Alaska Arctic Plant Communities

13. Dryas integrifolia-Diapensia lapponica

Photo A. Stabilized dune near Inigok drill site in NPR_A, Alaska, with <em>Diapensia lapponica</em>-<em>Alectoria</em> spp. community. Walker slide 82-8a-23. D.A. Walker.

Photo B. Close up showing the cryptogam-covered surface (<em>Alectoria nigricans</em> and <em>Gymnomitrion coralloides</em>) with <em>Cassiope tetragona</em> and scattered forbs. Walker slide 82-8a-24. D.A. Walker.

Bioclimate Subzone: D

Floristic Subprovince: Northern Alaska

Substrate Chemistry: Acidic

Position along mesotopographic gradient: Dry exposed site

Summary of Habitat: Stable dry to moist acidic sandy ridge crests in Northern Alaska

Described from:

Common plant functional types and species:

Prostrate to hemi-prostrate dwarf shrubs: Salix phlebophylla; Cassiope tetragona; Vaccinium vitis-idaea; Diapensia lapponica;

Graminoid: Festuca brachyphylla; Hierochloe alpina; Luzula confusa;

Lichen: Alectoria nigricans; Sphaerophorus globosus; Bryocaulon divergens; Dactylina arctica; Cladonia spp.; Cetraria spp.; Thamnolia subuliformis;

Forb: Bistorta plumosa; Androsace chamaejasme;

Bryophyte: Gymnomitrion corallioides; Polytrichum strictum;

General Comments:

Other names from the Alaska literature: