Abstract for CNVC00017
Forest
Forêt
Picea sitchensis - Tsuga heterophylla / Rubus spectabilis / Maianthemum dilatatum
Sitka Spruce - Western Hemlock / Salmonberry / Two-leaved False Soloman's Seal
Épinette de Sitka - Pruche de l'Ouest / Ronce remarquable / Maïanthème dilaté
CNVC00017 is a Canadian endemic association that occurs on rich, moist, high fluvial benches on the floodplains of rivers on the west coast of Vancouver Island and the outer mainland mid-coast of British Columbia. These sites occur at low elevations (up to 200 mASL). Sites supporting this association have a fluctuating annual water table but flood only every few years or so. Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) dominates the canopy, which includes a moderate amount of western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla). Salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis), stink currant (Ribes bracteosum), and western hemlock regeneration are the main species of the shrub layer. The well-developed herb layer is mostly ferns: western sword fern (Polystichum munitum), common lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina), and deer fern (Blechnum spicant); but also includes three-leaved foamflower (Tiarella trifoliata) and two-leaved false Soloman's seal (Maianthemum dilatatum). The moss layer is predominantly Oregon and slender beaked mosses (Eurhynchium oreganum and E. praelongum).
Factsheet