Abstract for CNVC00315

Forest
Forêt

Betula papyrifera – B. alleghaniensis / Dryopteris carthusiana

Paper Birch – Yellow Birch / Spinulose Wood Fern
Bouleau à papier – Bouleau jaune / Dryoptère spinuleuse

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CNVC00315 is a boreal hardwood forest Association that occurs in the southern part of insular Newfoundland. It has a closed canopy dominated by paper birch (Betula papyrifera) and yellow birch (B. alleghaniensis), with a minor component of balsam fir (Abies balsamea). The shrub layer is usually sparse, sometimes consisting only of regenerating balsam fir. The dense herb layer is characterized by abundant wood ferns, especially spinulose wood fern (Dryopteris carthusiana) and evergreen wood fern (D. intermedia). Other herb species that underlie the ferns include bunchberry (Cornus canadensis), northern starflower (Lysimachia borealis), stiff clubmoss (Lycopodium annotinum) and wild lily-of-the-valley (Maianthemum canadense). The moss layer is sparse or nonexistent because of abundant fern and broad-leaf litter, although minor amounts of Dicranum scoparium, Hylocomium splendens and Pleurozium schreberi can be present. CNVC00315 occurs in a region with a humid to very humid, maritime-influenced boreal climate. It is typically found on mesic to moist, nutrient-medium to rich sites. These are some of the most productive sites in Newfoundland. CNVC00315 is an early seral condition that typically establishes after fire or other stand-replacing disturbance that results in failure of balsam fir regeneration. There are two subassociations, typic and Clintonia borealis.

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