous and slightly
and
hydrology.
Floristically A variety
akin tovalleyof tree
California species
vernal dominant
pool flora the upper
one-third, canopy,
however,
stream
saline
marsh channels
wetlands.
seedbox. in
Due to bottoms
draw-down or mountain
characteristics, meadows. vernal The
pools name .
species
including
many found
of the grandmoston wet sites
fir,abundant
subalpine with very
fir, western
species low-gradient
are not larch,
reported surface
Engelmann
in and
Californianspruce,
shrub-steppe
typically form refers to
concentric a shrubland
rings of with
similar considerable
forb-rich herbaceous,
vegetation. Given
subsurface
lodgepole flows.
pine, They
Douglas-fir, range
theyand in elevation from montane tocottonwood
alpine
thethe
pools. Once they dry broadleaf trees blackdisappear,
mostly
their grass
relative cover
isolation in up,between can
in upland-dominated
seemingly
shrub canopy. completely
landscapes, Bolander's many silver
endemic
(1000-3600
(black
making m).
cottonwood),
them TheyOregon
highly occur
vulnerable. as
ash,large and,meadowsto a lesser in extent,
montane or subalpine
quaking aspen .
sagebrush
plant species or mountain
are andcommon silver in sagebrush
California are
vernal dominant,
pools. with
Some basin
years big
they
valleys,
(quaking asaspen)
narrow strips
paper bordering
birch ponds,
(paper lakes,
birch). and streams,
Common shrubs and include
sagebrush,
remain Wyoming
completely dry, big andsagebrush,
in wet or
years, mountain
once they big dry sagebrush
up, they can
along
speckled toeslope seeps. In alpine regions, sites buckthorn,
typically areand small
These arealder,
occasionally
seemingly tall tored-osier
mid-sized
codominant;
completely
dogwood,
shrublands
shrubby-cinquefoil
disappear,
alderleaf
making found them along
canhighly rivers
also be and
vulnerable.
willow
streams .
codominant.
depressions
spp. Short-awn locatedfoxtail, below greaterlate-melting
water-starwort, snow patches.
inflated Wet
sedge meadows
(inflated
from mid elevations
Understory grass andtograss-like the upperplants limit of and tree line in the are
wildflowers Rocky
are
sedgedominated
), marsh by grasses,
spikerush, sedges
and reedor wildflowers,
canarygrass suchcanarygrass)
(reed as by western are
mountains.
characteristic, It includes
with curly deciduous
bluegrass, shrublands,
Cusick's bluegrass, dominated Idahodifferent
fescue,
bluejoint,
common white
herbaceous marsh-marigold,
plant associates. large mountain bittercress, small- .
willow
pullup
This species
muhly, (which
mat muhly, vary by
andingreatarea and
basin elevation),
lyme grass mountain
dominant alder,
at the
head desert
sedge, grassland
small-wing occurs
sedge, relatively
black alpine smallsedge, depressions
Holm's or swales
Rocky
western
drier
and sites;
along birch,
marsh
drainages with diverse
spikerush,
throughout low
tufted shrubs
the hairgrass,
northern and forbs in the species
and central
and sedge understory.
Mountain sedge, northwest territory sedge, native sedge,Chihuahuan
tufted
This
Desert system
dominate andat includes
wetter
into or
adjacent stream-side
higher-elevation
SonoranDrummond's shrublands
Desert, sites.
as well ranging as open from
in limited narrowareas of .
These
hairgrass,are montane
few-flower andspikerush,
subalpine wet meadows rush, in ice wet
grass,
This
stream system
borders is largely
in steep, restricted
V-shaped to the
valleys Willamette
and canyons, Valley to of Oregon
broader
the southern Great
depressions, Plains. Stands occupy lowand topographic positions
and adjacentinbasins andragwort,
flats among are montane andsubalpine
yellowcress, arrowleaf Parry's clover, American forests
floodplains Washington.
widefrom valley These
bottoms. high-nutrient
It also includes wetlands
headwaters that are
basins
and
found receive
in
globeflower. the runoff
mountains adjacent
of the Pacificareas during
coast, the summer
Cascades rainfall
and inevents.
the
flooded
in the alpine
Water
for short
infiltrates
time
to subalpine spands,
into generally transitionor for
deep,where
portions of the
willow shrublands
fine-textured
spring
soils can form .
season.
and produces
Sierra-Nevada range. Usually dominated by sedges, grasses, and
They
dense
This are
systems dominated
thickets onThese
group primarily
thecovers
slopes, with
marshesby grass
smallofsuch and
the grass-like
rivulets
Gulf running
of Maine plants,
throught
and especially
them
lush
rushes,vegetation.
often with showy grasslands
wildflowers are typically as camas, dominated shooting by parts
tobosa of
star and
tufted
as winterhairgrass,
snow small
melts. camas, dense sedge, and one-sided sedge, and to
the
grasssouthern
[tobosa
hellebore. New
These swales], England
are flat, alkali coastline,
almostsacaton, always along
or big foundthe
alkali immediate
sacaton
in forest ocean
with other
openings, and .
shore
aand
lesser
near degree
estuary by wildflowers
mouths, where such as Nuttall's quillwort or shrubs
moisture-loving
often small. Sitesgrassesare usually such as salinity
western regime wheatgrass is polyhaline
or vine-mesquite. to
These
such asare
mesohaline. natural
Nootka True marshes
rose.
salt Wet
marshes, thatseasonally
prairies occur historically
sometimes
wet,
in depressions
called
often
covered
drying
"salt(ponds,
large
meadows,"
bykettle
late
areas of the
With
summer.tobosa swales, sand-adapted species such as soaptree yucca may .
ponds),
Willamette
display as fringes
strong Valley around
where they
graminoid lakes, were
dominance, andmaintained
along
with slow-flowing
patchy by forbs.
a combinationstreams and
Spartina of
grow
These at the
salty swale's
orfrequent
alkaline edge in
wetlands sandy alluvium
areburning
found deposited
throughout there
theThey from
western
rivers
wetland
patens (sloughs).
andsoil,Spartina They are
flooding
alterniflora frequentlyand
arebig theormajor
continually
indominants.
dry years. flooded Thesewith havewater
upland
Great slopes.
Plains. Alkali
They can sacaton
include and shallow alkali
lakes sacaton
and are more
depressions, common
which
depths
been
marshes up
reduced to
may sixbe feet
towoodlands
tiny
extensivedeep,
fragments but
where have
ofthe rooted,
their localformer mostly extent.
topography grass-like
allows plants.
their in .
These
in mequite
alkaline soils and along and forests
drainages. occur
Scattered along rivers
shrubs suchandas streams
usually
They hold
usually water
have for
peat part
or of
muck the inyear,
the and
bottom, for which
and thiswatersystem evaporates
occurs
development,
valleys
fourwing ofsaltbush,
southernwhichapache is primarily
Arizona and New
plume inand theMexico,
southern
honey and
mesquite portion
adjacent
[in ofdegraded
the system's
Mexico.
rather
in dry than runs
environments, off, creating
typically the salty
surrounded conditions.
by savanna, Salt encrustations
shrub steppe,
range
The (Merrymeeting
tree
stands] or tall
may be shrub canopy Bay, Maine, is either southward).
honey mesquite Eastward, andwhere velvetthe
can occur on thepresent.
surface in some the soils .
moreexamples
steppe, orwith
desert vegetation. Common emergent oftheythis and system,
floating and vegetation
coastal
mesquite topography mulefat, becomes arrow-weed, dissected,
and coyote are
willow more commonlycommonly
are severely
includes affected and have poor structure. Species that typify this
seen as ainspecies
present fairly of bulrush
narrow
asalt-tolerant
shrub layer.fringe
and/or
Mesquitesalongbulrush, tidaland
tree
cattail,
shorelines.
otheralkali
rush,
These pondweed,
moisture-loving salt marshes
system
knotweed, are pond-lily, species
and canarygrass. such as saltgrass, sacaton, and .
are typically
plants, tap less extensive
groundwater below andthe with some different
streambed when floristicflows
surface elements stop.
foxtail barley. During exceptionally wet years, an increase in
than
Thesethe marshes
plants southwardupon
are dependent alongannual the Atlantic rise inCoast the water fromtable Capefor Cod to
precipitation can dilute the marshes
salt concentrationare found in the soils of some
Chesapeake Bay.
growth and reproduction. Brackish along mesohaline .
examples
reaches ofof this system whichGulf may allowand for parts
less salt-tolerant species
estuaries of the of Maine of the southern New
to occur. coastline,
Conversion andtofeatureagriculture and pastureland can impact this
England emergent and submergent vegetation.
system, especially when it alters the hydrology of the system. .
Dominance ranges from extensive grasslands (tall Schoenoplectus spp.,
etc.) to sparsely vegetated mudflats, all tidally influenced. Brackish
marshes grade into the salt marshes at the mouth of estuaries. .
Atlantic
and
Coastal Coast,from
low-diversity
Plain ranging
but from south
high-productivity
Chesapeake Bayofnorth theexpanses.
Embayed
to Cape Juncus Region
Cod, and of North
roemerianus
protected
Carolina tofrom direct
northern exposure
Florida (southto the to Atlantic
the vicinity Ocean of by perched
Daytona barrier
is also common
sporadically to the and, like Spartina,
mid-coastal Maine. mayItbeincludes dominant a numberover large ofBeach).
areas.
different
islands,
It is
Local and
dominated
depressions consequently
by medium
in upper salt receive
to
zones natural
extensive
may besalt inundation
expanses
hypersaline of only
saltmarsh
dueand from
to isolatedwind
vegetation types including marshes, shrublands,
tides and seasonal
cordgrass,
concentration floodedof salt sea bylevel
twice dailychanges.
evaporation; by lunar A berm
tides. or
Salicornia Blacklevee generally andspp.,
spp.,needlerush
Sarcocornia
salt "pannes" where only the most salt-tolerant species can grow. This
separates
other brackishthesespicatahigh marshes
marshes occur from
upstream lowerinfringing marshes of variety
saltmarsh
and
system
This Distichlis
occurs
system on
encompassesthe bay are characteristic
(inner)
thered side ofin
intertidal
tidal
thesecreeks,
barrier
marshes salt
beaches
ofsouth).
the
and
pannes. andaIn
embayed thebrackish
outer
region
of
cordgrass
small-patch
settings, (to the north)
associations and
occur mangrove
near the inland(to the
edges. Landward
Examples of of
this
mouth
of ofSpartina
southeastern tidal rivers maywhere
Virginia beand characteristic
salinity
adjacent is North
notas much
well, but
diluted
Carolina. it is often
by mixed
is freshwater
Itwith
this
system berm, may salt
also flats or
support hypersaline
inclusions zones
offrom often
shrublands developdominated by
with
input. orThe
distinguishedreplaced
typical
by by
the other
salt marsh
extensive graminoids
profile,
brackish suchwater as Schoenoplectus
sea to land,
and wind features
tidal a either
spp.
floodinglow
This system
pickleweed,
groundsel-tree represents
saltgrass,
and/or salt
seaside
seaside and brackish
oxeye,
oxeye, marshes
saltwort,
as well as and of
forests the
seashore ornorthern
woodlands Gulf
Brackish
regularly
characteristic marshes
flooded of thatmay
marsh include
region.stronglyLow large patchesmarshes,
dominated
diversity of flats
by saltmarsh with
often low forbs
cordgrass; a
of
withMexico
crowngrass.
coastal along
In some
red-cedarthe Florida
areas
in the Big
these Bend
species
overstory. (roughly
occur in from Wakulla
monospecific County
zones, .
(along
higher the northern
irregularly
monospecific, Atlantic
flooded
are found Coast);
marsh Sagittaria
dominated by subulata
saltmeadow and Limosella
cordgrass
(Apalachicola
while in others Bay)
they to theonPasco/Hernando
co-occur,
intertidal flats generally
grading into countyline
occasional
cut(more
off from
black or less
mangrove.
direct
to
australis
and
oceanic are typical.
saltgrass;
influence low Fresh
hypersaline
by a series to oligohaline
pannes tidal
characterized marshes by may
saltwort be and
by aofcoast).
Tampa Bay) on Florida's west protective The barrier
tidal range islands.here Embedded
is higher
These zones
characterized are
by followed
Zizania spp., typical
Zizaniopsis black needlerush
miliacea, zone,
Eleocharis andspp., the
other
within species;
the and a salt scrub ecotone characterized by marsh elder,
than
most in the matrix
inland western
fringes ofPanhandle,
marshes
may be areand
dominated smaller
wave by salt
energy
sand pannes.is low; lunar,
cordgrass. Marshes wind and .
of
Sagittaria
groundsel-tree, spp., and Typha switchgrass. spp. They Salt typically
marsh occur along
"islands" of bay margins
slightly higher
seasonal
this region tideshave make beenfloodingheavily irregularby(Montague and Wiegert 1990).
eastern altered
near inflowing rivers, extending up the tidal mosquito control
elevation also support red-cedar. Thisreaches
system ofalsothose rivers.the
includes
The bulk
impoundments of these of marshes
the 1950s areand comprised
1960s. of monospecific stands of .
While tidal marshes are characteristically
rare sea-level fens, which occur at the upper reaches of certain salt herbaceous, they may
black
This needlerush
system that
encompasses often exhibit
grassland tall- and
vegetation short-growth
occurring zones.
on saline Less
support
marshes inclusions
where of shrublands
groundwater emerging dominated from by
theBaccharis
uplands halimifolia,
creates a
This
common system are includes
patches saltsaltmarsh
of andby brackishcordgrass, tidal marshes
which mayof the be northern
confined
soils that
Borrichia
distiinctive are often
frutescens,
freshwater saturated
or other
peatland. local
shrubs. rainfall
Salt marsh and periodically
"islands" of floodedto .
slightly
Gulf
the of Mexico
edges of creeks region or inof northwestern
other pockets Florida,
of southernsmall
lowIt elevation; Alabama, patches and
by saline
higher waters
elevation during
also support major storm
Juniperus events.
virginiana. is located
Fresh along
and thewith Gulf
southeastern
of saltgrass mayMississippi.
also be These
present marshes
near berms areor typically
levees associated
(Montague and
Coast of coastal
oligohaline Texas.marshes Saline can prairie
have continues
a heterogeneous to occupy extensive areas,
This are
mud-bottomed
Wiegert 1990). salt marshes
bays behind found
barrier in bays
islands. andphysiognomy
along
Wind-dominated rivers or including
streams
tides and .
though
shrublands, quality of
grasslands, the system
and is
aquatic often degraded
herbs. by
Individual the invasion
systems inof
near tidal
low the ocean.
amplitudes Most(<1 are found
meter) in the
characterize larger estuaries
this region. formed
This at this
the
system
woody
group shrubs due to thebased absence of regular fire. Fire is antidalimportant
mouthare
includes
differentiated
ofpredominately
the large rivers, behind
brackish
on sand
salinity,
marshes spits geography,
and or supports
other areas and
what protected
is
ecological
dynamics process
andTrheyenergy. needed to maintain this system, though periodic
This
from
probablyecological
waves. the largest system often
zone occurs
look
of blackthroughout
quite uniform,
needlerush much in of
but the
often
the western
comprise
Atlantic andU.S. a in .
Gulf
submersion
Intermountain with saltwater
basins. during storm events also helps to control the
diverstiy
Coastal
Permanent
of sublte
Plain and outside
seasonal ofThese
habitats, the and "flats"
North
wetlands,
are usually found
areCarolina/Virginia
characterized
found in the
by Embayed
closed
near drainages
grasses,
basins
rushes,
of Region
the
invasion
on stream of woody
terraces species.
andasflats This system
or mayshoregrass, is characteristically
form rings marsh on the rosemary, dominated
margins of playas .
and wildflowers
estuarine marshes. such saltgrass,
intermountain
by gulf cordgrass; west, or indominants
other otherforms dry may areasincludewhere water
seaside evaporates
bluestem
and desert
pickleweed, lakes.
seep weed, Greasewood saltwort, and open others. tall Marshes
shrublands can have and
sometimes
before
hair-awn it can
muhly. run off.
This These
system wetlands
includes are often
depressions associated
often with
dominated by
alone,
numerous sometimes with other shrubs. These are usually near salt-desert
orsmall channels and streams throughout. These areas are
seasonal
saltmeadow
Desert playas playa
cordgrass.
are lakes, or
found occur
across the onwarm permanent deserts lakes
of Northin closed
America, basins. .
scrub
quite communities,
diverse, with or big
different sagebrush
plants foundshrublands or steppe (shrublands
Barren,
They are usually
flat, alkaline
sometime desert
large, playas,
sometimes arein in places
found
small, in closed
usually depending basins
dominated onin the
the
by
from
with
soils western
high
sandy, cover Texas
silty of to southern
orgrasses).
muddy, While
and onCalifornia.
many
how of Playas
much these can
freshwater are be depresions
very
occurs sparse,
in that
intermountain
sedges, rushes, west.
andflooded, These basins
alkaline tolerant are intermittently
grasses. Shrubs (once
or fairly
treesevery are few
are intermittently
seasonal
relation moisture
to the salty canbay support followed
water. grasses, by evaporation,
sometimes with leaving highrarely
behind a .
years)
found orof seasonally (every year) flooded, and water is prevented from
cover, in
Diverse these
salts.wetlands,
semi-desert except for occasional willows on lake or
residue ranging fromSurface 6grassland
foot soils
basin and
textures steppe
wildrye aretotypical
variable
very ofbut
low the Borderlands
there
saltgrass. In of
is often an
percolating
stream
Arizona, margins,
New through
Mexico the
andgreasewood soilthat
greasewood
and by an
northern impermeable
when Mexicothesehave aresub-surface
found
[Apacherian layer
in region],
poorly and
impermeable
many places, subsoil
black layer keeps
shrublands water near soil
beensurface.invaded by but
Bare
is left tofloodplains.
drained
extends evaporate.
into the crusts Salt crusts
Chihuahuan and and high salt indeserts.
Chihuahuan the soils greatly
Itand
is found affects
onand .
ground
cheatgrass, and salt
which often are abundant
outcompetes onthe soil surface
native grasseswith small saltgrass
herbs,
species
gently composition. While the appearance is barren, some species
beds insloping
increases depressions
the risk alluvial
of and fans
sparse
wildfire. andWhen plainscheatgrass
shrubs below isolated
around thedies indesert
margins. late mountains
Other
summer it
such
and as mesas
on iodinebush, and black
steeper greasewood,
piedmont and spiny
foothill hop-sage, Lemmon's
slopesspikerush,
that supported .
common
easily catchesplants include
fire, and iodinebush,
can carry flamesseepweed,to the marsh
shrubs.
These
alkali uplandgreat
grass, mesquite shrublands are common orin foothills and around
plains
frequent
ricegrass, fire. This basin
crinklemat, diverseorlyme grass,Occasionally,
grassland
saltbush. saltgrass,
often includes saltbush
scattered
herbaceous occurplants may
in
the the Chihuahuan
marginsshort of theand and
playa. Sonoran
This deserts.
system Besides
grades into honey
salt-desert or velvet
thenscrub
succulents, tall shrubs orduring
small trees.periods,Common and
temporarily cover ground surface wet but grass species
dry up
mesquite,
sagebrush other
habitats. common shrubs are viscid acacia, mescat wattle, and .
include
and blowgrama away.grass Large (black,
desertblue, playas chino,tendhairy,to beRothrock's,
defined by rings and of
junipers.
These Creosotebush
uncommon is
shrub-steppes absent or has
(grasslands low cover.
with Grass are usually
sideoats),
plants formed plains lovegrass, tomuhly (bull, bush, andscattered
curly-leaf), shrubs),
and
Duringintheresponse saltthis tolerance. Playas are often sources
sparse.
sparse grasslands lastdwarf-shrublands
and century, shrublandare as greatly
restricted to expanded
gypsum its
James'
areas
This forgalleta.
desert sandgrasslandSucculents
that is blown
occurs species
from
in the of
playa agave,
northern to dunessotol, yucca,
downwind.
Chihuahuan and
Desert tall-
and .
range
outcrops converting
and gypsum largesoils areathat of desertoccur grasslands
in desert to mesquite
basins in the desert
shrub/short-tree
extends species of acacia, mesquite, and various oaks (e.g.,
scrub
Chihuahuanas into
Creosotebush a resultlimited
desert
Desert.
areas
scrubof
of drought,
Few
the southern
occurs
overgrazing
plants
in desert
can grow
Great
by basins
inlivestock,
Plains
and plains,
these harsh
on alluvial
and/or
soilsare
alluvial
decreases
and
flats,
gray
loamy oak,
plains,Emory and oak,
basins Arizona
sometimes white oak, Mexican
extending up toblue oak)
foothill and lower
flats,
in and
fire of lower
frequency. alluvial fans and is is the most common vegetation in .
many
usually these areMany
present. only known from gypsum soils.and Gypsum-loving
mountain
the Chihuahuan slopes.Desert. Theseof It
the historical
grasslands
can be similar
grassland
are typically to the foundsavanna
mixed on flat and
desert orareas
gently
thorn
plants
have include
been rough tiquilia,
converted to mesquite Hartweg'sdominated sundrops, James' sea-heath,
sloping,
scrub common non-salty, inscrub
upperfiner textured
alluvial (loams
fans, gravellyor scrub
clayslopes
through
loam) soils.intensive
This
Extensive
gyp
grazinggrama, and desert
and
other gyp land that
dropseed.
uses. occurs on gravelly
Several wider mid
ranging to and upper
plants
mesasbajadas,
such as
(but is
.
grassland
less diverse). is characterized
This desert by long lived grasses and is typically
foothills
fourwing and alluvial
saltbush,Torrey's fans scrub the occurs
injoint-fir, Chihuahuan
and
on lowland
alkali Desert
sacaton
areas
andcan and recently
has plains
tolerate
dominated
with finer into by tobosa
textured grass
soil. and black
Tarbush is oftengrama (more historically) or mayblue
expanded
gypsum soils former
and may desert begrasslands
alsoacross present. inpresent
Gypsumthe Chihuahuan and
northern
dunes
occasionally
portion
such as ofWhite
at its
This
grama.
be dry
more In grasslands
degraded occur
stands, burrograss, the northern
low woolly grass, orDesert
threeawn and
This
range.
Sands It common
desert canscrub
National
than creasotebush.
occurs
be Monument
similar toasthepatches
are creosotebush
not onGrasses
includedsmalldesert are generally
indunes
thisscrub and on
type
sparse.in
sandsheets
common
because the
.
extends
spp. may into the
codominate. southern James'Great Plains
galleta may where becomesoils have
important a high in sand
in
dunetheprocesses
lower Chihuahuan
alluvial fans, are Desert.
and basins,
more These
important butopenis
than shrublands
usually
chemical are composed
morecomposition
diverse and of of
occurs
the
content,
northern often
stands occurring in sandyinplains and on Great
sandstone mesas.
soils.and
honey mesquite bluesagebrush
orAlthough
sand grama the
thatsouthern
colonized disturbed Plains and on
sandy
on
sand.gravelly creosotebush is common, many other shrub .
Typical grasses aresmall black gramashrubs and mesa asdropseed
degraded examples. Scattered such as tarbush, with other
broom
plains and
and succulents formed present may(coppice)
includedunes Wright's blowing
beebrush, sandsmoothis trapped sotol,
characteristic
snakeweed, Chihuahuan
creosotebush, species.
cane Common
cholla, plants include Indian
and deposits
tarbush, ocotillo, beneath catclaw shrubs. mimosa,Shrub willhoney
and avoidmesquite,
mariola. burial
If by and
mesquite growing yuccafaster
is present
may
ricegrass,
be present, purple
especially three-awn, on New Mexico
degraded grasslands. needlegrass (minor), sand
than
then sand deposition
it isJames'
not common. andGrassformcover a dune. Other plants
is variable. that occur lessare .
There Common grasses
muhly, galleta, and sand dropseed. are often scattered
frequently
grama grasses include fourwing
(sideoats, black, saltbush,
blue, hairy, Torrey's chino),joint-fir, low hoarywoolly grass,
desert shrubs and andsucculents present,Soaptree such as Torrey's joint-fir, cane
rosemarymint,
and bush muhly. littleleaf sumac. yucca, broom .
cholla, soaptree and yucca,
grasses,and Torrey's yucca, that are characteristic of the
snakeweed, black grama and mesa dropseed are
Chihuahuan Desert.InThe widespread stands,shrub, sand sand sagebrush is alsoand
frequently present. northern sagebrush dominates
frequently present in northern extent, especially in degraded stands. .
honey mesquite become less uncommon or absent. This desert scrub is
largely the result of conversion of degraded sandy desert grasslands in
southern New Mexico. .
This
This desert scrub is found on hot,grasslands
dry, rocky with or gravelly sites in thetrees
savanna is composed of dry scattered juniper
This desert scrub
Chihuahuan Desert occurs above lower-elevation
in northern Mexico, Trans-Pecos creosotebush
Texas and desert
and is and
found in northern Mexico and extendsand north into plains and
scrub
southern below
New pinyon-juniper
Mexico. In rollingwoodlands terrain it is absent chaparral
from cooler of the north
foothills in Trans-Pecos Texas and southern New Mexico and Arizona.
eastern, central and
slopes. Succulent western
plants are mostMojave commonDesertsuch and extends
as lechuguilla,north into the
Madrean treetransition
species such asThese
redberry junipershrublands
and Pinchot's juniper
Great Basin
candelilla, ocotillo, candyarea.barrel evergreen
cactus, cactus-apple, cane often have are
cholla,and an
present along with other junipers forming a very open tall shrub/small
open canopied
turkshead. shrub layer
Occasional shrubs of blackbrush,
like creosote California
or mariola wild are buckwheat,
usually
tree layer. The most common grasses are blue grama and James'
Nevada
present.
This desertjoint-fir,
scrub spiny
occurs hop-sage, greenfire orsparsely
bladder-sage. Scattered
Desert .
These
galleta. sites are
Succulents composed such between
asofspecies northern
unvegetated of yucca, toedge of thevegetated
pricklypear, Sonoranand agavedunes
cacti
and the and succculents
chaparral dominated such as beargrass,
slopes ofjuniper
the buckhorn
Mogollon cholla,
Rim/CentralMojave
are
This sandsheets.
often
classic present.
Sonoran Common
Intreethe
mixed plants
last includes
century,
cacti warm white
desert burrobush,
savanna
scrub expansion
occurs desert
on sand-
into
yucca widespread
or the Joshua warm desert
(tree scrub
yucca) occurs
may beinpresent.
broad valleys,
Desert lower
grasses,
Highlands
verbena,
desert region
sand
grasslands in
sagebrush,
is lowArizona
significant and
fourwing in on lower
saltbush, slopes of
creosotebush, several desert
big galleta,
hillsides,
bajadas,
including mesas
plains
Indian and
and plains
ricegrass, hillsin desert themany
insouthern Mojave
needlegrass,areas.
Arizona. andJames'Tall saguaros
lower Sonoranor
galleta, are the .
deserts.
big
ranges such
rosemary-mint, as the Bradshaw,
mesquite, and Hualapai,
littleleaf and
sumac. Superstition
Dune mountains.
"blowouts" and
most
This
galleta conspicuous
sparse to plants,
moderately but
dense yellowshrublandpaloverde andtrees
is composed creosotebush
ofdesert scrub are
Sites aremay
subsequent found form in an grass
a relatively layer. Scattered
narrow elevationaljuniper band (750 or -1300 m)
usually
creosotebush
species moststabilization
may common
and
also white
be present.
through
inburrobush,
the sparse succession
to moderate
but many
are characteristic
shrub canopy.
different shrubs, Other .
dwarf-
that is too high/cold
processes. Aeolian for theprocesses
(wind) frost sensitive definewarm desert species
this system andfairyaresuch
key as
to
shrubs
shrubs, such
and as mesquite,
cacti may be desert-ironwood,
present. Other common catclaw acacia,
plants include desert- duster,
saguaro
maintaining and paloverde
a mosaic found
of active Many in the ~Sonoran
and stabilized Paloverde-Mixed
areas within Cacti
and
holly,ocotillo
brittlebush,are also
Nevadacommon. joint-fir, ocotillo, cacti are and present
beavertaillike the barreldune
cactus.
Desert
field and Scrub (CES302.761)$$
sandsheet. and too dry for the chaparral species
cactus,
Grass and hedgehog
herb cover cactus, pricklypear
is sparse, exceptand duringcholla. springsGrasses afterand aboveherbs are .
common in the ~Mogollon Chaparral (CES302.741)$$ ecological
generally
average winter sparse. In some
rains whenareas, ephemeral invasions annual of exotic
plants carpetgrasses,thered desert
system. Soils aregrass generally rocky. Common species present arethat
brome,
floor. fountain and buffelgrass have provided fine fuels
This desert scrub
creosotebush, includesgoldenbush,
narrowleaf extensive open-canopied
California wildshrublands buckwheat, of and .
now allow fire to burn and distroy vast areas of this fire-sensitive
typical basinssuch
taller shrubs in the as Chihuahuan
crucifixion-thorn Desert. or Stands
jojoba that oftenform occur anon alluvial
open
desert scrub. Saguaros may grow to 16 m tall andalong provide homes for
flats and
shrub layer. around playas, as well as in floodplains the Rio Grande .
several
These birds.
intermittentlyGila woodpeckers
flooded and gilded
washes fine-textured flickers
or arroyos often excavate
disect nest
alluvial
and
This Pecos
system rivers.
occurs Soilson are generally
well-drained portions of clay withdunes high salt
(lomas)
This warm
holes,
fans,
content.xeric
mesas,
desert
and thornscrub
Elf
Common
owls,
plains
scrubPurple
and
plants
forms
ecological
basin
are
extensive
martins,
floors
fourwingsystem cactus
throughout
open-canopied
is
saltbush,
wrens
restrictedthe
New
use to
warm
shrublands
abandoned
limestone
Mexico deserts and
of
saltbush,
in
nests.
rising
salty
Many above
soil
bats basinssurrounding
feed in
on the
saguaroMojavecoastal
flowerand tidal flats.
Sonoran
necter (andItdeserts.
ispollinate
a xeric,They subtropical
are
flowers). often .
calcareous
North
and America.
species sandstone
ofplayasAlthough
pickleweed, hills oftenand caliche
dry,
seepweed, substrates
theor stream
other such as along
processes
salt-loving define
plants. the
this
shrubland
found around dominated by thorny
(dry lakes) evergreen
that occasionallyshrubs, generally
fill following 2-4 rain.
m tall.
Bordas
type,
Grasses Scarp
whichoftenare in southern
often
include Texas
associated
alkali and
sacaton,withnortheastern
rapid sheet
tobosa grass,and Mexico.gullySoils
or saltgrass flow. atare
Desert
Composition
Soils
This are
ecological of
generally this
system system
fine-textured
occurs is extremely
(clays).
throughout variable,
Common
much of and
shrubs
the there
lower areistypically
usually
fourwing
Rio
shallow,
wash
varying plantsalkaline,
may
densities. strongly
be sparse
Salt crusts calcareous
and patchy
may Local form and
to underlain
moderately
on on ground by bedrock
dense,
surface. or a .
This
no Tamaulipan
clear dominant, ecological
except system
orlocally. occurs clay prairies near the
open dominants
saltbush,
Grande cattle-spinach,
plains other saltbushes. Allenrolfea, may(usually
include
pickleweed,
caliche
occurring layer.
along Itandhas
the plateaus
abanks,
shorter, of
but northeastern
more
occasionally Mexico
shrub within canopy and
the southern
channel. Texas.
less
Plants
Gulf Coastor
Berlandier's and drier
fiddlewood, sitesscrub further
Texas inland.
barometer-bush, Substrates are The fine calcareous
seepweed,
It isquite
than
are dominated
2 m)variable
when other
by salt-loving
thorn
compared
but arethere to more
mostly
plants
that was arelimited
typical
shrubs
often
and thornscrub
small tobrazilwood
present.
rocky,
trees growing
such
spiny
grasses,
broken ason
tree,
more
apache
clays
and
alkali and
Texas
sacaton clay
ebony. loam.
and While Occasional
saltgrass may is fires
often
be and
no
present root
clearat pruning
dominant,
varying from Spanish
densities. .
uplands
favorable and drainages,
sites. However, butshrub has become iswidespread in thedesert last 100-150
shrubcover
plume, black greasewood, catclaw acacia, generally
desert-willow, greater than 70%
montmorillonitic
dagger is a constant clay and limitconspicuous invasion,
emergent if the in grassland
many is not
occurrences
years
and as the
often resultthan
greater of disturbance
85%. to adjacent mesquite savanna
theDominant
almond, littleleaf sumac, and mesquite. species
Washes include Texas
overgrazed.
(Johnston If overgrazed
1952). Some lomas land
may will convert
be mid-1800s,
flooded bytoare
the important
stablesea duringhabitat
thornscrub severe
grasslands.
barometer-bush,
for many Severe
animals inovergrazing
guajillo,
the and
desert. in
sweet the acacia with with
many subsequent
other shrub .
dominated
storm events. by honey
Vegetation mesquitein this andsystemspiny is hackberry.
sometimes Vegetation
influenced isby salt
shifts
speciesinthat fire mayprocesses
be locally and changesdominantinsuch edaphic conditions,acacia,
as blackbrush has allowed
dominated by perennial mid and short begrasses newsuch
spray, hightorchwood,
winds, limited rooting depth, saline water astable,
little bluestem,
and
this thornscrub
mountain ecological Texas system
torchwood, to the
Texas steady-state.
goatbush, spiny The
crowngrass
extreme xeric spp., multi-flower
conditions. Soils windmill
are typically grass, Pointbuffalograss,
Isabel clay with
loam. other .
vegetation
hackberry, is characterized
Texas kidneywood, by an open
barreta, to dense
allthorn, tall-shrub
Texas layer
paloverde,
grasses such as plumed beardgrass, sideoats grama, slim-spike
dominated
mescalbean, ororcodominated
yucca by honey mesquite with rolling
many
denseother species
Texas spp.
This ecological system occurs The sparse
on gentle to slopes
moderately herbaceous
windmill grass, needlegrass, tumble grass,and streambed plains
bristlein the
present
layer to codominate such as guajillo, sweet acacia, blackbrush
grass,isand
northern dominated
Colorado bybig
Plateauperennial and Uintagraminoids. arid, .
clumps of bluestem on Basin
less clayey on Mancos sites. Honeyshale and mesquite
acacia,
windswept mountain basins torchwood,
and plainssystem Texas
acrossoccurs torchwood,
parts of Wyoming.spiny hackberry,
These Texas
This
or thethornscrub
In plateauinterior live ecological
oak
west, are
saltoften
desert present
shrublands as scatteredthroughout
are found mottesinmuch or spp.
some ofofare
are the
barometer-bush,
stands of dwarf-shrubs pricklypear (< 15 spp.,
cm Texas
tall) and paloverde,
grasses, yucca
usually with and
<
northeastern
restricted
driest of to Mexico
drainages.
habitats, in and Texas
basins, southern
on Texas.
prickly-pear
rocky slopes, Itisoccurs
often
and on a
present.
plains. variety
The of25% .
soils
limestone
plant canopy prickly-ash. thatThe herbaceous layer is generally sparse, but
substrates andacover,
landforms. growDominant on gentle orterrain withoftenfine-textured,
isspecies
usually have high percentage ofthe salts include
calcium, round-flower
because of the
This
dense Tamaulipan
graminoids ecological
may dominate system dominated
herbaceous by perennial
layer of stands grasses
saline or Texas
catclaw, shale soils. The shrubsand
barometer-bush, are honey
pure ormesquite.mixed stands Other matwith
ofspecies
rocks
with
open from
sparse
shrub which
overstory
canopies the soil
of is
mesquite
orinclude
remnant derived, or
patches or
oak because
trees
oflongleaf
savanna.andof the high
thornscrub. rate of .
saltbush,
present toGardner
codominant saltbush, birdfoot
guajillo, sage, wormwood, bud
evaporation
Dominant of water
grasses are from the surface
Bermudagrass ofsweet
spp. the
This
acacia,
soil. These
system
mountain
was saltonce
desert
sagebrush,
torchwood, or winterfat.
Texas torchwood, Grasses spiny andhackberry,
herbs are not Texas abundant;
paloverde, grasses
and
shrublands
common matrix experience
system,extreme but hasclimatic largely been conditions,converted with towarm
deserttoscrubhot
include
cacti such western
as Texas wheatgrass,
prickly-pear. bottlebrush squirreltail, and Sandberg .
summers and freezing winters, with
and exists as remnant patches. Degraded subtropical forests and low amounts of rain or snow fall.
bluegrass. Woody aster usually is present and often is common as is
The shrubs may
woodlands are adapted
have similar to these dry, "saline"
structure, but is conditions,
not includedoften in thishaving
Hood's
Extensive phlox.
grasslandsOther wildflowers
occurring in may
basins, be present
foothills asandwell.lower Tallersmall
spines, going dormant during
system because different ecological processes maintain it.extended dry periods, and having .
shrubs,
mountains especially
in the Wyoming bigUS
northwestern sagebrush
in sagebrush and shadscale
regions saltbush may
where
leaves.
Low The
growing most common
sagebrush shrubs
shrublands are called
are found "saltbush"
throughout species,
the Great and
Barren
be present washes butabsentin the intermountain
contribute little cover. west, restricted to seasonally or
sagebrush
include is
shadscale, or has
fourwing low cover, Annual
saltbush, usually
cattle-spinach,
plants
because are ofseasonally
past
spinescale, burning.
spinyof
Basin,
present, on
intermittentlywithdry flats
flooded
spring and plains,
streamsides.
moisture alluvial
or summer Thesefans, rolling
usually
rainstorms. hills,
contain rocky
low cover .
These are grasslands andcomposed of bluebunch wheatgrass, andIdaho
hop-sage,
salt-desertor
hillslopes, winter-fat.
saddles
shrubs such asTheyblackusally
ridges. Usually arethey
greasewood, loware growing,
spiny found below
hopsage, the fescue
scattered,zone
or
but curly bluegrass,
sometimes often
canwoodlands.
be dense. withGrasses
introduced and annual
herbs cheatgrass
are also found,present.
but
of pinyon-juniper
rabbitbrush ormayrarely silver Indian These habitats
sagebrush. are
Whilebottlebrush,
adjacentdry (xeric),
tostreamside
stream often
Other
because grasses
of the dry include
conditions are ricegrass,
rarely abundant.
exposed
channels, tothese
desiccating
semi-desert winds, and the
habitats aresoilstoo are
dry shallow,
to support rocky,
typical andlush not- .
wild rye, needle-and-thread, and prairie junegrass. Low cover of green
salty.
stream-side Blackvegetation,
sagebrush but (midareand low elevations),
none-the-less shaped Lahontan
by seasonal sagebrush,
rabbitbrush, rubber (higherrabbitbrush, horsebrush are theor big sagebrush may be
or alkaliresulting
floods, sagebrush in a narrowelevation) band of denser most
shrubs common
along thesages, wash.but .
present, butbig these areas never is alsohave more than 5% cover shadscale, of any shrubs.
Wyoming sagebrush common. Rabbitbrush,
The more frequent fires maintain the Shockley's
absence or desert-thorn,
low cover of shrubs
jointfir, goldenbush, spiny hop-sage, bud
over large areas. .
sagebrush, black greasewood, and horsebrush are some of the other
shrubs. Grasses and herbs are also found but are not very abundant
because of the dry conditions. .
ranges, on plains and in foothills that between 1500 and 2300 m elevation.
cover. Native 'bunchgrasses' form dense clumps at their base,
component.
The soils are The
deep, overall appearance
well-drained and may
not be of aThe
salty. grasslands
most with
important
along with other native grasses, tend to cover well over 25% of the
scattered
sages shrubs.
aredistinguishing
wyoming These or basingrassy bigshrublands
sagebrush; (shrub-steppe)
commonare
otherShrublands found on
shrubs
ground, this from Big Sagebrush which are
mountain foothills and
include bitterbrush, slopes, inor
rabbitbrush, areas rangingsnowberry.
mountain from deep Shrubs soils toare
more shrubs andflats lessand grass. With overgrazing and/or supression ofan
shallow
the dominant stoney vegetation, ridgetops.
with grasses In making
general,up this system
less than 25% showsof the
natural wildfire, some sagebrush steppe can be converted to sagebrush
affinity
cover, for mild topography,
distinguishing this from finethe soils, some source
Intermountain Basinsof moisture
Big in the
Sagebrush
This ecological
shrublands. This system
is sites,
a very occurs in the Colorado
widespread type Plateau,
occurring on Tavaputs
rolling and flat
soil or more
Steppe system, mesic which hasinzones
higher ofgrass
higher precipitation
cover. In recent andyearsareas thisofdry
Plateau
plains, with and Uintaa variiety Basin of soilcanyons,
condtions. gravellyThis draws,
type hilltops,
occurs throughtand the
snow ataccumulation. Otherbycommon shrubs m. include aremountain
systems has been silver
and ivaded non-native annual grasses or weeds,
flats
western elevations
U.S., generally
is dominant belowin the 1800Columbia Soils Plateau oftenand the in
rocky,
sagebrush,
particular antelope
cheatgrass, bitterbrush,
which snowberry, serviceberry, rubber
ofchanges
shallow, and alkaline. In the southern the
Greatpatterns
Plains, ofthis
fire. dry sagebrush .
northwestern
These low sagebrush Great Plains shrublands Wyoming and Montana. Pronghorn
rabbitbrush, wild crabapple, wax and steppe
currant, and(grasslands
green rabbitbrush. with scattered
system is found ononlimestone hills. These are low
antelope,
shrubs)
Varied native aresage found grouse,
bunchgrasses pygmy
mountain arerabbit,
almostsage
ridges, sparrow,
terraces
always andsagebrush
and many
gentile
co-dominant. slopes plant
Higher inandthe
in
shrublands,
animal species where utilze the dry
sagebrush conditions steppe limit
as which
their species
primary are
habitat. found,
Great Basin andthey
the mountains, ColumbiabecomePlateau. very wildflowerSites have poorly-drained,
rich, and often occur clayin a .
and the abundance of rocky
plants.soils. Typically the cover of shrubs isonlow;
soils
matrix orwith verymontane
shallow, and subalpine The only
woodlands. plants In abundant
many areas, these
Barren, dry rockyorscablands
black sagebrush Bigelow's that occurs
sagebrush, extensively
and sometimes in theWyoming
Columbiabig
poor soils
wildfires are
can dwarf-shrubs
maintain an opensuch as dwarf
herbaceous-rich sagebrush, steppe alkali
condition.sagebrush,
Plateau.
sagebrush, These are dwarf-shrublands
the most common occur
shrubs. on poorly drained, very shallow .
These
and blackverysagebrush.
short sagebrush Low shrublands
cover of andGrasses
Wyoming shrub-steppe
big
adapted(grassland
sagebrush,
to semi-arid
mountain
soils on bedrock
conditions are shrubs)
also that are often
found, such saturated
as Indianduring ricegrass, winterpurplethenthree-awn,
completely
with
big scattered
sagebrush, antelopeoccur inMormon-tea
bitterbrush, wind-scoured
buckwheat areas
may in the be
also plains,present. on
Shrublands
dry
blue out
grama,by of blackbrush
mid-summer.
needle-and-thread, and
Common James' species
galleta, occur
are all
either across
low
or muttongrass. to the
medium .
slopes
Native near mountains,
bunchgrasses, and fescue,
Idaho in high-elevation
prairie basins
junegrass, and plateaus
bluebunch in
Colorado
sized buckwheatPlateaushrubs on benchlands,or rigid rocky slopes,
sagebrush. Grass pediments
and herb orcover
alluvial is
southern
wheatgrass, andand centralcurlyWyoming.bluegrass These
are sites areOccasional
common. cold and dry with
western
fans, from 560-1650 m. Thecommon
growon aon
low. Curly bluegrass is most soilsscattered
with that are usually
herbs shallow
such as bebut
These
shallow,
juniper areor dry
often grasslands
curl-leafrockymountain-mahogany
soils. found
The dwarf variety
shrubsmay of
are
belandforms,
so short
present. including
they may .
not salty,
onion, with
pussytoes, lots of gravel
balsamroot, or sand, over
desertparsley, sandstone
phlox, andor limestone
stonecrop.
swales,
hidden playas,
by grasses. mesas, The alluvial
common flats, and
dwarf-shrubs plains. The
are soils
Wyoming are often
three-tip
These
bedrock.
Annual are dry, may
They
plants open
also grasslands
sometimes
be seasonally with
grow ainmix
abundant, deeper ofandlowsoilsto onmedium
abundance sandy ofbytall
plains
moss
This
sandy shrubland
sagebrush,orfound
loamy.
alkali isThis
found
sagebrush, on the
systems south-central
is
black almost
sagebrush,always Colorado
anddominanted
Wyoming Plateau big in and
shrubs,
where
lichen the
is shrubs
often throughout
high invaded
in the
desert
undisturbed 9intermountain
grasslands.
areas. west.
These It
oftenoccurs cover on flats .
large
northeastern
drought-resistant Arizona perennialextending into southern and central Utah. It
on bunchgrasses
sagebrush, whichslopes, may occur alone (growing
or in combinations. in clumps),
Grasses,
and gentle
areas, with lower
an open shrubby well drained,
appearance. usually
Blackbrush deep soils.
and This semi-
Mormon-tea
occurs
especially
cushion onplants
windswept
Indian andricegrass,
othermesas, broad
lowthreeawn,
growing basins
blue
herbs and areplains
grama, at low
needle-and-thread,
common in to
shrub-
arid
are shrub-steppe
most isbuttypically dominated byagrasses, withorof open to can
orcommon,
moderate elevations Torrey's
(1300-1800 joint-fir,
m).shrubs
Only spiny hop-sage sand
muhly,
steppe and James'
some galleta.
shrublands. Scattered andfew species
dwarf-shrubs shrubs
often are .
moderately
sagebrush dense
arestabilized cover
also common. of shrubs,
Herbsorin usually
and a
grasses mix of species but
This
grow isonaespecially
present, widespread
the basinsystem
sandsheets
big found
sagebrush, small
shallowWyoming to are
patches not
moderately
big very
at sagebrush,
the abundant;
highest
deep sandy
This system
sometimes a encompasses
single species. theSagebrush
low, scrubby vegetation above treeline on
common
soils that grasses
elevations
saltbush, mayin the
form
blackbrush,
include
mountains.
small Indian
jointfir, Itbroom
hummocks ricegrass,
occurs incan
or small
snakeweed,
be
James'
areas present,
of
sand galleta,
level
and
butconcave
or
dunes. ornot
winter-fat.
sand
This semi-
northeastern
dominant,
dropseed.
topography, withmountains.
rabbitbrush,
with late-lying
Strong wind,
horsebrush,
snow and
snow,
winterfat
subirrigation
and cloud-cover
or mormon
from surroundingteaThese
fog arethe .
as
arid, open
grasslands shrubland
typically is typically
integrade into dominated
salt-desert by short
shrubs shrubs
or with
sagebrush, little
and
prominent
most common environmental
shrubs. factors, andgrasses
Characteristic many plants include hereIndianhavericegrass,
growth-
slopes.
grass
support Soils
cover.
grasslandshave become
Characteristic due to stabilized
species
unusual in (sand,
include
soils these sites,
Cutler's
gravel and
jointfir,
or often have lots
Torrey's
alluvium), and
formsgrama,
blue specially adapted
saltgrass, to these
curly harsh conditions.
bluegrass, Most ofsacaton,
the cover is
of organic
joint-fir,
low rainfall. matter
Mormon-tea, in them. and Thesesand areas muttongrass,
sagebrush. also Blackbrush
have drying alkaliiswinds,
typically frozen not .
matted dwarf
needle-and-thread, shrubs, lichen,
James' season. or
galleta, sparse vegetation;
and Salinas islands of taller
soils,
present. andHoary a short growing
rosemarymint, common These alpinelyme
dunebroom, grass.
habitatsTucker areAnnualsand
Alpine
shrubs fellfields
or shrub-form (orthe rock
conifersfields) mayare occur
wind-blastedin protectedareas with abundant
of spots.
grasses, especially exotics Japanese brome and cheatgrass, The
may be
characterized
shinnery oak, by mountain
or rubber heathers,
rabbitbrush herbs
may alsoand tufts
bearepresent. alpine sedges
Wind-driven
rock
presentand
dominant to gravels
plants
abundant and
are low
dwarf
in poor cover
heaths of
condition plants;
(bilberry
stands.they
is often
diagnostic free
and of
often snow in .
and
sand grasses.
movement Dwarf isoccur "heath"
visually shrubssaddles
present, or
with dwarfsmall willows
"blowouts" less than orsedge 50upper
dunes, cmbut in
the winter.
dominant) They
and cushion-plants on exposed such as and
diapensia. ridgelines
Bigelows above is a
height
these are
occur dominant,
on a much including
smaller western
scale than moss
in theheather, arctic
Inter-Mountain willow,Basins
treeline
characteristicthroughout and, above inthe Rocky
some Mountains,
places, locally including herb.
dominant alpineThis areassystem of
Alpine
net-vein
Active turf
and occurs
willow,
Stabilized rock willow,
Dune upper ortreeline
system. pink throughout
mountain-heath. the Rocky
Important herbs .
ranges
includes in Utah
wetland and Nevada.
depressions, Sites are
suchinasUtah dry
small with poor
alpine soils
bogs, and only thehave
Mountains,
and grass-like including
plants alpine areas
include fleabane, and
partridgefoot, Nevada. woollyItwithin
is pussytoes,
found on
low plant cover. Plants are flatlowridges,
growing and mostly ofcushion
surrounding upland landscape. Regionally rare species include or matthe
gentle
tundra to
aster,moderate
lousewort, slopes, Indian paintbrush, and margins
tufted alpine
hairgrass, valleys,
white
These
forming,
Katahdin dryfrequently
meadows occurtraits
with above to upper
prevent tree
water linelossin the northern
(succulent Sierra .
stems
where thearctic
marsh-marigold, soil has butterfly,
become
fawnlily, northern
relatively
Parry's bog
rush, lemming
stable.
Piper's These and rock
wind-swept
woodrush, vole. sites
northwestern
Nevada,
or leaves,Klamath flat to the andground Cascade Mountains.
in rosettes, They
or densely are foundCommon
hairy). on flat
retain little snow cover and areslopes
relatively harsh, soilsdry habitats. andThe
showy sedge, black alpine sedge, andavens,
American bistort. Fellfields plant
often
ridges
plants and
are steeper
mountain upper
sandwort, basin Ross' where Pacific arebog thinsedge, the
alpinewater
The
cover alpine
is
intermingle a fellfield
short,
with often
the (or rockdwarf-shrubland.
dense,
alpine fields)
diverse are wind-blasted
mixture of areas
sod-forming with grasses
supply
stitchwort, is regulated
Asianand by snowpatchRocky
forget-me-not, patterns. Soils are
Mountain moist incushion
nailwort, early in .
aboundant
and sedges, rock
and gravels
mat-forming andherbs low cover
(cushion of plants
plants). are
Commonoften free
plants of
These
spring
phlox, are
andthe drytrulyout alpineafter
soon habitats
the snow found above
melts. Thetreeline
meadows in the are Pacific
snow
include increeping
the winter.
blackroot
glow-wort,
They dry-spike
sedge, occurcushion pink,
on exposed
sedge,
Uinta
saddles
scirpus-like
clover, and
andsedge, Parry's
ridgelines arctic
Northwest.
composed
clover. ofThey
sedges, are grasses
dominated andthe by dwarf
herbs such shrubs mountain
as spreading heather,
phlox,
above
bluegrass,upper
forbs, andphlox,
treeline
Ross'
sedges, avens, throughout
and are Pacific
covered bog by Sierra
sedge,
snow
Nevada,
cushion
for most
and includes
phlox,
of theParry's
year,sedge, clover .
alpine
with
Coville's pygmy fleabane, Sierran woodroot, Congdon's
areas
and fromclover. Mount Because Shasta south tovery
White Mountains and Peninsular
onlyUinta
purple a few
reedgrass,monthsdwarf of growing of the
alpine seasons.
short
Theygrowing
Indian-paintbrush, are usually season,
cushiondiverse wild
summer
Range.
flowers Sites
are are
often dry with
abundant. poor soils and only have low plant cover.
mosaics
buckwheat, of dwarf
and White shrublands Mountain and wild windpruned
buckwheat. shrubby It also trees that are no .
includes
Plants are low growing and mostly cushioned or matted, frequently
more
moist than
meadow 1-2 feet plants high, on with
steep,extensive
rocky slopes bare belowgroundsnowmeltand late-lingering patches
with traits to Itprevent water lossbecause
(succulent stems or leaves,
winds flat blowtothe the
snowbanks.
that are sheltered from wind.is a dry habitat strong winter .
ground in rosettes, or densely hairy). Common plants are granite
snow away and expose the ground to cold temperatures and the
These dwarf-shrublands
prickly-phlox, Californiaare limited to high dwarf
heath-goldenrod, elevation alpine sites in the Sierra
Indian-
constant, drying wind. Where high snow collects, it acts asarea blanket and
Nevada
paintbrush, and surrounding
Nuttall's sandwort, mountain ranges.
and mountain-sorrel. Sites wind-swept .
keeps
Intertidalthedry, ground
zones arewarmer
found and
withprotected
clear from thehave
wind. This system
and very lacking persistent snow,water cold in
andbays, inlets
a short andgrowing
lagoons,
Coastal
represents mudflats
those hearty are found along the
cannorth Pacific Coast fromsnow Cook
typically
season. dominated
The dwarf by plants
shrubs kelp-like thatalgae
are California.
more similar
survive
and other winter
to desert marine without
plants aquatic
than other plants
Inlet,
blanket Alaska, south to central Mudflats form a narrow band
along
high theprotection.
mountain temperate plants. Pacific
Common Coast. Subtidal
plants are portions
King's are neverdwarf
sandwort, exposed, .
along oceanic inlets, and are more extensive at the mouths of larger
while intertidal
sagebrush, Coville'sareasphlox, support specieswild
cushion thatbuckwheat,
can toleratealpine exposure laurel, to the
rivers. Algae are the dominant plants onsilts, mudflats where alsolittle vascular
air. Common
Shasta knotweed, substratesarctic include
willow, marine and dwarf blueberry. but may include .
vegetation is present and due to the dailymany (in some algalcases twice daily) tidal
exposed bedrock cobble, where species become
flooding of salt or brackish water. systems
Characteristic species include
attached with holdfasts. Intertidal are dominated by eel-grass,
Vaucheria and sea-lettuce. .
Scouler's surf-grass, and a host of green and brown algae. Adjacent
subtidal zones, where rocky substrates are common, support undersea
kelp "forest." .
Alaska, Cook Inlet, are andmixed,
Bristolbut Bayinclude coasts.shrubs, Intertidal zones
Understory species such as are found
communities
with caninbebays, recognized within this system thatdominated
may be related
Cephalanthus occidentalis and Arundinaria gigantea ssp. gigantea,byand
clear water inlets and lagoons, typically
to the array
kelp-like algae of different
and other geomorphologic features present within the
Thismarinesystemaquatic plants alongleastthe temperate
sedges (Carex spp.). likely floods at once annually
floodplain.
Pacific coast.Some Subtidal of the major geomorphic
portions are never exposed features associated
while intertidal with areas
and can be altered by occasional severe floods. Impoundments and
different
support species community that can types include
tolerate natural to
exposure levees,
the air. point
Common bars, meander
conversion to agriculture can (Sharitz
also impact this system._x000D_
scrolls,
substrates oxbows, and sloughs and Mitsch 1993). Vegetation
Freshwaterinclude
_x000D_ aquaticmarine beds are silts,
foundbut throughout
may also include
the humid exposed temperatebedrock
generally
and cobble, includes
where forestsalgal
many dominated
species by bottomland
become attached hardwood
with species
holdfasts.
regions
Variation: of the Pacific Coast
Herbaceous of North America.
- Herbaceous sloughs and They shrub are wetlands
small patch in
and other
Substrate trees
is usuallytolerant marine of flooding.
silts, but However,
may be herbaceous
cobble. Beds and
are shrub
size, confinedsedges,
(canebrakes, to lakes, andponds, and slow-moving
buttonbush) that occur within portions theof rivers and
vegetation
dominated may
by bebodies
eel-grass.present in certain areas as well._x000D_
streams. In
floodplain._x000D_ large of water, they are usually restricted to the deep .
_x000D_
This uncommon
water
_x000D_ where lacksystem of light ispenetration
found in the centralthe
through andwatersouthern limits Sierra
plant
Found
Variation: fromHerbaceous
foothill and- montane
Areas Coast elevations
dominated byof California's
wetland herbaceous Coast orat
Nevada,
growth. A Central
variety and
of Northern
rooted or floating Ranges,
aquatic and Klamath
herbaceous Ranges
areas (<10% plantmay .
Other Variation(s): Forested. species
Ranges,
shrubs these are barren
(buttonbush, and sparsely vegetated
swamp-loosestrife, swamp private)._x000D_
elevations
dominate, between 150
including to 1800fern,
mosquito m (450-5500
yellow pond-lily, feet), where knotweed, serpentine
cover)
_x000D_ of steep cliff faces, narrow canyons, and smaller rock outcrops
outcrops
pondweed, and related soils
buttercup, and are common.Submerged
watermeal. Serpentinite outcropssuch
vegetation, can as
of various
Other igneous,
Variation(s): sedimentary,
Forested. andsoils metamorphic bedrock. This
support
watermilfoil, distinct vegetation,
hornwort, and as these
waterweed, can
is often have very
present. These low Calcium to .
Found
system from
also foothill
includes and montane
unstable scree elevations
and talus of California's
slopes typically Transverse
occurring
Magnesium
communities ratios
occur that
in waterimpact too the ability of plants (e.g. to grow. Thisand
and
below Peninsular
cliff faces. ranges,
Scattered are deep
theseoutcrops barren
vegetation
forand
may
emergent
sparsely
include
cattails
vegetated
Douglas-fir, areas
These
system
bullrushes)acidic
is usuallycliff
vegetation. and
found talus
on steep slopes are found
with primarily
loosely in
consolidated the Interior
soils
(<10%
Sierran
Highlands
plant
lodgepole cover)pine,
of the
of steep
ponderosa
United conditions
cliff faces,
States, from pine, narrow
and
central
canyons,
Jeffrey
Kentucky pine. and
and
There
southern may be .
smaller
and harsh soil chemical (large rock outcrops and gravelly
rock
shrubs outcrops
including of various
species igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic
Indiana
soil). Thereto the Ozarks
is This
typically ofa of very
manzanita
Missouri low and
cover
or ceanothus.
Arkansas.
(<10%) scree ofTheySoilextend
herbaceous
developmentalong
bedrock
is limited type.
and the system
herbaceous alsocover
includes is alsounstable
low. and talus slopes .
the Mississippi
species, including River and
twistflower Missourispp., River north to southern Iowa and
These
This sparsely
system
typically vegetated
is found
occurring primarily
below tocliff westdwarf-flax
partially
faces. wooded
of the Appalachians
Scattered
spp., outcrops
rocky
vegetation
scythe-leaf
inmaythe onion,
in include
the
west
Cascade
Central to northwestern
onion,
Appalachians serpentine Missouri.
occur milkweed,
at low They to mid occur
Bear where
Valley wild
elevations acidic
from bedrock
buckwheat,
central and
Midwest
shrub speciesand south into
from surrounding Tennessee and
coastal Arkansas.
chaparral, Limestone
such and New
Theyastend bigpod
reaches
naked the
wild surface
buckwheat. and forms cliffs or talus fields. to be
England
dolomite south
ceanothus,outcrops to
chaparral Virginia,
andwhitethorn, and up
talus distinguish to 4500
smooththis in West Virginia.
system. Examples bigberry
mountain-mahogany, The tend to .
fairly
system small
consists (dozens to
of vertical a few or hundred
near-vertical acres). cliffsSites can range from
be relatively
manzanita, and small missionbecause they
manzanita. are Soil restricted
development to and
where the talus slopes
isbedrock
limited as is
moist
below, toformed
dry.surface.
They
on hills are typically
of granitic, sparsely
sandstone, vegetated; however, on
reaches
herbaceous the cover. Sites range from moist toordry otherwise
and fromacidic sparsely to .
moister
bedrock. sites with cases,
In well-vegetated.
some more soil development
especially in areas several
nearsuch thefern species
glacial and
boundary,
moderately
This rocky outcrop system Woodland
occurs at low species
to mid as northern white
sedges
this systemcan establish.
may take Wind
the form andofwater erosion
upper-slope areelevations
the majorfrom
boulderfields dynamic
without
central
cedar
New can establish
England south along
to the ridgetops.
Virginia and West Rocky
Virginia. grassy It openings
consists of are
vertical
processes
adjacent influencing
cliffs, this system. .
typical and
or near-vertical can wherecontain
cliffs and talus
species forms
steep from
little
talus freeze/thaw
bluestem,
slopes where action on and
big weathering
bluestem, the a
and/or
bedrock.
variety ofMost of the
wildflowers. substrate is dry
Windnear-neutral
and water anderosionexposed, alongbutwithsmall (orenriched
fire are the
higher
The pH-bedrock
system islarge)
endemic produce to calcareous pH and
areastoof theseepage
Black Belt region of Alabama and
occasionally
primary natural dynamics. are often present.. The vegetation .
nutrient
Mississippi. availability. Rock types include limestone, dolomite and
andExamples are occurs
relatively sheer surfaces
patchesonof
This sandhill seep exposed chalk
is patchy oftensystem sparse, punctuated in small withpatches ofslopes
small in trees.
others.
generally
dissected The vegetation
devoid
terrain, of
where varies
vegetation.
a clay from sparse
Inspecies,
lens most
or other casesto impermeable
patches
these of small
bluffs extend
layer trees,
forces in
Red-cedar
This small-patch is a characteristic
system tree
encompasses poison
calcareous ivy
cliffsis aofcharacteristic
the Southern
places forming
directly to thetoedge
groundwater woodland
the or even
of riversasofseepage.
surface forest vegetation.
streams.This type occurs largely in the . American
woody
Ridge vine,
and andand
Valley rock
and polypody
adjacent is a characteristic
Cumberland Plateau fern.
(in Within
the itsthe
northeast,
basswood,
Fall-line ash,
Sandhillssystem American
region of the bladdernut
Carolinas are
and woody
Georgia indicators
butisalso ofrarely
This
range small-patch
(Pennsylvania and consists
New Jerseyof steep
south), to vertical
Virginia orpineoverhangingoften
southern
enriched Virginia
setting; only). It white
northern includes cedar vertical to near-vertical
is sometimes present. rock
Thetofaces
herb
in other
rock
present. parts
outcrops of
(and the Atlantic
related Coastal
steep talus Plain.
slopes) Soilsof areSouthern
the seasonally Blue .
of limestone
layer and dolomite. These cliffs are typically dry but may
Ridgeisand typically notareasextensive thebut
permanently saturated by (inseepage includes
and atfrom
rangeVirginia leastsandy some species that
adjacent northeast, only).or Itclayey
occurs toon
contain
are relatively
indicators small
of enriched embedded
conditions, seepage patches. Due to and
harshpurple
orsuch
mucky. Vegetation is variable and complex as
in yellow
composition jewelweed,
lower slopes, usually in river gorges bluffs. The sparse vegetation is
edaphic
cliffbrake, conditions,
ebonygrowing including
spleenwort, verticality,
or common these
cliff cliffs are
fern.savannas nearly .
structure,
limited to consisting
plants
This system represents of a mixture
on bare
treeless rock of
rock, plants small
outcrops of pine
ledges,
of the and
southern and
crevices.
unvegetated, however, spleenwort and cliffbrake ferns may be
streamhead
Vegetation
Appalachian ispocosins,
primarily
Mountains, but contrasting
bryophytes,
primarily with
inlichens,
western bothand inherbs,
North structurewith
Carolina and
sparse
and
characteristic plants. Some cliffs have scattered northern white cedar
proportions.
trees
eastern and shrubs The tree
rooted canopy
in deepermay be
soil open
pockets or absent,
and and
crevices. patches of .
trees which may be very old (>800 years). This system also coversor
Tennessee. Outcrops may be vertical to horizontal, rugged a
dense
fractured shrubs, dense
rockofoutcrops grass, ferns, and various mixtures may be present.
This
narrow small-patch
zone systemofconsists
vegetation, peaks, ridgetops,
of
often herbaceous,steep to upper at theslopes,
vertical and other
or overhanging
horizontal clifftop
Fire is a crucial determinant
topographically exposed of structure
locations (Schafale and and composition;
Weakley it tends to
1990).
rock
where outcrops
growing in the
conditions Piedmont are (in
harsh the andnortheast,
often Virginia
gladelike. only). They .
This
occur system
inelevation consists
a variable and of patchy
smooth,pattern curved, that exfoliated
is todriven outcrops of massive
Higher
occur on lower to examples
mid slopes, occur fromin
usually 1200
river 2030by
gorges mor
both
in
bluffs.
the
elevation; fire
The
graniticof
regime rocksthe in the Southern
surrounding system Blueand Ridge the and
wetness adjacent of the upper
seep
other
sparseexamples
vegetation may be found
is limited to at elevations
plants growing of on 305bare m (1000rock, feet) smallor
Piedmont.
vegetation Smooth
at the rock without
time. crevices is the primary distinctive
These
lower are cliffs, canyons and large
ledges, and crevices. Vegetation is primarily bryophytes, lichens, and
on foothills. These outcrops bedrock
occur on outcrops
felsic to found
mafic throughout
rocks and .
ecological
the Rocky factor of this system. The surface is largely bare rock but
are
herbs,
This withMountains.
distinguished
small-patch sparsesystem from The
treessurrounding
and are
shrubs
consists
generally systems
ofrooted
smooth,
barren,
in bydeepertherocky
exfoliated soilsystems
prevalencepockets
outcrops
ofwith
bare
and
of
has
more thin
rock soil thanmats around
vegetation, the edges
although andas in component
seen otherfrom patches.
above, Resulting
many can be
or lichen-encrusted
crevices. rocks. The vegetation of this system is .
massive granite
vegetation is aThey and related
complex of smallrockspatches
in the Piedmont of different from Virginia
species and
quite
generallynarrow. characterized includeby a the steep of
mixture cliffs, and unstable
low-growing scree
lifeforms, and
southward.
structure onElevations
soil mats indifferent
of Virginia depths, range from 230-320, withand most
talus cliffs. ranging from bemoss
Foundslopes
especially often
lichens, found
mosses, below the
anderosion
short-statured There may
forbs. Less small patches
occurring
lichens from
to near
herbsfoothill
streams
to to subalpine
shrubs where and trees.elevationshas left ofsmooth
the Klamathrockcommonly,
Range,
and small .
of dense
graminoids vegetation,
and low but it typically includes scattered trees and/or
these
gravelly aredepressions.
barren and shrubs
sparsely arevegetated
The vegetation encountered.is alandscapes
complex Species common
(<10%
of different plantto all
cover)
species
shrubs.
outcrop Characteristic
vegetation types trees includes
include wretchedspeciessedge, from cliff the surrounding
saxifrage, and
of steep
and structurecliff faces,
occupying bald ridgetops
different and shoulder outcrops,
microhabitats, rangingpine, narrow
from moss
landscape,
highbush such
blueberry as Douglas-fir,
(Wiser and ponderosa
White 1999). pine, limber quaking .
canyons,
and lichens and smaller torock outcrops a of various igneous, sedimentary,
whitetofir, herbs shrubs fir, and few trees.pinyon In some andareas, these
aspen, subalpine or two-needle juniper at
and metamorphic
microhabitats include bedrock. solution Vegetative cover is dominated
pits or depressions that retain by water and
lower elevations. There may beorscattered shrubs present, such as
wildflowers,
form a distinctive grasses, wetlandmosses, community. lichens. This also includes unstable .
species oftalus
oceanspray, currant, ninebark,
occurringrose, juniper, five-petal
scree and slopes typically below cliff faces. Scattered
cliffbush,
vegetationcreeping Oregon-grape,
Douglas-firskunkbush, and bigleaformaple Saskatoon
may include along with
serviceberry. Soil development is limited, as is herbaceous cover. .
herbaceous and nonvascular species such as Lemmon's needlegrass,
western needlegrass, bottlebrush, cream stonecrop, and Racomitrium
moss. Soil development is limited as is herbaceous cover. .
below cliff faces. The dominant process is drought and other extreme
growing conditions created by exposed rock or unstable slopes
typically associated with steep slopes. Fractures in the rock surface and
less steep or more stable slopes may be occupied by small patches of
dense vegetation, typically scattered trees and/or shrubs. Characteristic
This
The is a rare Great
Western systemPlains foundBadlandsin the Washington
occur within cascades,
the on thin,
northern Greatrocky
trees includes Alaska
This ecological system yellow-cedar,
occurs in both hemlock
perennial spp., and western
intermittentred-cedar, stream
serpentine
Plains regionis soils. They support open stands of trees, with Douglas-fir,
This
canyons system
Douglas-fir, of pine oroffor
the
thespp.
fir theUnited
southwestern barren
There States
and
maypine
Great
and
sparsely
be Canada
scattered
Plains.
with some
vegetated
Soilsshrubscan volcanic of the
present,
range from lavabetter
such
deep as
Ponderosa
known and extensiveor western
examples white in North important
and South at low
Dakota.elevationIn sites,
contrast
flows,
vine
loams cinders,
maple,
to alluvial alder ash beds
spp.,
to sandy. andand volcanic
currant
The pine, mosaic spp.boulder
Mosses
of soil typesfields
or created
lichens
which by
may
have the
be very
and
to lodgepole
Western Great pine, whitebark
Plains Cliff and Outcrop subalpine System, fir and thismountain
system isthe
active
dense,
developed volcanos
well-developed
from occuring
sandstone, and throughout
display
limestone, the
cover Cascade
well
basalt, over
and Mountains
10%.
shale parent inmaterials .
Barren
hemlock to sparsely
important vegetated
at higher cliffs,
elevation steep canyon
sites. consolidatedslopes
Grasses, wildflowersand smaller
typifiedNorthwest.
Pacific by extremely Thesedry and are easily
not eroded,
vegetated, or have vegetationclay soilslimited
creates
rock
(with thea complex
outcropscharacteristic mosaic
occurring of grasslands,
from
serpentine foothills
indicatortoshrublands
subalpine
lacefern and
in the woodlands
Sierra
of or indian's
with
to
within
bands
a few thesmall of sandstone
canyon openings.
system.
orDue isolated
The tovaried
the consolidates
active
geology, nature and
diverse
little
manysoil
toofnothedream
types,
cover
and .
Nevada.
usually It includes
present), and unstable
shrubs scree
can be and
part talus
of a slopes
varied typically
understory. occuring
of vegetation
northwest (usuallythese
volcanos, less range
than 10% from but
smallcanpatches
be as high as 20%).
around older In
topographic
below cliff dynamics
faces. A together
variety of form shrubs,
trees, a distinct ecological
grasses and system
herbs may be
those areaslike
volcanos, with vegetation,
Mount Jefferson, plants can include scatteredaround individuals
activeof
characteristic
present. Common of thetrees
canyons include andand large
dissected
scattered barren
mesasareas
California of thered southwestern
fir, Douglas-
This system
many
volcanos dryland
such includes
shrubs
as Mt. or cliffs
St. and outcrops
herbaceous
Helens. throughout
species.This systemthe western
candepending
occur Great .
Great
fir, Plains.
Sierran Vegetation
lodgepole pine, variesJeffrey bothpine,regionally
or in and
foothills, locallysingleleaf
Plains.
where Substrate
the land can
lies wellrange above from itssandstone
local base and
level limestone,
or below which
and is can
on latitude,
pinyon, Utah aspect,
juniper, slopeand position
curl-leafand substrate and can range from
often form
created bands
by several infactors,
the examples
including ofmountain-mahogany.
this system.
elevation, Vegetation
rainfall,
Manzanita
carving is actionor
riparian
ceanothus vegetation
shrubs aretocracks
xeric or
frequently mesic
present. woodlands and shrublands. .
restricted
of streams,to shelves,
and parent material. and crevices
This system in the rock.
contains However,
highly erodible this
Because of the varied topography, relatively permanent water along
system
soils thatdiffers
can be from Western
strongly Great Plains
influenced Badlands but
by infrequent, Systemoftenintorrential,
that
streambeds
often the soiland southerndeveloped location, these canyonlands havesome a richgrass
rains. is slightly and less erodible, and
herpetofauna.
Thisshrub
ecological This
systemsystem provides
is found fromgood habitat for
subalpine a number of snake .
and species can occur at greater than 10%.toCommon foothill elevations
species in
species
and includes that are barrenotherwise
and sparselyuncommon vegetated in thislandscapes
region. Occasional seeps
this system include short shrubs such as skunkbush and(generally
longleaf <10%
and springs
plant cover)and of the
of steep canyon walls
cliff faces, provide
narrow habitat for rare ferns. .
wormwood mixedgrass species suchcanyons,
as sideoats andgrama,
smallerblue rock
This sparsely vegetated to barren ecological system occurs in the
outcropsand
grama, of prairie
varioussandreed.
igneous, sedimentary,
Drought and windand metamorphic bedrock
This ecological
southwestern system
deserts onoccurs
heavy throughout
clay soilsand mucherosion
forming of"badlands"
the warmare the most
deserts
with of
types.
common Also included
natural are
dynamics unstable
affecting scree this talus slopes
system. that typically .
North
excessive America erosion. andThe is composed
harsh soilof unvegetated
properties to very sparsely
are and high rates of include
erosion
occur bellow cliff faces. Species present diverse and may
vegetated
and deposition (<2%prevent plant cover) most plant landscapes,
growth.typically However, flatsparse
basinsshrubs where
elephant-tree, ocotillo, Bigelow's bear-grass, teddy-bear cholla, and
extreme temperature and wind
such as desert-holly and a few herbs are often present. develop ground surfaces of fine to .
other
This desert
system species,
is centered especially
on the succulents.
Colorado Lichens
Plateau onlow are
steep predominant
cliffof faces,
medium gravel coated with "desert varnish". Very cover desert
This ecological
lifeforms in some system
areas. occurs
May include across the warm of
a variety deserts
desert ofshrublands
North
narrow
scrub canyons,
species on asslickrock, and open tablelands of predominantly
issuch creosotebush or California wild buckwheat
America
less than and
2 ha (5 restricted
acres) in to
size barren
from and sparsely
adjacent areas.vegetated (<10% isplant .
sedimentary
usually rocks,
present. substrates such
However, such as sandstone,
ephemeral shale,
herbaceous and limestone.
speciesand may Plants
have
cover) volcanic as basalt lava (malpais) tuff.
growing
high
The cover
system in these
inis places
response
defined bytoare found
seasonal
the presence in crevices,
precipitation,
of migratingcracks,
including or
dunes, pockets
devil's
or if within
they
Barren
Vegetation ash is beds foundand
variable throughout
includesthe drier portions
a variety of species of the Pacific
depending on
the rocks
spineflower, and cliffs where
Indian-pipeweed, small amounts
and hairy of soil accumulate.
todesert-sunflower. The
have
local become
Northwest, they
environmental stabilized, by they
varyconditions, geography.are likely
e.g., These
elevation,become
includeage actively
the
and John
type migrating
Day
of basin .
appearance
again with is of very open
disturbance tree canopy
or increased or scattered trees andPlateau, shrubs
"painted
substrate. hills",
Typically the diverse
scattered beds aridity.
ashcreosotebush, from theIn the Colorado
Owyhee
desert-holly, uplands
or other of desert
with
there a sparse grasses or herbs. Common species include two-needle
shrubsare aremany
southwestern smalland
Idaho
present. active and partially
southeastern Oregon,vegetated dunes along
and isolated badlands some .
pinyon,
of the largerponderosa
washes pine,
and juniper
playas (where spp.,west.littleleaf
sandThey is mountain-mahogany,
blown out of wash and
found throughout the intermountain are typically rounded
and
forms other
dunes) short-shrub
andorsome and herbaceous
larger dunes species,
such as Coral utilizing
Pink moisture
Dunes infrom
hills
This and plains,
ecological systembarren slopes
is found in canyons. Vegetation
from foothill to subalpine elevations . is sparse and
cracks and ofpockets
southwestern where
Utah.salt-desert
The soils soilare accumulates.
usually windblown sand, but small
made
and up typical shrubs, annual forbs and perennial
Thisincludes
class is used barren to and
mapsparsely
thermalvegetated features includinglandscapes (generally
geysers, steaming <10%
dunes composed
bunchgrasses. of silt
Wildflowers and clay
are downwind
often endemic from to playas
the are
particular also ashfound.
plant cover)
pools, hissingoffumaroles,
steep cliff bubblingfaces, narrow mud canyons,
pots or warm and smaller
seeps and rock the
Plants
deposits. occupying these environments are often adapted to shifting,
outcrops
immediately
The
of various
most common surrounding igneous,
expression baresedimentary,
ground
of this and and
system sparse metamorphic
vegetation.
is rounded hills Use of in .
bedrock
formed
coarse-textured substrates (usually quartz sand) and form patchy or
types.
this Also
class is included
currently isrestricted
vegetation of unstable scree
tothat
Yellowstone National and talus
Park slopes
and the
shale bedrock,
open grasslands, often high
shrublands in clay
or steppe expand
(grass and with moisture,
shrub mix),and and
that typically occurs
drying,below
surrounding area. cliff faces. Widely scattered trees and .
contracts
occasionally with woodlands. also The knownmix of as species
"shrink/swell varies clay".and may It also
be
shrubs may include white fir, two-needle pinyon, limber pine,
includes
composedshale slopes interbedded
of sagebrush, saltbush, with sandstone
rabbitbrush, outcrops. Indian
blackbrush, The rice-
singleleaf pinyon, juniper spp., basin big sagebrush, antelope
vegetation
grass, is very
needle-and-thread sparse at best,
grass, and
sand consists
lyme grass,of scattered
or sandhills dwarf-shrubs
muhly.
These are recent,
bitterbrush, curl-leaf usually barren, lava flowsjointfir
mountain-mahogany, found throughout
spp., hillside the arid .
(especially Gardner saltbush, sometimes birdsfoot sage) or shrubs
areas of the west.
oceanspray, and other Thespecies
volcanic flows
often sometimes
common have inclusions
in adjacent plant of
(shadscale saltbush, Wyoming(kapukas), big sagebrush, greasewood, Douglas
uncovered
communities. natural vegetation and often inlcude basalt dikes .
rabbitbrush) and grasses (especially western wheatgrass and Sandberg
ridges. Most sites have clear lines marking the edge of the lava flows,
This system Badlands
bluegrass). is the barren are rocks
subjectand to scree
erosion, foundandabovegullying, treeline
oftenin the
although in a few areas, older lava of flows are and
slowly being colonized by
Rocky
forming Mountains.
colorful, It is composed
fantastic landscapes. barren barely vegetated
These
shrub barren orRock sparsely vegetated habitats occurunvegetated,
above upperbut tree-line .
alpinespecies.
rock, cliffs, andand cinder land are usually
scree (loose, small boulders or rocks and at
throughout
lower elevations the Sierra scatteredNevada, treesand includes
or shrubs fromalpinethe areas
adjacent from Mount
vegetation
gravel). The to harsh dry winds, rocky and sometimes unstable
Shasta south the White Mountains
types can be found, especially in crackes and crevices. and Peninsular Range. It includes .
substrates, and a short growing season limitslopes
plant growth. Theredesert"can be
bedrock outcrops, unstable scree and talus and "alpine
sparse cover of fherbs, grasses, lichens and low shrubs. Crevices n the
with sandy soils and scattered plants such as milkvetch, rockcress,
cliff or rock faces sometimes have small ferns and mosses. .
draba, and locoweed spp. that areand common
rubblein deserts. Exposure to line
This represents the exposed rock found above the forest
dryiing winds, poorly rangesdeveloped, rockyPacific soil, and a short
in the mountain of the northern coast. It isgrowing
comprised of
season limit plant growth. .
rock outcrops, scree slopes, which are almost always unvegetated, with
only sparse cover of wildflowers, grasses, shrubs or small trees, tucked
inbetween the rocks. .
Unconsolidated material such as silt, sand, or gravel that is subject to
inundation and redistribution due to the action of water. Characterized
by substrates lacking vegetation except for pioneering plants that
This widespread
become establishedecological system
during brief is composed
periods of unvegetated
when growing conditions are
landscapes
favorable. of annual/perennial iceby
andwaves
snowandat the highestproduce
elevations,
Barren areas of bedrock, desert pavement, scarps, talus, slides, a
Erosion and deposition currents
where
number snowfall
of accumulation
landforms exceeds
representing this melting.
class. The primary ecological .
volcanic material, glacial debris, sand dunes, strip mines, gravel pits
processes include snow/ice retention, wind desiccation, and
and other accumulations of earthen
field material. Generally,
permafrost. The snowpack/ice never melts or, if so,vegetation
then for only
accounts for less than 15% of total cover. .
a few weeks. The alpine substrate/ice field ecological system is part of
the alpine mosaic consisting of alpine bedrock and scree, tundra dry
meadow, wet meadow, fell-fields, and dwarf-shrubland. .
Areas used for the production of annual crops, such as corn, soybeans,
Orchards, vineyards, and other areas planted or maintained for the
vegetables, tobacco, and cotton, and also perennial woody crops such
production
as orchards of fruits, nuts, berries, or ornamentals. .
and vineyards. Crop vegetation accounts for greater than
20 percent of total vegetation. This class also includes all land being
Areas of grasses, legumes, or grass-legume mixtures planted for
actively
livestocktilled. .
grazing or the production of seed or hay crops, typically on a
perennial cycle. Pasture/hay vegetation accounts for greater than 20
Areas that are
are dominated by introduced annual and/or biennial forb
Areas
percentthat dominated
of total vegetation.by introduced perennial forb or grassland .
species such as: Halogeton glomeratum, Kochia scoparia, Salsola spp.,
species such as: Circium arvense, C. vulgare, Centaurea spp.,
or annual grass species such as: Avena spp., Bromus spp., Schismus
Euphorbia esula, Isatis tinctora, Lepidium sp., Melilotus albus, M.
spp.. .
officinalis, Onopordum acanthium, Agropyron cristatum, Bromus
Vegetation dominated
inermis, Eragrostis (typically >60%
lehmannianna, canopy spp.,
Pennisetum cover)Poa
by bulbosa,
introduced
P.
species. These are spontaneous,
pratensis, Thinopyrum intermedium. self-perpetuating, and not .
(immediately) the result of planting, cultivation, or human
Vegetation dominated (typically >60% canopy cover) by introduced
maintenance.
species. TheseLand occupied by self-perpetuating,
introduced vegetation is generally
Reclassed are spontaneous, and not .
permanently
(immediately)altered (converted) unless restoration
the result of planting, cultivation, orefforts
humanare
Vegetation
undertaken. dominated (typically
Specifically, land >60%
cover is canopy cover)altered/disturbed
significantly by introduced
maintenance. Land occupied by introduced vegetation is generally
species. These are spontaneous,
by introduced shrub species. self-perpetuating, and not .
permanently
(immediately)altered (converted) unless restoration
the result of planting, cultivation, orefforts
humanare
undertaken.
maintenance.Specifically, landbycover is significantly altered/disturbed
Land occupied introduced vegetation is generally
by introduced riparian and wetland vegetation. .
permanently altered (converted) unless restoration efforts are
undertaken. Specifically, land cover is significantly altered/disturbed
by introduced
that are tree species. .
Areas barren or have relatively low vegetation cover that is
associated with some form of generic human alteration or management
regime. Typically associated
beenwith heavyoramounts
Areas that have recently clear-cut thinned of
bygrazing.
50% or more and .
are clearly
Areas whereevident in the
relatively imagery
recent (images
timber acquired
harvest between
activities 1999-
have occurred,
2001).
signs of which are still visible on the imagery or using change .
detection techniques,
Areas dominated and have regenerated
by herbaceous ground cover to tree dominated
following tree
Areas dominated by shrubs; less than 5 meters tall with shrub canopy
vegetation.
harvesting. This class was used exclusively in the Northwestern .
typically greater than 20% of total vegetation. This class includes true
United States and is dominated by regenerating Northwestern conifer
shrubs, young trees in early successional stage or trees stunted from
species. Areas assigned to this class typically would have had more
environmental conditions following a tree havesting event. .
time to recover from a harvest event than areas assigned to the
Harvested Forest - Grass/Forb Regeneration or Harvested Forest -
Shrub Regeneration. .
Areas previously dominated by grass or forbs, that have burned in the
Areas that have burned in the recent past that are clearly evident in the
recent past, and where evidence of fire is visible on the imagery
imagery (images acquired between 1999-2001). .
(images acquired dominated
between 1999-2001).
by shrubs, These areas are currently
Areas previously that have burned in the recent
regenerating with grass and herbaceous species, although species
past, and where evidence of fire is visible on the imagery (images
composition may be altered compared to pre-fire conditions. .
acquired between 1999-2001). These areas are currently regenerating
with
Areasgrass, herbaceous, and shrub species,
that although species
previously dominated by forest, have burned in the recent
composition and cover may be altered compared to pre-fire conditions. .
past, and where evidence of fire is visible on the imagery (images
acquired between 1999-2001). These areas are currently dominated by
herbs, shrubs, legacy trees, regenerating trees, and snags. .
Areas where a relatively recent disturbance event has occurred, signs
of which are still visible on the imagery (images acquired between
1999-2001)
Areas whereora relatively
identifiable usingdisturbance
change detection techniques,
occurred,and have
recent event has signs
regenerated to herbaceous dominated vegetation. .
of which are still visible on the imagery (images acquired between
1999-2001) or identifiable using change detection techniques, and have
regenerated to shrub or stunted tree dominated vegetation.
Areas that have recently been chained to remove Pinyon-Juniper and .
are clearly evident in the imagery (images acquired between 1999-
2001).
All areas of open water, generally less than 25% cover of vegetation or .
soil. Specifically, impoundments created for rearing commericial fish
and invertebrate
of openspecies, i.e aquaticless
livestock.
All areas water, generally than 25% cover of vegetation or .
soil. Specifically, coastal and near-shore estuarine and/or marine
waters. .
All areas of open water, generally less than 25% cover of vegetation or
Includes areas withinland
soil. Specifically, a mixture of of
waters some constructed
streams, rivers, materials,
ponds andbutlakes. .
mostly vegetation in the form of lawn grasses. Impervious surfaces
Areas of extractive mining activities with significant surface
account for less than 20 percent of total cover. These areas most
expression. .
commonly include large-lot single-family housing units, parks, golf
courses, and vegetation planted in developed settings for recreation,
erosion control, or aesthetic purposes. .
Includes areas with a mixture of constructed materials and vegetation.
Impervious surfaces account for 20-49 percent of total cover. These
areas most commonly include single-family housing units. .
Includes areas with a mixture of constructed materials and vegetation.
Impervious surfaces account for where
50-79 percent of the or
total cover. These
Includes highly developed areas people reside work in high
areas most commonly include single-family housing units. .
numbers. Examples include apartment complexes, row houses and
commercial/industrial. Impervious surfaces account for 80 to100
percent of the total cover. .

.
.

.
Area Area_Name Grid_Value Comb_Value NVCMES EVT_Value
2 Alaska 1 601 01.C.2.D009M024E601 2650
2 Alaska 2 602 01.C.2.D009M024E602 2654
2 Alaska 3 603 01.C.2.D009M024E603 2644
2 Alaska 4 604 01.C.2.D009M024E604 2646
2 Alaska 5 605 01.C.2.D009M024E605 2178
2 Alaska 6 606 01.C.2.D009M024E606 2040
2 Alaska 7 607 01.C.2.D009M025E607 2678
2 Alaska 8 608 01.C.2.D009M025E608 2648
2 Alaska 9 609 01.C.2.D009M025E609 2649
2 Alaska 10 610 01.C.2.D009M025E610 2038
2 Alaska 11 611 01.C.3.D012M035E611 2655
2 Alaska 12 612 01.C.3.D012M035E612 2681
2 Alaska 13 613 01.C.3.D012M035E613 2663
2 Alaska 14 614 01.D.1.D014M156E614 2679
2 Alaska 15 615 01.D.1.D014M156E615 2677
2 Alaska 16 616 01.D.1.D014M156E616 2642
2 Alaska 17 617 01.D.1.D014M156E617 2622
2 Alaska 18 618 01.D.1.D014M156E618 2605
2 Alaska 19 619 01.D.1.D014M156E619 2604
2 Alaska 20 620 01.D.1.D014M156E620 2600
2 Alaska 21 621 01.D.1.D014M156E621 2603
2 Alaska 22 622 01.D.1.D014M179E622 2602
2 Alaska 23 623 01.D.1.D014M179E623 2607
2 Alaska 24 624 01.D.1.D014M179E624 2601
2 Alaska 25 625 01.D.2.D016M299E625 2624
2 Alaska 26 626 01.D.2.D016M299E626 2630
2 Alaska 27 627 01.D.2.D016M300E627 2728
2 Alaska 28 628 01.D.2.D016M300E628 2615
2 Alaska 29 629 01.D.2.D016M300E629 2614
2 Alaska 30 630 01.D.2.D016M300E630 2616
2 Alaska 31 631 02.C.1.D022M172E631 2680
2 Alaska 32 632 02.C.1.D022M172E632 2653
2 Alaska 33 633 02.C.1.D022M172E633 2652
2 Alaska 34 634 02.C.1.D022M172E634 2718
2 Alaska 35 635 02.C.1.D022M172E635 2651
2 Alaska 36 636 02.C.1.D022M172E636 2731
2 Alaska 37 637 02.C.2.D025M055E637 2713
2 Alaska 38 638 02.C.2.D025M055E638 2699
2 Alaska 39 639 02.C.2.D025M055E639 2608
2 Alaska 40 640 02.C.2.D025M055E640 2609
2 Alaska 41 641 02.C.2.D025M055E641 2640
2 Alaska 42 642 02.C.2.D025M055E642 2613
2 Alaska 43 643 02.C.2.D025M055E643 2633
2 Alaska 44 644 02.C.2.D025M055E644 2606
2 Alaska 45 645 02.C.2.D025M055E645 2612
2 Alaska 46 646 02.C.2.D025M055E646 2610
2 Alaska 47 647 02.C.2.D025M055E647 2611
2 Alaska 48 648 02.C.3.D027M058E648 2671
2 Alaska 49 649 02.C.3.D027M058E649 2725
2 Alaska 50 650 02.C.3.D027M058E650 2716
2 Alaska 51 651 02.C.3.D027M-NeE651 2709
2 Alaska 52 652 02.C.4.D029M062E652 2703
2 Alaska 53 653 02.C.4.D029M062E653 2702
2 Alaska 54 654 02.C.4.D029M062E654 2621
2 Alaska 55 655 02.C.4.D029M062E655 2623
2 Alaska 56 656 02.C.4.D029M062E656 2618
2 Alaska 57 657 02.C.4.D029M062E657 2620
2 Alaska 58 658 02.C.4.D029M062E658 2619
2 Alaska 59 659 02.C.4.D029M063E659 2658
2 Alaska 60 660 02.C.4.D029M063E660 2659
2 Alaska 61 661 02.C.4.D029M063E661 2657
2 Alaska 62 662 02.C.4.D029M063E662 2656
2 Alaska 63 663 02.C.4.D029M063E663 2660
2 Alaska 64 664 02.C.4.D029M063E664 2724
2 Alaska 65 665 02.C.4.D029M063E665 2647
2 Alaska 66 666 02.C.4.D029M063E666 2723
2 Alaska 67 667 02.C.5.D031M072E667 2729
2 Alaska 68 668 02.C.5.D031M072E668 2722
2 Alaska 69 669 02.C.5.D031M072E669 2727
2 Alaska 70 670 02.C.5.D031M072E670 2625
2 Alaska 71 671 02.C.5.D031M072E671 2617
2 Alaska 72 672 02.C.5.D031M072E672 2626
2 Alaska 73 673 02.C.5.D031M073E673 2676
2 Alaska 74 674 02.C.5.D031M073E674 2673
2 Alaska 75 675 02.C.5.D031M073E675 2665
2 Alaska 76 676 02.C.5.D031M073E676 2661
2 Alaska 77 677 02.C.5.D031M073E677 2672
2 Alaska 78 678 02.C.5.D031M073E678 2662
2 Alaska 79 679 02.C.6.D035M081E679 2712
2 Alaska 80 680 02.C.6.D035M081E680 2701
2 Alaska 81 681 02.C.6.D035M081E681 2710
2 Alaska 82 682 02.C.6.D035M081E682 2711
2 Alaska 83 683 02.C.6.D035M081E683 2726
2 Alaska 84 684 02.C.6.D035M081E684 2668
2 Alaska 85 685 04.B.1.D043M101E685 2645
2 Alaska 86 686 04.B.1.D043M101E686 2643
2 Alaska 87 687 04.B.1.D043M101E687 2674
2 Alaska 88 688 04.B.1.D043M101E688 2719
2 Alaska 89 689 04.B.1.D043M101E689 2720
2 Alaska 90 690 04.B.1.D043M101E690 2730
2 Alaska 91 691 04.C.1.D044M173E691 2688
2 Alaska 92 692 04.C.1.D044M173E692 2691
2 Alaska 93 693 04.C.1.D044M173E693 2685
2 Alaska 94 694 04.C.1.D044M173E694 2690
2 Alaska 95 695 04.C.1.D044M173E695 2715
2 Alaska 96 696 04.C.1.D044M173E696 2714
2 Alaska 97 697 04.C.1.D044M173E697 2687
2 Alaska 98 698 04.C.1.D044M173E698 2638
2 Alaska 99 699 04.C.1.D044M173E699 2684
2 Alaska 100 700 04.C.1.D044M173E700 2683
2 Alaska 101 701 04.C.1.D044M173E701 2639
2 Alaska 102 702 04.C.1.D044M173E702 2689
2 Alaska 103 703 04.C.1.D044M173E703 2692
2 Alaska 104 704 04.C.1.D044M173E704 2686
2 Alaska 105 705 04.C.1.D044M173E705 2704
2 Alaska 107 707 04.C.1.D044M173E707 2682
2 Alaska 108 708 04.C.1.D044M173E708 2634
2 Alaska 109 709 04.C.1.D044M173E709 2631
2 Alaska 110 710 04.C.1.D044M173E710 2636
2 Alaska 111 711 04.C.1.D044M173E711 2635
2 Alaska 112 712 04.C.1.D044M173E712 2637
2 Alaska 113 713 04.C.2.D045M174E713 2697
2 Alaska 114 714 04.C.2.D045M174E714 2708
2 Alaska 115 715 04.C.2.D045M174E715 2707
2 Alaska 116 716 04.C.2.D045M174E716 2706
2 Alaska 117 717 04.C.2.D045M174E717 2705
2 Alaska 118 718 04.C.2.D045M174E718 2693
2 Alaska 119 719 04.C.2.D045M174E719 2694
2 Alaska 120 720 04.C.2.D045M174E720 2695
2 Alaska 121 721 04.C.2.D045M174E721 2698
2 Alaska 122 722 04.C.2.D045M174E722 2628
2 Alaska 123 723 04.C.2.D045M174E723 2629
2 Alaska 124 724 05.A.1.D047M106E724 2669
2 Alaska 125 725 05.A.1.D064M183E725 2670
2 Alaska 126 726 05.B.1.D049M109E726 2696
2 Alaska 127 727 05.B.1.D049M109E727 2664
2 Alaska 128 728 05.B.1.D049M109E728 2627
2 Alaska 129 729 06.B.2.D052M114E729 2732
2 Alaska 130 730 06.D.2.D057M175E730 2717
2 Alaska 131 731 06.D.2.D057M175E731 2632
2 Alaska 132 732 06.D.2.D058M120E732 2734
2 Alaska 133 733 06.E.1.D070M329E733 12
2 Alaska 134 734 06.E.1.D070M329E734 31
2 Alaska 135 735 07.B.2.D101M331E735 82
2 Alaska 136 736 07.B.2.D101M331E736 81
2 Alaska 137 737 08.A.1.D200M336E737 24
2 Alaska 138 738 08.A.1.D200M336E738 22
2 Alaska 139 739 08.A.1.D200M336E739 23
2 Alaska 140 740 08.A.1.D200M336E740 21
2 Alaska 141 741 10.A.1.D400M333E741 2197
2 Alaska 142 742 11.A.1.D500M334E742
2 Alaska 143 743 11.A.1.D500M334E743
ClassName
Alaskan Pacific Maritime Periglacial Woodland and Shrubland
Alaskan Pacific Maritime Sitka Spruce Beach Ridge
Alaskan Pacific Maritime Sitka Spruce Forest
Alaskan Pacific Maritime Western Hemlock Forest
North Pacific Hypermaritime Western Red-cedar-Western Hemlock Forest
North Pacific Mesic Western Hemlock-Yellow-cedar Forest
Alaska Sub-boreal Mountain Hemlock-White Spruce Forest
Alaskan Pacific Maritime Mountain Hemlock Forest
Alaskan Pacific Maritime Subalpine Mountain Hemlock Woodland
North Pacific Maritime Mesic Subalpine Parkland
Alaskan Pacific Maritime Floodplain Forest and Shrubland
Alaskan Pacific Maritime Poorly Drained Conifer Woodland
North Pacific Shrub Swamp
Alaska Sub-boreal White Spruce-Hardwood Forest
Alaska Sub-boreal White-Lutz Spruce Forest and Woodland
Aleutian Kenai Birch-Cottonwood-Poplar Forest
Western North American Boreal Black Spruce Wet-Mesic Slope Woodland
Western North American Boreal Mesic Birch-Aspen Forest
Western North American Boreal Mesic Black Spruce Forest
Western North American Boreal White Spruce Forest
Western North American Boreal White Spruce-Hardwood Forest
Western North American Boreal Spruce-Lichen Woodland
Western North American Boreal Subalpine Balsam Poplar-Aspen Woodland
Western North American Boreal Treeline White Spruce Woodland
Western North American Boreal Deciduous Shrub Swamp
Western North American Boreal Wet Black Spruce-Tussock Woodland
Aleutian Floodplain Forest and Shrubland
Western North American Boreal Lowland Large River Floodplain Forest and Shrubland
Western North American Boreal Montane Floodplain Forest and Shrubland
Western North American Boreal Riparian Stringer Forest and Shrubland
Alaskan Pacific Maritime Avalanche Slope Shrubland
Alaskan Pacific Maritime Mesic Herbaceous Meadow
Alaskan Pacific Maritime Subalpine Alder-Salmonberry Shrubland
Aleutian Mesic Alder-Salmonberry Shrubland
Aleutian Mesic Herbaceous Meadow
Aleutian Oval-leaf Blueberry Shrubland
Alaska Arctic Active Inland Dune
Alaska Arctic Mesic Herbaceous Meadow
Alaska Sub-boreal Avalanche Slope Shrubland
Alaska Sub-boreal Mesic Subalpine Alder Shrubland
Aleutian Mesic-Wet Willow Shrubland
Western North American Boreal Active Inland Dune
Western North American Boreal Alpine Mesic Herbaceous Meadow
Western North American Boreal Dry Aspen-Steppe Bluff
Western North American Boreal Dry Grassland
Western North American Boreal Mesic Scrub Birch-Willow Shrubland
Western North American Sub-boreal Mesic Bluejoint Meadow
Aleutian American Dunegrass Grassland
Aleutian Marine Beach and Beach Meadow
Aleutian Rocky Headland and Sea Cliff
Alaska Arctic Marine Beach and Beach Meadow
Alaska Arctic Dwarf-Shrub-Sphagnum Peatland
Alaska Arctic Wet Sedge-Sphagnum Peatland
Western North American Boreal Black Spruce Dwarf-Tree Peatland
Western North American Boreal Black Spruce-Tamarack Fen
Western North American Boreal Herbaceous Fen
Western North American Boreal Low Shrub Peatland
Western North American Boreal Sedge-Dwarf-Shrub Bog
Alaskan Pacific Maritime Dwarf-shrub-Sphagnum Peatland
Alaskan Pacific Maritime Mountain Hemlock Peatland
Alaskan Pacific Maritime Shore Pine Peatland
Alaskan Pacific Maritime Shrub and Herbaceous Floodplain Wetland
Alaskan Pacific Maritime Wet Low Shrubland
Aleutian Nonvascular Peatland
Aleutian Shrub-Sedge Peatland
Aleutian Wet Meadow and Herbaceous Peatland
Aleutian Floodplain Wetland
Aleutian Freshwater Marsh
Aleutian Shrub and Herbaceous Meadow Floodplain
Western North American Boreal Freshwater Emergent Marsh
Western North American Boreal Shrub and Herbaceous Floodplain Wetland
Western North American Boreal Wet Meadow
Alaskan Pacific Maritime Alpine Floodplain
Alaskan Pacific Maritime Alpine Wet Meadow
Alaskan Pacific Maritime Coastal Meadow and Slough-Levee
Alaskan Pacific Maritime Fen and Wet Meadow
Alaskan Pacific Maritime Subalpine Copperbush Shrubland
Temperate Pacific Freshwater Emergent Marsh
Alaska Arctic Coastal Brackish Meadow
Alaska Arctic Coastal Sedge-Dwarf-Shrubland
Alaska Arctic Tidal Flat
Alaska Arctic Tidal Marsh
Aleutian Tidal Marsh
Temperate Pacific Tidal Salt and Brackish Marsh
Alaska Sub-boreal and Maritime Alpine Mesic Herbaceous Meadow
Alaskan Pacific Maritime Alpine Dwarf-Shrubland
Alaskan Pacific Maritime Alpine Sparse Shrub and Fell-field
Aleutian Crowberry-Herbaceous Heath
Aleutian Mixed Dwarf-Shrub-Herbaceous Shrubland
Aleutian Sparse Heath and Fell-Field
Alaska Arctic Acidic Dryas Dwarf-Shrubland
Alaska Arctic Acidic Dwarf-Shrub Lichen Tundra
Alaska Arctic Acidic Sparse Tundra
Alaska Arctic Dwarf-Shrubland
Alaska Arctic Floodplain
Alaska Arctic Large River Floodplain
Alaska Arctic Lichen Tundra
Alaska Arctic Mesic Alder Shrubland
Alaska Arctic Mesic Sedge-Dryas Tundra
Alaska Arctic Mesic Sedge-Willow Tundra
Alaska Arctic Mesic-Wet Willow Shrubland
Alaska Arctic Non-Acidic Dryas Dwarf-Shrubland
Alaska Arctic Non-Acidic Dwarf-Shrub Lichen Tundra
Alaska Arctic Non-Acidic Sparse Tundra
Alaska Arctic Permafrost Plateau Dwarf-Shrub Lichen Tundra
Alaska Arctic Scrub Birch-Ericaceous Shrubland
Western North American Boreal Alpine Dryas Dwarf-Shrubland
Western North American Boreal Alpine Dwarf-Shrub Summit
Western North American Boreal Alpine Dwarf-Shrub-Lichen Shrubland
Western North American Boreal Alpine Ericaceous Dwarf-Shrubland
Western North American Boreal Alpine Floodplain
Alaska Arctic Pendantgrass Freshwater Marsh
Alaska Arctic Polygonal Ground Shrub-Tussock Tundra
Alaska Arctic Polygonal Ground Tussock Tundra
Alaska Arctic Polygonal Ground Wet Sedge Tundra
Alaska Arctic Sedge Freshwater Marsh
Alaska Arctic Shrub-Tussock Tundra
Alaska Arctic Tussock Tundra
Alaska Arctic Tussock-Lichen Tundra
Alaska Arctic Wet Sedge Meadow
Western North American Boreal Low Shrub-Tussock Tundra
Western North American Boreal Tussock Tundra
Temperate Pacific Intertidal Mudflat
North Pacific Maritime Eelgrass Bed
Alaska Arctic Freshwater Aquatic Bed
Temperate Pacific Freshwater Aquatic Bed
Western North American Boreal Freshwater Aquatic Bed
Aleutian Volcanic Rock and Talus
Alaska Arctic Bedrock and Talus
Western North American Boreal Alpine Talus and Bedrock
North Pacific Alpine and Subalpine Bedrock and Scree
Snow/Ice
Undifferentiated Barren Land
Cultivated Cropland
Pasture/Hay
Developed, High Intensity
Developed, Low Intensity
Developed, Medium Intensity
Developed, Open Space
Recently Burned-Tree Cover
Open Water (Brackish/Salt)
Open Water (Fresh)
 Description- Ecological System or land use class
This ecological system occurs as an early-successional sere on landscapes recently exposed through deglaciation since the end o
This ecological system includes productive forests on beach ridges and occurs along the Alaska Gulf Coast in the following are
This productive ecological system occurs on well-drained sideslopes and footslopes along the Gulf Coast of Alaska and the Nor
This forested ecological system is the dominant Tsuga heterophylla forest system along the northern portions of the Pacific Nor
These forests occupy the outer coastal portions of British Columbia, southeastern Alaska, and northwestern Washington. Their c
This system occurs throughout southeastern Alaska but appears to be more common in central southeastern Alaska. It is more c
This ecological system occurs on sideslopes and rolling terrain on the inland side of the Kenai and Chugach mountains and repr
This ecological system occurs along the Gulf of Alaska Coast and Pacific Coast from Kenai Fjords through southeastern Alaska
This subalpine ecological system occurs in the upper slopes of mountain ranges along the Gulf Coast of Alaska, including the K
This ecological system occurs throughout the mountains of the Pacific Northwest, from the southern Cascades of Oregon to the
This system includes glacially- and non-glacially-fed rivers and streams along the Gulf Coast of Alaska. It includes the active a
This ecological system occurs on low to mid elevations on rolling terrain, benches, and gentle slopes with restricted drainage fr
Swamps vegetated by shrublands occur throughout the Pacific Northwest Coast, from Cook Inlet and Prince William Sound, Al
This ecological system is widespread in south-central Alaska on well-drained upland terrain. Picea glauca and Betula papyrifer
This system occurs in the boreal transition of Alaska on well-drained upland terrain. Picea glauca or Picea X lutzii are the dom
These hardwood-dominated forests are common on the eastern Alaska Peninsula and on Kodiak Island. This system occurs at lo
This system occurs on north-facing slopes underlain by permafrost with low productivity Picea mariana. Soils are poorly drain
This hardwood system is common on well-drained upland terrain on south, west, and east aspects in the boreal region of interio
This ecological system is common throughout upland slopes and inactive alluvial deposits in the boreal region of Alaska east in
This ecological system is common throughout interior Alaska and extends south and eastward into adjacent provinces and territ
This system is common on well-drained upland terrain on south, west, and east aspects. Picea glauca codominates with Betula
This system occurs primarily in the northern and western portion of boreal Alaska (west, northeast and northwest boreal) and le
Stands of Populus balsamifera ssp. balsamifera and Populus tremuloides occur along south-facing upper slopes with trees gene
This ecological system occurs primarily near the elevational and latitudinal limits of white spruce tree growth. Soils are cold, b
Shrub swamps occur throughout the boreal and boreal transition regions of Alaska on poorly drained, fine-textured soil. Depres
This ecological system is common throughout boreal Alaska on north-facing slopes, gentle hills, and inactive alluvial surfaces u
This floodplain system includes active and inactive forested floodplains and outwash plains, and is mosaiced with Aleutian Floo
This system includes large floodplains associated with high-volume interior rivers (such as the Yukon, Kuskokwim, Koyukuk, a
This system includes glacially-fed and non-glacially-fed rivers and streams throughout the boreal and boreal transition regions
This system occurs throughout the boreal and boreal transition regions of Alaska and is characterized by low-energy riparian co
This system occurs on mountain sideslopes from sea level to treeline where slopes are steep enough to produce frequent snowsl
This ecological system includes a wide variety of herbaceous vegetation types and occurs below subalpine shrublands on sidesl
This ecological system typically occurs just above treeline and below the alpine throughout the maritime region of Alaska. Soil
The alder-salmonberry system is matrix-forming on the Alaska Peninsula and Kodiak Island, diminishes moving west, and is ab
This ecological system occurs on all slopes and aspects with a mesic moisture regime, including windswept coastal headlands,
This ecological system grows primarily on low- to mid-elevation mountain slopes of the Aleutian Islands. Total low-shrub cove
Inland active dunes are a minor but widespread system across the Alaskan arctic. The dunes or blowouts are dry to mesic sand d
This mesic herbaceous system occurs throughout arctic Alaska on hill and mountain slopes, upper drainages, and lowlands inclu
This system occurs commonly throughout the boreal transition region and infrequently in boreal Alaska on mountain slopes wh
This system is widespread on upper mountain slopes above treeline throughout south-central and southwestern Alaska. It occur
This willow shrubland system is relatively uncommon yet widespread on the eastern Alaska Peninsula and Kodiak Island at low
Active inland dunes occur in boreal Alaska and western Canada as remnants of larger systems of dunes and sandsheets that dev
This ecological system occurs throughout boreal Alaska on gentle slopes in subalpine and alpine environments. Carex bigelowi
This ecological system occurs commonly on moderately steep to very steep, south-facing slopes and windswept bluffs througho
This system occurs across the boreal and boreal transition regions of Alaska on dry sideslopes or well-drained lowland sites. So
This ecological system occurs throughout the boreal and boreal transition regions of Alaska on mesic sites on mid- to upper slo
This ecological system occurs throughout the boreal and boreal transition regions of Alaska, and extends south and east into we
Sites are level to steep. The substrates are commonly dunes or shallow to deep eolian sand deposits over bedrock, sometimes 2
This ecological system consists of coastal beaches, beach dunes, and vegetation that has stabilized sand deposits. Cobble beach
This ecological system includes rocky headlands and sea cliffs. Sea cliffs typically occur below 50 m elevation; however, on so
This system consists of coastal beaches, beach dunes, and vegetation that has stabilized sand or cobble deposits. Soils are dry to
This ecological system occurs primarily on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta and the Kotzebue Sound lowlands ecoregions on flat p
This system occurs on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta and the Kotzebue Sound lowlands ecoregions. It is common in wet depress
This system occurs in the boreal and boreal transition regions of Alaska in valley bottoms and on abandoned floodplains and in
This ecological system occurs in lowlands across boreal Alaska and includes treed fens and other organic-rich lowland black sp
This system occurs in shallow depressions and basins, pond margins, and thermokarst pits with an open hydrologic regime. Fen
This ecological system occurs in lowlands of the boreal and boreal transition regions of Alaska and includes low shrub-dominat
This ecological system occurs in the boreal and boreal transition regions of Alaska and is not associated with permafrost proces
This ecological system is a mosaic of dwarf-shrub- and herbaceous-dominated peatlands. It includes well-developed peatlands
This ecological system is a mosaic of dwarf-tree dominated communities (Tsuga mertensiana (more common), Cupressus noot
This ecological system is a mosaic of shore pine-, dwarf-shrub- and herbaceous-dominated peatland communities. It includes w
Floodplain wetlands occur within the active and inactive portions of floodplain systems. Wetlands develop on poorly drained de
This wetland system typically occurs as a ring on the outer edge of peatlands or on uplifted tidal marshes that are relatively wet
This ecological system occurs in shallow depressions, seepage channels on gentle slopes, and pond margins. Peat depth is >40 c
This ecological system occurs in shallow depressions, seepage channels on gentle slopes, and pond margins. It is often mosaice
This ecological system includes a variety of herbaceous wetlands. Wet meadows occur in shallow depressions, seepage channel
Floodplain wetlands occur within the active and inactive portions of the floodplain systems ("floodplain forest and shrub" and "
Freshwater marshes typically occur with other wetland systems on the margins of ponds and lakes. They are mostly small patch
This ecological system includes active and inactive unforested floodplains and outwash plains, and is mosaiced with Aleutian F
Freshwater marshes are found throughout boreal transition and boreal regions of western and northern Alaska. They are charact
This system occurs within the active and inactive portions of floodplains. Wetlands develop on poorly drained deposits, oxbows
This ecological system is common throughout the boreal and boreal transition regions of Alaska in wet depressions, low-lying a
This system includes active alpine and subalpine floodplains and consists of a complex of riparian vegetation, including gravel
This small-patch ecological system often occurs as a mosaic of alpine wetlands including headwater fens, marshes, and riparian
This ecological system includes moist and wet meadows associated with delta deposits, uplifted marshes, or beach deposits. Th
This ecological system includes herbaceous wetlands in fens (not including bogs) and non-peatlands. The fen/wet meadow syst
This ecological system occurs in the lower alpine and subalpine. Elliottia pyroliflorus dominates the overstory (10 to 80% cove
Freshwater marshes are found at all elevations below timberline throughout the temperate Pacific Coast and mountains of weste
This coastal brackish meadow system typically occurs immediately above tidal marshes in arctic Alaska. It has >25% herbaceo
This system typically occurs immediately above coastal brackish meadows or tidal marshes in arctic Alaska. These are tidal dep
Tidal flats are subject to regular tidal inundation, have <10% vascular species cover, and are dominated by bare ground or algae
This system consists of herbaceous marshes with >10% vascular species cover that are subject to regular tidal inundation. The m
This system consists of herbaceous marshes with >10% vascular species cover that are subject to regular tidal inundation. The m
Intertidal salt and brackish marshes are found throughout the Pacific Coast, from Kodiak Island and south-central Alaska to the
These are mesic subalpine and alpine herbaceous meadows that occur on mountain sideslopes in the boreal transition and marit
This system occurs primarily on alpine and subalpine sites of southeastern, maritime Alaska, but it can also be found at lower e
This sparsely vegetated ecological system occurs on exposed summits, windswept ridges, and fell-fields. These sites are charac
This system is common in valley bottoms, sideslopes, stabilized dunes, terraces, moraines and fans. Patch size is small to matri
This is a common system throughout the Alaska Peninsula and Aleutian Islands from low to high elevations. It occurs in valleys
This system typically occurs at mid to high elevations on cliffs, rocky outcrops, exposed summits, windswept ridges, and fell-fi
This is a common system on acidic substrates (pH typically <6) in the hills and mountains of arctic Alaska. This system does no
This is a common system on acidic substrates in the hills and mountains of arctic Alaska. This system does not occur in arctic lo
This is a common system on acidic substrates (pH typically <6) in the hills and mountains of arctic Alaska. This system does no
This is a common system on acidic and non-acidic substrates in the hills and mountains of arctic Alaska. This system does not o
This ecological system includes active and inactive glacially- and non-glacially-fed floodplains. It is mosaiced with various floo
This system includes floodplains associated with two of Alaska's high-volume arctic rivers: the Yukon and Kuskokwim. It inclu
This is a common ecological system in the hills and mountains of arctic Alaska. Common slope positions include sideslopes, su
The alder system is widespread but uncommon on mountain slopes, hillslopes and small steep streams throughout arctic Alaska
This mesic sedge-Dryas tundra system is common on mountain slopes, hillslopes, drained lake basins, stabilized dunes, and sno
This ecological system is common on mountain slopes, hillslopes, drained lake basins, stabilized dunes, and snowbeds througho
The low-tall willow system is widespread and common on mesic to wet mountain slopes, hillslopes, flats, and adjacent to stream
This is a common system on non-acidic substrates (pH typically >6) in the hills and mountains of arctic Alaska. This system als
This is a common system on non-acidic substrates (pH typically >6) in the hills and mountains of arctic Alaska. This system do
This is a common system on non-acidic substrates (pH typically >6) in the hills and mountains of arctic Alaska. This system do
This system occurs on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta and the Kotzebue Sound lowlands ecoregions but not on the Beaufort Coas
This system is common throughout arctic Alaska on mesic mountain slopes, hillslopes and flats. Patch size is small to matrix-fo
This alpine and subalpine system occurs commonly on mountain sideslopes, low summits and ridges, and in alpine valleys, thro
This system occurs on windswept summits and ridges on alpine sites in the boreal and boreal transition regions of Alaska. Soils
This ecological system is common on summits and ridges throughout boreal, northern, and western Alaska. The shrub compone
This is a common alpine system throughout the boreal and boreal transition regions and in northern Alaska. Common slope pos
This system includes active alpine and subalpine floodplains. Frequent river channel migration and associated flooding and fluv
Freshwater marshes dominated by Arctophila fulva occur as small patches throughout arctic Alaska, typically on the margins of
Ice-wedge polygons and the thaw-lake cycle dominate the Beaufort Coastal Plain ecoregion. The ice-wedge polygons generally
Ice-wedge polygons and the thaw-lake cycle dominate the Beaufort Coastal Plain ecoregion. The ice-wedge polygons generally
Ice-wedge polygons and the thaw-lake cycle dominate the Beaufort Coastal Plain ecoregion. The ice-wedge polygons generally
Freshwater marshes occur as small patches throughout arctic Alaska, typically on the margins of ponds, lakes and beaded stream
Tussock shrub tundra is common in valleys and slopes throughout arctic Alaska. These sites are cold, poorly drained, and under
Tussock tundra is common in valleys and slopes throughout arctic Alaska. These sites are cold, poorly drained, and underlain b
The tussock lichen tundra system is common in valleys and slopes throughout arctic Alaska. These sites are cold, poorly draine
This ecological system occurs on wet sites (typically with 0-10% visible surface water) with >25% cover of sedge species. Site
This is a common lowland system dominated by tussock sedges and low shrubs. Eriophorum vaginatum is the primary tussock-
This ecological system is dominated by sedges in a tussock growth form. Eriophorum vaginatum is the primary tussock-former
Coastal mudflats are found along the north Pacific Coast from Cook Inlet, Alaska, south to central California. Mudflats form a
Eelgrass beds are found throughout the coastal areas of the North Pacific Coast, from southern Oregon (Coos Bay) north into th
This system is found throughout arctic Alaska as small patches confined to lakes and ponds. In large bodies of water, it is usual
Freshwater aquatic beds are found throughout the humid temperate regions of the Pacific Coast of North America. They are sm
Freshwater aquatic beds are found at all elevations below timberline throughout boreal Alaska, the montane boreal of western C
This system is known as Bedrock by the Alaska Natural Heritage Program.
This system is known as Bedrock, Non-Vegetated by the Alaska Natural Heritage Program.
This ecological system occurs on talus- and bedrock-dominated sites above the dwarf-shrub zone, and also on early-seral alpine
This ecological system includes all the exposed rock and rubble above the forest line (subalpine parkland and above) in the Nor
This class is composed of unvegetated landscapes of annual/perennial ice and snow, where snowfall accumulation exceeds melt
Barren areas of bedrock, desert pavement, scarps, talus, slides, volcanic material, glacial debris, sand dunes, strip mines, gravel
Areas used for the production of annual crops, such as corn, soybeans, vegetables, tobacco, and cotton, and also perennial wood
Areas of grasses, legumes, or grass-legume mixtures planted for livestock grazing or the production of seed or hay crops, typica
Includes highly developed areas where people reside or work in high numbers. Examples include apartment complexes, row ho
Includes areas with a mixture of constructed materials and vegetation. Impervious surfaces account for 20-49 percent of total co
Includes areas with a mixture of constructed materials and vegetation. Impervious surfaces account for 50-79 percent of the tota
Includes areas with a mixture of some constructed materials, but mostly vegetation in the form of lawn grasses. Impervious sur
Areas previously dominated by forest, that have burned in the recent past, and where evidence of fire is visible on the imagery (
All areas of open water, generally less than 25% cover of vegetation or soil. Specifically, coastal and near-shore estuarine and/o
All areas of open water, generally less than 25% cover of vegetation or soil. Specifically, inland waters of streams, rivers, pond
h deglaciation since the end of the Little Ice Age (especially common in Glacier Bay and Kenai Fjords). This is not a riverine system, and g
lf Coast in the following areas: Copper River Delta, Cape Yakataga, Yakutat Forelands, and outer coast of Glacier Bay National Park. Picea
Coast of Alaska and the North Pacific, in the perhumid and subpolar rainforest zones. Sites dominated by Picea sitchensis are usually tied
n portions of the Pacific Northwest Coast. It occurs from coastal British Columbia (north of the northern limit of Pseudotsuga menziesii) th
hwestern Washington. Their center of distribution is the northern coast of British Columbia, as Thuja plicata approaches its northernmost li
heastern Alaska. It is more common on the islands than on the mainland and is less common on northern Chichagof Island than on southern
Chugach mountains and represents a transition from maritime forests to south-central boreal forests. Soils are mesic and derived from collu
through southeastern Alaska. It occurs primarily in the maritime region, but also occurs in the sub-boreal transition on the inland side of the
ast of Alaska, including the Kenai, Chugach, St. Elias, Fairweather, and Coast mountains. It is dominated by mountain hemlock forests and
n Cascades of Oregon to the mountains of southeastern Alaska bordering British Columbia. It occurs at the transition zone of forest to alpin
aska. It includes the active and inactive portions of the floodplain but not abandoned floodplains. Frequent flooding, shifting channels, and
es with restricted drainage from Kenai Fjords through southeast Alaska. Soils may be shallow to deep, are poorly drained, and usually have
nd Prince William Sound, Alaska, to the southern coast of Oregon. These are deciduous broadleaf tall shrublands that are located in depress
glauca and Betula papyrifera are typically codominant in an open canopy.
or Picea X lutzii are the dominant conifers, although Betula papyrifera, Populus balsamifera, and Populus tremuloides are often present. Co
and. This system occurs at low elevations and also at the upper elevational limit of broad-leaved trees. At low elevations it is found predom
riana. Soils are poorly drained and acidic with a well-developed peat layer. Sites on lower concave slopes and toeslopes are wet, while site
n the boreal region of interior Alaska, and extends south and east into the territories and provinces of western Canada. It is also widespread
oreal region of Alaska east into Yukon Territory, and east into the western provinces and territories of Canada. It is widespread in south-cent
adjacent provinces and territories of Canada into western Alberta. The montane Picea glauca forests in the Northern Rockies represent the
ca codominates with Betula papyrifera and/or Populus tremuloides, and the mixed stands are persistent for over 75 years.
and northwest boreal) and less commonly in the western and southwestern boreal transition (Nulato Hills and Ahklun Mountains). These ar
upper slopes with trees generally persisting in smaller size classes (seedling, sapling and pole). Clones often grow above the elevation limit
ree growth. Soils are cold, but peat-forming mosses are not common in the ground layer. Forest canopy is dominated by Picea glauca and c
ed, fine-textured soil. Depressions with standing water are common throughout the growing season. Soils range from muck to mineral and a
nd inactive alluvial surfaces underlain by permafrost. Soils are poorly drained and consist of tussocks over peat or mineral soil. Picea maria
mosaiced with Aleutian Floodplain Wetland (CES105.296). Forested floodplains and outwash plains are widespread on Kodiak Island and
on, Kuskokwim, Koyukuk, and Tanana rivers). Flooding regime is characterized by large spring floods at ice break-up. Young successional
nd boreal transition regions of Alaska. It includes the active and inactive portions of the floodplain, but not abandoned floodplains. Soils ar
ed by low-energy riparian communities. These riparian zones are typically narrow bands of forest or shrubs along streams in low-gradient a
h to produce frequent snowslides preventing forest development. Mass wasting, including rockfall and soil creep, also contributes to the dis
balpine shrublands on sideslopes, rolling hills, and alluvial deposits. Soils are typically mesic, well-drained, and underlain by colluvium, al
ritime region of Alaska. Soils are typically mesic, well-drained, shallow, and stony, and underlain by colluvium, glacial till or residuum. Aln
ishes moving west, and is absent by Dutch Harbor. It occurs on flat to steep slopes (0-50 degrees) at low to mid elevations (1-1000 m) in va
indswept coastal headlands, coastal bluffs, old beach ridges, hillside slopes, stabilized talus, alluvial fans, and ravine sideslopes, and commo
slands. Total low-shrub cover is >25%, and Vaccinium ovalifolium typically contributes >50% of the total shrub cover. Herbaceous species
wouts are dry to mesic sand deposits, and the slacks may be wet silts and sands. This system's patch size is small. Some common vegetation
drainages, and lowlands including drained lake basins. It typically occurs as small patches and is more common in the western arctic. This s
aska on mountain slopes where slopes are steep enough to produce frequent snow slides thus preventing forest development. Slopes that pr
outhwestern Alaska. It occurs less commonly throughout the northern boreal region to the southern slopes of the Brooks Range. This system
ula and Kodiak Island at low to mid elevations (range of 3-657 m in Katmai National Park and Preserve) and diminishes moving west. It ty
unes and sandsheets that developed under the climatic conditions of the late Pleistocene. Strong storm winds carried glacio-fluvial silts and
nvironments. Carex bigelowii is the dominant species. Other common species may include Luzula confusa and lichens. Dwarf-shrubs such a
d windswept bluffs throughout the boreal and boreal transition regions of Alaska. Generally, the substrate is steep, unstable, dry mineral soi
 ell-drained lowland sites. Soils are well-drained to excessively drained and permafrost is absent. These sites are typically dominated by gra
ic sites on mid- to upper slopes, above treeline and on flats and sideslopes. Betula nana usually dominates the shrub layer, but Vaccinium u
xtends south and east into western Canada. Soils are typically fine-textured mineral and may be poorly drained (on flats) to well-drained (on
over bedrock, sometimes 2 km inland. This system is not subjected to typical coastal processes such as overwash. The sites may be unstab
sand deposits. Cobble beaches are also included. Soils are dry to mesic (occasionally tidally inundated) and typically sandy. Patch size is sm
m elevation; however, on some extremely exposed cliffs, such as those on outer headlands, salt spray from winter storms may affect cliffs a
bble deposits. Soils are dry to mesic and typically sandy. Patch size is small to moderate and often linear. Two different physiognomic struct
owlands ecoregions on flat permafrost plateaus and raised bogs. Soils are poorly drained and acidic, typically with a well-developed peat la
It is common in wet depressions and old lake basins. Soils are poorly drained and acidic, typically with a well-developed peat layer. Perma
bandoned floodplains and includes treed bogs (and poor fens) and other organic-rich lowland black spruce forests. Sites are generally flat to
rganic-rich lowland black spruce-tamarack forests. Soils are poorly drained and often have a well-developed peat layer. Sites are less acidic
open hydrologic regime. Fens are nutrient-rich and have a thick peat layer that may be floating or submerged. Standing water is usually pre
includes low shrub-dominated wetlands. Sites may be bogs, fens, or wetlands. Soils are saturated for at least a portion of the growing seaso
iated with permafrost processes. It includes bogs and poor fens (systems with little or no groundwater inputs) with thick (>40 cm) peat depo
es well-developed peatlands (bogs and poor fens) in basins or on flat to gently sloping terrain. Soils are acidic and are usually saturated thro
e common), Cupressus nootkatensis, or Picea sitchensis), and dwarf-shrub- and herbaceous-dominated peatland communities. It typically o
d communities. It includes well-developed peatlands on flat, rolling, or sloping terrain. Soils are poorly drained with deep organic layers. Tr
develop on poorly drained deposits, oxbows, and abandoned channels and are often mosaiced with well-drained floodplain vegetation. Freq
arshes that are relatively wet but no longer tidally influenced. It is a minor yet widespread system wherever mature peatlands and uplifted ti
margins. Peat depth is >40 cm and may be over mineral soil, floating or submerged. The sites are wet, and patch size is small. Dominance
margins. It is often mosaiced with the wet meadow and other wetland ecological systems. It occurs on peat, floating organic mats or miner
depressions, seepage channels on gentle slopes, old beaver ponds, pond margins, along streams, lake borders, wet slopes, valley toeslopes, t
plain forest and shrub" and "floodplain herbaceous meadow and shrub"). Wetlands develop on poorly drained deposits, oxbows, and abando
They are mostly small patch, semipermanently flooded, but some have seasonal flooding. Water is at or above the surface for most of the g
is mosaiced with Aleutian Floodplain Wetland (CES105.296). Small unforested floodplains and outwash plains are widespread in the Aleut
ern Alaska. They are characterized by emergent herbaceous vegetation. Freshwater marshes typically occur with other wetland systems. Th
rly drained deposits, oxbows, and abandoned channels and are often mosaiced with well-drained floodplain vegetation. Frequent river chan
wet depressions, low-lying areas, and shallow drainage ways. These systems are minerotrophic with high nutrient levels and high rates of d
vegetation, including gravel bars, herbaceous vegetation, and dwarf-, low, or tall shrub. Riparian zones are characterized by frequent floodin
er fens, marshes, and riparian zones. Common species include Salix reticulata, Salix stolonifera, Viola spp., Lupinus nootkatensis, Mimulus
arshes, or beach deposits. These meadows occur inland of tidal marshes and are also common along sloughs and levees. Meadows are domi
ds. The fen/wet meadow system may be dominated either by sedges, sedges with a variety of forbs, or forbs. The organic layer ranges from
e overstory (10 to 80% cover) and ranges in height from 0.6-1.5 m (2-5 feet). Other species include Phyllodoce aleutica, Nephrophyllidium
Coast and mountains of western North America. In the Pacific Northwest, they are mostly small-patch, confined to limited areas in suitable f
laska. It has >25% herbaceous cover and <25% shrub cover. These sites are tidally inundated during storm tides and extreme high tides and
c Alaska. These are tidal deposits that are only periodically tidally flooded and typically have permafrost. It is a dominant system on the Yu
ated by bare ground or algae. This system often forms a narrow band along oceanic inlets, deltas, and tidal marshes. Algae are the dominan
egular tidal inundation. The marshes are salt or brackish. Some are primarily freshwater that are infrequently flooded during storm surges or
egular tidal inundation. The marshes are typically salt or brackish. Some, however, are primarily freshwater that are infrequently flooded by
d south-central Alaska to the central California coast. They are primarily associated with estuaries or coastal lagoons. Salt marshes are limit
e boreal transition and maritime regions of Alaska. The slope position is often above the tall-shrub zone and below alpine dwarf-shrub tund
can also be found at lower elevations (e.g., Kenai Fjords and Prince William Sound). It occurs on sideslopes, shoulder slopes, and low sum
fields. These sites are characterized by harsh environmental conditions. Slopes vary from moderately sloped to flat. Dominant species inclu
. Patch size is small to matrix forming. It typically occupies lower elevation sites than Aleutian Mixed Dwarf-Shrub-Herbaceous Shrubland
levations. It occurs in valleys, terraces, sideslopes, and ridges. In the mountains, this system often grades upslope into the Aleutian sparse h
 windswept ridges, and fell-fields characterized by harsh environmental conditions. Slopes vary from flat to steep. Total vascular plant cover
Alaska. This system does not occur in the arctic lowlands. Common slope positions include valleys, sideslopes, and summits and ridges. Si
em does not occur in arctic lowlands. Common slope positions include valleys, sideslopes, and summits and ridges. Sites are typically dry t
Alaska. This system does not occur in the arctic lowlands. Common slope positions include valleys, sideslopes, and summits and ridges. T
laska. This system does not occur in arctic lowlands. Common slope positions include valleys, sideslopes (especially north-facing), late-lyin
is mosaiced with various floodplain wetland systems and is widespread and common. The rivers are typically braided, and floodplain terrac
kon and Kuskokwim. It includes active (flooded frequently) and inactive floodplains (flooded infrequently) and is mosaiced with the variou
sitions include sideslopes, summits and ridges. Sites are typically acidic and dry to mesic. It is especially common on recent volcanic depos
ams throughout arctic Alaska. Patch size is typically small. Soils are mesic but sometimes wet if found adjacent to a small stream. Total shru
ins, stabilized dunes, and snowbeds throughout arctic Alaska. Patch size is small to matrix-forming. pH ranges from circumneutral to non-a
unes, and snowbeds throughout arctic Alaska. Permafrost is present. Patch size is small to large. The mesic sedge-willow tundra system is c
s, flats, and adjacent to streams throughout arctic Alaska. Patch size is small to large and often linear along small streams. Soils are mesic to
rctic Alaska. This system also occurs as small patches on river bluffs on the Beaufort Coastal Plain, but otherwise does not occur in the arct
rctic Alaska. This system does not occur in arctic lowlands. Common slope positions include valleys, sideslopes, and summits and ridges. S
rctic Alaska. This system does not occur in arctic lowlands. Common slope positions include valleys, sideslopes, and summits and ridges. T
but not on the Beaufort Coastal Plain. It occurs on flat permafrost plateaus and gently sloping terrain. Soils are poorly drained and acidic, ty
tch size is small to matrix-forming. Soils are mesic. The total low- and tall-shrub cover is >25%, and Betula nana, Vaccinium uliginosum, o
es, and in alpine valleys, throughout the boreal region and northern Alaska; it is uncommon throughout the boreal transition. Sites are well-
tion regions of Alaska. Soils are thin, stony, and well-drained to excessively well-drained. Canopy cover is sparse, generally less than 25%,
Alaska. The shrub component is often mixed, with ericaceous shrubs, Dryas, and willows contributing to the layer. Lichen cover is at least
n Alaska. Common slope positions include alpine valleys, sideslopes, and low summits and ridges. Ericaceous dwarf-shrubs typically domin
associated flooding and fluvial processes constitute the major disturbances in this type. Soils develop on alluvium and are typically shallow
a, typically on the margins of ponds and lakes. They are semipermanently flooded, but some have seasonal flooding, and the water depth typ
ce-wedge polygons generally occur on level surfaces (0- to 2-degree slopes), and the ice wedges may be 2 m wide at the top. Polygon diame
ce-wedge polygons generally occur on level surfaces (0- to 2-degree slopes), and the ice wedges may be 2 m wide at the top. Polygon diame
ce-wedge polygons generally occur on level surfaces (0- to 2-degree slopes), and the ice wedges may be 2 m wide at the top. Polygon diame
onds, lakes and beaded streams. This system is also found on large to small floodplains where various wetlands form in oxbows, wet depres
d, poorly drained, and underlain by mesic, silty mineral soils with a shallow surface organic layer surrounding the tussocks. Permafrost is p
orly drained, and underlain by mesic, silty mineral soils with a shallow surface organic layer surrounding the tussocks. Permafrost is present
sites are cold, poorly drained, and underlain by mesic, silty mineral soils with a shallow surface organic layer surrounding the tussocks. Per
cover of sedge species. Sites are flat to sloping in valley bottoms, basins, low-center polygons, water tracks and adjacent to streams. It also
atum is the primary tussock-former in most stands, but Carex bigelowii may be the dominant tussock sedge on some sites. Other indicator
s the primary tussock-former in most stands and Carex bigelowii is also common. On wetter sites, Vaccinium spp. (= Oxycoccus spp.) and C
California. Mudflats form a narrow band along oceanic inlets, and are more extensive at the mouths of larger rivers. Algae are the dominant
gon (Coos Bay) north into the Gulf of Alaska, Cook Inlet, and Bristol Bay coasts. Intertidal zones are found with clear water in bays, inlets
e bodies of water, it is usually restricted to the littoral region where penetration of light is the limiting factor for growth. Large to small floo
North America. They are small patch in size, confined to lakes, ponds, oxbows, and slow-moving portions of rivers and streams. In large bo
montane boreal of western Canada, and the boreal plains into eastern Canada. This system is small patch in size and confined to lakes, pond

and also on early-seral alpine sites near glaciers. Sites are well-drained to excessively drained, and there is little soil development. They are
rkland and above) in the North Pacific mountain ranges and is restricted to the highest elevations in the Cascade Range, from southwestern
l accumulation exceeds melting. The primary ecological processes include snow/ice retention, wind desiccation, and permafrost.
nd dunes, strip mines, gravel pits and other accumulations of earthen material. Generally, vegetation accounts for less than 15% of total cov
ton, and also perennial woody crops such as orchards and vineyards. Crop vegetation accounts for greater than 20 percent of total vegetatio
n of seed or hay crops, typically on a perennial cycle. Pasture/hay vegetation accounts for greater than 20 percent of total vegetation.
partment complexes, row houses and commercial/industrial. Impervious surfaces account for 80 to100 percent of the total cover.
for 20-49 percent of total cover. These areas most commonly include single-family housing units.
for 50-79 percent of the total cover. These areas most commonly include single-family housing units.
awn grasses. Impervious surfaces account for less than 20 percent of total cover. These areas most commonly include large-lot single-family
re is visible on the imagery (images acquired between 1999-2001). These areas are currently dominated by herbs, shrubs, legacy trees, rege
nd near-shore estuarine and/or marine waters.
aters of streams, rivers, ponds and lakes.
 This is not a riverine system, and glacial outwash systems are also not included. Soils are derived from glacial till, residuum and colluvium
of Glacier Bay National Park. Picea sitchensis is usually dominant in the canopy, but Tsuga heterophylla can be codominant especially on
by Picea sitchensis are usually tied to disturbance such as slope instability, water movement (either downhill through the soil or in open str
n limit of Pseudotsuga menziesii) through southeast Alaska to Prince William Sound (the northwest limit of Tsuga heterophylla). This syste
icata approaches its northernmost limit in the southern half of southeastern Alaska. These forests occur mainly on islands but also fringe the
n Chichagof Island than on southern Chichagof and Baranof islands. It occurs at all elevations below the Mountain Hemlock Zone and is m
ils are mesic and derived from colluvium, glacial deposits, or residual bedrock. Permafrost is rare. Picea X lutzii is the dominant spruce an
al transition on the inland side of the Kenai and Chugach mountains. This system occurs on relatively stable sideslopes and benches, and so
d by mountain hemlock forests and parkland growing near elevational treeline. Tsuga mertensiana is the dominant tree and often grows wit
the transition zone of forest to alpine, forming a subalpine forest-meadow ecotone. Mountain hemlock forests, as they approach treeline, b
ent flooding, shifting channels, and sediment deposition characterize the system. This system includes large and small channels as well as p
are poorly drained, and usually have a thick organic layer or some peat development. In some places, stands are often a fine mosaic of peatl
hrublands that are located in depressions, around lakes or ponds, or river terraces where water tables fluctuate seasonally (mostly seasonally

lus tremuloides are often present. Common shrubs include Menziesia ferruginea, Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata, Vaccinium ovalifolium, Oplopan
At low elevations it is found predominantly on well-drained, gentle lower hillslopes, large moraines, and old riparian terraces, although floo
pes and toeslopes are wet, while sites on upper slopes, convex slopes and ridges may be mesic. Common species include Ledum groenlandi
estern Canada. It is also widespread in the boreal transition region in south-central Alaska on well-drained upland terrain. Betula papyrifera
anada. It is widespread in south-central Alaska on well-drained sites, including old alluvial plains, abandoned floodplains, and inactive terra
the Northern Rockies represent the southernmost extent of these expansive boreal forests. The southern limit appears to be related to July m
for over 75 years.
ls and Ahklun Mountains). These are cool dry sites on well-drained to excessively well-drained substrates. Soils are thin and develop on gra
often grow above the elevation limit of Picea glauca and into the subalpine zone. This system occurs commonly throughout the mountain r
is dominated by Picea glauca and cover is generally between 10% and 25% (40%). In some locations Alnus viridis is the dominant unders
ls range from muck to mineral and are relatively nutrient-rich. Some sites have a thin peat layer. The shrub layer is typically dominated by
ver peat or mineral soil. Picea mariana is the dominant overstory species in an open to woodland canopy. Tussock-forming sedges contribu
e widespread on Kodiak Island and the eastern Alaska Peninsula, but absent from the Aleutian Islands. The substrate is typically well-drain
at ice break-up. Young successional stages are dominated by willow and alder followed by balsam poplar and/or white spruce. Wetland dev
not abandoned floodplains. Soils are alluvial, well-drained and poorly developed. Frequent river channel migration and associated flooding
rubs along streams in low-gradient and low-volume drainages. Seasonal overbank flooding may occur, but generally it does not result in shi
soil creep, also contributes to the disturbance cycle. This system is similar in species composition to Alaskan Pacific Maritime Subalpine Al
ined, and underlain by colluvium, alluvium, glacial till or residuum. Vegetation may be dominated by forbs, graminoids, or ferns. The most
lluvium, glacial till or residuum. Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata is often the dominant species, but Rubus spectabilis may be codominant. Other c
w to mid elevations (1-1000 m) in valleys, hills and mountains. The slopes are typically ash-covered, colluvium, or glacial drift. Total low-
s, and ravine sideslopes, and commonly forms a mosaic with alder patches. Patch size is small to matrix-forming. Herbaceous cover is >25
tal shrub cover. Herbaceous species and dwarf-shrubs are common, including Athyrium filix-femina, Chamerion angustifolium ssp. angustif
e is small. Some common vegetation types include those dominated by low and tall willows, mesic herbaceous meadows, and wet sedge me
common in the western arctic. This system occurs on mesic sites with >25% cover of herbaceous species. Species include Carex microchae
g forest development. Slopes that produce regular avalanches typically have an upper slope angle of at least 70%, but the lower slopes and r
es of the Brooks Range. This system often appears as a band of alder above treeline and below alpine systems. Low shrub replaces this syst
e) and diminishes moving west. It typically occurs as small patches in broad valleys, on mountain sideslopes with slopes ranging from 0 to
winds carried glacio-fluvial silts and sands across vast areas of northwestern North America. Most of these sand deposits have been stabilize
usa and lichens. Dwarf-shrubs such as Arctostaphylos alpina, Empetrum nigrum, Salix pulchra, and Betula nana are usually present, but con
ate is steep, unstable, dry mineral soil. This system is common above major rivers and is often associated with river bluffs above treeline. So
 sites are typically dominated by grasses, though forbs may codominate on some sites. Shrub cover is less than 25%. Common species inclu
ates the shrub layer, but Vaccinium uliginosum, Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens, Salix pulchra, Salix barclayi, or other Salix spp. may also b
drained (on flats) to well-drained (on sideslopes). In the boreal transition region, mesic Calamagrostis canadensis meadows often occur nea
s overwash. The sites may be unstable, including eroding coastal bluffs and isolated blowouts. Other sites have loamy soils on colluvium tha
and typically sandy. Patch size is small to moderate and often linear. This system sometimes grades into sandy loess deposits on rolling hill
rom winter storms may affect cliffs at 100-200 m elevation. Vegetation cover is typically sparse to absent. Frequent exposure to salt spray d
r. Two different physiognomic structures are found in the system: Leymus mollis grasslands and dwarf-shrublands; bare sand or cobble are a
pically with a well-developed peat layer. Permafrost is present. Patch size is small to large. Dwarf- and low shrub cover is >25%, Sphagnum
h a well-developed peat layer. Permafrost may be present. Patch size is small to large. Sphagnum cover is >25% (usually continuous), and h
uce forests. Sites are generally flat to gently sloping terrain, on slopes up to 8 degrees. Soils are poorly drained and acidic, often with a well
oped peat layer. Sites are less acidic than Western North American Boreal Black Spruce Dwarf-Tree Peatland (CES105.139). Sites with at l
erged. Standing water is usually present. Dominant species may include Menyanthes trifoliata, Equisetum fluviatile, Comarum palustre, Ca
t least a portion of the growing season, and permafrost is absent. An organic peat layer is usually present, but peat depth is variable but often
nputs) with thick (>40 cm) peat deposits. Organic soils are acidic and nutrient-poor. Common species include Vaccinium oxycoccos (= Oxy
acidic and are usually saturated throughout the growing season. Sphagnum spp. (especially Sphagnum fuscum) dominate the ground layer. S
peatland communities. It typically occurs on sloping terrain and may develop on fairly steep sideslopes in areas with very high rainfall and
drained with deep organic layers. Trees are usually stunted and the tree canopy typically has less than <30% cover. Common species includ
-drained floodplain vegetation. Frequent river channel migration and associated flooding and fluvial processes constitute the major disturba
ever mature peatlands and uplifted tidal marshes occur, such as the Copper River Delta and Yakutat Forelands. It also occurs on old lakebed
and patch size is small. Dominance ranges from mosses ( Sphagnum spp. or Philonotis fontana var. americana and Parnassia kotzebuei) to
peat, floating organic mats or mineral soil. The sites are wet, and patch size is small. This system has >25% shrub cover. Common shrubs in
rders, wet slopes, valley toeslopes, terraces, late-melting snowbeds, in wet depressions of Empetrum heath, bedrock or colluvium. The orga
rained deposits, oxbows, and abandoned channels, and are often mosaiced with well-drained floodplain vegetation. River channel migration
r above the surface for most of the growing season. Soils are muck or mineral. Freshwater marshes have >10% cover of emergent herbaceo
sh plains are widespread in the Aleutian Islands and Alaska Peninsula. The substrate is typically well-drained sand or cobble alluvium, altho
ccur with other wetland systems. They occur on the margins of ponds, lakes, and riparian systems and on inland deltas where rivers drain in
plain vegetation. Frequent river channel migration and associated flooding and fluvial processes constitute the major disturbances. Wetland
gh nutrient levels and high rates of decomposition. Soils are mineral or muck and are saturated at some point during the growing season, bu
are characterized by frequent flooding, shifting channels, and transport and deposition of alluvium. Tall and low shrubs reach their maximu
pp., Lupinus nootkatensis, Mimulus guttatus, Mimulus lewisii, Petasites frigidus var. frigidus, Sanguisorba canadensis, and Leptarrhena py
ughs and levees. Meadows are dominated by a wide variety of graminoids and forbs, including Deschampsia beringensis, Festuca rubra, A
orbs. The organic layer ranges from thick to thin, and may be composed of sphagnum, sedge, or other organic material and can occur over m
yllodoce aleutica, Nephrophyllidium crista-galli, Cornus suecica, Luetkea pectinata, Athyrium filix-femina, Cassiope mertensiana, Dryopte
onfined to limited areas in suitable floodplain or basin topography. They are mostly semipermanently flooded, but some marshes have seas
orm tides and extreme high tides and, consequently, are brackish. The soils typically lack organics, and permafrost is uncommon. The main
st. It is a dominant system on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, but occurs elsewhere along the arctic Alaska coast. It has >25% dwarf- and low
idal marshes. Algae are the dominant vegetation.
ently flooded during storm surges or extreme high tides. Tidal marshes are primarily associated with estuaries or coastal lagoons or other lo
ater that are infrequently flooded by storm surges or extreme high tides. Tidal marshes are primarily associated with estuaries or coastal lag
astal lagoons. Salt marshes are limited to bays and behind sand spits or other locations protected from wave action. Typically these areas fo
e and below alpine dwarf-shrub tundra, and the slope shape is usually straight to concave. The substrate is colluvium, residuum, or glacial ti
lopes, shoulder slopes, and low summits, and the terrain varies from gently sloping to steep. The vegetation can be a mosaic of herbaceous
oped to flat. Dominant species include Empetrum nigrum, Vaccinium uliginosum, Loiseleuria procumbens, Phyllodoce aleutica, Harrimane
Dwarf-Shrub-Herbaceous Shrubland (CES105.231). Dwarf-shrub cover is >25% and dominated by Empetrum nigrum; herbaceous cover is
es upslope into the Aleutian sparse heath and fell-field system. The continuous dwarf-shrub heaths often fragment into strips that alternate w
 t to steep. Total vascular plant cover is 10-25%. Sites typically support vegetation similar to the adjacent ecological systems. The higher ele
deslopes, and summits and ridges. Sites are typically dry to mesic and are uncommon on late-lying snowbeds. Patch size is small to large. D
s and ridges. Sites are typically dry to mesic, exposed to the wind, and accumulate little winter snow. Patch size is small to large. Dwarf-shr
deslopes, and summits and ridges. The canopy is sparse due to extreme exposure, exposed bedrock or unstable substrates. Sites are typically
es (especially north-facing), late-lying snowbeds, and summits and ridges. Sites are typically dry to mesic. Patch size is small to large. Dwa
ically braided, and floodplain terraces may be short-lived (<100 years) or last for more than a 1000 years. Soils develop on alluvium and ar
tly) and is mosaiced with the various floodplain wetland ecological systems. The flooding regime is characterized by large spring floods at
y common on recent volcanic deposits with little soil development. Patch size is small to large. Lichen cover is >25%, and vascular plant sp
adjacent to a small stream. Total shrub cover is >25% and dominated by alders. Alnus viridis ssp. crispa is the dominant shrub species but m
ranges from circumneutral to non-acidic. Permafrost is present, and the soil surface is mesic but may be saturated below 15 cm. This system
esic sedge-willow tundra system is codominated by sedges and dwarf- and low shrubs, although low-shrub cover is <25%; Salix cover is >2
ong small streams. Soils are mesic to wet, including wet sites with subsurface waterflow, water tracks, adjacent to narrow constrained stream
otherwise does not occur in the arctic lowlands. Common slope positions include valleys, sideslopes, and summits and ridges. Sites are typ
ideslopes, and summits and ridges. Sites are typically dry to mesic, exposed to the wind, and do not accumulate much winter snow. Non-aci
ideslopes, and summits and ridges. The canopy is sparse due to extreme exposure, exposed bedrock or unstable substrates. Sites are typicall
oils are poorly drained and acidic, typically with a well-developed peat layer. Permafrost is present. Patch size is small to large. Dwarf- and
etula nana, Vaccinium uliginosum, or Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens typically dominate or codominate. Salix spp. (such as Salix pulchra)
the boreal transition. Sites are well-drained and mesic to somewhat dry. Dryas integrifolia and/or Dryas octopetala dominate the shrub lay
er is sparse, generally less than 25%, due to extreme exposure. Common species include Dryas spp., Vaccinium uliginosum, Empetrum nigr
to the layer. Lichen cover is at least 25%. Sites are generally exposed to the wind and do not accumulate much winter snow. Common shru
aceous dwarf-shrubs typically dominate, but a wide range of species and plant communities are encompassed in this system. Total lichen co
on alluvium and are typically shallow and well-drained. This system includes a range of floodplain vegetation including shrubs (dwarf-, low
nal flooding, and the water depth typically exceeds 10 cm. It is also found on large to small floodplains where various wetlands form in oxb
2 m wide at the top. Polygon diameter ranges from several to more than 30 m. In addition to the Beaufort Coastal Plain, ice-wedge polygo
2 m wide at the top. Polygon diameter ranges from several to more than 30 m. In addition to the Beaufort Coastal Plain, ice-wedge polygo
2 m wide at the top. Polygon diameter ranges from several to more than 30 m. In addition to the Beaufort Coastal Plain, ice-wedge polygo
etlands form in oxbows, wet depressions, low-lying areas, and abandoned channels, including freshwater marshes. Soils are muck or miner
unding the tussocks. Permafrost is present. Patch size is small to matrix-forming. Tussock shrub tundra has >35% cover of sedges in a tusso
g the tussocks. Permafrost is present. Patch size is small to large. Tussock tundra has >35% cover of sedges in a tussock growth form; the c
c layer surrounding the tussocks. Permafrost is present. Lichens are more common on the drier tussock tundra sites in western Alaska. Patch
acks and adjacent to streams. It also includes patterned wetlands such as ribbed fens. These wet sedge meadows are also found on large to s
edge on some sites. Other indicator species include Betula nana, Salix pulchra, Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens, Ledum groenlandicum, Vac
inium spp. (= Oxycoccus spp.) and Chamaedaphne calyculata may be present. Total shrub cover is less than 25%, although shrubs such as B
larger rivers. Algae are the dominant plants on mudflats where little vascular vegetation is present due to the daily (in some cases twice dail
ound with clear water in bays, inlets and lagoons, typically dominated by macrophytic algae and marine aquatic angiosperms along the temp
actor for growth. Large to small floodplains support the various wetlands that form in oxbows, wet depressions, low-lying areas, and aband
ons of rivers and streams. In large bodies of water, they are usually restricted to the littoral region where penetration of light is the limiting f
h in size and confined to lakes, ponds, and slow-moving portions of rivers and streams. In large bodies of water, it is usually restricted to th

is little soil development. They are often rocky and sparsely vegetated with forbs and graminoids such as Draba spp., Saxifraga spp., Oxy
Cascade Range, from southwestern British Columbia south into northern California, and also north into southeastern Alaska. It is compose
siccation, and permafrost.
counts for less than 15% of total cover.
ter than 20 percent of total vegetation. This class also includes all land being actively tilled.
 0 percent of total vegetation.
percent of the total cover.

monly include large-lot single-family housing units, parks, golf courses, and vegetation planted in developed settings for recreation, erosion
d by herbs, shrubs, legacy trees, regenerating trees, and snags.
m glacial till, residuum and colluvium and are shallow, stony, and well-drained to excessively well-drained. Soil profile development is lacki
la can be codominant especially on older sites. Oplopanax horridus is usually the most abundant understory shrub; other common shrubs in
wnhill through the soil or in open streams), exposure to salt spray, or windthrow. Picea sitchensis is the dominant tree species, although Tsu
mit of Tsuga heterophylla). This system ranges from sea level to about 610 m (0-2000 feet) elevation. The climate is wet with heavy snow an
mainly on islands but also fringe the mainland. They are never more than 25 km from saltwater; elevation ranges from 0 to 600 m, and belo
e Mountain Hemlock Zone and is most abundant on somewhat poorly to moderately drained slopes. In the southern part of southeastern Ala
ea X lutzii is the dominant spruce and Tsuga mertensiana is codominant in the canopy and has at least 15% cover. The major disturbance pr
table sideslopes and benches, and soils are generally well-drained. The lower and upper elevational limits of this system decrease from sout
e dominant tree and often grows with a stunted growth form (krummholz). Patches of forest interspersed with alpine heath or tall shrub cha
forests, as they approach treeline, become open patches of mature-height trees surrounded by mesic and wet meadows rich in dwarf-shrubs
large and small channels as well as proximal outwash. Glacially-fed rivers occur primarily on the mainland, while non-glacially-fed rivers o
ands are often a fine mosaic of peatlands and better-drained inclusions. These are low-productivity sites that are intermediate between shore
ctuate seasonally (mostly seasonally flooded regime), in areas that receive nutrient-rich waters. These depressions are poorly drained with f

ata, Vaccinium ovalifolium, Oplopanax horridus, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, and Linnaea borealis. Common herbaceous species include Calam
d old riparian terraces, although floodplain stands of cottonwood are not included in this system. Patch size is typically small to large. Total
n species include Ledum groenlandicum, Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens, Betula nana, Empetrum nigrum, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Vaccinium
ed upland terrain. Betula papyrifera is typically dominant in the canopy in Alaska, but other dominants or subdominants include Populus b
doned floodplains, and inactive terraces. Soils are well-drained, and permafrost may be absent. The Picea mariana forests in the Northern R
n limit appears to be related to July mean temperatures exceeding 65 degrees F and maximum of 75 degrees F, and where annual precipitatio

tes. Soils are thin and develop on gravels, sandy loess deposits, or bedrock and are likely free of permafrost. Forest canopy is dominated by
ommonly throughout the mountain ranges of south-central Alaska and also near the northern and western limit of the boreal region, and ma
Alnus viridis is the dominant understory shrub. The shrub layer typically features Betula nana, but other low shrubs such as Vaccinium ulig
rub layer is typically dominated by Alnus incana ssp. tenuifolia, but Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata, Salix pulchra, or Salix richardsonii (= Salix
y. Tussock-forming sedges contribute at least 25% of the vegetation cover. Common understory shrubs include Betula nana, Ledum palustr
The substrate is typically well-drained sand or cobble alluvium, although finer silts and clays are found on higher terraces, on distal floodpl
ar and/or white spruce. Wetland development in abandoned channels is intermixed with succession on more mesic sites [see description for
el migration and associated flooding and fluvial processes constitute the major disturbances in this type. On glacially-fed rivers, braided ou
but generally it does not result in shifting channels or gravel bar formation. Common species include Picea glauca, Betula papyrifera, Pop
skan Pacific Maritime Subalpine Alder-Salmonberry Shrubland (CES204.152), but it occurs below the subalpine zone, and tree growth is li
orbs, graminoids, or ferns. The most common dominant species are Calamagrostis canadensis and Chamerion angustifolium. One or more
ctabilis may be codominant. Other common species include Sambucus racemosa, Oplopanax horridus, and Elliottia pyroliflorus. The tall s
lluvium, or glacial drift. Total low- and tall-shrub cover is >25%, and Alnus viridis or Rubus spectabilis contribute greater than 50% of the
x-forming. Herbaceous cover is >25%, Leymus mollis cover is <25%. This system includes four predominant vegetation types: (1) The Ath
hamerion angustifolium ssp. angustifolium, Calamagrostis canadensis, Cornus suecica, Sanguisorba canadensis, Achillea millefolium var. b
aceous meadows, and wet sedge meadows. Low- and tall-willow communities are dominated by Salix glauca, Salix alaxensis, and Salix ni
s. Species include Carex microchaeta ssp. nesophila (dominant sedge in higher elevations), Alopecurus alpinus, Artemisia arctica, Polygon
east 70%, but the lower slopes and run-out zones may be much less steep. The dominant shrub species is typically Alnus viridis ssp. sinuat
ystems. Low shrub replaces this system as the dominant subalpine shrub type in the northern boreal region of the state. Alnus viridis ssp. si
lopes with slopes ranging from 0 to 30 degrees. It is also frequently found on wet sites in lowlands, along streams, terraces, lakeshores and
ese sand deposits have been stabilized by forest and tundra vegetation, but areas of active transport and deposition still exist. Some of the m
ula nana are usually present, but contribute less than 25% to the canopy cover. This system may form a mosaic with dwarf- and low-shrub s
d with river bluffs above treeline. Soils are typically well-drained to excessively well-drained and develop on glacial, loess, or fluvial depos
 ss than 25%. Common species include Festuca altaica, Festuca rubra, Calamagrostis purpurascens, Leymus innovatus (= Elymus innovat
rclayi, or other Salix spp. may also be common. Salix spp. may occasionally be dominant. Dwarf-shrubs such as Empetrum nigrum and Vac
anadensis meadows often occur near treeline interspersed with subalpine tall shrub. Its elevational limit is just above the limit of tall shrub
es have loamy soils on colluvium that are nutrient-enriched by seabirds. Sites may or may not receive salt spray. Patch size is small to large
o sandy loess deposits on rolling hills dominated Aleutian American Dunegrass Grassland (CES105.233). Three different vegetation types o
nt. Frequent exposure to salt spray distinguishes this system from inland and alpine rock outcrops and cliffs. In addition to salt spray, wind a
shrublands; bare sand or cobble are also common. Salt-tolerant forb communities occur just above mean high tide and are dominated or cod
low shrub cover is >25%, Sphagnum spp. cover is >25%, and lichen cover is <25%. The dominant dwarf-shrubs are Betula nana and Ledu
is >25% (usually continuous), and herbaceous species (primarily sedges) cover is >25%. The dominant sedges are Eriophorum spp. and Ca
drained and acidic, often with a well-developed peat layer. Permafrost is generally present and may form permafrost plateaus supporting the
atland (CES105.139). Sites with at least 40 cm of peat are classified as fens. The forest canopy is typically open to woodland and trees may
um fluviatile, Comarum palustre, Calla palustris, Eriophorum angustifolium, and Carex aquatilis. Other common but non-dominant specie
t, but peat depth is variable but often less than 40 cm deep. Common species include Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens, Ledum groenlandicu
nclude Vaccinium oxycoccos (= Oxycoccus microcarpos), Andromeda polifolia, Vaccinium uliginosum, Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens, Led
fuscum) dominate the ground layer. Shrub cover is typically low and may include Ledum spp., Andromeda polifolia, Kalmia polifolia, Vacci
in areas with very high rainfall and low permeability (such as Prince William Sound and Kenai Fjords). Stunted Tsuga mertensiana (more
<30% cover. Common species include Pinus contorta, Chamaecyparis nootkatensis (= Cupressus nootkatensis), Empetrum nigrum, Kalmia
ocesses constitute the major disturbances. Wetland succession and species composition are variable due to diverse environmental conditions
elands. It also occurs on old lakebeds, drained beaver ponds, wet depressions, and the edge of tidal marshes. Soils are saturated for at least a
ericana and Parnassia kotzebuei) to liverworts (Scapania spp., Nardia spp., Marsupella spp., Siphula spp.)
25% shrub cover. Common shrubs include Andromeda polifolia, Betula nana, Empetrum nigrum, Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens, Salix pu
ath, bedrock or colluvium. The organic layer ranges from thick (sometimes >40 cm) to relatively thin. It may be composed of sphagnum, se
vegetation. River channel migration, flooding and other fluvial processes constitute the major disturbance in this system. Wetland successi
e >10% cover of emergent herbaceous vegetation. Species include Carex aquatilis, Carex utriculata, Menyanthes trifoliata, Comarum palu
ained sand or cobble alluvium, although finer silts and clays are found on higher terraces, on distal floodplains, and in lower energy system
n inland deltas where rivers drain into large lakes. Inland marshes are mostly small patch, confined to limited areas in suitable floodplain or
ute the major disturbances. Wetland succession and species composition are variable due to diverse environmental conditions such as water
point during the growing season, but do not have standing water (water may be up to 5-10 cm deep during portions of the growing season,
and low shrubs reach their maximum elevation in riparian zones. This may be due to protection of the valley bottom and deeper winter sno
rba canadensis, and Leptarrhena pyrolifolia; Valeriana sitchensis, Castilleja parviflora, Ranunculus spp., Caltha spp., and Saxifraga spp. o
mpsia beringensis, Festuca rubra, Argentina egedii (= Potentilla egedii), Lathyrus japonicus var. maritimus, Castilleja spp., Heracleum ma
rganic material and can occur over mineral soil, or may be floating or submerged. Rich fens consistently feature Carex aquatilis var. dives
ina, Cassiope mertensiana, Dryopteris expansa, Gymnocarpium dryopteris, Viola glabella , and Rubus spectabilis. Krummholz Tsuga merte
looded, but some marshes have seasonal hydrologic flooding. Water is at or above the surface for most of the growing season. Soils are muc
permafrost is uncommon. The main indicators on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta and the Kotzebue Sound lowlands ecoregions are Carex rar
ka coast. It has >25% dwarf- and low-shrub cover and >25% herbaceous cover. Dominant dwarf-shrubs are Empetrum nigrum, Salix fusces

tuaries or coastal lagoons or other locations protected from wave action. Two different types of tidal marshes are included in this system: tid
sociated with estuaries or coastal lagoons or other locations protected from wave action. Lagoons with outer spits and beaches are well deve
wave action. Typically these areas form with a mixture of inputs from freshwater sources into coastal saltwater, so they commonly co-occur
is colluvium, residuum, or glacial till. This system often occurs as a continuous band above or mixed with subalpine and alpine shrublands
tion can be a mosaic of herbaceous meadow and alpine heath (dwarf-shrublands) or herbaceous meadow with a heath understory; however,
ens, Phyllodoce aleutica, Harrimanella stelleriana, and Luetkea pectinata. Lichens may be common. Total vegetation cover ranges from 10
petrum nigrum; herbaceous cover is variable, ranging from none to well over 50%. Other dwarf-shrub species include dwarf willows, Harr
fragment into strips that alternate with almost bare ground, possibly due to wind erosion and frost action. In this system, dwarf-shrub cove
nt ecological systems. The higher elevation windswept ridges, fell-fields and discontinuous heaths include Harrimanella stelleriana, Phyllo
wbeds. Patch size is small to large. Dwarf-shrub cover is >25% and dominated by Dryas spp. (primarily Dryas octopetala). Other common
tch size is small to large. Dwarf-shrub cover is >25%, and lichen cover is >25%. The dominant lichens are Cladina rangiferina and/or Cla
nstable substrates. Sites are typically dry to mesic and occur on acidic substrates. Soils are typically thin, stony, and well-drained. Patch size
sic. Patch size is small to large. Dwarf-shrub cover is >25%, dominated by dwarf-shrubs other than Dryas spp., and lichen cover is <25%. D
rs. Soils develop on alluvium and are typically shallow and well-drained; barren alluvium is common. Permafrost is usually absent. The low
aracterized by large spring floods at ice break-up. The active flooding zone is often several kilometers wide. Permafrost is usually absent. Pa
cover is >25%, and vascular plant species cover is <25%. Foliose and fruticose lichens dominate and include Umbilicaria spp., Rhizocarpo
a is the dominant shrub species but may codominate with Salix glauca and Salix pulchra. Additional species include Vaccinium uliginosum,
e saturated below 15 cm. This system is codominated by sedges and dwarf- or low shrubs. Dryas spp. cover is >10%, and total low-shrub c
rub cover is <25%; Salix cover is >20%. The dominant shrubs are Betula nana, Salix pulchra, Salix richardsonii (= Salix lanata ssp. richar
djacent to narrow constrained streams, and on snow accumulation areas with late snowmelt. Total low- and tall-shrub (>0.2 m tall) cover is
nd summits and ridges. Sites are typically dry to mesic and are rare on late-lying snowbeds. Non-acidic sites are more common near floodp
umulate much winter snow. Non-acidic sites are more common near floodplains, on carbonate substrates, and loess deposition areas. Patch
unstable substrates. Sites are typically dry to mesic and occur on non-acidic substrates. Soils are typically thin, stony, and well-drained. Non
ch size is small to large. Dwarf- and low-shrub cover is >25% and lichen cover is >25%. Fruticose lichen species ( Cladina and Cladonia) c
e. Salix spp. (such as Salix pulchra) do not dominate but may codominate. This system does not include tussock-dominated (>35% tussocks
s octopetala dominate the shrub layer with at least 20% cover. Lichen cover is less than 25% and may include species of the genera Cladin
ccinium uliginosum, Empetrum nigrum, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Diapensia lapponica, Loiseleuria procumbens, and dwarf Salix spp. Expose
te much winter snow. Common shrub species include Vaccinium uliginosum, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Empetrum nigrum, Arctostaphylos rubr
assed in this system. Total lichen cover is less than 25% and may include species of Cetraria, Cladina, and Cladonia. Common dwarf-shru
tation including shrubs (dwarf-, low, and tall), mesic herbaceous meadow, early-seral forbs, and barren gravel. Common shrubs include Sa
where various wetlands form in oxbows, wet depressions, low-lying areas, and abandoned channels, including freshwater marshes. Soils ar
ort Coastal Plain, ice-wedge polygons are a common feature on level ground within foothills and mountains, on glacial drift, lacustrine and
ort Coastal Plain, ice-wedge polygons are a common feature on level ground within foothills and mountains, on glacial drift, lacustrine and
ort Coastal Plain, ice-wedge polygons are a common feature on level ground within foothills and mountains, on glacial drift, lacustrine and
er marshes. Soils are muck or mineral, and water is nutrient-rich. In floodplains, permafrost is absent. This system typically has standing w
has >35% cover of sedges in a tussock growth form, and the combined cover of dwarf- and low shrubs is >25%. Eriophorum vaginatum is
dges in a tussock growth form; the combined cover of dwarf- and low shrubs is <25%, and lichen cover is <25%. Eriophorum vaginatum is
tundra sites in western Alaska. Patch size is small to large. Tussock lichen tundra has >35% cover of sedges in a tussock growth form, shrub
meadows are also found on large to small floodplains, which support the various wetlands that form in oxbows, wet depressions, low-lying
cumbens, Ledum groenlandicum, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Vaccinium uliginosum, Empetrum nigrum, and Carex spp. Grasses, including Calam
than 25%, although shrubs such as Betula nana, Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens, Ledum groenlandicum, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Vaccinium
o the daily (in some cases twice daily) tidal flooding of salt or brackish water. Characteristic species include Vaucheria and sea-lettuce.
aquatic angiosperms along the temperate Pacific Coast. Subtidal portions are never exposed while intertidal areas support species that can
ressions, low-lying areas, and abandoned channels, including freshwater aquatic beds. This system has standing water (typically more than
penetration of light is the limiting factor for growth. A variety of rooted or floating aquatic herbaceous species may dominate, including A
of water, it is usually restricted to the littoral region where penetration of light is the limiting factor for growth. Bodies of water may be dee

as Draba spp., Saxifraga spp., Oxyria digyna, Festuca brachyphylla, Carex pyrenaica ssp. micropoda (= Carex micropoda), and Luzula sp
o southeastern Alaska. It is composed of barren and sparsely vegetated alpine substrates, typically including both bedrock outcrops and scre
oped settings for recreation, erosion control, or aesthetic purposes.
 ed. Soil profile development is lacking or minimal. Early-seral stages of forested systems with low cover of Picea sitchensis and Populus b
story shrub; other common shrubs include Vaccinium ovalifolium and Rubus spectabilis. Understory species include Circaea alpina, Rubus
dominant tree species, although Tsuga mertensiana or Tsuga heterophylla may be minor canopy associates. In southeastern Alaska, Alnus r
he climate is wet with heavy snow and rainfall, but sites occupied are typically well-drained. The dominant upper canopy species is Tsuga h
ion ranges from 0 to 600 m, and below 245 m in Alaska (above 200 m, Chamaecyparis nootkatensis replaces Thuja plicata). The climate is
the southern part of southeastern Alaska, this system generally occupies the upper edge of the Western Hemlock Zone, from 305-610 m (10
5% cover. The major disturbance processes include fungal pathogens, human disturbance, fire, blowdown, and insect infestations.
its of this system decrease from south to north and from east to west. The climate is generally characterized by short, cool summers, rainy a
d with alpine heath or tall shrub characterize this system. Treeline forests often grow as small patches at the lower elevation of alpine tundr
d wet meadows rich in dwarf-shrubs and forbs. Clumps of trees to small patches of forest interspersed with low shrublands and meadows ch
and, while non-glacially-fed rivers occur on both the mainland and large islands in the Gulf of Alaska. Since glacial and non-glacial floodpl
that are intermediate between shore pine or mountain hemlock peatland sites and productive forest systems. The forest canopy is open (les
epressions are poorly drained with fine-textured organic, muck or mineral soils and standing water common throughout the growing season

n herbaceous species include Calamagrostis canadensis, Equisetum arvense, Dryopteris expansa, and Gymnocarpium dryopteris. The majo
size is typically small to large. Total hardwood tree species cover is >25% and dominated by Betula papyrifera var. kenaica, Betula papyri
um, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Vaccinium uliginosum, Carex spp., and Sphagnum spp. This system has less Sphagnum than Western North Ame
s or subdominants include Populus balsamifera and Populus tremuloides. In western Alberta, Populus tremuloides is much more abundant,
ea mariana forests in the Northern Rockies represent the southernmost extent of these expansive boreal forests. The southern limit appears
rees F, and where annual precipitation drops below 38-50 cm (15-20 inches). The landscape is typically rolling hills formed by drumlins, ke

rost. Forest canopy is dominated by Picea glauca or Picea mariana, and cover is generally between 10% and 25%. The shrub layer is open
rn limit of the boreal region, and may be advancing in some areas. Small stands of Populus balsamifera occur on the north slope of the Bro
r low shrubs such as Vaccinium uliginosum, Ledum groenlandicum, and Salix spp. may be common or dominant. In the western and southw
lchra, or Salix richardsonii (= Salix lanata ssp. richardsonii) may be dominant or codominant. Common understory species include Calam
include Betula nana, Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens, Ledum groenlandicum, Vaccinium uliginosum, and Vaccinium vitis-idaea. Herbaceou
on higher terraces, on distal floodplains, and in lower energy systems. Permafrost is absent. Patch size is small to large and often linear. Th
more mesic sites [see description for Western North American Boreal Shrub and Herbaceous Floodplain Wetland (CES105.118)]. The active
. On glacially-fed rivers, braided outwash plains occur near the glacier terminus. This portion of the river is characterized by high sediment
icea glauca, Betula papyrifera, Populus balsamifera, Alnus spp., Salix spp., Carex spp., and Calamagrostis canadensis.
subalpine zone, and tree growth is limited by disturbance frequency, not elevation and temperature as in the subalpine system. Sites are usu
merion angustifolium. One or more of the following species can also be dominant: Veratrum viride, Athyrium filix-femina, or Heracleum m
and Elliottia pyroliflorus. The tall shrub system is often mosaiced with the mesic herbaceous meadow system. Common herbaceous specie
s contribute greater than 50% of the total shrub cover. Rubus spectabilis is dominant primarily on the oldest stabilized talus slopes and stab
minant vegetation types: (1) The Athyrium filix-femina meadow type is dominated by Athyrium filix-femina with Veratrum viride, Heracleum
nadensis, Achillea millefolium var. borealis, and Geum calthifolium. Empetrum nigrum may also be common.
glauca, Salix alaxensis, and Salix niphoclada (= Salix brachycarpa ssp. niphoclada), along with Bromus inermis var. pumpellianus (= Brom
s alpinus, Artemisia arctica, Polygonum bistorta, Valeriana capitata, Pedicularis spp., Polemonium acutiflorum, Salix rotundifolia, and Sal
is typically Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata, but other shrubs, including Sambucus racemosa, Salix spp., and Spiraea stevenii, may be common. H
ion of the state. Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata is the dominant shrub species, but other shrubs including Salix spp. (sometimes the dominant shr
ng streams, terraces, lakeshores and the edge of small streams, as well as adjacent to peatlands and wet meadows. Some sites are not wet an
deposition still exist. Some of the most noteworthy active areas are the Kobuk Dunes in western Alaska, the Carcross Dunes in southern Yu
mosaic with dwarf- and low-shrub systems.
lop on glacial, loess, or fluvial deposits or residual material. Soils are often unstable and rocky; outcrops are common. The system is a mosa
 eymus innovatus (= Elymus innovatus), Artemisia frigida, and Achillea spp.
s such as Empetrum nigrum and Vaccinium vitis-idaea may be common under the low-shrub layer. Herbaceous species are sparse, but feath
t is just above the limit of tall shrubs (within 100 m). This system appears to be less common north of the Alaska Range. Mesic meadows a
alt spray. Patch size is small to large. Leymus mollis cover is >25%, and the sites are not part of Aleutian Marine Beach and Beach Meadow
3). Three different vegetation types occur in this system: salt-tolerant forb communities, Leymus mollis grasslands, and Empetrum nigrum s
liffs. In addition to salt spray, wind and wave erosion, desiccation, and slope failures create a harsh growing environment. Forbs, grasses an
n high tide and are dominated or codominated by Cochlearia groenlandica, Achillea millefolium var. borealis, Honckenya peploides, and/or
rf-shrubs are Betula nana and Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens. Other species include Empetrum nigrum, Chamaedaphne calyculata, Vaccin
sedges are Eriophorum spp. and Carex utriculata. Other common species include Betula nana, Comarum palustre (= Potentilla palustris),
m permafrost plateaus supporting the system in boreal Alaska but is generally absent in the boreal transition region. The forest canopy is typ
ally open to woodland and trees may be stunted. Common species include Picea mariana, Larix laricina, Betula nana, Ledum groenlandicu
er common but non-dominant species include Caltha palustris, Cicuta virosa (= Cicuta mackenzieana), Galium trifidum, Rumex arcticus, a
sp. decumbens, Ledum groenlandicum, Betula nana, Rubus chamaemorus, Vaccinium oxycoccos (= Oxycoccus microcarpos), Myrica gale,
Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens, Ledum groenlandicum, Betula nana, Empetrum nigrum, Carex microglochin, Carex rotundata, Carex rarif
da polifolia, Kalmia polifolia, Vaccinium oxycoccos (= Oxycoccus microcarpos), Empetrum nigrum, and Vaccinium uliginosum. Other com
). Stunted Tsuga mertensiana (more common), Chamaecyparis nootkatensis (= Cupressus nootkatensis), or Picea sitchensis may be presen
katensis), Empetrum nigrum, Kalmia, Ledum spp., Vaccinium uliginosum, Carex aquatilis var. dives (= Carex sitchensis), Carex pluriflora,
to diverse environmental conditions such as water depth, substrate, and nutrient input. Floodplain wetland vegetation includes the followin
shes. Soils are saturated for at least a portion of the growing season, and generally have a wet organic layer of variable depth (8 cm to 1 m d

m palustre ssp. decumbens, Salix pulchra, Vaccinium oxycoccos, and Vaccinium uliginosum. Common herbaceous species include Carex pl
It may be composed of sphagnum, sedge, or other organic material and can occur over mineral soil or may be floating. Vegetation has >25%
nce in this system. Wetland succession and species composition is variable due to diverse environmental conditions such as water depth, sub
Menyanthes trifoliata, Comarum palustre, Equisetum fluviatile, Equisetum palustre, and Hippuris spp. Species of Eriophorum do not commo
dplains, and in lower energy systems (capped by an organic mat). Permafrost is absent. Patch size is small to large and often linear. These f
imited areas in suitable floodplain or basin topography. They are typically semipermanently flooded, but some marshes have seasonal flood
ronmental conditions such as water depth, substrate, and nutrient input. Floodplain wetland vegetation includes the following classes: aqua
ing portions of the growing season, but it is not persistent). Wet meadows typically have a well-developed organic mat but not deep enough
valley bottom and deeper winter snowpack or the favorable growing conditions of the riparian zone. Flooding regime and soil moisture con
pp., Caltha spp., and Saxifraga spp. often occur along streambanks. Peatlands and associated wet meadows and marshes often feature Tricho
imus, Castilleja spp., Heracleum maximum, Parnassia palustris, Lupinus nootkatensis, Achillea millefolium var. borealis (= Achillea borea
y feature Carex aquatilis var. dives (= Carex sitchensis), although a variety of other sedges and forbs may be present, including Dodecathe
spectabilis. Krummholz Tsuga mertensiana occur in some sites. Adjacent to this system at higher elevations are alpine herbaceous meadow
of the growing season. Soils are muck or mineral (in Alaska typically muck over a mineral soil), and water is high-nutrient. Occurrences of
d lowlands ecoregions are Carex rariflora (>10%), Calamagrostis deschampsioides, and Dendranthema arcticum (= Chrysanthemum arctic
are Empetrum nigrum, Salix fuscescens, Salix ovalifolia, and sometimes Betula nana. Diagnostic herbaceous species are Carex rariflora, C

rshes are included in this system: tidal sedge marshes and tidal herbaceous (non-sedge) marshes. Carex ramenskii or Carex subspathacea
outer spits and beaches are well developed and common in the Aleutians. Tidal marshes, however, are not extensive within these lagoons be
ltwater, so they commonly co-occur with brackish marshes. This is a small-patch system, confined to specific environments defined by rang
with subalpine and alpine shrublands on moderate to steep slopes underlain by colluvium, talus, or bedrock. Species composition is diverse a
w with a heath understory; however, in some areas dwarf-shrub cover is continuous. Dominant dwarf-shrub species include Empetrum nigr
otal vegetation cover ranges from 10 to 25%.
pecies include dwarf willows, Harrimanella stelleriana, Phyllodoce aleutica, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, and Arctostaphylos alpina. Herbaceou
on. In this system, dwarf-shrub cover is >25%, not dominated by Empetrum nigrum, and herbaceous cover varies from none to 75%. Variou
 de Harrimanella stelleriana, Phyllodoce aleutica, Salix arctica, Salix rotundifolia, Empetrum nigrum, Cassiope lycopodioides, and Arctos
y Dryas octopetala). Other common shrubs include Empetrum nigrum, Vaccinium uliginosum, Dryas integrifolia, Loiseleuria procumbens,
are Cladina rangiferina and/or Cladina stellaris. Common dwarf-shrubs include Dryas octopetala, Empetrum nigrum, Vaccinium uliginos
n, stony, and well-drained. Patch size is small to matrix-forming. Total vascular plant cover is 10-25%, and lichen cover is <25%. Common
yas spp., and lichen cover is <25%. Dwarf-shrubs that dominate or codominate the system are Cassiope tetragona, Empetrum nigrum, Vacc
Permafrost is usually absent. The low- and tall-willow-dominated communities may be absent at higher elevations. Common existing vegeta
wide. Permafrost is usually absent. Patch size is matrix-forming and linear, following the river courses. These floodplains are beyond the dis
clude Umbilicaria spp., Rhizocarpon geographicum, Cladina stellaris (= Cladonia stellaris), Racomitrium lanuginosum, Flavocetraria sp
ecies include Vaccinium uliginosum, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Betula nana, Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens, Empetrum nigrum, Equisetum spp
cover is >10%, and total low-shrub cover is <25%. Dryas integrifolia typically dominates or codominates with Salix richardsonii (= Salix l
hardsonii (= Salix lanata ssp. richardsonii), and Vaccinium uliginosum. Other willows that may occur include Salix bebbiana, Salix glauca
and tall-shrub (>0.2 m tall) cover is >25% and dominated by willows. This system does not include floodplain or tussock-dominated (>35%
sites are more common near floodplains, on carbonate substrates, and loess deposition areas. Patch size is small to large. Dwarf-shrub cove
s, and loess deposition areas. Patch size is small to large. Dwarf-shrub cover is >25%, and lichen cover is >25%. Common lichens include
ly thin, stony, and well-drained. Non-acidic sites are more common near floodplains, on carbonate substrates, and loess deposition areas. Pa
en species ( Cladina and Cladonia) codominate with Betula nana and Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens. Other possible shrubs include Empe
e tussock-dominated (>35% tussocks) sites. Dwarf-shrubs such as Empetrum nigrum and Vaccinium vitis-idaea may be common under the l
nclude species of the genera Cladina, Cetraria, and Stereocaulon. Other dwarf-shrubs that may be common include Cassiope tetragona, Sa
mbens, and dwarf Salix spp. Exposed rock and lichens are abundant.
mpetrum nigrum, Arctostaphylos rubra, Arctostaphylos alpina, Dryas integrifolia, Salix arctica, Salix rotundifolia, and Salix reticulata. Frut
and Cladonia. Common dwarf-shrub dominants include Cassiope tetragona (more common north of the Alaska Range), Empetrum nigrum
gravel. Common shrubs include Salix alaxensis, Salix spp., Betula nana, and Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata. Common herbaceous species inclu
cluding freshwater marshes. Soils are muck or mineral, and water is nutrient-rich. In floodplains, permafrost is absent. This system has stan
tains, on glacial drift, lacustrine and floodplain terrace surficial deposits. These sites are cold, poorly drained, and underlain by mesic, silty
tains, on glacial drift, lacustrine and floodplain terrace surficial deposits. These sites are cold, poorly drained, and underlain by mesic, silty
tains, on glacial drift, lacustrine and floodplain terrace surficial deposits. This system typically occurs on low-center polygons. The polygon
This system typically has standing water. It is often dominated by Carex aquatilis or Eriophorum angustifolium, but other emergent species
is >25%. Eriophorum vaginatum is the primary tussock-former in most stands, but Carex bigelowii may dominate some sites. Betula nana
is <25%. Eriophorum vaginatum is the primary tussock-former in most stands, but Carex bigelowii may dominate some sites. Calamagros
dges in a tussock growth form, shrub cover is <25%, and lichen cover is >25%. Dwarf-shrubs may be common. Eriophorum vaginatum is
oxbows, wet depressions, low-lying areas, and abandoned channels, including wet sedge meadows. Soils range from acidic to non-acidic, ar
Carex spp. Grasses, including Calamagrostis canadensis and Arctagrostis spp., may also be present. Lichens are scarce (with the possible e
m, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Vaccinium uliginosum may be present. Mosses (Sphagnum spp., Pleurozium schreberi, Hylocomium splendens) ma
lude Vaucheria and sea-lettuce.
rtidal areas support species that can tolerate exposure to the air. Common substrates include marine silts, but may also include exposed bedr
standing water (typically more than 30 cm deep) with >25% cover of submerged or floating aquatic species, including Potamogeton spp., S
species may dominate, including Azolla spp., Nuphar polysepala, Polygonum spp., Potamogeton spp., Ranunculus spp., and Wolffia spp. S
growth. Bodies of water may be deep or shallow. A variety of rooted or floating-aquatic herbaceous species may dominate, including Nuph

(= Carex micropoda), and Luzula spp. Dwarf-shrubs are uncommon.

ding both bedrock outcrops and scree slopes, upper mountain slopes, summits and nunataks. Nonvascular- (lichen-) dominated communities
 er of Picea sitchensis and Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa occur on older landscapes at low elevations near the maximum glacial exte
ecies include Circaea alpina, Rubus pedatus, Streptopus amplexifolius, Tiarella trifoliata, Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris expansa, and G
ates. In southeastern Alaska, Alnus rubra may be an associated understory tree species, especially in upland alluvial fans. Common species
ant upper canopy species is Tsuga heterophylla or a mix of Picea sitchensis and Tsuga heterophylla. In the northern portion of the region (Y
places Thuja plicata). The climate is hypermaritime, with cool summers, very wet winters, abundant fog, and without a major snowpack . F
Hemlock Zone, from 305-610 m (1000-2000 feet) elevation. On non-alluvial low-elevation sites, Chamaecyparis nootkatensis abundance i
wn, and insect infestations.
ized by short, cool summers, rainy autumns and long, cool, wet winters with heavy snow cover for 5-9 months. Fire is very rare in the sub-b
t the lower elevation of alpine tundra and forb meadow systems. Common understory species include Phyllodoce aleutica (or Phyllodoce g
with low shrublands and meadows characterize this system. Krummholz often occurs near the upper elevational limit of this system where it
Since glacial and non-glacial floodplain types can not be mapped confidently as separate systems, they are considered one ecological system
tems. The forest canopy is open (less than 45% cover), and trees often show signs of stress such as spike-top (especially cedar) or chlorotic
mmon throughout the growing season. Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata often dominates the shrub layer, but many Salix species may also occur. Th

Gymnocarpium dryopteris. The major disturbance processes include fire, human disturbance, blowdown and insect infestations.
pyrifera var. kenaica, Betula papyrifera, Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa, or Populus balsamifera. Tree height ranges from 6 to 21 m
Sphagnum than Western North American Boreal Black Spruce Dwarf-Tree Peatland (CES105.139). The slope angle is generally greater tha
remuloides is much more abundant, often forming extensive forests across large areas. Stands are often closed-canopied with an open shrub
l forests. The southern limit appears to be related to July mean temperatures exceeding 65 degrees F and maximum of 75 degrees F, and wh
rolling hills formed by drumlins, kettle-kame, stabilized dunes, moraines, lacustrine deposits, loess deposits, eskers, and bedrock outcrops

0% and 25%. The shrub layer is open and typically features low and dwarf-shrubs including Betula nana, Shepherdia canadensis, Arctostap
a occur on the north slope of the Brooks Range on valley bottoms and on sideslopes.
dominant. In the western and southwestern portions of the boreal transition region, lichens are commonly abundant in the understory.
on understory species include Calamagrostis canadensis, Equisetum spp., Comarum palustre (= Potentilla palustris), and hydrophytic moss
nd Vaccinium vitis-idaea. Herbaceous species include Eriophorum vaginatum, Carex bigelowii, and Rubus chamaemorus. Mosses may be a
is small to large and often linear. These are rivers that always have a tree-dominated component. The primary existing vegetation types are:
Wetland (CES105.118)]. The active flooding zone is often several km wide. Permafrost is usually absent.
er is characterized by high sediment input and very frequent flooding. Substrates are excessively well-drained and frequently scoured. A hig
ostis canadensis.
n the subalpine system. Sites are usually dominated by Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata and Rubus spectabilis. Other shrubs may include Sambucu
hyrium filix-femina, or Heracleum maximum. Other common species may include Lupinus nootkatensis, Aconitum delphiniifolium, Sanguiso
system. Common herbaceous species include Calamagrostis canadensis, Chamerion angustifolium, Veratrum viride, Heracleum maximum,
ldest stabilized talus slopes and stable colluvial slopes (older substrates), while Alnus viridis may be the dominant shrub on recently disturb
mina with Veratrum viride, Heracleum maximum, Streptopus amplexifolius, Angelica lucida, and Calamagrostis canadensis; (2) The Chamer

us inermis var. pumpellianus (= Bromus pumpellianus). The mesic herbaceous meadows include Leymus mollis, Bromus inermis var. pumpe
utiflorum, Salix rotundifolia, and Salix reticulata. Collapsed acidic lowland snowbeds that support Phippsia algida and Alopecurus alpinus
Spiraea stevenii, may be common. Herbaceous patches are often dominated by Calamagrostis canadensis and Chamerion angustifolium; o
ix spp. (sometimes the dominant shrub), Sambucus racemosa, and Spiraea stevenii (= Spiraea beauverdiana) may be common. In the borea
meadows. Some sites are not wet and support predominantly tall willows, but this is probably <10% of sites. The soil substrates range from
, the Carcross Dunes in southern Yukon, and the Lake Athabasca Dunes in northern Saskatchewan. These active dunes share many floristic

s are common. The system is a mosaic of open forests or woodlands, low shrub-dominated patches, or dry meadows. At increasing elevatio
baceous species are sparse, but feathermosses (Hylocomium splendens and Pleurozium schreberi) and lichens may be common. Sites with o
he Alaska Range. Mesic meadows also occur as seral stages in drained lakebeds, or after disturbance such as fire or logging. The vegetation
n Marine Beach and Beach Meadow (CES105.239). Other dominant or codominant species include Festuca rubra, Heracleum maximum, L
grasslands, and Empetrum nigrum shrublands. Bare sand or cobble are also common. Salt-tolerant forb communities occur just above mean
wing environment. Forbs, grasses and shrubs establish on ledges and in cracks. On Amchitka Island, Shacklette et al. (1969) described sever
orealis, Honckenya peploides, and/or Mertensia maritima. As dune height and distance from the ocean increase, sites are dominated by Leym
m, Chamaedaphne calyculata, Vaccinium uliginosum, Salix pulchra, Spiraea stevenii (= Spiraea beauverdiana), Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Arcto
um palustre (= Potentilla palustris), and Equisetum fluviatile.
ion region. The forest canopy is typically open to woodland and trees are generally stunted. Common species include Picea mariana, Ledu
a, Betula nana, Ledum groenlandicum, Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens, Empetrum nigrum, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Vaccinium uliginosum, C
Galium trifidum, Rumex arcticus, and Utricularia spp. Shrubs, including Myrica gale, Salix candida, Betula nana, and Alnus incana ssp. te
ycoccus microcarpos), Myrica gale, Calamagrostis canadensis, Carex aquatilis, Comarum palustre, Salix fuscescens, Salix pulchra, Empetr
lochin, Carex rotundata, Carex rariflora, Carex lasiocarpa, Carex limosa, Carex chordorrhiza, Carex livida, Carex pluriflora, Carex paucif
nd Vaccinium uliginosum. Other common species include Drosera spp., Carex livida, Carex pluriflora, Carex pauciflora, Carex aquatilis va
), or Picea sitchensis may be present. Shrubs include Vaccinium uliginosum, Vaccinium caespitosum, and Empetrum nigrum. Common herb
Carex sitchensis), Carex pluriflora, Carex pauciflora, Carex livida, Trichophorum caespitosum, Eriophorum angustifolium, Sanguisorba m
and vegetation includes the following classes: aquatic bed, freshwater marsh, fen, wet low shrub, and tall-shrub swamp. These have been de
ayer of variable depth (8 cm to 1 m deep) over silt, sand or gravel. The shrub layer is dominated by Myrica gale and/or Vaccinium uliginos

herbaceous species include Carex pluriflora, Cornus suecica, Comarum palustre, Rubus chamaemorus, Carex spp., and Eriophorum spp. Fr
may be floating. Vegetation has >25% herbaceous species cover and <25% shrub cover. Common genera and species include Eriophorum ru
l conditions such as water depth, substrate, and nutrient input. This floodplain wetland system includes the following existing vegetation ty
pecies of Eriophorum do not commonly occur in this system. Species diversity is often low.
all to large and often linear. These floodplains have several different kinds of plant communities, including shrublands dominated by tall or
t some marshes have seasonal flooding. Water is at or above the surface for most of the growing season (typically 10 cm above the surface)
includes the following classes: aquatic bed, freshwater marsh, fen, and wet low shrub. These have been described as unique systems in this
ed organic mat but not deep enough to be considered peatlands. Wet meadow vegetation may be seral to fens. Dominant species include C
ooding regime and soil moisture control the pattern of vegetation cover. Common species occurring in frequently flooded areas include Ch
ows and marshes often feature Trichophorum caespitosum, Carex anthoxanthea, and Juncus mertensianus.
lium var. borealis (= Achillea borealis), Angelica lucida, and Carex mackenziei. Leymus mollis and Lupinus nootkatensis are common on le
may be present, including Dodecatheon pulchellum, Parnassia fimbriata, Eriophorum russeolum, Menyanthes trifoliata, and Comarum palu
tions are alpine herbaceous meadows or dwarf-shrublands; at lower elevations Tsuga mertensiana forests or woodlands are common.
ater is high-nutrient. Occurrences of this system typically are found in a mosaic with other wetland systems. It is often found along the bord
a arcticum (= Chrysanthemum arcticum). Other common species include Eriophorum russeolum, Carex ramenskii (usually present but not
aceous species are Carex rariflora, Calamagrostis deschampsioides, Deschampsia caespitosa, and Puccinellia andersonii. Additional speci

x ramenskii or Carex subspathacea dominate the tidal sedge marshes. Carex subspathacea is more common along the Beaufort Sea. Carex
ot extensive within these lagoons because of constant winds and waves, plus winter sea ice may be extensive and blown to shore, battering
ecific environments defined by ranges of salinity, tidal inundation regime, and soil texture. Patches usually occur as zonal mosaics of multi
ck. Species composition is diverse and species richness is often very high, typically no single species is dominant. Vegetation is dominated
hrub species include Empetrum nigrum, Phyllodoce aleutica, Phyllodoce glanduliflora, Cassiope mertensiana, Cassiope tetragona, Harrim

nd Arctostaphylos alpina. Herbaceous species include Lupinus nootkatensis, Polemonium acutiflorum, Chamerion angustifolium, Solidago s
over varies from none to 75%. Various dwarf-shrub species dominate or codominate, including Harrimanella stelleriana, Phyllodoce aleutic
 Cassiope lycopodioides, and Arctostaphylos alpina. Herbaceous species include Carex macrochaeta, Carex aquatilis var. dives, Carex circi
tegrifolia, Loiseleuria procumbens, and Salix phlebophylla. Common herbaceous species include Antennaria alpina, Hierochloe alpina, Mi
mpetrum nigrum, Vaccinium uliginosum, Dryas integrifolia, Salix phlebophylla, Antennaria alpina, Hierochloe alpina, Festuca altaica, and
and lichen cover is <25%. Common dwarf-shrub species include Dryas octopetala, Empetrum nigrum, Vaccinium uliginosum, Dryas integr
tetragona, Empetrum nigrum, Vaccinium uliginosum, Salix reticulata, Salix arctica, Salix rotundifolia, and Arctostaphylos alpina. Cassiop
elevations. Common existing vegetation types include mesic herbaceous meadow, low-tall willow shrublands, Dryas dwarf-shrubland, eri
These floodplains are beyond the distribution of Picea glauca, which is a major component of interior boreal floodplains. Species composi
rium lanuginosum, Flavocetraria spp., and Alectoria ochroleuca. Common dwarf-shrubs include Loiseleuria procumbens, Betula nana, Led
s, Empetrum nigrum, Equisetum spp., Spiraea stevenii (= Spiraea beauverdiana), Dryas spp., and Cassiope tetragona. Mosses include Hyl
es with Salix richardsonii (= Salix lanata ssp. richardsonii), Salix pulchra, Salix reticulata, and Rhododendron lapponicum. The dominant
nclude Salix bebbiana, Salix glauca, and Salix planifolia. The dominant sedges are Carex aquatilis, Eriophorum angustifolium, and Carex
odplain or tussock-dominated (>35% tussocks) sites. Salix alaxensis, Salix pulchra, and Salix glauca are the dominant species. Other shrub
e is small to large. Dwarf-shrub cover is >25% and dominated by Dryas spp. Dryas octopetala and/or Dryas integrifolia codominate with
is >25%. Common lichens include Flavocetraria cucullata (= Cetraria cucullata), Flavocetraria spp., Stereocaulon spp., Alectoria nigric
trates, and loess deposition areas. Patch size is small to large. Total vascular plant cover is 10-25%, and lichen cover is <25%. Common dw
Other possible shrubs include Empetrum nigrum, Chamaedaphne calyculata, Vaccinium uliginosum, Salix pulchra, Spiraea stevenii (= Spir
s-idaea may be common under the low-shrub layer. Herbaceous species are sparse, and feathermosses (Hylocomium splendens and Pleuroz
mmon include Cassiope tetragona, Salix arctica, Salix reticulata, Vaccinium uliginosum, Empetrum nigrum, Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens

tundifolia, and Salix reticulata. Fruticose lichens often codominate with the shrubs. Common lichens include Cladina rangiferina, Cladina
he Alaska Range), Empetrum nigrum, Vaccinium uliginosum, Harrimanella stelleriana (more common south of the Alaska Range), and Arc
a. Common herbaceous species include Chamerion latifolium, Lupinus spp., Mertensia paniculata, Erigeron acris, Achillea millefolium var.
afrost is absent. This system has standing water with >10% cover of emergent herbaceous vegetation, primarily Arctophila fulva. Species d
ained, and underlain by mesic, silty mineral soils with a shallow surface organic layer surrounding the tussocks. Permafrost is present. Patc
ained, and underlain by mesic, silty mineral soils with a shallow surface organic layer surrounding the tussocks. Permafrost is present. Patc
n low-center polygons. The polygon centers have standing water, marsh and wet sedge vegetation, primarily Carex aquatilis and Eriophor
tifolium, but other emergent species may occur, including Comarum palustre, Hippuris vulgaris, Carex utriculata, Menyanthes trifoliata, L
ay dominate some sites. Betula nana and Salix pulchra dominate the low-shrub layer. Other species include Ledum palustre ssp. decumben
ay dominate some sites. Calamagrostis canadensis, Arctagrostis latifolia, and Chamerion latifolium (= Epilobium latifolium) may be comm
ommon. Eriophorum vaginatum is the primary tussock-former in most stands, but Carex bigelowii may dominate some sites. Lichens may
s range from acidic to non-acidic, are saturated during the summer, and have an organic horizon over silt with permafrost, although on flood
chens are scarce (with the possible exception of Peltigera canina). Sites are often underlain by permafrost. This ecological system is simila
chreberi, Hylocomium splendens) may form a nearly continuous mat between tussocks.

s, but may also include exposed bedrock and cobble, where many algal species become attached with holdfasts. Subtidal/lower intertidal in
cies, including Potamogeton spp., Sparganium spp., aquatic Ranunculus spp., Myriophyllum spp., and Callitriche spp.
Ranunculus spp., and Wolffia spp. Submerged vegetation, such as Myriophyllum spp., Ceratophyllum spp., and Elodea spp., is often presen
cies may dominate, including Nuphar polysepala (= Nuphar lutea ssp. polysepala), Nuphar variegata, Nymphaea tetragona, Potamogeton

ar- (lichen-) dominated communities are common. Exposure to desiccating winds, rocky and sometimes unstable substrates, and a short gro
 tions near the maximum glacial extent. Depending on time since ice has receded, some sites may have woodlands of either Populus balsam
x-femina, Dryopteris expansa, and Gymnocarpium dryopteris. Mature forests usually have very little downed wood or snags. Beach ridges
land alluvial fans. Common species in the shrub layer include Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata, Oplopanax horridus, Rubus spectabilis, and Vacci
the northern portion of the region (Yakutat through Prince William Sound), Tsuga mertensiana may also be present in the canopy. Chamaec
g, and without a major snowpack . Fire is absent from this system in Alaska and rare throughout the rest of the range. These forests are more
maecyparis nootkatensis abundance increases as soil drainage becomes poorer. Poor drainage results in fewer trees and, therefore, more und

months. Fire is very rare in the sub-boreal portion of the distribution and absent from the rest of the range. Tsuga mertensiana is the domin
Phyllodoce aleutica (or Phyllodoce glanduliflora), Harrimanella stelleriana, Luetkea pectinata, Empetrum nigrum, Nephrophyllidium crista
vational limit of this system where it grades into alpine vegetation. Associations include woodlands, forested, and subalpine meadow types.
are considered one ecological system. However, vegetation composition and disturbance cycle vary depending on type of input (glacial vs.
e-top (especially cedar) or chlorotic foliage (especially spruce). Standing dead trees are common. In the north, paludification on these sites
any Salix species may also occur. The shrub layer can have many dead stems. However, various species of Salix, Spiraea douglasii, Malus f

n and insect infestations.

a. Tree height ranges from 6 to 21 m. Understory shrubs include Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata, Salix barclayi, Rubus spectabilis, and Sambucus
e slope angle is generally greater than 8 degrees.
closed-canopied with an open shrub or herbaceous understory. Canopy cover typically ranges from 25 to 90%. Common understory species
d maximum of 75 degrees F, and where annual precipitation drops below 38-50 cm (15-20 inches). Picea mariana is typically the dominan
posits, eskers, and bedrock outcrops and sometimes mountain slopes. This system is composed of multi-aged stands of Picea glauca and th

a, Shepherdia canadensis, Arctostaphylos rubra, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Vaccinium uliginosum, or Empetrum nigrum. Lichens (primarily

ly abundant in the understory.

lla palustris), and hydrophytic mosses.
bus chamaemorus. Mosses may be abundant and include Sphagnum spp. and Hylocomium splendens.
imary existing vegetation types are: tall willow, alder ( Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata), mesic herbaceous meadows on the younger deposits, an

rained and frequently scoured. A high proportion of barren and early-seral landscape classes characterize the outwash plain. Farther downst

. Other shrubs may include Sambucus racemosa, Salix alaxensis, Salix barclayi, and Oplopanax horridus. Herbaceous patches are common
Aconitum delphiniifolium, Sanguisorba canadensis, Senecio triangularis, and Nephrophyllidium crista-galli.
ratrum viride, Heracleum maximum, Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris expansa, Phegopteris connectilis, Equisetum arvense, Streptopus am
e dominant shrub on recently disturbed sites, wind-sheltered sites or recent ash deposits. Common codominants include Sambucus racemos
agrostis canadensis; (2) The Chamerion angustifolium ssp. angustifolium meadow type is dominated by Chamerion angustifolium ssp. angu

s mollis, Bromus inermis var. pumpellianus, and Chamerion latifolium (= Epilobium latifolium). Additional herbaceous species include Car
psia algida and Alopecurus alpinus and drained lake basins dominated by Calamagrostis canadensis (western Alaska) are also included in t
sis and Chamerion angustifolium; other common herbs include Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris expansa, and Veratrum viride. Tree seedli
diana) may be common. In the boreal transition region, the alder zone is intermixed with mesic herbaceous meadows (Calamagrostis canad
sites. The soil substrates range from mineral to peat. Total tall- and low-shrub cover (>20 cm height) is >25%, and Salix spp. contribute gr
se active dunes share many floristic elements and geomorphic processes. The main disturbance process is the transport and deposition of sa

dry meadows. At increasing elevation, trees become less important, and at subalpine or low alpine locations, shrubs are the dominant lifefor
chens may be common. Sites with organic soils are not included in this type.
ch as fire or logging. The vegetation is usually dense, with canopy height of 0.8 to 1.4 m, occasionally reaching 2 m. Species composition r
stuca rubra, Heracleum maximum, Ligusticum scoticum, Angelica lucida, and Claytonia sibirica. Some sites have 1- to 2-foot tall tussocks.
communities occur just above mean high tide and are dominated or codominated by Cochlearia groenlandica, Achillea millefolium var. bo
acklette et al. (1969) described several sea cliff communities, including Eurhynchium-Puccinellia-Caloplaca, Potentiea-Draba-Saxifraga,
ncrease, sites are dominated by Leymus mollis communities that may include near-monocultures of Leymus mollis to more species-rich asso
rdiana), Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Arctostaphylos spp., Eriophorum spp., Carex aquatilis, and Carex microchaeta.

pecies include Picea mariana, Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens, Ledum groenlandicum, Andromeda polifolia, Betula nana, Empetrum nigru
vitis-idaea, Vaccinium uliginosum, Chamaedaphne calyculata, Carex spp., Eriophorum angustifolium, and Sphagnum spp.
Betula nana, and Alnus incana ssp. tenuifolia, are occasionally present but do not exceed 25% cover. Aquatic plants such as Myriophyllum s
ix fuscescens, Salix pulchra, Empetrum nigrum, Chamaedaphne calyculata , and Sphagnum spp. Myrica gale and Chamaedaphne calyculat
vida, Carex pluriflora, Carex pauciflora, Carex stylosa, Carex membranacea, Eriophorum brachyantherum, Eriophorum angustifolium, Ru
Carex pauciflora, Carex aquatilis var. dives (= Carex sitchensis), Trichophorum caespitosum, and Eriophorum angustifolium. This system i
nd Empetrum nigrum. Common herbaceous species include Nephrophyllidium crista-galli, Trichophorum caespitosum, Dodecatheon pulche
orum angustifolium, Sanguisorba menziesii , and Cornus canadensis. Sphagnum spp. dominate the moss layer. This system includes a range
ll-shrub swamp. These have been described as unique systems in this classification, but because floodplain wetland dynamics are different f
rica gale and/or Vaccinium uliginosum. In Katmai National Park and Preserve, Myrica gale is the dominant shrub, but Betula nana or Salix

Carex spp., and Eriophorum spp. Fruticose lichens may occur on the hummocks.
and species include Eriophorum russeolum, Eriophorum angustifolium ssp. scabriusculum, Eriophorum scheuchzeri, Anthelia (liverwort)
the following existing vegetation types: freshwater aquatic beds, freshwater marshes, wet meadow and herbaceous peatland - complex, and

ding shrublands dominated by tall or low willow, or alder ( Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata), and mesic herbaceous meadows, or Leymus mollis gr
(typically 10 cm above the surface). Soils are muck or mineral, and water is nutrient-rich. These systems are highly productive and have hi
described as unique systems in this classification, but because floodplain wetland dynamics differ from wetland dynamics outside the flood
o fens. Dominant species include Carex aquatilis, Carex utriculata, Carex lasiocarpa, Eriophorum angustifolium, Calamagrostis canadens
requently flooded areas include Chamerion latifolium, Chamerion angustifolium, Lupinus nootkatensis, Salix spp., and Alnus viridis ssp. s

pinus nootkatensis are common on levees, and Carex lyngbyei often dominates in sloughs and wet depressions.
anthes trifoliata, and Comarum palustre. Ericaceous shrubs are absent. Bryophytes (when present) include Calliergon giganteum, Sphagnum
ts or woodlands are common.
ems. It is often found along the borders of ponds, lakes or reservoirs that have more open basins and a permanent water source throughout a
x ramenskii (usually present but not dominant), and Salix ovalifolia. Additional dominants on the Beaufort Coastal Plain are Eriophorum an
cinellia andersonii. Additional species include Dupontia fisheri, Arctagrostis latifolia, Alopecurus alpinus, Tanacetum bipinnatum (= Chrys

mon along the Beaufort Sea. Carex lyngbyei may dominate on portions of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta and is often found more inland or a
nsive and blown to shore, battering the vegetation. It appears that tectonic/isostatic uplift is common, lifting the marshes above the tide. Tw
ally occur as zonal mosaics of multiple communities. They vary in location and abundance with daily and seasonal dynamics of freshwater
s dominant. Vegetation is dominated by herbaceous species, including Carex macrochaeta, Geranium erianthum, Sanguisorba canadensis,
ensiana, Cassiope tetragona, Harrimanella stelleriana, and Luetkea pectinata. Other common species may include Vaccinium uliginosum, V

Chamerion angustifolium, Solidago spp., and grasses. A more abundant herbaceous component, particularly graminoids, may be due to nutri
anella stelleriana, Phyllodoce aleutica, Salix arctica, Salix rotundifolia, Cassiope lycopodioides, Loiseleuria procumbens, Vaccinium vitis-id
arex aquatilis var. dives, Carex circinata, Lupinus nootkatensis, Geum calthifolium, Polygonum viviparum, Agrostis mertensii, Heuchera gl
naria alpina, Hierochloe alpina, Minuartia obtusiloba, Carex scirpoidea, Carex podocarpa, Carex microchaeta, and Festuca altaica. Moss
ochloe alpina, Festuca altaica, and Carex microchaeta. Mosses may be present but contribute little cover.
Vaccinium uliginosum, Dryas integrifolia, Loiseleuria procumbens, and Salix phlebophylla. Herbaceous species may include Antennaria a
and Arctostaphylos alpina. Cassiope tetragona is more common on non-acidic sites. Other shrubs include Betula nana, Dryas octopetala,
blands, Dryas dwarf-shrubland, ericaceous dwarf-shrublands, and patches of Populus balsamifera or Betula papyrifera. Herbaceous speci
boreal floodplains. Species composition is diverse, as are structural characteristics. Some of the predominant vegetation types include mesic
leuria procumbens, Betula nana, Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens, Empetrum nigrum, and Vaccinium uliginosum.
siope tetragona. Mosses include Hylocomium splendens and Dicranum spp. Low-shrub tundra and dwarf-shrubs are common in the gaps be
dendron lapponicum. The dominant sedges are Carex bigelowii, Carex aquatilis, and Eriophorum angustifolium. Other common species are
ophorum angustifolium, and Carex microchaeta. Other species include Petasites frigidus, Polemonium acutiflorum, and Sphagnum spp.
re the dominant species. Other shrubs may codominate, such as Salix niphoclada, Salix chamissonis, Salix bebbiana, Salix planifolia, Salix
Dryas integrifolia codominate with Saxifraga oppositifolia and Rhododendron lapponicum. Other common dwarf-shrubs include Salix arct
, Stereocaulon spp., Alectoria nigricans, and Thamnolia vermicularis. Cladonia and Cladina species are uncommon. Dwarf-shrubs include
lichen cover is <25%. Common dwarf-shrubs include Dryas octopetala, Dryas integrifolia, Saxifraga oppositifolia, Rhododendron lappon
lix pulchra, Spiraea stevenii (= Spiraea beauverdiana), Vaccinium vitis-idaea, and Arctostaphylos spp. Graminoids usually have <10% cov
(Hylocomium splendens and Pleurozium schreberi) and lichens may be common.
um, Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens, Diapensia lapponica, and Oxytropis nigrescens. Common herbaceous species include Carex microcha

clude Cladina rangiferina, Cladina stellaris, Flavocetraria cucullata (= Cetraria cucullata), Stereocaulon spp., Alectoria nigricans, and T
south of the Alaska Range), and Arctostaphylos spp. Other shrubs that may be common include Betula nana, Diapensia lapponica, Dryas o
eron acris, Achillea millefolium var. borealis, and Crepis spp. (Crepis nana and Crepis elegans).
imarily Arctophila fulva. Species diversity is low.
ussocks. Permafrost is present. Patch size is small to large. This tundra ecological system occurs primarily on high-center polygons. Their c
ussocks. Permafrost is present. Patch size is small to large. This ecological system occurs primarily on high-center polygons. Their centers
marily Carex aquatilis and Eriophorum angustifolium. The polygon perimeters typically support wet sedge vegetation also dominated by C
utriculata, Menyanthes trifoliata, Lysimachia thyrsiflora, and Equisetum fluviatile.
lude Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Vaccinium uliginosum, Empetrum nigrum, and Carex spp. There are also distin
Epilobium latifolium) may be common. Shrubs include Betula nana, Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens, and Vaccinium spp. Mosses (Sphagnu
y dominate some sites. Lichens may include Flavocetraria cucullata (= Cetraria cucullata), Cetraria islandica, Cladonia spp., Cladina ran
lt with permafrost, although on floodplains, permafrost is absent. Patch size is small to moderate and may be linear. Species diversity is mu
ost. This ecological system is similar to Alaska Arctic Shrub-Tussock Tundra (CES102.180) (and the Tussock Tundra 2 PNV) that occurs in

oldfasts. Subtidal/lower intertidal in clear water. Substrate is usually marine silts, but may be cobble. Beds are dominated by Zostera marin
Callitriche spp.
pp., and Elodea spp., is often present. These communities occur in water too deep for emergent vegetation.
, Nymphaea tetragona, Potamogeton spp., Lemna minor, Lemna trisulca, Spirodela polyrrhiza, Sparganium spp., Ranunculus spp., Myrioph

s unstable substrates, and a short growing season limit plant growth. In Alaska, this system usually occurs above alpine dwarf-shrub, herbac
 woodlands of either Populus balsamifera or a mix of Populus balsamifera and Picea sitchensis. On other sites Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata of
owned wood or snags. Beach ridges form and become removed from direct contact with saltwater through long shore sediment transport cou
rridus, Rubus spectabilis, and Vaccinium ovalifolium. Common herbaceous species include Maianthemum dilatatum, Tiarella trifoliata, Dry
o be present in the canopy. Chamaecyparis nootkatensis may be present in the canopy in southeastern Alaska (Glacier Bay to British Colum
of the range. These forests are more influenced by gap disturbance processes and intense windstorms than by fire. The terrain is mostly ge
fewer trees and, therefore, more understory light, allowing yellow-cedar to survive and reproduce despite competition from western hemloc

ge. Tsuga mertensiana is the dominant conifer with at least 15% cover, but associated canopy trees vary by region. In the northern portion
um nigrum, Nephrophyllidium crista-galli, and Geum calthifolium. The major disturbance processes include avalanche, fungal pathogens, a
ested, and subalpine meadow types. It occurs on the west side of the Cascade Mountains and is a transitional open forest into the true alpine
ending on type of input (glacial vs. non-glacial) and proximity to the glacier, so descriptions that follow retain these distinctions. Two flood
north, paludification on these sites may lead to conversion from mountain hemlock to mountain hemlock peatland over long time scales. O
of Salix, Spiraea douglasii, Malus fusca, Cornus sericea, Alnus incana ssp. tenuifolia (= Alnus tenuifolia), Alnus viridis ssp. crispa (= Aln

yi, Rubus spectabilis, and Sambucus racemosa. Herbaceous species may also dominate the understory, such as Athyrium filix-femina, Calam

o 90%. Common understory species include Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Ledum spp., Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Vaccin
ea mariana is typically the dominant species in mature stands, though Picea glauca may be codominant on some sites. Common understory
-aged stands of Picea glauca and the subdominants Betula papyrifera, Populus tremuloides, and Picea mariana. Picea glauca associations

mpetrum nigrum. Lichens (primarily Cladina spp.) are an important component of the understory in mature stands. Feathermosses are not as

eadows on the younger deposits, and cottonwood-poplar (Populus balsamifera or Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa) on the older sites.

ze the outwash plain. Farther downstream (distal outwash), vegetation dominance on the floodplain depends on seral stage and frequency of

us. Herbaceous patches are common and are dominated by Calamagrostis canadensis and Chamerion angustifolium. Other common herbs

s, Equisetum arvense, Streptopus amplexifolius, Lupinus nootkatensis, Valeriana sitchensis, Geranium erianthum, Aconitum delphiniifolium
minants include Sambucus racemosa, Oplopanax horridus, Spiraea stevenii, and tall willows such as Salix barclayi or Salix glauca. Alnus
y Chamerion angustifolium ssp. angustifolium, usually with ferns, Calamagrostis canadensis, and often Heracleum maximum; (3) The Cala

onal herbaceous species include Carex obtusata, Carex lachenalii, Festuca rubra, Festuca brachyphylla, Astragalus alpinus, and others. Po
western Alaska) are also included in this system.
nsa, and Veratrum viride. Tree seedlings and saplings may be common on some slopes but do not emerge as an overstory due to frequent sn
ous meadows (Calamagrostis canadensis and Chamerion angustifolium); in boreal Alaska, low-shrub tundra is more common in the gaps b
>25%, and Salix spp. contribute greater than 25% of the total shrub cover. The dominant willow species is Salix barclayi, although Salix a
is the transport and deposition of sand. Common landforms include transverse and longitudinal dunes, sandsheets, desert pavements, blowo

ions, shrubs are the dominant lifeform. Tree patches are dominated by Populus tremuloides, but Picea glauca may also be present. Patches
 reaching 2 m. Species composition ranges from nearly pure stands of Calamagrostis canadensis to mixtures of Calamagrostis canadensis w
sites have 1- to 2-foot tall tussocks. Recent research has shown that the abundance of graminoids in the Aleutian Islands has been significa
landica, Achillea millefolium var. borealis, Honckenya peploides, and/or Mertensia maritima. As dune height and distance from the ocean i
oplaca, Potentiea-Draba-Saxifraga, Xanthoria-Ramalina, and (on less steep cliffs) Leymus-Ligusticum-Anemone. On the Alaska Peninsula,
mus mollis to more species-rich associations including Leymus mollis, Lathyrus japonicus var. maritimus (= Lathyrus maritimus), and Poa

lifolia, Betula nana, Empetrum nigrum, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Vaccinium uliginosum, Chamaedaphne calyculata, Carex pluriflora, Carex s
and Sphagnum spp.
uatic plants such as Myriophyllum spicatum, Hippuris vulgaris, Potamogeton spp., and Sparganium spp. may be present, and aquatic moss
a gale and Chamaedaphne calyculata indicate fen conditions. This system often occurs in association with other peatland systems.
erum, Eriophorum angustifolium, Rubus chamaemorus , and Drosera spp. Sphagnum spp. are usually abundant in the ground layer.
phorum angustifolium. This system includes raised bogs.
m caespitosum, Dodecatheon pulchellum, Geum calthifolium, Cornus canadensis, Carex pauciflora, Carex anthoxanthea, and Eriophorum
s layer. This system includes a range of canopy structures and compositions from mixed conifer peatlands on sideslopes and benches with C
lain wetland dynamics are different from wetland dynamics outside the floodplain, we will consider floodplain wetlands a distinct system, a
nant shrub, but Betula nana or Salix barclayi may also codominate. Species richness is often high and composition is variable. Common as

um scheuchzeri, Anthelia (liverwort), Saxifraga hirculus, Geum pentapetalum, Calamagrostis canadensis, Calamagrostis stricta ssp. inexpa
herbaceous peatland - complex, and Aleutian Mesic-Wet Willow Shrubland (CES105.148). These have been described as unique systems in

ceous meadows, or Leymus mollis grasslands. The tall willow, alder and mesic herbaceous types tend to dominate low-elevation floodplains
ms are highly productive and have high rates of decomposition. Freshwater marsh vegetation is dominated by emergent vegetation such as
m wetland dynamics outside the floodplain, we will consider floodplain wetlands a distinct system and model succession accordingly. Wetlan
gustifolium, Calamagrostis canadensis, and Equisetum palustre. Comarum palustre, Menyanthes trifoliata, Equisetum fluviatile are often pr
s, Salix spp., and Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata. Species occurring in more stabilized areas of the floodplain may include Salix reticulata, Salix

ude Calliergon giganteum, Sphagnum squarrosum, and Sphagnum riparium. Mixed sedge and forb meadows include Carex saxatilis, Carex

permanent water source throughout all or most of the year. Some of the specific communities will also be found in floodplain systems where
ort Coastal Plain are Eriophorum angustifolium, Carex aquatilis, and Dupontia fisheri.
us, Tanacetum bipinnatum (= Chrysanthemum bipinnatum), and Petasites frigidus.

a and is often found more inland or adjacent to tidal creeks. Dupontia fisheri and Puccinellia spp. dominate the tidal herbaceous marshes. A
fting the marshes above the tide. Two existing vegetation types dominate the system: tidal sedge and tidal herbaceous. Carex lyngbyei, Ca
nd seasonal dynamics of freshwater input from inland balanced against evaporation and tidal flooding of saltwater. Summer-dry periods res
erianthum, Sanguisorba canadensis, Valeriana sitchensis, Lupinus nootkatensis, Veratrum viride, Aconitum delphiniifolium, Anemone narcis
may include Vaccinium uliginosum, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, and Loiseleuria procumbens. Ericaceous species typically dominate this type, but

arly graminoids, may be due to nutrient inputs from seabird colonies; where seabirds have been impacted by introduced predators, the cove
euria procumbens, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Vaccinium uliginosum, and Arctostaphylos alpina. While Empetrum nigrum may codominate, it is
um, Agrostis mertensii, Heuchera glabra, Potentilla villosa, Saxifraga bronchialis, Saxifraga oppositifolia, Veronica wormskjoldii var. stell
rochaeta, and Festuca altaica. Mosses such as Tortula ruralis and Polytrichum spp. may be common. Lichens include Cladina spp., Sphae

s species may include Antennaria alpina, Hierochloe alpina (= Anthoxanthum monticola), Minuartia obtusiloba, Carex scirpoidea, Carex p
ude Betula nana, Dryas octopetala, Dryas integrifolia, Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens, Loiseleuria procumbens, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, and
Betula papyrifera. Herbaceous species include Chamerion latifolium and Lupinus spp. Common willows include Salix alaxensis, Salix arbu
inant vegetation types include mesic herbaceous meadows, alder and alder-willow shrublands, tall and low willow shrublands, and Populu

rf-shrubs are common in the gaps between alder patches.

stifolium. Other common species are Eriophorum vaginatum and Equisetum arvense. Nonvascular species include Oncophorus wahlenberg
acutiflorum, and Sphagnum spp.
alix bebbiana, Salix planifolia, Salix richardsonii, Alnus viridis ssp. crispa, Betula nana, Vaccinium uliginosum, and Ledum palustre ssp. de
mon dwarf-shrubs include Salix arctica, Salix reticulata, Cassiope tetragona, and Arctostaphylos rubra. Herbaceous species include Lupinu
e uncommon. Dwarf-shrubs include Dryas octopetala, Dryas integrifolia, Saxifraga oppositifolia, Rhododendron lapponicum, Salix arctica
oppositifolia, Rhododendron lapponicum, Salix arctica, Salix reticulata, Cassiope tetragona, and Arctostaphylos rubra. Herbaceous specie
Graminoids usually have <10% cover and may include Eriophorum spp., Carex aquatilis, and Carex microchaeta.

ous species include Carex microchaeta, Senecio lugens, Minuartia arctica, Anemone parviflora, Podistera macounii (= Ligusticum mutelli

ulon spp., Alectoria nigricans, and Thamnolia vermicularis. Herbaceous species include Hierochloe alpina (= Anthoxanthum monticola ssp
nana, Diapensia lapponica, Dryas octopetala, Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Salix reticulata, Salix phlebophylla, a

rily on high-center polygons. Their centers are mesic and dominated by tussocks and shrubs, and their perimeters are commonly wet, suppo
high-center polygons. Their centers are commonly mesic, dominated by tussocks, and their perimeters are typically wet, supporting wet sed
dge vegetation also dominated by Carex aquatilis and Eriophorum angustifolium. More elevated perimeters support low shrubs and tussock

and Carex spp. There are also distinctions between acidic and non-acidic tussock tundra. Acidic sites have more ericaceous shrubs and Sph
nd Vaccinium spp. Mosses (Sphagnum spp., Polytrichum strictum, and Hylocomium splendens) may form a nearly continuous mat between
slandica, Cladonia spp., Cladina rangiferina, and Thamnolia subuliformis. There are also distinctions between acidic and non-acidic tussoc
ay be linear. Species diversity is much higher than in the freshwater marsh systems. Sites are typically dominated by Carex aquatilis and E
ussock Tundra 2 PNV) that occurs in Alaska's arctic and has a longer mean fire-return interval. Geographic location is the best determinant b

ds are dominated by Zostera marina.

nium spp., Ranunculus spp., Myriophyllum spp., Hippuris vulgaris, Brasenia schreberi, and Callitriche spp.

rs above alpine dwarf-shrub, herbaceous meadow, and dwarf-shrub-herbaceous systems typically at elevations higher than 915 m (3000 fee
 er sites Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata often dominates the species composition, although Salix sitchensis, Salix alaxensis, or Salix barclayi may
gh long shore sediment transport coupled with isostatic rebound (Shephard 1993). Coastal beach communities are often dominated by Leym
um dilatatum, Tiarella trifoliata, Dryopteris expansa, and Gymnocarpium dryopteris. Calamagrostis nutkaensis may be common on expose
Alaska (Glacier Bay to British Columbia?) but is rare in this system in Prince William Sound (the northwestern limit of Chamaecyparis noo
han by fire. The terrain is mostly gentle to rolling, of low topographic relief, and often rocky. Soils typically have a distinct humus layer ov
te competition from western hemlock. Chamaecyparis nootkatensis is more tolerant of poor soil drainage than Tsuga heterophylla. Chamae

ry by region. In the northern portion of its range (from Kenai Fjords to Yakutat), the system occurs from sea level to upper forest elevations
clude avalanche, fungal pathogens, and blowdown.
tional open forest into the true alpine on the interior side of the Coastal Mountains of British Columbia where deep, late-lying snowpack is
w retain these distinctions. Two floodplain types are described below: glacial floodplains and non-glacial floodplains. (It may be possible to
ock peatland over long time scales. Overstory trees may include several of the following species: Tsuga heterophylla, Tsuga mertensiana (o
lia), Alnus viridis ssp. crispa (= Alnus crispa), and/or Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata (= Alnus sinuata) can be the major dominants. They may o

uch as Athyrium filix-femina, Calamagrostis canadensis, Calamagrostis lapponica, Chamerion angustifolium ssp. angustifolium, Equisetum

m spp., Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Vaccinium myrtilloides, Betula nana, Betula glandulosa, Rosa acicularis, Ribes triste, Linnaea borealis, Sheph
t on some sites. Common understory species include Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Empetrum nigrum, and Linnaea borealis. Feathermosses (Hyloc
mariana. Picea glauca associations found in Banff, Jasper, Kootenay and Yoho national parks occur on gentle to moderate slopes and are g

ure stands. Feathermosses are not as important as in other white spruce systems.

ssp. trichocarpa) on the older sites. The cottonwood-poplar stands often have an understory of tall willow, Calamagrostis canadensis, fern

ends on seral stage and frequency of flooding: later seral stages and wetlands become more common. On rivers and streams without major g

ngustifolium. Other common herbs include Athyrium filix-femina, Veratrum viride, Heracleum maximum, Streptopus amplexifolius, and Aru

erianthum, Aconitum delphiniifolium, Castilleja unalaschcensis, Sanguisorba canadensis , and Carex macrochaeta.
alix barclayi or Salix glauca. Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata is the most common alder species, however, Alnus viridis ssp. fruticosa dominates s
Heracleum maximum; (3) The Calamagrostis canadensis meadow type is dominated by Calamagrostis canadensis, usually with ferns and

a, Astragalus alpinus, and others. Ponds and wet depressions may occur in the slacks and support wet herbaceous communities dominated b

e as an overstory due to frequent snow avalanche.

undra is more common in the gaps between alder patches.
es is Salix barclayi, although Salix alaxensis, Salix commutata, Salix glauca, and Salix pulchra are also important. Alnus viridis ssp. sinuat
sandsheets, desert pavements, blowouts, and interdune slacks. Three dominant habitat types occur within boreal active dune systems: grassy

glauca may also be present. Patches of low-shrub and dry herbaceous communities are interspersed within the aspen forest, where it occurs
xtures of Calamagrostis canadensis with forbs, such as Chamerion angustifolium. Forb- or fern -dominated patches also occur. Common for
e Aleutian Islands has been significantly reduced due to a reduction in nutrient inputs from seabird colonies; where seabirds have been impa
height and distance from the ocean increase, sites are dominated by Leymus mollis communities that may include near-monocultures of Ley
-Anemone. On the Alaska Peninsula, dominance may shift to Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata, Rubus spectabilis, Aruncus dioicus var. acuminatus,
us (= Lathyrus maritimus), and Poa eminens. Older dunes support dwarf-shrubs (primarily Empetrum nigrum) mixed with herbaceous spec

alyculata, Carex pluriflora, Carex spp., Eriophorum angustifolium, Calamagrostis canadensis, and Sphagnum spp. The major disturbances

p. may be present, and aquatic mosses are often present.This system is not associated with permafrost processes.
with other peatland systems.
bundant in the ground layer.

arex anthoxanthea, and Eriophorum angustifolium. Sphagnum spp. are usually abundant in the ground layer. This system occurs at higher el
ds on sideslopes and benches with Chamaecyparis nootkatensis, Tsuga mertensiana, Tsuga heterophylla, and Pinus contorta, to peatlands o
odplain wetlands a distinct system, and model succession accordingly.
composition is variable. Common associated species may include Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata, Kalmia microphylla, Carex pauciflora, Carex l

s, Calamagrostis stricta ssp. inexpansa, Carex saxatilis, Carex nigricans, Carex pluriflora, Carex lyngbyei, Carex anthoxanthea, Leptarrhe
been described as unique systems in this classification, but because floodplain wetland dynamics are different from wetland dynamics outs

dominate low-elevation floodplains on Kodiak Island and the Alaska Peninsula. The mesic herbaceous and Leymus mollis existing vegetat
ted by emergent vegetation such as Carex utriculata, Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (= Scirpus validus), Typha latifolia, Menyanthes tr
model succession accordingly. Wetland succession beginning in open water can proceed through the following wetland classes: aquatic bed,
ata, Equisetum fluviatile are often present but not dominant. Shrubs may be a minor component of the canopy cover (less than 25% cover) a
may include Salix reticulata, Salix arctica(?), Phyllodoce aleutica, Harrimanella stelleriana, Luetkea pectinata, and Sanguisorba canaden

dows include Carex saxatilis, Carex lyngbyei, Sanguisorba canadensis, Swertia perennis, and Platanthera dilatata. Forb-dominated sites in

be found in floodplain systems where more extensive bottomlands remain. By definition, freshwater marshes are dominated by emergent he

nate the tidal herbaceous marshes. Argentina egedii (= Potentilla egedii) may dominate on Alaska's west coast but not on the Beaufort Coas
dal herbaceous. Carex lyngbyei, Carex glareosa, and Carex mackenziei dominate the tidal sedge class. Other species include Hippuris tetra
of saltwater. Summer-dry periods result in decreased freshwater inputs from inland. Hypersaline environments within salt marshes occur in
tum delphiniifolium, Anemone narcissiflora, Polemonium acutiflorum, Chamerion angustifolium (= Epilobium angustifolium), Chamerion l
cies typically dominate this type, but sites dominated by Salix arctica and Salix reticulata are included in this system. Scattered tall shrubs a

ed by introduced predators, the cover of herbaceous species appears to be lower (Croll et al. 2005). Fruticose lichens and Racomitrium lanu
petrum nigrum may codominate, it is mixed with other dwarf-shrubs. Common herbaceous species include Carex macrochaeta, Chamerion
olia, Veronica wormskjoldii var. stelleri , and Tofieldia coccinea.
Lichens include Cladina spp., Sphaerophorus globosus, Nephroma arcticum, Flavocetraria spp., and Alectoria ochroleuca. In the Bering La

btusiloba, Carex scirpoidea, Carex podocarpa, Carex microchaeta, and Festuca altaica. Lichens include Cladina spp., Sphaerophorus glob
cumbens, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, and Salix phlebophylla. Common herbaceous species include Hierochloe alpina, Boykinia richardsonii, Ca
s include Salix alaxensis, Salix arbusculoides, Salix richardsonii (= Salix lanata), Salix glauca, and Salix pulchra. Dryas integrifolia domin
low willow shrublands, and Populus balsamifera. Some of the common woody species can include Populus balsamifera, Alnus viridis, Aln

ies include Oncophorus wahlenbergii, Hylocomium splendens, Tomentypnum nitens, and Thamnolia vermicularis.

ginosum, and Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens. Dwarf-shrubs such as Empetrum nigrum and Vaccinium vitis-idaea may be common under th
. Herbaceous species include Lupinus arcticus, Carex scirpoidea, Carex rupestris, Oxytropis nigrescens, Potentilla uniflora, Artemisia senja
dodendron lapponicum, Salix arctica, Salix reticulata, Cassiope tetragona, and Arctostaphylos rubra. Mosses contribute little cover.
ostaphylos rubra. Herbaceous species may include Lupinus arcticus, Hedysarum boreale ssp. mackenziei (= Hedysarum mackenziei), Carex

era macounii (= Ligusticum mutellinoides ssp. alpinum), Castilleja elegans, Poa arctica, Trisetum spicatum, Silene acaulis, Saxifraga spp.

ina (= Anthoxanthum monticola ssp. alpinum), Polygonum bistorta, Anemone spp., Festuca spp., and Luzula spp. Mosses may be present b
alix reticulata, Salix phlebophylla, and Salix rotundifolia. Common herbaceous species include Hierochloe alpina (= Anthoxanthum monti

perimeters are commonly wet, supporting wet sedges. Betula nana and Salix pulchra dominate the shrub layer. Other species include Ledu
are typically wet, supporting wet sedges. Eriophorum vaginatum is the primary tussock-former in most sites, but Carex bigelowii may dom
eters support low shrubs and tussocks. Common shrubs include Betula nana, Salix pulchra, Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens, Vaccinium viti

ave more ericaceous shrubs and Sphagnum and less Eriophorum spp., Betula nana, and Carex bigelowii. Acidic sites also have more organi
rm a nearly continuous mat between tussocks. There are also distinctions between acidic and non-acidic tussock tundra. Acidic sites have m
between acidic and non-acidic tussock tundra. Acidic sites have more ericaceous shrubs and Sphagnum and less Eriophorum spp., Betula na
dominated by Carex aquatilis and Eriophorum angustifolium but may also be dominated or codominated by Carex glareosa, Carex rotund
hic location is the best determinant between these two systems.

vations higher than 915 m (3000 feet) (possibly higher in southeastern Alaska). There can be sparse cover of forbs, grasses, lichens, shrubs
alix alaxensis, or Salix barclayi may also be abundant. Salix spp. and Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata are commonly mixed with the trees on wood
unities are often dominated by Leymus mollis and brackish meadows. Picea sitchensis seedlings establish in the brackish meadows, but oft
tkaensis may be common on exposed sites near the coast. In the northern portion of the temperate rainforest (Kodiak Island, Kenai Fjords,
western limit of Chamaecyparis nootkatensis). The shrub layer is often dominated by Vaccinium ovalifolium, with Menziesia ferruginea usu
cally have a distinct humus layer overlying mineral horizons or bedrock; where the system is best developed in central British Columbia, th
ge than Tsuga heterophylla. Chamaecyparis nootkatensis is a codominant with Tsuga heterophylla in stands with moderately open (50-70%

m sea level to upper forest elevations.. Picea sitchensis or Tsuga heterophylla may be codominant. In the sub-boreal region, Picea X lutzii m

where deep, late-lying snowpack is the primary environmental factor. Major tree species are Tsuga mertensiana, Abies amabilis, Chamaec
l floodplains. (It may be possible to apply different successional models by region or proximity to glacier terminus.)
a heterophylla, Tsuga mertensiana (often alone or with Picea sitchensis in the subpolar rainforest zone), Thuja plicata (southern portion of
be the major dominants. They may occur in mosaics with marshes or forested swamps, being on average more wet than forested swamps an

folium ssp. angustifolium, Equisetum spp., Gymnocarpium dryopteris, and Heracleum maximum.

Ribes triste, Linnaea borealis, Shepherdia canadensis, and Viburnum edule. This represents a persistent, often self-replacing, hardwood sys
naea borealis. Feathermosses (Hylocomium splendens and Pleurozium schreberi) are common in mature stands. Lichens may be an importa
n gentle to moderate slopes and are generally very mature stands. Mature stands are often open-canopied with a well-developed shrub layer.

ow, Calamagrostis canadensis, ferns and scattered forbs. Floodplains dominated by volcanic ash deposits, the largest being the Katmai Riv

n rivers and streams without major glacial inputs, flooding and sediment deposition still drive the disturbance cycle; however, the timing an

m, Streptopus amplexifolius, and Aruncus dioicus. Near treeline, forb-sedge meadows replace Calamagrostis meadows. Tree seedlings and

nus viridis ssp. fruticosa dominates some sites. Alder height ranges from 0.5 m at higher elevations to 8 m downslope. In closed-canopy site
canadensis, usually with ferns and scattered forbs. It is common on disturbed sites (human or natural) that are in early stages of recovery; a

erbaceous communities dominated by Carex aquatilis and Arctophila fulva.

o important. Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata may codominate. Understory shrub species include Betula nana, Empetrum nigrum, Vaccinium vitis-i
n boreal active dune systems: grassy, dry mountainous and boreal forest.

thin the aspen forest, where it occurs. Common shrubs include Artemisia frigida, Artemisia alaskana, Juniperus communis, and Arctostaph
ated patches also occur. Common forbs and ferns include Heracleum maximum, Thalictrum spp., Veratrum viride, Angelica lucida, Athyrium
nies; where seabirds have been impacted by introduced predators, the cover of graminoid species is lower.
ay include near-monocultures of Leymus mollis to more species-rich associations, including Leymus mollis, Lathyrus japonicus var. maritim
is, Aruncus dioicus var. acuminatus, Heuchera glabra, Potentilla villosa, Phegopteris connectilis, Carex macrochaeta, Deschampsia spp., L
nigrum) mixed with herbaceous species which often grow in narrow stringers on the older beach ridges behind the Leymus mollis zone. Lath

hagnum spp. The major disturbances in this type are fire and thermokarst collapse.

ayer. This system occurs at higher elevations (usually above 500 m) in the southern portion of its range (southeastern Alaska and British Co
a, and Pinus contorta, to peatlands on level ground with scrub Pinus contorta.

crophylla, Carex pauciflora, Carex livida, Carex aquatilis var. dives (= Carex sitchensis), Carex pluriflora, Carex viridula ssp. viridula, Tric

byei, Carex anthoxanthea, Leptarrhena pyrolifolia, Ranunculus eschscholtzii, Ranunculus flammula, Saxifraga rivularis, Caltha palustris, C
fferent from wetland dynamics outside the floodplain, floodplain wetlands are considered a distinct system, and model succession accordin

and Leymus mollis existing vegetation types dominate the Aleutian Island floodplains. Calamagrostis spp. is the dominant mesic herbaceo
dus), Typha latifolia, Menyanthes trifoliata, and Equisetum fluviatile. Arctophila fulva becomes more common in the northern portions of b
owing wetland classes: aquatic bed, marsh, wet meadow or fen. Over time, fens can succeed to shrub bogs or wet low shrub. At any stage in
anopy cover (less than 25% cover) and include Myrica gale, Alnus incana ssp. tenuifolia, and Salix spp.
pectinata, and Sanguisorba canadensis.

era dilatata. Forb-dominated sites include Equisetum fluviatile, Comarum palustre (= Potentilla palustris), and Menyanthes trifoliata.

rshes are dominated by emergent herbaceous species, mostly graminoids ( Carex, Scirpus and/or Schoenoplectus, Eleocharis, Juncus, Typh

st coast but not on the Beaufort Coastal Plain.

Other species include Hippuris tetraphylla, Hippuris vulgaris, Ruppia cirrhosa, Stellaria humifusa, and Zannichellia palustris. Puccinellia
nments within salt marshes occur in "salt pans" where tidal water collects and evaporates. Characteristic plant species include Distichlis sp
lobium angustifolium), Chamerion latifolium, Senecio triangularis, Nephrophyllidium crista-galli, Calamagrostis canadensis (often presen
n this system. Scattered tall shrubs and dwarf trees may be present. Common herbaceous species include Carex macrochaeta, Lupinus noot

icose lichens and Racomitrium lanuginosum may also be common. Heath hummocks may occur.
ude Carex macrochaeta, Chamerion angustifolium, Deschampsia caespitosa, Lupinus nootkatensis, Leymus mollis, Geum calthifolium, Care
ectoria ochroleuca. In the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve and Cape Krusenstern National Monument (Jorgenson et al. 2004), this sy

de Cladina spp., Sphaerophorus globosus, Nephroma arcticum, Flavocetraria spp., and Alectoria ochroleuca.
oe alpina, Boykinia richardsonii, Carex microchaeta, Carex scirpoidea, Geum glaciale, Pedicularis lanata, Eriophorum angustifolium ssp.
lix pulchra. Dryas integrifolia dominates the Dryas communities, but other species may also be common, such as Lupinus spp., Cassiope te
pulus balsamifera, Alnus viridis, Alnus incana ssp. tenuifolia, Salix spp., and a number of other shrubs.

vitis-idaea may be common under the low-shrub layer. Herbaceous species are sparse but sedges are sometimes common. Feathermosses (H
, Potentilla uniflora, Artemisia senjavinensis, Artemisia globularia, Artemisia furcata, Hedysarum boreale ssp. mackenziei (= Hedysarum m
Mosses contribute little cover.
ei (= Hedysarum mackenziei), Carex scirpoidea, Carex rupestris, Oxytropis nigrescens, Potentilla uniflora, Artemisia senjavinensis, Artemi

atum, Silene acaulis, Saxifraga spp., Campanula lasiocarpa, and Polygonum bistorta. Common mosses include Hylocomium splendens, Po

uzula spp. Mosses may be present but do not contribute much cover.
hloe alpina (= Anthoxanthum monticola ssp. alpinum), Arnica lessingii, Carex bigelowii, and Carex microchaeta. Mosses such as Aulacom

ub layer. Other species include Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Vaccinium uliginosum, and Empetrum nigrum. Eriop
t sites, but Carex bigelowii may dominate some sites. Calamagrostis canadensis, Arctagrostis latifolia, and Chamerion latifolium may be c
ustre ssp. decumbens, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Vaccinium uliginosum, and Empetrum nigrum. Eriophorum vaginatum is the primary tussock-f

i. Acidic sites also have more organic matter buildup and the tussocks tend to be larger.
tussock tundra. Acidic sites have more ericaceous shrubs and Sphagnum and less Eriophorum spp., Betula nana, and Carex bigelowii. Aci
and less Eriophorum spp., Betula nana, and Carex bigelowii. Acidic sites also have more organic matter buildup and the tussocks tend to be
ed by Carex glareosa, Carex rotundata, Carex rariflora, Carex chordorrhiza, Carex rostrata, Carex saxatilis, Carex utriculata, Eriophorum

ver of forbs, grasses, lichens, shrubs and small trees, but the total vascular plant cover is typically less than 25% due to the high cover of ex
 monly mixed with the trees on wooded sites as well. Rubus spectabilis is uncommon in this system. Common herbaceous species include C
sh in the brackish meadows, but often do not survive, probably due to excessive salt spray. Further inland, Picea sitchensis seedlings establ
orest (Kodiak Island, Kenai Fjords, and Prince William Sound), Picea sitchensis is frequently the dominant canopy tree from sea level to tr
lium, with Menziesia ferruginea usually present; Rubus spectabilis and Oplopanax horridus are also common. Lysichiton americanus occu
loped in central British Columbia, the humus layers are very thick (mean 17-35 cm). Soils are often imperfectly drained, but this is not a we
ands with moderately open (50-70%) canopies. Yellow-cedar cover typically ranges from 5-50% and rarely dominates the overstory. Picea

e sub-boreal region, Picea X lutzii may be present in the canopy, but cover is less than 15%. In southeast Alaska, this system is the predomin

ertensiana, Abies amabilis, Chamaecyparis nootkatensis, and Abies lasiocarpa. This system includes British Columbia Hypermaritime and
er terminus.)
, Thuja plicata (southern portion of the Alaska distribution only), and Chamaecyparis nootkatensis (= Cupressus nootkatensis). Picea sitch
e more wet than forested swamps and more dry than marshes. However, it is also frequent for them to dominate entire wetland systems. Har

t, often self-replacing, hardwood system and may represent a long-term seral stage of any one of several boreal systems where white spruce
e stands. Lichens may be an important component in late-seral stages. In the eastern part of its range, it intermingles with and transitions to
d with a well-developed shrub layer. Common understory shrubs include Rosa acicularis, Viburnum edule, Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens

its, the largest being the Katmai River floodplain, are included.

rbance cycle; however, the timing and severity of flooding may differ from that on glacial rivers. Both glacially-fed and non-glacially-fed ri

rostis meadows. Tree seedlings and saplings may be abundant on some slopes but do not emerge as an overstory due to frequent disturbanc

m downslope. In closed-canopy sites, Sambucus racemosa and Rubus spectabilis shrubs are usually woven in among and around the edges
that are in early stages of recovery; and (4) The mixed herbaceous meadow type includes mesic herbaceous meadows not dominated by Ath

Empetrum nigrum, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, and Vaccinium uliginosum. Understory herbaceous species include Achillea millefolium var. bore

uniperus communis, and Arctostaphylos uva-ursi. Important grasses include Pseudoroegneria spicata (= Agropyron spicatum), Bromus iner
um viride, Angelica lucida, Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris expansa, and Equisetum arvense. Short-term mesic meadow seral stages, such

llis, Lathyrus japonicus var. maritimus, Achillea millefolium var. borealis, Festuca rubra, Fragaria chiloensis, Senecio pseudoarnica, Desc
x macrochaeta, Deschampsia spp., Lupinus nootkatensis, Campanula spp., and Chamerion latifolium.
behind the Leymus mollis zone. Lathyrus japonicus var. maritimus, Conioselinum chinense, and Cnidium cnidiifolium are uncommon east o

(southeastern Alaska and British Columbia).

ora, Carex viridula ssp. viridula, Trichophorum caespitosum, Eriophorum angustifolium, Equisetum variegatum, Drosera rotundifolia, Sang

xifraga rivularis, Caltha palustris, Claytonia sibirica, Deschampsia beringensis, Comarum palustre, Rubus chamaemorus, Juncus alpinoar
tem, and model succession accordingly. Each type, however, has the same species composition as its correspondingly named system.

spp. is the dominant mesic herbaceous species, and others include Athyrium filix-femina, Leymus mollis, Gymnocarpium dryopteris, Gerani
ommon in the northern portions of boreal Alaska.
ogs or wet low shrub. At any stage in succession, flooding can set back the vegetation to open water. Less dramatic changes in hydrology (su

ris), and Menyanthes trifoliata.

enoplectus, Eleocharis, Juncus, Typha latifolia) but also some forbs. Common emergent and floating vegetation includes species of Scirpus

d Zannichellia palustris. Puccinellia spp. or Plantago maritima dominate the tidal herbaceous type, often with <25% cover.
plant species include Distichlis spicata, Monanthochloe littoralis, Limonium californicum, Jaumea carnosa, Salicornia spp., Suaeda spp
amagrostis canadensis (often present but not dominant), Castilleja unalaschcensis, Artemisia arctica, Fritillaria camschatcensis, and Athyr
de Carex macrochaeta, Lupinus nootkatensis, Valeriana sitchensis, Geranium erianthum, Aconitum delphiniifolium, Castilleja unalaschcens

mus mollis, Geum calthifolium, Carex circinata, Polygonum viviparum, and Festuca rubra. Bryophyte cover is often high.
ment (Jorgenson et al. 2004), this system differs from non-acidic Dryas by lacking the calciphilic species Saxifraga oppositifolia, Potentilla

nata, Eriophorum angustifolium ssp. triste, and Equisetum spp. Mosses such as Rhytidium rugosum, Aulacomnium turgidum, Distichium cap
n, such as Lupinus spp., Cassiope tetragona, Vaccinium uliginosum, Salix spp., and Arctostaphylos rubra.

metimes common. Feathermosses (Hylocomium splendens and Pleurozium schreberi) and lichens may be common
ale ssp. mackenziei (= Hedysarum mackenziei), Saxifraga oppositifolia , and Equisetum spp. Lichens such as Thamnolia spp. and Cetraria

ora, Artemisia senjavinensis, Artemisia globularia, Artemisia furcata, Saxifraga oppositifolia , and Equisetum spp. Lichens such as Thamno

s include Hylocomium splendens, Polytrichum spp., and Racomitrium spp. Lichen cover is less than 25% and may include species of the ge

crochaeta. Mosses such as Aulacomnium palustre, Hylocomium splendens, Pleurozium schreberi, and Polytrichum may be common. Sites a

osum, and Empetrum nigrum. Eriophorum vaginatum is the primary tussock-former in most sites, but Carex bigelowii may dominate some
and Chamerion latifolium may be common. Shrubs include Betula nana, Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens, and Vaccinium spp. Common mo
m vaginatum is the primary tussock-former in most sites, but Carex bigelowii may dominate some sites. Common mosses include Sphagnum

tula nana, and Carex bigelowii. Acidic sites also have more organic matter buildup and the tussocks tend to be larger.
r buildup and the tussocks tend to be larger.
xatilis, Carex utriculata, Eriophorum russeolum, and Eriophorum scheuchzeri. Dupontia fisheri may also occur. Dwarf-shrubs such as Salix

han 25% due to the high cover of exposed rock. Species composition is variable and may include Artemisia arctica, Astragalus alpinus, C
 mmon herbaceous species include Calamagrostis canadensis, Chamerion angustifolium, Chamerion latifolium, Heracleum maximum, Lupi
nd, Picea sitchensis seedlings establish and survive in these meadows, and the meadow transitions to forest. Picea sitchensis establishes ab
nant canopy tree from sea level to treeline on productive sites, and it is the only conifer that occurs on Afognak and Kodiak islands, where i
ommon. Lysichiton americanus occurs in poorly drained depressions. Other common forbs include Rubus pedatus, Streptopus amplexifolius
perfectly drained, but this is not a wetland system. Thuja plicata and Tsuga heterophylla are the dominant tree species throughout, and Cha
rely dominates the overstory. Picea sitchensis may be an overstory component. The canopy is typically multilayered, with Tsuga heterophy

t Alaska, this system is the predominant forest of upper elevations. It occurs above the western hemlock, western hemlock - red-cedar, and

ritish Columbia Hypermaritime and Maritime Parkland (Tsuga mertensiana). Dominant dwarf-shrubs include Phyllodoce empetriformis, Ca

Cupressus nootkatensis). Picea sitchensis and Pinus contorta may also be present but are not dominant. Common shrubs include Vaccinium
ominate entire wetland systems. Hardwood-dominated stands (especially Fraxinus latifolia) may be considered a shrub swamp when they a

l boreal systems where white spruce is important. Spruce may be present in the canopy and, in the absence of fire, could potentially occupy
intermingles with and transitions to Western Canadian Boreal Mesic Black Spruce-Lodgepole Forest (CES105.515) and Western Canadian
ule, Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens, Ledum groenlandicum, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Vaccinium uliginosum, Empetr

glacially-fed and non-glacially-fed rivers are characterized by young successional stages dominated by willow and alder followed by extens

overstory due to frequent disturbance.

oven in among and around the edges of the alder thickets, and the understory is sparse, often with Athyrium filix-femina, graminoids and spa
eous meadows not dominated by Athyrium filix-femina, Chamerion angustifolium ssp. angustifolium, or Calamagrostis canadensis; these sp

clude Achillea millefolium var. borealis, Angelica lucida, Calamagrostis canadensis, Chamerion angustifolium ssp. angustifolium, Equisetu

= Agropyron spicatum), Bromus inermis var. pumpellianus (= Bromus pumpellianus), Calamagrostis purpurascens, Festuca altaica, and Po
erm mesic meadow seral stages, such as post-fire Chamerion angustifolium, are considered seral stages of the forested system they replaced

oensis, Senecio pseudoarnica, Deschampsia beringensis, Heracleum maximum, and Poa eminens. Empetrum nigrum-dominated communit

m cnidiifolium are uncommon east of Cape Lisburne. The Leymus mollis and Empetrum nigrum zones are above the high tide line but still e

iegatum, Drosera rotundifolia, Sanguisorba canadensis, Sanguisorba officinalis, Calamagrostis canadensis , and Rubus arcticus. Sphagnum

ubus chamaemorus, Juncus alpinoarticulatus ssp. nodulosus, Juncus triglumis , and Drosera spp. Shrubs include Salix planifolia, Ledum pa
rrespondingly named system.

, Gymnocarpium dryopteris, Geranium richardsonii, Fritillaria camschatcensis, Heracleum maximum, and Chamerion angustifolium ssp. a

ss dramatic changes in hydrology (such as an increase in water table from beaver activity) can reverse the direction of succession. Wetlands

getation includes species of Scirpus and/or Schoenoplectus, Typha, Eleocharis, Sparganium, Sagittaria, Bidens, Cicuta, Rorippa, Mimulus,

en with <25% cover.

arnosa, Salicornia spp., Suaeda spp., Batis maritima, and Triglochin spp. Low marshes are located in areas that flood every day and are do
ritillaria camschatcensis, and Athyrium filix-femina. The dominant disturbances are snow avalanche, soil creep and freeze-thaw action.
phiniifolium, Castilleja unalaschcensis, Sanguisorba canadensis, Anemone narcissiflora, Artemisia arctica , and Viola spp. On slopes on the

cover is often high.

es Saxifraga oppositifolia, Potentilla uniflora, Hedysarum boreale ssp. mackenziei (= Hedysarum mackenziei), and Oxytropis nigrescens.

lacomnium turgidum, Distichium capillaceum, Racomitrium lanuginosum, Dicranum elongatum, and Polytrichum sp. may be common.

uch as Thamnolia spp. and Cetraria islandica also occur.

setum spp. Lichens such as Thamnolia spp. and Cetraria islandica also occur.

% and may include species of the genera Cladina, Cetraria, and Stereocaulon.

Polytrichum may be common. Sites are typically mesic. Cassiope and Harrimanella tundra sites occur on terrain that is well-protected by sn

Carex bigelowii may dominate some sites. Calamagrostis canadensis, Arctagrostis latifolia, and Chamerion latifolium may be common. Co
ns, and Vaccinium spp. Common mosses include Sphagnum spp., Polytrichum strictum, and Hylocomium splendens. The wet perimeters typ
Common mosses include Sphagnum spp., Polytrichum strictum, and Hylocomium splendens.

nd to be larger.

so occur. Dwarf-shrubs such as Salix fuscescens, Salix pulchra, Andromeda polifolia, Betula nana, Empetrum nigrum, Ledum palustre ssp. d

misia arctica, Astragalus alpinus, Carex microchaeta, Minuartia arctica, Salix rotundifolia, Saxifraga sibirica (= Saxifraga bracteata), Sax
 tifolium, Heracleum maximum, Lupinus nootkatensis, Equisetum arvense, Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris expansa, Phegopteris connectil
orest. Picea sitchensis establishes about 130 years after beach ridge formation and may succeed to Tsuga heterophylla forest.
Afognak and Kodiak islands, where its range is actively expanding. In the southern portion of the Alaskan rainforest, Picea sitchensis is link
us pedatus, Streptopus amplexifolius, Cornus canadensis, and Tiarella trifoliata. Dryopteris expansa is common in well-drained, relatively
ant tree species throughout, and Chamaecyparis nootkatensis joins them from northern Vancouver Island north. Canopy cover of trees is typ
multilayered, with Tsuga heterophylla dominating the lower layers. This system intergrades with Tsuga mertensiana forests, and Tsuga mer

k, western hemlock - red-cedar, and western hemlock - yellow-cedar systems and below the subalpine mountain memlock dwarf-tree system

nclude Phyllodoce empetriformis, Cassiope mertensiana, and Vaccinium deliciosum. Dominant herbaceous species include Lupinus arcticus

Common shrubs include Vaccinium ovalifolium, Gaultheria shallon (southern portion of the Alaska distribution only), and Elliottia pyrolifl
nsidered a shrub swamp when they are not surrounded by conifer forests but do not occur in Alaska. Typical landscape for the Fraxinus lati

nce of fire, could potentially occupy the site.

CES105.515) and Western Canadian Boreal Mesic Mixed Conifer-Hardwood Forest (CES105.510).
daea, Vaccinium uliginosum, Empetrum nigrum, Betula nana, and Linnaea borealis. Common herbaceous species include Geocaulon lividu

willow and alder followed by extensive stands of balsam poplar and/or white spruce. Floodplains range in width from less than 50 m to ove

ium filix-femina, graminoids and sparse Rubus spectabilis. Litter cover is high. Sites codominated by tall willows typically occur along stre
r Calamagrostis canadensis; these species, however, often codominate. Common forbs include Lupinus nootkatensis, Solidago canadensis v

tifolium ssp. angustifolium, Equisetum arvense, Geranium erianthum, Heracleum maximum, Rubus arcticus , and Sanguisorba canadensis. W

rpurascens, Festuca altaica, and Poa spp.

of the forested system they replaced and not included in this description.

etrum nigrum-dominated communities often grow in narrow stringers on the older beach ridges behind the Leymus mollis zone. Herbaceou

are above the high tide line but still experience storm surges, high winds and salt spray.

ensis , and Rubus arcticus. Sphagnum spp. may be abundant in the ground layer.

s include Salix planifolia, Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens, and Empetrum nigrum. Sphagnum may be common.

and Chamerion angustifolium ssp. angustifolium. Floodplains dominated by volcanic ash deposits are included.

he direction of succession. Wetlands can also develop through paludification on poorly drained, fine-textured deposits.

, Bidens, Cicuta, Rorippa, Mimulus, and Phalaris. Maritime Alaska freshwater marshes are described as having Carex rostrata, Equisetum

reas that flood every day and are dominated by a variety of low-growing forbs and low to medium-height graminoids, especially Salicornia
oil creep and freeze-thaw action.
ica , and Viola spp. On slopes on the outer coast and also in Kenai Fjords and Prince William Sound Nephrophyllidium crista-galli is comm
kenziei), and Oxytropis nigrescens.

olytrichum sp. may be common.

n terrain that is well-protected by snow in the winter, and often remains snow-covered until the middle of the growing season.

rion latifolium may be common. Common mosses include Sphagnum spp., Polytrichum strictum, and Hylocomium splendens. The wet peri
m splendens. The wet perimeters typically support Carex aquatilis and Eriophorum angustifolium.

etrum nigrum, Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens, and Vaccinium uliginosum may be common but make up <25% cover. Moss species include

ibirica (= Saxifraga bracteata), Saxifraga bronchialis, Sibbaldia procumbens, and Silene acaulis. Common nonvascular genera include Ra
teris expansa, Phegopteris connectilis, Streptopus amplexifolius, Pyrola spp., Carex mertensii, and Epilobium spp. Mosses and lichens may
a heterophylla forest.
an rainforest, Picea sitchensis is linked more closely with disturbance (e.g., very steep sites, recently deglaciated landscapes, outer coast he
common in well-drained, relatively nutrient-rich sites. Other common ferns include Gymnocarpium dryopteris, Blechnum spicant, and Dryo
d north. Canopy cover of trees is typically over 60%. Pinus contorta and Tsuga mertensiana can be present in some locations in the central
mertensiana forests, and Tsuga mertensiana may occur in transitional stands. The shrub layer is relatively well-developed (>50%) in late-s

mountain memlock dwarf-tree system. Elevations generally range from 300 to 1000 m. Tsuga mertensiana is the dominant tree species. Pice

ous species include Lupinus arcticus ssp. subalpinus, Valeriana sitchensis, Carex spectabilis, and Polygonum bistortoides. There is very litt

tribution only), and Elliottia pyroliflorus. Common understory species include Nephrophyllidium crista-galli, Thelypteris quelpaertensis, P
pical landscape for the Fraxinus latifolia stands were very often formerly dominated by prairies and now by agriculture. Wetland species, in

us species include Geocaulon lividum, Pyrola spp., Equisetum sylvaticum, Equisetum arvense, and Mertensia paniculata. Feathermosses su

in width from less than 50 m to over 1 km. Large floodplains (several km wide, such as the Yukon) are classified as separate systems. Oxbo

ll willows typically occur along streams and at the upper limits of alder growth. Some Rubus spectabilis sites are mixed with herbaceous sp
nootkatensis, Solidago canadensis var. lepida, Polemonium acutiflorum, Castilleja unalaschcensis, Sanguisorba canadensis, Veratrum viri

icus , and Sanguisorba canadensis. Wetter sites support Carex lenticularis var. lipocarpa, Carex aquatilis var. aquatilis, Carex utriculata, a
 the Leymus mollis zone. Herbaceous species are common, including Cornus suecica. The Leymus mollis and Empetrum nigrum existing ve

xtured deposits.

s having Carex rostrata, Equisetum fluviatile (often pure stands), Carex aquatilis var. dives (= Carex sitchensis), Menyanthes trifoliata, Com

ht graminoids, especially Salicornia virginica, Distichlis spicata, Schoenoplectus maritimus (= Scirpus maritimus), Schoenoplectus americ

phrophyllidium crista-galli is common in this system

 of the growing season.

Hylocomium splendens. The wet perimeters typically support Carex aquatilis and Eriophorum angustifolium.

p <25% cover. Moss species include Drepanocladus spp. and Sphagnum spp.

mmon nonvascular genera include Racomitrium and Stereocaulon.

lobium spp. Mosses and lichens may be abundant on some sites; common early-seral nonvascular species include Racomitrium canescens,

glaciated landscapes, outer coast headlands, upland alluvial fans, ancient landslides) and karst substrates. It also occurs commonly at upper
opteris, Blechnum spicant, and Dryopteris expansa. Disturbed sites, such as V-notches, can have abundant Rubus spectabilis or Oplopanax
sent in some locations in the central and northern portion of the range. Abies amabilis occurs in British Columbia and northern Washington
vely well-developed (>50%) in late-seral stands and includes Vaccinium ovalifolium and Menziesia ferruginea, with Lysichiton americanus

na is the dominant tree species. Picea sitchensis, Chamaecyparis nootkatensis (northern limit is Prince William Sound), or Tsuga heterophy

onum bistortoides. There is very little disturbance, either windthrow or fire. The major process controlling vegetation is the very deep long-

-galli, Thelypteris quelpaertensis, Phegopteris connectilis, Trichophorum caespitosum, Carex anthoxanthea, Carex pluriflora, Carex stylos
w by agriculture. Wetland species, including Carex aquatilis var. dives (= Carex sitchensis), Carex utriculata, Equisetum fluviatile, and Lys

tensia paniculata. Feathermosses such as Abietinella abietina, Hylocomium splendens, and Pleurozium schreberi are common in the ground

classified as separate systems. Oxbows and other wet depressions commonly form on the floodplains. Wetland succession and species com

s sites are mixed with herbaceous species of equal height, including Athyrium filix-femina, Aconitum maximum, Calamagrostis canadensis,
nguisorba canadensis, Veratrum viride, Valeriana capitata, Antennaria dioica, Cardamine oligosperma var. kamtschatica, Achillea millefoli

lis var. aquatilis, Carex utriculata, and Equisetum pratense.

is and Empetrum nigrum existing vegetation types are above the high tide line but still experience storm surges, high winds and salt spray.

tchensis), Menyanthes trifoliata, Comarum palustre, Eleocharis palustris, and Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani. In relatively deep water, th

s maritimus), Schoenoplectus americanus (= Scirpus americanus), Carex lyngbyei, and Triglochin maritima. In Alaska, tidal marshes are of
es include Racomitrium canescens, Pohlia nutans, Drepanocladus aduncus, Stereocaulon tomentosum, Cladonia crispata, and Cladina por

es. It also occurs commonly at upper elevations just below the mountain hemlock zone.
ant Rubus spectabilis or Oplopanax horridus dominating the undergrowth. Sites may receive very infrequent catastrophic disturbance leadi
Columbia and northern Washington stands but is not typically found in southeastern Alaska. In Washington, nearly pure stands of Tsuga he
uginea, with Lysichiton americanus and Coptis spp. as consistently present herbaceous species. Blechnum spicant is the most common fern

William Sound), or Tsuga heterophylla may be present but are less abundant than Tsuga mertensiana. Throughout the entire range of the sy

ing vegetation is the very deep long-lasting snowpacks (deepest in the North Pacific region) limiting tree regeneration. Trees get established

nthea, Carex pluriflora, Carex stylosa, Eriophorum spp., Lysichiton americanus, and Sphagnum spp.
culata, Equisetum fluviatile, and Lysichiton americanus, dominate the understory. On some sites, Sphagnum spp. are common in the unders

schreberi are common in the ground layer (Boggs and Sturdy 2005). The disturbance regime is characterized by large crown fires, though o

Wetland succession and species composition are variable due to diverse environmental conditions such as water depth, substrate, and nutrien

aximum, Calamagrostis canadensis, Chamerion angustifolium ssp. angustifolium, Deschampsia caespitosa, Dryopteris expansa, Heracleum
var. kamtschatica, Achillea millefolium var. borealis, Arnica unalaschcensis, Dendranthema arcticum ssp. arcticum, Claytonia sibirica, Ge
m surges, high winds and salt spray.

emontani. In relatively deep water, there may be occurrences of the freshwater aquatic bed system, where there are floating-leaved genera su

tima. In Alaska, tidal marshes are often dominated by near-monotypic stands of Carex lyngbyei, while the frequently inundated lower salt m
 Cladonia crispata, and Cladina portentosa.

equent catastrophic disturbance leading to large older trees and multiple canopy layers where western hemlock regeneration is favored. Dise
gton, nearly pure stands of Tsuga heterophylla are common and seem to be associated with microsites most exposed to intense windstorms.
um spicant is the most common fern, while Dryopteris expansa is nearly absent from this type. This system is distinguished by the codomin

Throughout the entire range of the system, the dominant understory shrub is typically Vaccinium ovalifolium; other common shrubs include

ee regeneration. Trees get established only in favorable microsites (mostly adjacent to existing trees) or during drought years with low snow

gnum spp. are common in the understory (Stikine, Yakutat Forelands, Copper River Delta).

erized by large crown fires, though other disturbances, such as insect infestations and blowdown are common.

as water depth, substrate, and nutrient input. Wetland classes and succession are described in the floodplain wetlands ecological system.

tosa, Dryopteris expansa, Heracleum maximum, and Veratrum viride. In sites where patches of alder are mosaiced with mesic herbaceous m
sp. arcticum, Claytonia sibirica, Geum calthifolium, Ranunculus occidentalis, Dryopteris expansa , and Angelica lucida. Graminoids includ
re there are floating-leaved genera such as Lemna, Potamogeton, Polygonum, Nuphar, Hydrocotyle, and Brasenia. A consistent source of fre

he frequently inundated lower salt marshes are often dominated by Eleocharis palustris or Puccinellia spp. Other common species in Alask
emlock regeneration is favored. Diseases including dwarf mistletoe and heart rot fungi perpetuate the hemlock-dominated old-growth condi
most exposed to intense windstorms. A shrub layer of Gaultheria shallon, Vaccinium ovalifolium, and Menziesia ferruginea is usually well-d
tem is distinguished by the codominance of Chamaecyparis nootkatensis and Tsuga heterophylla and the absence or rarity of Thuja plicata,

lium; other common shrubs include Menziesia ferruginea, Elliottia pyroliflorus, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, and Empetrum nigrum. Common he

during drought years with low snowpack. It is distinguished from more interior dry parkland primarily by the presence of Tsuga mertensian

lain wetlands ecological system.

e mosaiced with mesic herbaceous meadows, common species include Athyrium filix-femina, Aconitum maximum, Calamagrostis canadens
Angelica lucida. Graminoids include Carex macrochaeta, Festuca rubra, Agrostis exarata, Agrostis scabra, and Deschampsia beringensis
Brasenia. A consistent source of freshwater is essential to the function of these systems.

spp. Other common species in Alaska include Hippuris tetraphylla, Plantago maritima, Cochlearia groenlandica (= Cochlearia officinalis)
emlock-dominated old-growth condition. On other sites, wind disturbance yields forests approaching an even-aged condition dominated by
Menziesia ferruginea is usually well-developed. The fern Blechnum spicant in great abundance is typical of hypermaritime conditions. Oxali
he absence or rarity of Thuja plicata, Picea sitchensis, and Abies amabilis.

and Empetrum nigrum. Common herbaceous species include Rubus pedatus, Cornus canadensis, Gymnocarpium dryopteris, Blechnum spic

by the presence of Tsuga mertensiana or Abies amabilis and absence or paucity of Pinus albicaulis and Larix lyallii.

maximum, Calamagrostis canadensis, Chamerion angustifolium ssp. angustifolium, Deschampsia caespitosa, Dryopteris expansa, Heracle
abra, and Deschampsia beringensis. Empetrum nigrum may also be common.
enlandica (= Cochlearia officinalis), Spergularia canadensis, Honckenya peploides, or Glaux maritima. In the Cook Inlet and Alaska Penin
 even-aged condition dominated by Tsuga heterophylla but with a component of Picea sitchensis.
of hypermaritime conditions. Oxalis oregana (absent in Alaska) is important in the understory of moist sites in Washington. Polystichum m

nocarpium dryopteris, Blechnum spicant, and Listera cordata. Major disturbance processes include avalanche, fungal pathogens, and blowd

Larix lyallii.

pitosa, Dryopteris expansa, Heracleum maximum, Lupinus nootkatensis, Solidago spp., and Veratrum viride.
a. In the Cook Inlet and Alaska Peninsula, Carex ramenskii may be an associated species. High marshes are located in areas that flood infreq
t sites in Washington. Polystichum munitum occurs at the northern end of its range in southeastern Alaska on well-drained sites. The abunda

anche, fungal pathogens, and blowdown. Parklands (open woodlands or sparse trees with dwarf-shrub or herbaceous vegetation) are not par
are located in areas that flood infrequently and are dominated by medium-tall graminoids and low forbs, especially Deschampsia caespito
ka on well-drained sites. The abundance of Thuja plicata in relation to other conifers is one of the diagnostic characters of these forests; the

or herbaceous vegetation) are not part of this system but of North Pacific Maritime Mesic Subalpine Parkland (CES204.837) or Alaskan Pac
s, especially Deschampsia caespitosa, Argentina egedii, Juncus balticus, and Symphyotrichum subspicatum (= Aster subspicatus), and in A
nostic characters of these forests; the other is the low abundance of Pseudotsuga menziesii (absent in Alaska) and Picea sitchensis. Where th

rkland (CES204.837) or Alaskan Pacific Maritime Subalpine Mountain Hemlock Woodland (CES204.143).
atum (= Aster subspicatus), and in Alaska Poa eminens, Argentina egedii, Festuca rubra, and Deschampsia caespitosa. Transition zone (sli
aska) and Picea sitchensis. Where these forests are best developed, they occur in a mosaic with forested wetlands, bogs, and Sitka spruce fo
psia caespitosa. Transition zone (slightly brackish) marshes are often dominated by Typha spp. or Schoenoplectus acutus. Atriplex prostrat
d wetlands, bogs, and Sitka spruce forests (the latter in riparian areas and on steep, more productive soils).
enoplectus acutus. Atriplex prostrata (= Atriplex triangularis), Juncus mexicanus, Phragmites spp., Cordylanthus spp., and Lilaeopsis mas
rdylanthus spp., and Lilaeopsis masonii are important species in California. The invasive weed Lepidium latifolium is a problem in many o
m latifolium is a problem in many of these marshes. Rare plant species include Cordylanthus maritimus ssp. maritimus.
Area Area_Name Grid_Value Comb_Value NVCMES
3 Hawaii 1 801 09.U.9D999M999E801
3 Hawaii 2 802 09.U.9D999M999E802
3 Hawaii 3 803 02.U.9D999M999E803
3 Hawaii 4 804 02.U.9D999M999E804
3 Hawaii 5 805 02.U.9D999M999E805
3 Hawaii 6 806 02.U.9D999M999E806
3 Hawaii 7 807 02.U.9D999M999E807
3 Hawaii 8 808 02.U.9D999M999E808
3 Hawaii 9 809 02.U.9D999M999E809
3 Hawaii 10 810 02.U.9D999M999E810
3 Hawaii 11 811 02.U.9D999M999E811
3 Hawaii 12 812 01.U.9D999M999E812
3 Hawaii 13 813 01.U.9D999M999E813
3 Hawaii 14 814 01.U.9D999M999E814
3 Hawaii 15 815 01.U.9D999M999E815
3 Hawaii 16 816 01.U.9D999M999E816
3 Hawaii 17 817 01.U.9D999M999E817
3 Hawaii 18 818 01.U.9D999M999E818
3 Hawaii 19 819 01.U.9D999M999E819
3 Hawaii 20 820 01.U.9D999M999E820
3 Hawaii 21 821 01.U.9D999M999E821
3 Hawaii 22 822 01.U.9D999M999E822
3 Hawaii 23 823 01.U.9D999M999E823
3 Hawaii 24 824 01.U.9D999M999E824
3 Hawaii 25 825 11.U.9D999M999E825
3 Hawaii 26 826 12.U.9D999M999E826
3 Hawaii 27 827 07.U.9D999M999E827
3 Hawaii 28 828 08.U.9D999M999E828
3 Hawaii 29 829 08.U.9D999M999E829
3 Hawaii 30 830 09.U.9D999M999E830
3 Hawaii 31 831 09.U.9D999M999E831
3 Hawaii 32 832 09.U.9D999M999E832
3 Hawaii 33 833 09.U.9D999M999E833
3 Hawaii 34 834 01.U.9D999M999E834
3 Hawaii 35 835 06.U.9D999M999E835
3 Hawaii 36 836 02.U.9D999M999E836
3 Hawaii 37 837 06.U.9D999M999E837
ClassName
Mixed Native-Alien Forest
Mixed Native-Alien Shrubs and Grasses
Native Coastal Vegetation
Deschampsia Grassland
Aalii Shrubland
Bog Vegetation
Native Dry Cliff Vegetation
Native Shrubland / Sparse Ohia (native shrubs)
Native Wet Cliff Vegetation
Open Mao Shrubland
Uluhe Shrubland
Closed Hala Forest
Closed Koa-Ohia Forest
Closed Ohia Forest
Closed Pouteria Forest (native trees)
Koa Forest
Mamane / Naio / Native Trees
Native Mesic to Dry Forest and Shrubland
Native Wet Forest and Shrubland
Ohia Forest
Olopua-Lama Forest
Open Koa-Mamane Forest
Open Koa-Ohia Forest
Open Ohia Forest
Open Water
Wetland Vegetation
Agriculture
High Intensity Developed
Low Intensity Developed
Alien Grassland
Alien Shrubland
Alien Forest
Kiawe Forest and Shrubland
Uncharacterized Forest
Uncharacterized Open-Sparse Vegetation
Uncharacterized Shrubland
Very Sparse Vegetation to Unvegetated
 Description- GAP land cover class
Vegetation dominated by a mixture of alien and native trees, typically along the transition between native-dominated forest at h
Vegetation dominated by a mixture of mostly native shrubs and alien grasses, typically along the transition between native-dom
Dwarf-shrub and mixed shrub and grass vegetation, composed of a variable mix of native coastal species. Typical dominants in
Vegetation dominated by the bunchgrass Deschampsia australis, in dry-mesic to wet-mesic settings at subalpine elevations on g
Close to open shrubland dominated by the hardy native shrub aalii (Dodonaea viscosa), often with a very sparse understory o
Vegetation dominated by dwarf shrubs and grasses, on flat to gentle terrain, from montane to subalpine elevations, in very wet s
Vegetation dominated by dwarf shrubs and grasses, on steep aspect, from lowland to alpine elevations, in dry to mesic settings.
Vegetation dominated by shrubs, typically in dry to dry-mesic settings, often at high montane and subalpine elevations, but occ
Vegetation dominated by shrubs and ferns, on steep aspect, from lowland to montane elevations, in wet settings. Typical species
Open, summer-deciduous shrubland dominated by Mao (Gossypium tomentosum), occupying coastal and lowland dry settings;
Vegetation dominated by a shrubland (technically a fernland) of uluhe (Dicranopteris linearis and/or other native mat ferns; e.g
Vegetation dominated by a closed canopy of hala (Pandanus tectorius) over a groundcover of native shrubs and ferns (often sec
Vegetation dominated by a closed canopy of koa (Acacia koa) and hia (Metrosideros polymorpha) with varying understories
Vegetation dominated by a closed canopy of hia (Metrosideros polymorpha) and other native trees, with varying understories
Closed forest dominated by Pouteria sandwicensis and a mix of other native mesic trees, often described as diverse mesic fore
Vegetation dominated by a closed to open canopy of koa (Acacia koa) over a mixed understory of native shrubs, typically at mo
Vegetation dominated by closed to open canopy of mmane (Sophora chrysophylla), naio (Myoporum sandwicense) and other n
Vegetation a composite of low forest and adjacent shrubland types, typically in lowland mesic to dry-mesic settings, typically o
Vegetation dominated by a closed to open low-statured canopy of hia (Metrosideros polymorpha) and other native trees, ove
A composite hia Forest class for which canopy closure and dominant understory assemblage is variable and/or indeterminat
A closed to open forest community dominated by two native tree species, Olopua (Nestegis sandwicensis) and Lama (Diospyro
Vegetation dominated by an open canopy of koa (Acacia koa), and mmane (Sophora chrysophylla), with hia (Metrosideros
Vegetation dominated by an open canopy of koa (Acacia koa), hia (Metrosideros polymorpha), and other native trees, with a
Vegetation dominated by an open canopy of hia (Metrosideros polymorpha) and other native trees, with an understory domin
Inland water bodies and coastal fish ponds of at least 0.36 hectares in area. This class is primarily derived from the National H
Marshes and other wetlands dominated by alien obligatory wetland grasses or grass-like vegetation, shrubs, or trees, e.g., orient
Planted lands of variable physiognomy, with annual to multi-year stability. May include ordered rows of tree plantings (often de
Adopted with minor changes from the Coastal Change Analysis Programs High Intensity Developed land cover class, thus defi
Adopted with minor changes from the Coastal Change Analysis Programs Low Intensity Developed land cover class, thus defi
Uncharacterized mixed alien grasslands, often at low elevations, often as part of complex vegetation mosaics of grass, shrubs, a
Highly variable mixed shrubland dominated locally by one or more species, including Lantana camara, koa haole (Leucaena le
Mixed, typically dense canopies of alien tree species, often plantation forest plantings, with dominants including, but not limite
Vegetation dominated by an open to closed canopy of the alien shrub/tree kiawe (Prosopis pallida), typically in dry coastal sett
Open-closed canopy forest, most often at low elevations, part of a complex mosaic of naturalized alien vegetation in a mosaic o
Open to sparse vegetation, occurring at all elevations, part of a complex mosaic of naturalized alien vegetation in a mosaic of fo
Mixed, typically closed shrub vegetation, occurring at a variety of elevations, part of a complex mosaic of naturalized alien veg
Largely unvegetated, typically open lava or cinder substrates occupying dry settings at subalpine and alpine elevations (Maui an
 native-dominated forest at higher elevations and Alien Forest below (q.v.) Heterogeneous signatures, often complicated by steep and compl
ansition between native-dominated shrublands at higher elevations, and Alien Grassland below (q.v.). Heterogeneous signatures, often comp
pecies. Typical dominants include Scaevola, Sida, Ipomoea, Sporobolus, Heliotropium. Often occupying a very narrow coastal strand zone,
s at subalpine elevations on gentle to moderate slopes. Between grass tussocks may be sparse native shrubs such as Styphelia, Vaccinium, G
th a very sparse understory of other dry-adapted grasses, herbs, and shrubs. While well-developed on Lnai, smaller occurrences of this co
pine elevations, in very wet settings. Typical species may vary somewhat by elevation, including: Metrosideros, Styphelia, Machaerina, bo
ons, in dry to mesic settings. Typical species may vary somewhat by elevation, including species in the genera: Styphelia, Artemisia, Eragro
ubalpine elevations, but occasionally in lowland dry and mesic settings. Typical dominants include pukiawe ( Styphelia), aalii (Dodonaea
wet settings. Typical species include Metrosideros, Coprosma, Vaccinium, Machaerina, and Dicranopteris, Often adjacent to hia Forest
tal and lowland dry settings; often invaded by alien grasses and shrubs; adjacent to Kiawe Forest & Shrubland and Fountain Grass/ Buffel G
or other native mat ferns; e.g., Sticherus, Diplopterygium), generally on moderate and steep mesic to wet slopes from lowland to montane e
e shrubs and ferns (often secondarily invaded by a wide variety of alien shrubs). In coastal settings, often with a groundcover dominated by
a) with varying understories dominated by hpuu, native shrubs, strawberry guava or uluhe, generally on moderate mesic to wet slopes fro
es, with varying understories dominated by hpuu, native shrubs or uluhe, generally on moderate mesic to wet slopes from lowland to mon
cribed as diverse mesic forest occupies moderate to steep slopes below the wet summit of the island of Lnai. Adjacent to hia Closed
native shrubs, typically at montane elevations in windward settings. Often a result of koa management or reforestation; grading into Closed
um sandwicense) and other native trees, with mmane or naio typically dominant or co-dominant. Understory may be dominated by alien g
y-mesic settings, typically on steep to moderate slopes, where topography hinders ability to distinguish between specific types, but typicall
a) and other native trees, over a mixed understory of native shrubs and ferns, including mat ferns, typically at montane elevations in wet win
variable and/or indeterminate, generally located in areas of cliff shadow or cloud cover in the source imagery. May include the more detaile
censis) and Lama (Diospyros sandwicensis), with canopy height generally less than 10 meters. This community also includes several other
), with hia (Metrosideros polymorpha), and other native trees present, but subdominant, with an understory dominated by mixed shrubs
and other native trees, with an understory dominated by hpuu (Cibotium spp.), grass, native shrubs, strawberry guava (Psidium cattleianum
es, with an understory dominated by hpuu tree ferns (Cibotium spp.), alien grasses, native shrubs, or uluhe ( Dicranopteris linearis and/or
derived from the National Hydrography Dataset.
, shrubs, or trees, e.g., oriental mangrove ( Bruguiera gymnorrhiza) and American mangrove (Rhizophora mangle). These areas have genera
ws of tree plantings (often dense) in agricultural-zoned lands, typically in lowland mesic and wet settings. May include a wide variety of do
ed land cover class, thus defined: Contains little or no vegetation. This subclass includes heavily built-up urban centers as well as large con
d land cover class, thus defined:"Contains substantial amounts of constructed surface mixed with substantial amounts of vegetated surface.
n mosaics of grass, shrubs, and trees. This class includes large areas dominated by fountain grass ( Pennisetum setaceum), buffel grass (Ce
mara, koa haole (Leucaena leucocephala), christmas berry (Schinus terebinthifolius), klu (Acacia farnesiana), and others. Often grading int
ants including, but not limited to: Eucalyptus, Casuarina, Paraserianthes, Araucaria, Fraxinus, Melaleuca, Psidium, and Grevillea spp. At
, typically in dry coastal settings, with dense stands adjacent to fresh groundwater sources near sea level. Often with an understory of alien
lien vegetation in a mosaic of forest, shrubland and grassland. Small occurrences of native forest also may be found in this class.
n vegetation in a mosaic of forest, shrubland and grassland. May also include very sparse native vegetation at higher elevations, and pioneer
osaic of naturalized alien vegetation in a mosaic of surrounding forest, shrubland, and grassland. May also include small occurrences of nati
nd alpine elevations (Maui and Hawaii islands), but also occurring in lower dry settings, especially on very young lava flows in earliest ser
ften complicated by steep and complex terrain.
eterogeneous signatures, often complicated by steep and complex terrain.
g a very narrow coastal strand zone, adjacent to variable alien lowland vegetation, typically Kiawe Forest/Shrubland, Koa haole Shrubland,
ubs such as Styphelia, Vaccinium, Geranium, etc. Typically adjacent to Native Shrublands and hia Forest.
nai, smaller occurrences of this common shrubland can be found on other low islands (Oahu, Kauai, and Molokai), but are not extensiv
osideros, Styphelia, Machaerina, bog-adapted sedges and grasses. Found adjacent to wet hia forest (typically Closed hia Forest (nativ
genera: Styphelia, Artemisia, Eragrostis, Bidens, Dodonaea. Found adjacent to any of several mesic to dry vegetation types dissected by cli
iawe ( Styphelia), aalii (Dodonaea), and hia (Metrosideros); subalpine examples often strongly dominated by Styphelia.; lower elevati
eris, Often adjacent to hia Forest (uluhe) and hia Forest (native shrubs) q.v.
rubland and Fountain Grass/ Buffel Grass Grassland (q.v.).
et slopes from lowland to montane elevations, typically on windward island slopes. Often with varying presence of native shrubs and sparse
en with a groundcover dominated by naupaka kahakai ( Scaevola sericea).
on moderate mesic to wet slopes from lowland to montane elevations. Often found adjacent to and grading into Closed hia Forest, Open
c to wet slopes from lowland to montane elevations. Often found adjacent to and grading gradually with Open hia Forest, Open Koa-h
of Lnai. Adjacent to hia Closed Forest and Open hia Forest (Uluhe) (q.v.).
or reforestation; grading into Closed hia Forest (native shrubs), Open to Closed Koa-hia Forest (mixed grass, native shrubs, hpuu) a
erstory may be dominated by alien grasses (often Pennisetum clandestinum), or native shrubs, generally on gentle to moderate dry-mesic to
between specific types, but typically including koa-dominated forest types and aalii and other dry shrublands, adjacent to Koa-hia Fo
lly at montane elevations in wet windward and summit settings. Undergoing complex, small-scale transitions with Open hia Forest (nat
agery. May include the more detailed cover types: Open hia Forest and Closed hia Forest.
mmunity also includes several other mesic-habitat tree and shrub species. The understory is heavily dominated by Lantana camara, christm
erstory dominated by mixed shrubs or alien grasses (often Pennisetum clandestinum), generally on gentle to moderate mesic to dry slopes a
rawberry guava (Psidium cattleianum), uluhe (Dicranopteris linearis) and/or other native mat ferns (e.g., Sticherus, Diplopterygium), gener
uluhe ( Dicranopteris linearis and/or other native mat ferns, e.g., Sticherus, Diplopterygium), typically at lowland-montane elevations in me

ra mangle). These areas have generally been heavily degraded by feral pigs and subsequently, original native vegetation has been almost co
gs. May include a wide variety of dominants, including macadamia, coconut, banana, guava, papaya, sugarcane, pineapple, coffee, vegetabl
up urban centers as well as large constructed surfaces in suburban and rural areas. Large buildings (such as multiple family housing, hangar
antial amounts of vegetated surface. Small buildings (such as single family housing, farm outbuildings, and sheds), streets, roads, and ceme
nisetum setaceum), buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris), kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum) and other species. This class also includes pla
siana), and others. Often grading into agricultural plantings or mixed alien grasslands
uca, Psidium, and Grevillea spp. At lowland and montane, wet-mesic to mesic settings, often at the lower elevation edge of forest reserves.
l. Often with an understory of alien grasses (most often Cenchrus ciliaris), and grading into Koa haole Shrubland and/or Fountain Grass / B
may be found in this class.
ion at higher elevations, and pioneer native vegetation.
so include small occurrences of native shrubland.
very young lava flows in earliest seral stages, or weathered soil or rock substrates on older islands
est/Shrubland, Koa haole Shrubland, grasslands, and developed lands. On Kahoolawe, a variant of this shrubland is predominantly Sida.

, and Molokai), but are not extensive enough to map, and are mapped as Native Shrubland (q.v.).
typically Closed hia Forest (native shrubs).
dry vegetation types dissected by cliffy terrain.
minated by Styphelia.; lower elevation occurrences more mixed.

presence of native shrubs and sparse native trees, typically including hia (Metrosdieros polymorpha). Often found adjacent to and gradin

ing into Closed hia Forest, Open Koa-hia Forest, and Open hia Forest.
h Open hia Forest, Open Koa-hia Forest, Closed Koa-hia Forest, and Uluhe Shrubland.

mixed grass, native shrubs, hpuu) and Open hia Forest (native shrubs, mixed grass) q.v.
on gentle to moderate dry-mesic to dry slopes at upper montane and subalpine elevations, not restricted to windward island slopes. Often f
rublands, adjacent to Koa-hia Forest at higher elevations.
sitions with Open hia Forest (native shrubs, uluhe), Native Wet Cliff Vegetation, Bog Vegetation, and Open and Closed Koa-hia Fore

minated by Lantana camara, christmas berry (Schinus terebinthifolius), and other alien shrub species. Located on dry slopes and plains on
tle to moderate mesic to dry slopes at upper montane elevations, not restricted to windward island slopes. Often found adjacent to and gradi
g., Sticherus, Diplopterygium), generally at lowland-montane elevations in mesic-wet zones. Often found adjacent to and grading gradually
at lowland-montane elevations in mesic-wet zones, found adjacent to, and grading into Closed hia Forest, Open to Closed Koa-hia Fo

native vegetation has been almost completely replaced by alien plants. This class is primarily derived from the National Hydrography Data
garcane, pineapple, coffee, vegetable crops, and fallow fields.
h as multiple family housing, hangars, and large barns), interstate highways, and runways typically fall into this subclass."
and sheds), streets, roads, and cemeteries with associated grasses and trees typically fall into this subclass."
species. This class also includes planted grass of parks and golf courses.

er elevation edge of forest reserves.

Shrubland and/or Fountain Grass / Buffel Grass Grassland,
 shrubland is predominantly Sida.

. Often found adjacent to and grading gradually with Open hia Forest (uluhe) q.v.

d to windward island slopes. Often found adjacent to and grading with Open and Closed Koa-hia Forest (mixed grass, native shrubs) and

d Open and Closed Koa-hia Forest (native shrubs, hpuu) q.v.

Located on dry slopes and plains on

s. Often found adjacent to and grading gradually with Open and Closed Koa-hia Forest.
nd adjacent to and grading gradually with Closed Koa-hia Forest and Open to Closed hia Forest q.v.
orest, Open to Closed Koa-hia Forest, and Uluhe Shrubland q.v.

rom the National Hydrography Dataset.

into this subclass."

rest (mixed grass, native shrubs) and Open Koa-Mmane Forest (native shrubs), as well as Native Shrublands / Sparse hia (native shrub
blands / Sparse hia (native shrubs) at subalpine elevations, q.v.