Alaska Arctic Plant Communities

5. Salix rotundifolia-Cetrariella delisei

Photo A. <em>Salix rotundifolia</em>-<em>Luzula arctica</em> community in a shallow snowbed at Barrow, AK. Elias et al. 1996, Fig. A-23, upper photo. D.A. Walker.


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Photo B. Close up showing the abundant lichens (<em>Thamnolia vermicularis</em>, <em>Cetraria nivalis</em>, <em>Ochrolechia frigida</em>, <em>Cetrariella delisei</em>). Elias et al. 1996, Fig. A-23, lower photo. D.A. Walker.


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Bioclimate Subzone: C

Floristic Subprovince: Northern Alaska

Substrate Chemistry: Acidic

Position along mesotopographic gradient: Snowbed, early-melting

Summary of Habitat: Moist acidic early-melting snowbeds in subzone C

Described from:

 

Common plant functional types and species:

Prostrate dwarf shrubs: Salix rotundifolia;

Lichen: Cetrariella delisei; Physconia muscigena; Stereocaulon paschale; Stereocaulon tomentosum; Cetraria ericetorum; Flavocetraria cucullata; Alectoria nigricans; Bryocaulon divergens; Nephroma expallidum;

Rush: Luzula confusa; Luzula arctica;

Grass: Arctagrostis latifolia; Hierochloe alpina;

Forb: Saxifraga oppositifolia;

Bryophyte: Polytrichum strictum; Dicranum spadiceum;

 

General Comments:

 

Other names from the Alaska literature: