Alaska Arctic Plant Communities

5. Salix rotundifolia-Cetrariella delisei

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

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

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: Barrow (Elias et al. 1996)

 

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:

• Little information is available from shallow snowbeds in acidic parts of bioclimate subzone C. This type is based on a small amount of transect data from Barrow (Elias et al. 1996). This unit is characterized by high cover of prostrate dwarf shrubs (Salix rotundifolia), and a wide variety of lichens that thrive in the moist coastal atmosphere.

 

Other names from the Alaska literature:

• Salix rotundifolia-Cetraria delesei, based on information from transect in 176-194m, Barrow, Elias et al. (1996).