Alaska Arctic Plant Communities

41. Eriophorum vaginatum-Sphagnum spp. subtype Eriophorum vaginatum

Bioclimate Subzone: E

Floristic Subprovince: Northern Alaska, Beringian Alaska

Substrate Chemistry: Acidic

Position along mesotopographic gradient: Moist site

Summary of Habitat: Moist acidic tussock tundra on fine-grained soils in subzone E

Described from:

 

Common plant functional types and species:

Tussock sedges: Eriophorum vaginatum; Carex bigelowii;

Erect dwarf shrub: Betula nana; Ledum palustre spp. decumbens; Vaccinium vitis-idaea; Empetrum hermaphroditum; Cassiope tetragona; Rubus chamaemorus;

Forb: Pyrola grandiflora; Bistorta plumosa; Saxifraga nelsoniana;

Moss: Sphagnum spp.; Hylocomium splendens; Aulacomnium turgidum; Dicranum spp.; Polytrichum strictum;

Lichen: Cladina spp.; Cladonia amaurocraea; Cetraria spp.; Dactylina arctica;

 

Other names from the Alaska literature:

 

Braun-Blanquet Name: