Alaska Arctic Plant Communities

16. Eriophorum vaginatum-Sphagnum spp. subtype Sphagnum compactum

Bioclimate Subzone: D

Floristic Subprovince: Northern Alaska

Substrate Chemistry: Acidic

Position along mesotopographic gradient: Moist site

Summary of Habitat: Mesic stabilized sandy soils of Northern Alaska

Described from:

 

Common plant functional types and species:

Graminoid: Eriophorum vaginatum; Carex bigelowii;

Dwarf shrub: Ledum palustre spp. decumbens; Vaccinium vitis-idaea; Cassiope tetragona; Rubus chamaemorus;

Forb: Pedicularis lapponica;

Bryophyte: Sphagnum compactum; Aulacomnium turgidum; Dicranum elongatum; Oncophorus wahlenbergii; Polytrichum strictum;

Lichen: Cladina stygia; Alectoria nigricans; Bryocaulon divergens; Cetraria laevigata; Flavocetraria cucullata; Ochrolechia frigida; Thamnolia subuliformis;

 

General Comments:

 

Other names from the Alaska literature:

 

Braun-Blanquet Name: