6 FORESTED SITE UNITS OF HAIDA GWAII … · Haida Gwaii variant Distribution: CWHvh3 occurs from sea level to montane (middle) eleva-tions on the windward (west) side and southern

Haida Gwaii Field Guide84

6 FORESTED SITE UNITS OF HAIDA GWAII

This chapter describes the forested site units (site series, phases, and variations) defined within each of the four forested biogeclimatic units on Haida Gwaii (CWHvh3, CWHwh, CWHwh2, and MHwh). The fol-lowing tools are provided to assist with the correct identification of site units within each subzone variant:

• a map showing the distribution of the subzone/variant on Haida Gwaii;

• an edatopic grid showing the characteristic range of moisture and nutrient regime for each site series;

• a schematic landscape profile showing typical slope positions and parent materials for site series within each subzone variant;

• a flowchart for identifying site series, following a sequence of decisions related to observed site, soil, and vegetation features;

• a descriptive text summary of each site series, highlighting important vegetation and site characteristics and distinguishing features;

• a vegetation table indicating constancy and cover of common or characteristic species for each site series; and

• an environmental table summarizing the typical range of site and soil characteristics for each site series and phase.

Further details on the use and interpretation of these identification tools are provided in Chapter 3.

Browsing by introduced Sitka black-tailed deer has dramatically impacted virtually all of the plant communities on Haida Gwaii. As a result, understorey vegetation is much sparser and less diverse than equivalent sites elsewhere on British Columbia’s coast. Furthermore, most of the browsed species are drastically reduced in size. The cover of a minority of species appears to have been increased by browsing, notably some fluvial grasses and sedges (e.g., Alaska oniongrass [Melica subulata] and Dewey’s sedge [Carex deweyana]). Hence, more than ever, understorey composition must be combined with observations of stand composition/productivity, as well as site features, for effective site identification.

Haida Gwaii Field Guide 85

In the site series descriptions, species of greatest indicator value are bolded. Collectively, the bolded species are most useful in character-izing the unit, but very few of these are truly diagnostic on their own for any one site series. In the summary vegetation tables, some selected species with similar ecological indicator value have been grouped. The occurrence/abundance values in the tables represent lumped values for the species group as a whole. This was done to better illustrate the trends in vegetation composition among site series. For example, the “rich fern” species group, which contains five fern species (lady fern [Athyrium filix-femina], oak fern [Gymnocarpium dryopteris], spiny wood fern, northern maiden-hair fern [Adiantum aleuticum], and narrow beech fern [Phegopteris connectilis]), is useful for character-izing specific site series (e.g., CWHvh3/110, 114), but rarely is any one of these species consistently present or abundant enough to be useful, on its own, in characterizing a site series. Table 6. summarizes the five indicator species groups. To further simplify the vegetation summary tables, some other species have been grouped by genera (e.g., Listera spp. are lumped as twayblades); they are also described in Table 6.. Several other more difficult taxa are simply listed as genera in the veg-etation tables (e.g., Carex spp., Cladina spp.).

Northern maiden-hairAdiantum aleuticum


Table 6. Plant species groups used in vegetation summary tables for Haida Gwaii

a) Species grouped by similar indicator value

Included species— scientific names

Included species— English names

Rich ferns Gymnocarpium dryopterisAthyrium filix-feminaDryopteris expansaPhegopteris connectilisAdiantum aleuticum

oak fernlady fernspiny wood fernnarrow beech fernnorthern maidenhair fern

Fluvial grasses Melica subulataTrisetum cernuumFestuca subulata

Alaska oniongrassnodding trisetumbearded fescue

Mountain-heathers Harrimanella stellarianaCassiope mertensianaPhyllodoce glandulifloraCassiope lycopoidioides

Alaska mountain-heatherwhite mountain-heatheryellow mountain-heatherclub-moss mountain-heather

Thallose liverworts Pellia neesianaConocephalum conicum

shiny liverwortsnake liverwort

Feathermosses Rhytidiadelphus loreusHylocomium splendens

lanky mossstep moss

b) Species grouped by genus or related genera

Blueberries/huckleber-ries

Vaccinium alaskenseV. ovalifoliumV. parvifolium

Alaska blueberryoval-leaved blueberryred huckleberry

Twayblades Listera cordataL. caurina

heart-leaved twaybladenorthwestern twayblade

Twistedstalks Streptopus lanceolatusS. streptopoidesS. amplexifolius

rosy twistedstalksmall twistedstalkclasping twistedstalk

Leafy mosses Rhizomnium glabrescensR. magnifoliumPlagiomnium insigneMnium spinulosum

large leafy mosslarge-leaf leafy mosscoastal leafy mossred-mouthed leafy moss

Peat-mosses Sphagnum spp. – many species e.g., S. girgensohnii – mainly in forestsS. capillifolium, S. fuscum, S. papillosum – mainly in bogs

common green peat-moss

common red peat-moss, common brown peat- moss, fat peat-moss


CWHvh3 Very Wet Hypermaritime subzone

Haida Gwaii variant

Distribution: CWHvh3 occurs from sea level to montane (middle) eleva-tions on the windward (west) side and southern tip of Haida Gwaii up to ±550 m.

Adjacent biogeoclimatic units: CWHwh and wh2 on the east side of Haida Gwaii; MHwh at higher elevations (above 500+ m) on the Queen Charlotte Ranges and Skidegate Plateau

Distinguishing the CWHvh3 from adjacent biogeoclimatic units—emphasizing zonal sites:

CWHwh occurs to the east at elevations below ~350 m. It has: • no yellow-cedar or mountain hemlock and more Sitka spruce• little or no salal• higher forest productivity (zonal forests lack the scrubby character

of CWHvh3)

CWHwh2 occurs to the east at elevations above ~350 m. It has: • less western redcedar• little or no salal• somewhat more spleenwort-leaved goldthread and small

twistedstalk• less Oregon beaked-moss and more yellow-ladle liverwort and

heron’s-bill mosses

MHwh occurs at higher elevations. It has:• little or no western redcedar• more mountain hemlock (>40–50% of stand composition) and less

western hemlock• more oval-leaved blueberry• no salal• fewer leafy mosses and more yellow-ladle liverwort, heron’s-bill

moss, and pipecleaner moss


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Distribution of the CWHvh3 on Haida Gwaii


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CWHvh3 Site Series Flowchart

Ocean Shoreline “Fringe” ForestsSs-dominated

Sedge-dominated fens and marshes often adjacent to open water.

113

Open bog ecosystems; ericaceous shrubs, sedges, and peat-mosses abundant. Only scattered trees. Organic soils.

112

111

Dry, exposed rock knolls and ridgecrests often surrounded by blanket bogs. Rock-moss and reindeer lichens common.

Ss – slough sedge forests adjacent to estuaries/ tidal sloughs.

104

Ss-dominated forests on exposed, rocky headlands and beach ridges; salal and/or Pacific reedgrass dominant.

103

116

Dr-dominated forests adjacent to active floodplains affected by annual surface flooding.

102

Ss – moss forests on sandy/gravelly beach/sand dune deposits.

Productive Ss-dominated forests on relatively inactive, older fluvial deposits adjacent to creeks and rivers. Understoreys moss – dominated.

Productive Ss – grass “meadow forests” on more recent alluvial sediments subject to periodic (subsurface) flooding.

Open and scrubby Plc-dominated bog woodlands on organic soils. Wb53*

Wb54*

Wf, Wm, Em*

Floodplain ForestsSs or Dr-dominated

Woodlands and Shrub EcosystemsPlc and Yc-dominated

Non-forested WetlandsSedge – dominated

* Refer to Chapter 7 for descriptions of wetlands and other non-forested ecosystems on Haida Gwaii.


Cw-dominated swamp forests, often with an Ss and Yc component. Localized on poorly drained alluvial deposits and depressions. Scattered skunk cabbage and rich site indicators (lady fern, foamflower).

Cw, Yc, and Hw-dominated forests widespread on gentle to moderate slopes. Salal and blueberries/huckleberries dominate understoreys.

Very scrubby and open Cw, Yc, Plc, Hw, (Hm) bog forests. Understoreys contain a mix of bog and upland species. Peaty soils.

Localized scrub forests of Cw and Yc with dense swards of slough sedge dominating understorey. Poor swamps often near drainages.

Moist, productive forests of Ss, Hw, and Cw on mid to toe slopes with scattered occurrence of rich site indicators such as lady fern, oak fern, foamflower, palm tree moss.

Productive forests of Hw, Ss, and Cw on moderate to steep, freely drained slopes. Understoreys feathermoss – dominated.

Forests as above but with sword fern present in the understorey. Most common on steep, colluvial slopes and on base-rich bedrock.

Localized productive forests of Ss, Hw, and Cw, typically on lower receiving sites and gullies. Devil’s club is diagnostic but due to deer browsing, never abundant (+/-3%). Rare on Haida Gwaii.

106

105

Ws58*

115

101

117 (Ws56)

110

114

CWHvh3 Site Series Flowchart (continued)

Lower- productivity Forestsmoisture regime moist to wet

Productive Forestsmoisture regime fresh to very moist

* Refer to Chapter 7 for descriptions of wetlands and other non-forested ecosystems on Haida Gwaii.


Description and comparison of site series

Soil development in the rugged terrain of the CWHvh3 is extremely variable; therefore, some upland forested site series have been divided into two or more phases that reflect potential differences in manage-ment interpretations. Common phases include the following:

• Mineral phases occur on sites with colluvial, morainal, or fluvial deposits, or weathered bedrock >0 cm; this is generally the most common or “typic” phase.

• Lithic phases occur on sites with organic (LFH) veneers over thin (<0 cm) mineral soil over bedrock or boulders.

• Peaty phases occur on sites with peaty (Sphagnum or sedge peat) veneers and blankets over bedrock.

• Additional phases may be described for specific site series.

Zonal site series101 CwHw – Salal – Deer fern is widespread in the CWHvh3. These zonal forests are open and somewhat scrubby in comparison to CWHwh zonal sites, which is a reflection of the excessively wet climate of this subzone such that excess soil water becomes the limiting factor on most sites. The 101 occurs on a wide range of sites from upper to lower slopes (most commonly sampled on mid slopes). Soils are predominantly im-perfectly drained Podzols and Folisols and tend to have relatively deep surface organic horizons (Humimors commonly 5–20+ cm). There is a wide range in soils and landforms, however, with three phases defined: Mineral (101a), Lithic (101b), and Peaty (101c). The driest (submesic) examples of the 0 tend to be the Lithic phase, while the wettest (sub-hygric) examples are generally the Peaty phase.

Western hemlock, western redcedar, and yellow-cedar dominate the open tree canopy. Spike-top cedars are typical. Shore pine is sometimes present as scattered emergents, and mountain hemlock may be present. If Sitka spruce occurs, it is generally chlorotic and of poor form. Tree regeneration (mostly hemlock) and salal dominate the shrub layers. Other typical shrubs are huckleberries and blueberries, and false azalea.

Common herbs on zonal sites are deer fern, twayblades, and false lily-of-the-valley. Lanky moss, step moss, and Oregon beaked-moss dominate the consistent moss layer, but a diversity of other mosses/liv-erworts occurs as well (e.g., yellow-ladle liverwort, leafy mosses, and patches of common green peat-moss).


Drier sites Truly dry sites do not occur in the CWHvh3, but freely drained sites occur on rock outcrops and steep colluvial slopes (see also “Shoreline forests,” below).

102 PlYc – Crowberry – Rock-moss is restricted to the “driest” and most exposed rock knolls, ridge crests, and other shedding, convex landforms. Typically, these sites are bedrock outcrops surrounded by blanket bogs. Soils are rapidly drained Regosols, Folisols, and shal-low Podzols. Trees occur as scattered shrubs 5–7 m in height, and are predominantly shore pine and yellow-cedar. Vegetation is diverse and distinct with a combination of upland and bog species. Salal, common juniper (Juniperus communis), Labrador tea (Rhododendron groenlan-dicum), crowberry, tufted hairgrass, partridge-foot, northern starflower (Trientalis europaea ssp. arctica), rock-mosses (Racomitrium spp.), and reindeer lichens (Cladina spp.) are characteristic. However, even on these “xeric” sites, large, wet mats of peat-moss sometimes occur, which is a reflection of the humid, hyperoceanic climate of this variant.

This bedrock-controlled unit represents a complex of micro-commu-nities from shore pine woodlands to small “knob bogs” and lichen-dominated outcrops. The 102 is thus a generalized unit that is meant to capture this complex of outcrop ecosystems, which typically occur within the blanket-bog landscape.

105 HwSs – Lanky moss represents productive forests on freely drained, fresh sites, which are most prevalent on steep colluvial slopes but also occur on deep morainal soils, inactive coarse fluvial deposits, and shal-low Podzols and Folisols over rock. Two phases are defined: Mineral phase (105a) and Lithic phase (105b). Stand productivity is consider-ably higher than on CWHvh3/101 zonal sites due to better drainage and soil aeration. The CWHvh3/105 is ecologically equivalent to the CWHwh and wh2 /101 zonal site series. In the CWHvh3, however, because of the wetter climate, this site series is restricted to the better drained, often steeper (azonal) sites. Timber harvesting has been con-centrated in this and other more productive site series in the CWHvh3.

Tree canopies are dominated by western hemlock, Sitka spruce, and western redcedar. In contrast to 101 sites, yellow-cedar, shore pine, and mountain hemlock are generally absent. Shrub layers are sparse, and consist mainly of hemlock regeneration, huckleberries and blueber-


ries, and false azalea. Deer fern, twayblades, and false lily-of-the-valley dominate the very sparse herb layer, and feathermosses (lanky moss, step moss, and Oregon beaked-moss) characterize the consistent moss layer. The 105 and 101 share many of the same understorey species, but the lack or scarcity of salal, the contrasting tree species composition, and the considerably higher productivity easily distinguish the 105 from the 101. A lack of ferns and three-leaved foamflower (Tiarella trifoliata) distinguish this unit from the richer /106 and /110 site series.

106 CwSs – Sword fern is a rich, productive forest type that occurs on freely drained, fresh soils that have developed over base-rich bedrock (mostly softer volcanics and limestone). Ongoing colluvial disturbance that results in soil mixing is believed to be an important factor in yield-ing these productive forest types. Three phases are defined: the Mineral phase (106a) occurs on Podzols that have developed in colluvial and morainal parent material, the Lithic phase (106b) occurs on Folisols over (non-limestone) bedrock, and the Limestone phase (106c) occurs on Folisols over limestone bedrock. Stands are productive mixes of west-ern hemlock, Sitka spruce, and western redcedar. Many good represent-atives of this site series have been harvested (e.g., in the Rennell Sound area). Younger, seral red alder – sword fern stands sometimes occur.

The presence of sword fern distinguishes the 106 from the other freely drained, productive forest units (105 and 110). Deer browsing, however, has made it difficult to identify this site series in many situations; even the scattered occurrence of browsed sword fern can be considered a key indicator. The shrub layer is mostly western hemlock regeneration; red huckleberry, Alaska blueberry, false azalea, and salmonberry are scat-tered and browsed. Except for sword fern, the herb layer is also sparse; several other ferns (lady fern, oak fern, spiny wood fern, deer fern) may occur as scattered individuals. On the Limestone phase (106c), maid-enhair and green spleenworts (Asplenium trichomanes and A. viride), northern holly fern (Polystichum lonchitis), and northern maiden-hair fern may occur.

Lanky moss, step moss, and Oregon beaked-moss dominate the moss layer, but several other species occur as well: leafy mosses, palm tree moss (Leucolepis acanthoneuron), flat-moss, yellow-ladle liverwort, and, where mineral soil is exposed, stiff-leaved haircap moss. On limestone outcrops watch for the limestone fan-moss (Hypopterygium fauriei).


Moist to wet sites110 CwSs – Foamflower occurs on moister sites than the 105/106—most commonly on steep mid to lower colluvial slopes but also on morainal and fluvial landforms, where soils are moderately well to imperfectly drained and rich. Such sites are subject to moving, aerated seepage wa-ter, and soils are coarse textured enough to promote free drainage. As with the 106 unit, ongoing geomorphic disturbance is likely important in the development/maintenance of the 110. Three phases are defined: the Colluvial/morainal phase (110a) is most typical, but an Alluvial fan phase (110b) occurs on some gentle lower-slope fan deposits, and a Limestone phase (110c) occurs on Folisols and shallow Podzols over limestone bedrock.

The 110 is never widespread and often occurs in a complex with the 114 site series. It can be difficult to distinguish it from the 114 on Haida Gwaii due to deer browsing. The best, most productive examples occur on richer bedrock types (softer volcanics and limestones). Old forests are productive mixes of western hemlock, Sitka spruce, and western redcedar. Redcedar is lacking on younger disturbed examples. As with other productive CWHvh3 site series, timber harvesting has reduced the extent of mature/old conditions. Some young, red alder–dominated stands occur, in addition to Sitka spruce/western hemlock stands.

Shrub layers are typical of most Haida Gwaii forests, and are predomi-nantly western hemlock with browsed huckleberries and blueberries, and false azalea. Understoreys that elsewhere would be lush with a diversity of ferns and other herbs are sparse with scattered individuals of the important indicators—lady fern, oak fern, sword fern (not as typical or as abundant as in the 106), clasping twistedstalk, and three-leaved foamflower. Often just two or three of these indicators will be present on any given site. Other common herbs are deer fern, tway-blades, and false lily-of-the-valley. Limestone indicators similar to those sometimes found in the 106c may also occur on the 110c. In addition to the usual feathermosses found on most sites, leafy mosses, snake and shiny liverworts, palm tree moss, and (on disturbed patches) stiff-leaved haircap moss occur on wetter microsites.

114 CwSs – Devil’s club Old/mature examples of this site series are ex-tremely rare. While there are old survey records that describe thickets of devil’s club in the forests of the islands, it is rare today to see any-thing more than a few sprigs of this thorny plant in forest understoreys.


Fully developed shrubs are generally restricted to elevated microsites (e.g., rock faces, stumps) that are out of the reach of the relentless deer, which apparently are able to consume this seemingly unpalatable browse as it flushes out in spring before the sharp spines harden.

In comparison to the closely related 110 site series, the 114 is more re-stricted to lower slopes and gullies (receiving sites), where nutrient-rich seepage water is more prevalent and gleyed soils are more typical. In reality, however, the two site series are very difficult to distinguish due to the near eradication of devil’s club by deer. In other respects, the two plant communities are very similar (see description of CWHwh/110). In the six plots sampled in this site series, average cover of devil’s club was 3% (range = 0.5–7%). This is in contrast to devil’s club sites on the mainland, where cover commonly exceeds 0–5%. Every effort should be made to protect remaining examples of this and other plant com-munities on Haida Gwaii that have even a moderate development of understorey shrubs and herbs. Devil’s club sites also once occurred in the CWHwh and 2, but few exist today (some have been observed in the upper Survey Creek drainage).

115 CwYc – Salal – Goldthread These bog forests cover extensive areas in the CWHvh3, where they occur in a complex with blanket bogs and bog woodlands (Wb54 and Wb53; see Chapter 7), especially on the hard volcanics and igneous rocks on the exposed west coast. The 115 is most common on gentle slopes, but on bedrock that is resistant to weather-ing, this site series can develop even on steep slopes. Soils are poorly to very poorly drained and highly variable; they include mostly Gleyed Podzols and Gleysols with peaty surface horizons and some organic soils, mostly Mesisols.

In many cases, bog forests may be a stage in very long-term succession (over hundreds or thousands of years) from more productive upland forest (101 or perhaps 105) toward bog woodland or open blanket bog. Humification is a dominant soil-forming process in the mild, humid CWHvh, resulting in the continual accumulation of organic matter at the soil surface. There appears to be a tension between forest and bog formation on steeper slopes. Where there is an ongoing history of colluvial disturbance and better drainage, productive forest is main-tained. In the absence of disturbance, as on gentler slopes, tendencies toward bog formation are evident, even in upland forests such as the 101


and 115, where forest productivity can decline significantly over long periods of time.

Open, scrubby tree canopies, 5–20 m in height, are typical. Tree species diversity is high, with spike-topped yellow-cedar and western redcedar, shore pine, and western and mountain hemlock all generally present. Understorey shrubs include tree regeneration, salal, red huckleberry, and false azalea. The herb layer is a mix of upland species, such as deer fern, bunchberry (Cornus canadensis), and Pacific reedgrass on drier hummocks, and wet, poor-site indicators, such as Indian hellebore, skunk cabbage, spleenwort-leaved goldthread, deer-cabbage (Fauria crista-galli), sedges, northern starflower, and swamp gentian (Gentiana douglasiana). In addition to the common upland feathermosses, several peat-moss species and heron’s-bill mosses are also typical.

117 (Ws56) CwSs– Skunk cabbage swamps are similar to the swamp forests of the CWHwh on eastern Haida Gwaii. They occur mostly on poorly drained alluvial deposits and depressional topography. Water tables are close to the surface, which reduces soil aeration and restricts rooting depth, and thus reduces tree productivity. Two phases are defined: on the Mineral phase (117a), soils are Gleysols (often peaty – black muck overlying mineral soils) that have developed on inactive alluvial deposits; the Organic phase (117b) occurs in depressions where Humisols (or Mesisols) occur.

Trees tend to grow on raised hummocks. Sitka spruce and/or western redcedar may dominate the canopy, depending on site conditions. The 117a tends to be more productive with Sitka spruce, while the 117b has lower-productivity western redcedar stands with little or no spruce. Western hemlock and yellow-cedar also occur. Tree regeneration, red huckleberry, and false azalea dominate the poorly developed shrub layer (which is reduced by browsing), and salal is sometimes abundant. The herb layer is similarly sparse as a result of deer browsing. Skunk cabbage and deer fern are the most common herbs, but there are several other minor species, including lady fern, three-leaved foamflower, twistedstalks, false lily-of-the-valley, sedges, twayblades, and tall trisetum (Trisetum canescens). Step moss and lanky moss are abundant, with shiny liverwort, Oregon beaked-moss, heron’s-bill moss, leafy mosses, palm tree moss, and peat-mosses of variable occurrence.

This site unit is described in Chapter 7 as Ws56.


Floodplain sites Three site series are associated with the floodplains of larger streams and rivers, and they reflect differences in bench height and frequency of flooding. Forests are generally very productive due to nutrient-rich groundwater flow and periodic over-bank flooding.

111 Ss – False lily-of-the-valley (highest fluvial benches) occurs on older, relatively inactive fluvial landforms adjacent to creeks and rivers. Soils are mostly imperfectly (to moderately well) drained Brunisols and Podzols (rarely Regosols). Though these soils typically show historical fluvial deposition through stratification of contrasting textures and well-rounded coarse fragments, they show little evidence of surface sediment deposition. These fluvial sites probably experience flooding every 5 or 0 years. Humus forms are both Mors and richer Moders.

Productive Sitka spruce usually dominates these fluvial stands, hem-lock co-dominates in the canopy, and western redcedar is generally a minor species. Browsed shrubs include huckleberries and blueberries, false azalea, and salmonberry. The herb layer is also sparsely devel-oped with scattered individuals of deer fern, false lily-of-the valley, spiny wood fern, lady fern, oak fern, twistedstalks, and three-leaved foamflower. Feathermosses dominate the moss layer, often with patches of leafy mosses and Oregon beaked-moss. Snake and shiny liverworts occur in wetter areas, and patches of stiff-leaved haircap moss indicate areas of more recently deposited sediment.

112 Ss – Trisetum (mid-height fluvial benches) As in the CWHwh, this bottomland Sitka spruce–grass association develops on alluvial sediments adjacent to larger streams and creeks (e.g., Bonanza, Riley, and Gregory Creeks). Soils are relatively young Regosols and Brunisols (some Podzols) that are freely drained but subject to regular (annual) subsurface saturation (and some overland flow), especially in the spring and fall/winter. Humus forms are typically friable Moders on these nutrient-rich sites. This site series is readily recognizable by its “mead-ow-like” appearance and the large, tall, vigorous Sitka spruce. Western hemlock and western redcedar, as well as red alder, occur as secondary species. These alluvial spruce–grass forests represent some of the most impressive forests on Haida Gwaii; most have been harvested and are now younger mixes of red alder, Sitka spruce, and western hemlock.

Shrubs, which are heavily browsed and virtually eliminated from


many sites, include western hemlock and Sitka spruce regeneration and scattered red alder, huckleberries and blueberries, false azalea, and salmonberry. Herb layers appear to have been drastically changed by deer browsing and grazing. The cover of fluvial grasses (most typical are nodding trisetum, Alaska oniongrass, bearded fescue, and Pacific reedgrass) has likely increased, whereas the cover of broad-leaved herbs and ferns is very low due to intense grazing. Other common herbs can include lady fern, deer fern, Siberian miner’s-lettuce (Claytonia sibirica), spiny wood fern, sweet-scented bedstraw (Galium triflorum), oak fern, small-flowered wood-rush (Luzula parviflora), sword fern, and three-leaved foamflower. Feathermosses tend to dominate, but several other mosses/liverworts are characteristic—Oregon beaked-moss and, especially on recently deposited sediment, leafy mosses, snake liverwort, palm tree moss, and stiff-leaved haircap moss.

113 Dr – Trisetum (lowest fluvial benches) occurs on the most active part of floodplains immediately adjacent to rivers and creeks. The 113 occurs on the lowest benches, and is affected by frequent (several times per year) surface flooding. Soils are usually young Regosols (some Bru-nisols) with Mull and Moder humus forms.

Red alder is dominant on these sites, sometimes with Sitka spruce and western hemlock, but frequent flooding limits the establishment of these species to elevated microsites. Salmonberry is often the dominant shrub where browsing has not been severe. Otherwise, understorey communities include many of the same species found on the middle- bench 112 alluvial forests. Along very sluggish rivers/back channels, Sitka sedge (Carex sitchensis) and slough sedge (Carex obnupta) may establish on low benches in areas that are transitional to alluvial fens and swamps (see Chapter 7). Though some logged middle (and high) benches can also be alder-dominated, the 113 occurs on the lowest benches with obvious frequent flooding and evidence of recent silt/sand/gravel deposition.

Shoreline forests Sitka spruce–dominated shoreline “fringe” forests are a distinctive feature of the exposed coastline of both the CWHvh3 and CWHwh on Haida Gwaii. The influence of salt spray, pounding wind and waves, and brackish waters, combined with a variety of ocean fringe landform types, gives rise to three distinct site series. All are dominated by Sitka


spruce due to its high tolerance of salt spray/saline conditions. Deer browsing has impacted many of these shoreline forests significantly; consequently, understoreys may be sparse. Species such as sword fern, salmonberry, and salal tend to be more prevalent where browsing pres-sure is less severe.

103 Ss – Salal occurs on exposed rocky headlands and cliffs as well as on some very exposed west coast sand/gravel beach ridges. Soils are rapidly drained Folisols or shallow Podzols/Brunisols. Windswept, stout Sitka spruce dominate the canopy. Western hemlock and western redcedar are minor species, and Pacific crab apple (Malus fusca) is sometimes present as a tall shrub.

Two variations are defined based on differences in understorey domi-nance:

103.1 Typic variation. Salal occurs as a dense, often deep “thicket.” Due to the abundant salal cover, the herb and moss layers are sparse to non-existent.

103.2 Reedgrass variation. This variation is common on the most exposed headlands. Salal and red huckleberry dominate the shrub layer, but salal does not form the dense thickets typical of the 103.1. Pacific reedgrass—often tall and in extensive swards—character-izes the understorey. Other herbs are of minor occurrence; deer fern, western rattlesnake-root (Prenanthes alata), and false lily-of-the-valley are among the most common. The moss layer is sparse compared to other shoreline units. Oregon beaked-moss and lanky moss are typical.

104 SsHw – Oregon beaked-moss is typical of less exposed coastal forests on sandy/gravelly beach and sand dune deposits behind exposed beach ridges. These spruce–moss beach/dune forests are not nearly as common in the CWHvh3 as they are in the northeastern CWHwh on Graham Island. Only a few sites have been sampled on South Mores-by (e.g., Gowgaia Bay). Sites are level to very gently sloping (<0%). Soils are usually sandy or gravelly, highly pervious, and therefore well drained; they range from Regosols to Podzols, depending on the age of the beach deposit.

Sitka spruce dominates the canopy, but often western hemlock co-dominates further back from the present-day beach. Red alder is scat-


tered in the understorey along with western hemlock, false azalea, and red huckleberry. The herb layer is very sparse and poorly developed; deer fern, spiny wood fern, and false lily-of-the-valley were found most consistently in the stands sampled. Moss cover is moderately well devel-oped, with Oregon beaked-moss usually dominating; step moss, lanky moss, flat-moss, and leafy mosses are also common.

116 Ss – Pacific crab apple – Slough sedge occurs in estuaries and around tidal sloughs with strong fluctuations of brackish water. It is associated with the alluvial forests of estuaries. This site series has not been very well sampled in the CWHvh3, but sites are expected to be very similar to the CWHwh/117. Soils are poorly drained Gleysols. Open stands of Sitka spruce are typical, with a minor presence of west-ern hemlock and western redcedar. Pacific crab apple is a common as-sociate in these habitats, especially at the upper limit of tidal influence in the transition between the upland forest and estuarine ecosystems. On floodplains, Pacific crab apple sites can progress to Sitka spruce forests because sediments accumulate and raise the site above floodwa-ters (MacKenzie and Moran 2004). Slough sedge dominates, and skunk cabbage and other sedges are common. Mosses and liverworts are scat-tered; lanky moss, step moss, Oregon beaked-moss, leafy mosses, and shiny liverwort are among the more common species.

Non-forested site units Non-forested wetlands—espe-cially blanket/slope bogs and bog woodlands—are extensive within the CWHvh3. Fens and marshes are more localized around watercourses and small lakes, and in estuar-ies. There are also several non-forested shoreline/beach communities. Chapter 7 provides descriptions of the non-forested ecosystems of Haida Gwaii.

Slough sedgeCarex obnupta


CW

Hvh

3 Ve

get

atio

n T

able

– U

pla

nd

For

ests

a

Site

un

its:

102

105

106

101

110

114

115

Stra

tum

N

o. o

f plo

ts:

1528

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145

630

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b

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CW

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3 Ve

get

atio

n T

able

– U

pla

nd

For

ests

a

Site

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its:

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105

106

101

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114

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Stra

tum

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f plo

ts:

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145

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a Tab

le s

ymbo

logy

den

otes

pla

nt s

peci

es c

onst

ancy

and

per

cent

cov

er a

s fo

llow

s:

Cons

tanc

y: nnnnn

>70

%

nnnnn

>50

–70%

*

25–5

0%

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n co

ver: nnnnn

>18

%

nnnn

>8–

18%

nnn

>3–

8%

nn

≥ 0

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%

n <

0.5%

b See

Tab

le 6

.1 fo

r inc

lude

d sp

ecie

s.


Cont

inue

d on

the

next

pag

e

CW

Hvh

3 Ve

get

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n T

able

– S

hor

elin

e, A

lluvi

al, a

nd

Sw

amp

For

ests

a

Site

un

its:

103.

110

3.2

104

111

112

113

116

117

(Ws5

6)St

ratu

mN

o. o

f plo

ts:

920

619

83

212

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la

yer

Pice

a si

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CW

Hvh

3 Ve

get

atio

n T

able

– S

hor

elin

e, A

lluvi

al, a

nd

Sw

amp

For

ests

a

Site

un

its:

103.

110

3.2

104

111

112

113

116

117

(Ws5

6)St

ratu

mN

o. o

f plo

ts:

920

619

83

212

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h fe

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b

nn

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*

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nnnn

nnn

nnnnnnnnn

thal

lose

live

rwo

rtsb

a Tab

le s

ymbo

logy

den

otes

pla

nt s

peci

es c

onst

ancy

and

per

cent

cov

er a

s fo

llow

s:

Cons

tanc

y: nnnnn

>70

%

nnnnn

>50

–70%

*

25–5

0%

Mea

n co

ver: nnnnn

>18

%

nnnn

>8–

18%

nnn

>3–

8%

nn

≥ 0

.5–3

%

n <

0.5%

b See

Tab

le 6

.1 fo

r inc

lude

d sp

ecie

s.


CW

Hvh

3 En

viro

nm

ent T

able

a,b

Site

u

nit

SM

R S

NR

Co

mm

on

slo

pe

po

siti

on

sC

om

mo

n s

lop

e g

rad

e c

Par

ent

mat

eria

lSo

il p

arti

cle

size

Soil

clas

s-

ifica

tio

nH

um

us

form

H

um

us

(cm

) m

in-m

ean

-max

Imp

ort

ant s

ite

feat

ure

s

101a

4–5

A–C

LW–U

PLe

vel–

Stee

pM

, C, D

FL–K

LFH

P, H

FP, D

YB

(gle

yed

), G

Mo

rs

5–

15–4

0+M

iner

al p

has

e: m

ost p

reva

len

t ph

ase;

h

igh

org

anic

mat

ter c

on

ten

t of s

oils

an

d d

eep

LFH

reta

in m

ois

ture

; so

ils a

re

thus

mo

ist

101b

3–

4A

–BM

D–U

PLe

vel–

Mo

der

ate

Ov/

RO

/RFO

Mo

rs

7–4

1–76

Lith

ic p

has

e: c

om

mo

nly

dee

p F

olis

ols

(L

FH +

/- 4

0 cm

dee

p) o

ver b

edro

ck

101c

(4

)5A

–BLV

–MD

Leve

l–M

od

erat

eO

v/M

OM

, HPe

aty

Mo

rs

dat

a la

ckin

gP

eaty

ph

ase:

thes

e p

eaty

101 s

ites

are

o

ften

tran

siti

on

al to

115

102

0–2

A–B

UP–

CR

Gen

tle–

Stee

pO

v/R

, DFL

–KL

FO, F

HP

Mo

rs

d

ata

lack

ing

Typ

ical

ly b

edro

ck o

utc

rop

s su

rro

un

ded

b

y b

lan

ket b

og

s

103

0–2

A–C

Vari

able

Leve

l–St

eep

R, C

dat

a la

ckin

gFH

P, F

O, R

Mo

rs,

Mo

der

s d

ata

lack

ing

Rap

idly

dra

ined

so

ils o

n ex

pos

ed ro

cky

hea

dla

nd

s, b

each

rid

ges

; sal

t sp

ray

exp

osu

re

104

2–3

A–C

(D)

LV–L

WG

entl

eW

S, K

LFH

P, R

Mo

rs

dat

a la

ckin

gSa

nd

y/g

rave

lly b

each

/du

ne

dep

osit

s;

less

exp

osed

than

103

105a

2–3(

4)C–

DLW

–MD

Gen

tle–

Stee

pC

, M, D

FL–K

L (s

)FH

P, H

FPM

ors

4–15

–40+

Min

eral

ph

ase:

free

ly d

rain

ed P

od

zols

o

n m

od

erat

e to

ste

ep s

lop

es

105b

2–3

C–D

MD

–CR

Leve

l–M

od

erat

eO

v/R

, Cd

ata

lack

ing

FOM

ors

d

ata

lack

ing

Lith

ic p

has

e: F

olis

ols

ove

r bed

rock

106

a2–

3D

–E(L

W)–

MD

–CR

Gen

tle–

Stee

pC

, M, D

FL–K

L (s

)FH

P, H

FPM

ors

6–7–

9M

iner

al p

has

e: v

ery

pro

du

ctiv

e si

tes

on

free

ly d

rain

ed, f

riab

le s

oils

; his

tory

o

f win

dth

row

or c

ollu

vial

dis

turb

ance

; o

ften

so

fter

vo

lcan

ic b

edro

ck10

6b

2–3

D(L

W)–

MD

–CR

Mo

der

ate–

Stee

pO

v/R

O (F

olis

ols

)FO

Mo

rsd

ata

lack

ing

Lith

ic p

has

e: F

olis

ols

ove

r bed

rock

—

oft

en s

oft

er v

olc

anic

bed

rock

106

c2–

3D

–E(L

W)–

MD

–CR

Mo

der

ate–

Stee

pO

v/R

O (F

olis

ols

)FO

Mo

rs,

Mo

der

sd

ata

lack

ing

Lim

esto

ne

ph

ase:

Fo

liso

ls o

ver l

ime-

sto

ne

bed

rock

Cont

inue

d on

the

next

pag

e


Site

u

nit

SM

R S

NR

Co

mm

on

slo

pe

po

siti

on

sC

om

mo

n s

lop

e g

rad

e c

Par

ent

mat

eria

lSo

il p

arti

cle

size

Soil

clas

s-

ifica

tio

nH

um

us

form

H

um

us

(cm

) m

in-m

ean

-max

Imp

ort

ant s

ite

feat

ure

s

110

a4(

5)D

–ETO

–MD

(LV

)G

entl

e–St

eep

M, C

FL–K

LFH

P, H

FP

(gle

yed

), G

, FO

, DYB

Mo

rs,

Mo

der

s 4–

20–4

0C

oll

uvi

al/m

ora

inal

ph

ase:

free

ly

dra

ined

sit

es in

fluen

ced

by

seep

age

and

/or r

ich

er b

edro

ck (s

oft

vo

lcan

ics)

110

b4(

5)D

–ETO

–LW

(LV

)G

entl

e–

Mo

der

ate

FFL

–KL

(s)

FHP,

DYB

, RM

ors

, M

od

ers

5–18

–39

All

uvi

al fa

n p

has

e: n

utr

ien

t-ri

ch a

l-lu

vial

fan

s

110

c4(

5)D

–ETO

–MD

Gen

tle–

Stee

pO

v/R

, DFL

–KL

FO, H

P (g

leye

d)

Mo

rs,

Mo

der

sd

ata

lack

ing

Lim

esto

ne

ph

ase:

Fo

liso

ls (a

nd

shal

low

Po

dzo

ls) o

ver l

imes

ton

e b

edro

ck

111

4–5

D–E

LV (T

O)

Leve

l–G

entl

eF

FL–K

L,

S (s

)D

YB, F

HP,

R

Mo

rs,

Mo

der

s

16

–23–

30O

lder

, in

acti

ve fl

uvi

al la

nd

form

s

112

5(6)

D–E

LV (T

O)

Leve

l–G

entl

eF

KL,

S (s

)D

YB, R

, FH

PM

ors

, M

od

ers

dat

a la

ckin

gRe

lati

vely

rece

nt b

ut s

tab

le a

lluvi

um

ad

jace

nt t

o ri

vers

/cre

eks

113

5(6)

D–E

LVLe

vel

FK

L, S

(s)

RM

od

ers,

M

ulls

d

ata

lack

ing

Allu

vial

sit

es a

ffec

ted

by

acti

ve s

urf

ace

floo

din

g/s

edim

ent d

epos

itio

n

114

5(6)

D–E

TO–M

DG

entl

e–St

eep

C, M

FL –

KL

(s)

FO, G

, R, F

HP

(gle

yed

)M

ors

, M

od

ers

dat

a la

ckin

gM

ost c

om

mo

nly

low

er s

lop

es/g

ulli

es

wh

ere

seep

age

yiel

ds

hig

h fo

rest

pro

-d

uct

ivit

y; d

evil’

s cl

ub

hea

vily

bro

wse

d

115

5–6

A–C

TO–M

D (U

P, C

R)

Gen

tle–

Stee

pO

, M, C

O, F

L–K

LG

, FO

, M,

H, F

HP,

HFP

(g

leye

d)

Wet

Mo

rs

7–23

–60

Poo

rly

dra

ined

Gle

yso

ls a

nd

org

anic

so

ils m

ost t

ypic

al, l

ow-p

rod

uct

ivit

y b

og

gy

fore

sts

116

6D

–ELV

Leve

lF

FLR

, HM

od

ers

dat

a la

ckin

gEs

tuar

ies

and

tid

al s

lou

gh

s w

ith

stro

ng

fluct

uat

ion

s o

f tid

al w

ater

117a

6–7

D–E

TO–L

VLe

vel–

Mo

der

ate

FFL

GW

et M

ors

, M

od

ers

5–25

–40

Min

eral

ph

ase:

hig

h w

ater

tab

le re

-st

rict

s so

il ae

rati

on

and

root

ing

. Gle

yso

ls

on

inac

tive

flu

vial

dep

osit

s w

her

e th

e m

ore

pro

du

ctiv

e sw

amp

s o

ccu

r.

117b

6–7

D–E

TO–L

W

(dep

ress

ion

s)Le

vel–

Mo

der

ate

OO

M, H

Wet

Mo

rs,

Mo

der

sd

ata

lack

ing

Org

anic

ph

ase:

sat

ura

ted

org

anic

so

ils

in la

nd

scap

e d

epre

ssio

ns

sup

po

rtin

g lo

wer

-pro

du

ctiv

ity

swam

p fo

rest

s

a Unl

ess

indi

cate

d ot

herw

ise,

this

tabl

e lis

ts m

ost c

omm

on/t

ypic

al v

alue

s fo

r eac

h at

trib

ute

rath

er th

an e

xtre

mes

/exc

eptio

ns (b

ased

on

sam

ple

plot

s co

mbi

ned

with

the

auth

ors’

expe

rienc

e).

b Cod

es a

re d

escr

ibed

in S

ectio

n 3.

2.2.

SM

R =

soil

moi

stur

e re

gim

e; S

NR

= so

il nu

trie

nt re

gim

e.c S

lope

% ra

nge:

leve

l <5%

, gen

tle 5

–25%

, mod

erat

e 25

–70%

, ste

ep >

70%

.


Green spleenwortAsplenium viride

Maidenhair spleenwortAsplenium trichomanes

Documents

6 FORESTED SITE UNITS OF HAIDA GWAII … · Haida Gwaii variant Distribution: CWHvh3 occurs from sea level to montane (middle) eleva-tions on the windward (west) side and southern