Abstract for CNVC00312

Wetland
Wetland

Picea mariana – Abies balsamea / Osmundastrum cinnamomeum – Carex trisperma / Sphagnum spp.

Black Spruce – Balsam Fir / Cinnamon Fern – Three-seeded Sedge / Peat Mosses
Épinette noire – Sapin baumier / Osmonde cannelle – Carex trisperme / Sphaignes


CNVC00312 is a boreal wetland coniferous forest Association that occurs in insular Newfoundland. It has a moderately closed to closed canopy of black spruce (Picea mariana) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea). The shrub layer is variable in its development, comprising mostly regenerating black spruce. A dense herb layer dominated by three-seeded sedge (Carex trisperma) and cinnamon fern (Osmundastrum cinnamomeum) is characteristic of this Association. Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis), creeping snowberry (Gaultheria hispidula), twinflower (Linnaea borealis), yellow clintonia (Clintonia borealis) and goldthread (Coptis trifolia) are often present in the herb layer. Peat mosses (Sphagnum spp.) form a continuous ground cover. CNVC00312 occurs on wet, nutrient-poor to medium sites in a region with a very humid, maritime boreal climate. Substrates are organic soils formed from slowly decomposing sedges and Sphagnum. Fire is uncommon; this is typically a stable condition that is maintained by a persistently high water table. Local hydrology and wind are the primary drivers of vegetation dynamics. Two subassociations are distinguished, typic and Ilex mucronata.

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