Abstract for CNVC00005
Forest
Forêt
Tsuga heterophylla (Picea sitchensis - Abies amabilis) / Rubus spectabilis / Polystichum munitum
Western Hemlock (Sitka Spruce - Pacific Silver Fir) / Salmonberry / Western Sword Fern
Pruche de l'Ouest (Épinette Sitka - Sapin gracieux) / Ronce remarquable / Fougère épée
CNVC00005 is an endemic Pacific coastal coniferous association that develops on very moist, nutrient-rich soils in the hypermaritime climate of the outer coastal areas of southern British Columbia. These highly productive coniferous forests tend to occur on lower and toe slopes with underground seepage. Western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) is consistently present and usually codominates with Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) and Pacific silver fir (Abies amabilis). The well-developed shrub layer comprises salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis), red huckleberry (Vaccinium parvifolium) and regeneration of western hemlock. The herb layer features ferns, especially western sword fern (Polystichum munitum), deer fern (Blechnum spicant), northern wood fern (Dryopteris expansa), and common lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina). Leading species in the well-developed moss layer are lanky moss (Rhytidiadelphus loreus) and Oregon beaked moss (Eurhynchium oreganum).
Factsheet