Plant Association Information
Larix laricina, Picea mariana, Andromeda polifolia, Eriophorum vaginatum, Sphagnum species
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The average overstory of this community is 10 to 15%, predominantly composed of Larix laricina. Picea mariana is associated. This is an early successional type of wet areas with an average stand age of 74 years. The ground surface is hummocky, being too wet to form tussocks. Andromeda polifolia is the dominant shrub with an average cover of 50-75%. Betula nana, Ledum palustre, and Chamedaphne calyculata are associated all with an average cover of 10%. Salix fuscescens and Vaccinium uliginosum are rare associates. The herbaceous layer is dominated by Eriophorum vaginatum or Equisetum fluviatile with an average cover of 80%. Other herbs include Drosera rotundifolia, Carex rhynchophysa, Sparganium angustifolium, Menyanthes trifoliata, and Potentilla palustris. The nonvascular cover is 80% composed solely of Sphagnum species.
This community is found in the Tanana lowland on eolian deposits at an average altitude of 217 meters (elevation range is 198 to 236 meters).
Associated Plant Species: Andromeda polifolia,
Betula nana,
Chamaedaphne calyculata,
Comarum palustre,
Drosera rotundifolia,
Equisetum fluviatile,
Eriophorum vaginatum,
Larix laricina,
Picea mariana,
Rhododendron tomentosum ssp. decumbens,
Sphagnum spp.