Alaska Arctic Plant Communities

3. Luzula confusa-Poa arctica

Photo A. Mesic <em>Luzula confusa</em>-<em>Poa arctica</em> community on a high-centered polygon at the Barrow IBP study site. This community was described as Nodum I (dry <em>Luzula confusa</em> heath) in Webber (1978). Webber et al. 1978, Fig. 4. D.A. Walker.

Photo B. <em>Luzula confusa</em>-<em>Poa arctica</em> subtype <em>Ochrolechia frigida</em> on rims of low centered polygons. Walker slide 74-44-17. D.A. Walker.

Photo C. Close up of the <em>Ochrolechia frigida</em> subtype. Note the abundant cover of the lichens white crustose lichen <em>Ochrolechia inequatula</em> that cover hummocks of the moss <em>Dicranum elongatum</em>. Walker slide 74-44-16. D.A. Walker.

Bioclimate Subzone: C

Floristic Subprovince: Northern Alaska

Substrate Chemistry: Acidic

Position along mesotopographic gradient: Moist site

Summary of Habitat: Mesic organic-rich acidic coastal tundra in subzone C

Described from:

Common plant functional types and species:

Rush: Luzula confusa; Luzula arctica;

Grass: Poa arctica; Dupontia fisheri; Hierochloe alpina;

Sedge: Carex aquatilis; Eriophorum angustifolium ssp. triste;

Prostrate dwarf shrubs: Salix rotundifolia;

Forb: Potentilla nana; Pedicularis lanata; Saxifraga foliolosa;

Lichen: Sphaerophorus globosus; Dactylina arctica; Alectoria nigricans; Cladonia spp.; Ochrolechia frigida;

Moss: Polytrichastrum alpinum; Dicranum elongatum; Polytrichum strictum; Sarmenthypnum sarmentosum;

General Comments:

Other names from the Alaska literature:

Braun-Blanquet Name: