Alaska Arctic Plant Community List

 

Edie's list of ALL the communities

Community
Number, Community
Name		 Habitat
Summary		 Bioclimate
Subzone		 Floristic
Province		 Mesotopic
Gradient
Position		 Substrate
Chemistry		 Described From Plant
Functional
Types		 General
Comments		 Other names
from Alaska
Literature		 Braun-
Blanquet Name		 Other
Portrayals
(not used on website)		 Photos
1. Luzula confusa-Sphaerophorus globosusDry to moist acidic gravelly or sandy coastal tundra in subzone CC Northern Alaska Dry exposed site Acidic Described from
Barrow (Webber 1978)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
  • Circumpolar Arctic (CAVM Team 2003): Dry acidic microsites within map units found in bioclimate subzone C, northern Alaska (Map Unit W1). Distribution outside of Alaska is unknown.
  • Alaska Arctic (Raynolds et al. 2006): Dry / moist microsites within acidic coastal wetland complexes found in bioclimate subzone C (Map Unit W1.1).
  • Kuparuk River region (Muller et al. 2001): Does not occur.
  • Upper Kuparuk River region (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Toolik Area (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Toolik Grid (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Imnavait Creek Area (Walker and Walker 1996): Does not occur.
  • Imnavait Creek Grid (Walker and Walker 1996): Does not occur.
Photo A. Luzula confusa-Sphaerophorus globosus on gravelly marine terrace at Barrow, AK. Elias et al. 1996, Fig. 7a. D.A. Walker.
Photo A
Photo B. Close up showing the lichen covered surface and forbs, including Papaver hultenii and Potentilla hyparctica. Elias et al. 1996, Fig. 7b. D.A. Walker.
Photo B
Photo C. Another marine terrace at Barrow with Luzula confusa-Sphaerophorus globosus community. Walker slide 74-44-12. D.A. Walker.
Photo C
Photo D. Close up showing the Salix rotundifolia, abundant lichens, Pedicularis lanata, Arctagrostis latifolia, and Luzula confusa. Walker slide 74-44-13 OR Walker slide 74-44-11?? D.A. Walker.
Photo D
2. Carex aquatilis-Saxifraga cernuaMoist acidic coastal tundra in subzone CC Northern Alaska Moist site Acidic Described from
Barrow (Webber 1978)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
  • Circumpolar Arctic CAVM Team 2003: Moist acidic microsites within map units found in bioclimate subzone C, northern Alaska (W1). Distribution outside of Alaska is unknown.
  • Alaska Arctic Raynolds et al. 2006: Moist microsites within acidic coastal wetland complexes found in bioclimate subzone C (W1.1).
  • Kuparuk River region (Muller et al. 2001): Not distinguished. Occurs as part of the complex of plant communities in moist nonacidic tundra and dry tundra near the Arctic coast.
  • Upper Kuparuk River region (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Toolik Area (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Toolik Grid (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Imnavait Creek Area: Does not occur.
  • Imnavait Creek Grid: Does not occur.
Photo A. Community type Carex aquatilis-Saxifrage cernua in a moist meadow near the NOAA Barrow Observatory. Elias et al. 1996, Fig. 8a. D.A. Walker.
Photo A
Photo B. Close up showing the sedge Carex aquatilis and scattered forbs. Larger green leaves are Petasites frigidus. Elias et al. 1996, Fig. 8b. D.A. Walker.
Photo B
3. Luzula confusa-Poa arcticaMesic organic-rich acidic coastal tundra in subzone CC Northern Alaska Moist site Acidic Described from
Barrow (Webber 1978)		General Comments
  • This may be the zonal vegetation for subzone C in coastal habitats of northern Alaska, but it does not occur widely and is poorly characterized at present due to lack of relevés from large homogenous stands. The type occurs on mesic organic-rich soils. It is characterized by an abundance of rushes (Luzula confusa and Luzula arctica), grasses (Poa arctica, Dupontia fisheri, Hierochloe alpina) and lichens (photo a).
  • This type is distinguished from Community 1 by its greater abundance of graminoids, particularly rushes (Luzula confusa, Luzula arctica), and grasses (Poa arctica, Dupontia fisheri), and somewhat moister more organic-rich soils. It is distinguished from Community 2 by the abundance of rushes (Luzula confusa and Luzula arctica). It occupies only a small portion of the larger region in subzone C and is not distinguishable as a separate map unit on the Arctic Alaska Vegetation Map (Raynolds et al. 2006).
  • Subtype Ochrolechia frigida occurs mainly on organic-rich high-centered polygons, low-centered polygon rims, and other somewhat elevated microsites in ice-wedge polygon complexes (photos b and c). The soil has a white lumpy appearance due to moss polsters of Dicranum elongatum covered by the white lichen Ochrolechia spp. At Prudhoe Bay and Barter Island this subtype is replaced by a similar community that has abundant Dryas integrifolia and Ochrolechia frigida.
 Other Names BB name(s)
  • Undescribed as an association in Alaska. May fit within the Alliance Luzulion nivalis (Nordh, 1936).
 Other Portrayals
  • Circumpolar Arctic CAVM Team 2003: Moist acidic zonal microsites within map units found in bioclimate subzone C, northern Alaska (W1). Distribution outside of Alaska is unknown.
  • Alaska Arctic Raynolds et al. 2006: Dry to moist microsites within acidic coastal wetland complexes found in bioclimate subzone C (W1.1).
  • Kuparuk River region (Muller et al. 2001): Does not occur.
  • Upper Kuparuk River region (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Toolik Area (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Toolik Grid (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Imnavait Creek area: Does not occur.
  • Imnavait Creek Grid: Does not occur.
Photo A. Mesic Luzula confusa-Poa arctica community on a high-centered polygon at the Barrow IBP study site. This community was described as Nodum I (dry Luzula confusa heath) in Webber (1978). Webber et al. 1978, Fig. 4. D.A. Walker.
Photo A
Photo B. Luzula confusa-Poa arctica subtype Ochrolechia frigida on rims of low centered polygons. Walker slide 74-44-17. D.A. Walker.
Photo B
Photo C. Close up of the Ochrolechia frigida subtype. Note the abundant cover of the lichens white crustose lichen Ochrolechia inequatula that cover hummocks of the moss Dicranum elongatum. Walker slide 74-44-16. D.A. Walker.
Photo C
4. Eriophorum angustifolium-Carex aquatilis subtype Dupontia fisheriWet coastal tundra in subzone CC Northern Alaska Wet site Acidic Described from
Barrow (Webber 1978)		General Comments
  • Several poorly differentiated wet tundra communities within subzone C are grouped into this unit. The more or less acidic wet coastal tundra communities at Barrow were distinguished from the calcareous landscapes at Barter Island and Prudhoe Bay based on dominant mosses (Elias et al. 1996), but until more information is available, they are all grouped under one name with two codes: Community 4 (acidic) and Community 10 (nonacidic). Somewhat richer communities are found inland in bioclimate subzone D and are grouped in Community 29.
    The sedges Carex aquatilis and/or Eriophorum angustifolium, are often the dominant vascular plant species in subzone C. The grass Dupontia fisheri is often present in wet communities near the coast and is used here to designate the wet subtype of subzone C within northern Alaska. A few forbs such as Pedicularis sudetica and Saxifraga foliolosa are usually present. Sphagnum can be locally common in acidic wet tundra. Woody plants are uncommon. Somewhat wetter areas with deeper standing water with the grass Arctophila fulva and/or a few typical aquatic forbs (e.g. Ranunculus palasii, Comarum palustre) are not included in this unit.
 Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
  • Circumpolar Arctic CAVM Team 2003: Wet tundra within map units found in bioclimate subzone C, northern Alaska (W1). Distribution outside of Alaska is unknown.
  • Alaska Arctic Raynolds et al. 2006: Wet within acidic (Community 4) and nonacidic (Community 10) coastal wetland complexes found in bioclimate subzone C of northern (W1.1).
  • Kuparuk River region (Muller et al. 2001): Does not occur.
  • Upper Kuparuk River region (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Toolik Area (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Toolik Grid (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Imnavait Area: Does not occur.
  • Imnavait Grid: Does not occur.
Photo A. Eriophorum angustifolium-Carex aquatilis subtype Dupontia fisheri in a wet meadow at Barrow, AK. The white inflorescences of Eriophorum russeolum are visible. This unit was designated as Nodum V (Wet Dupontia fisheri-Eriophorum angustifolium meadow by Webber (1978). Webber et al. 1978, Fig. 6. D.A. Walker.
Photo A
Photo B. Eriophorum angustifolium-Carex aquatilis subtype Dupontia fisheri in a wet polygon trough at Barrow, AK. (Included in Nodum V of Webber, 1978). Community type 3 occupies the polygon centers. Webber et al. 1978, Fig. 5. D.A. Walker.
Photo B
Photo C. Another meadow of Eriophorum angustifolium-Carex aquatilis subtype Dupontia fisheri at Barrow. Walker slide 74-?-11. D.A. Walker.
Photo C
Photo D. Close up of the community shown in Photo C, with abundant Alopecurus alpinus (gray cottony inflorescences). (Subtype 8 of Walker, 1977). Walker slide 73-45-13 OR 73-45-15?? D.A. Walker.
Photo D
5. Salix rotundifolia-Cetrariella deliseiMoist acidic early-melting snowbeds in subzone CC Northern Alaska Snowbed, early-melting Acidic Described from
Barrow (Elias et al. 1996)		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
  • Salix rotundifolia-Cetraria delesei, based on information from transect in 176-194m, Barrow, Elias et al. (1996).
 BB name(s) Other Portrayals
  • Circumpolar Arctic (CAVM Team 2003): Snowbed microsites within map units found in bioclimate subzone C, northern Alaska (W1). Distribution outside of Alaska is unknown.
  • Alaska Arctic (Raynolds et al. 2006): Dry / moist microsites within acidic coastal wetland complexes found in bioclimate subzone C (W1.1).
  • Kuparuk River Region (Muller et al. 2001): Does not occur.
  • Upper Kuparuk River region (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Toolik Area (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Toolik Grid (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Imnavait Creek Area: Does not occur.
  • Imnavait Creek Grid: Does not occur.
Photo A. Salix rotundifolia-Luzula arctica community in a shallow snowbed at Barrow, AK. Elias et al. 1996, Fig. A-23, upper photo. D.A. Walker.
Photo A
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. D.A. Walker.
Photo B
6. Phippsia algida-Saxifraga rivularisWet acidic late-melting snow beds in coastal areas in subzone CC Northern Alaska Snowbed, late-melting Acidic Described from
Barrow (Walker 1977)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
  • Circumpolar Arctic (CAVM Team 2003): Snowbed microsites within map units found in bioclimate subzone C, northern Alaska (W1). Distribution outside of Alaska is unknown.
  • Alaska Arctic (Raynolds et al. 2006): Late melting snowbed within acidic coastal wetland complexes in bioclimate subzone C (W1.1).
  • Kuparuk Basin (Muller et al. 2001): Does not occur.
  • Upper Kuparuk River region (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Toolik Area (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Toolik Grid (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Imnavait Creek Area: Does not occur.
  • Imnavait Creek Grid: Does not occur.
7. Equisetum arvense-Cochlearia groenlandicaSandy riparian areas areas in subzone CC Northern Alaska Snowbed, late-melting Acidic Described from
Barrow		General Comments
  • Streams in the coastal area near Barrow and along the northern coast of Alaska are incised into low marine terraces and often have deep snow in them during the winter. Slumping peat bluffs, constantly shifting stream channels, and occasional flooding by storm surges creates a mix of rudimentary plant species that are associated with a combination of riparian habitats, deep snowbeds, and saline coastal areas. The sites are often rich in species, but are highly variable in species composition. Equisetum arvense, Cochlearia officinalis, Alopecurus alpinus, Phippsia algida, Ranunuculus pygmaeus, and Stellaria humifusa are common species found in these sites.
 Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
  • Circumpolar Arctic (CAVM Team 2003): Snowbed microsites within map units found in bioclimate subzone C, northern Alaska (W1). Distribution outside of Alaska is unknown.
  • Alaska Arctic (Raynolds et al. 2006): Late melting snowbed within acidic coastal wetland complexes in bioclimate subzone C (W1.1).
  • Kuparuk Basin (Muller et al. 2001): Does not occur.
  • Upper Kuparuk River region (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Toolik Area (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Toolik Grid (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Imnavait Creek Area: Does not occur.
  • Imnavait Creek Grid: Does not occur.
Photo A. Cochlearia groenlandica-Ranunculus pygmaeus community growing along Footprint Creek at Barrow, Alaska. Walker slide 74-46-15. D.A. Walker
Photo A
Photo B. Close up showing Cochlearia groenlandica and Ranunculus pygmaeus ssp. sabinei. Walker slide 74-46-16. D.A. Walker
Photo B
8. Dryas integrifolia-Ochrolechia frigidaDry moderately exposed nonacidic cryoturbated soils in subzone CC Northern Alaska Dry exposed site Nonacidic Described from
Barter Island (Elias et al. 1996)		General Comments
  • This type occurs on dry to moist nonacidic cryoturbated mineral soils near the coast in Subzone C of northern Alaska. It is a nonacidic counterpart to Community 1, which occurs on dry acidic sites. It is closely related to "Dry Dryas integrifolia, Saxifraga oppositifolia, Lecanora epibryon dwarf shrub, crustose lichen tundra" described from cryoturbated soils at Prudhoe Bay (Walker 1985). This type occurs on somewhat moister, more organic rich soils with more evidence of frost heaving than Dryas integrifolia-Carex rupestris subtype Oxytropis nigrescens, which also occurs in subzone C of northern Alaska on gravelly soils. It is not well characterized and could be grouped with Community 24, but the dry sedge Carex rupestris is usually absent and replaced by the more mesic sedge species Carex bigelowii and Eriophorum angustifolium ssp. triste.
 Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
  • Circumpolar Arctic (CAVM Team 2003): Dry nonacidic microsites within map units found in bioclimate subzone C and D, northern Alaska (W1). Distribution outside of Alaska is unknown.
  • Alaska Arctic (Raynolds et al. 2006): Dry nonacidic microsites within map units found in bioclimate subzone C and D, northern Alaska (W1.1).
  • Kuparuk Basin (Muller et al. 2001): Part of complex of plant communities in moist nonacidic tundra and dry tundra, mainly on the Arctic Coastal Plain.
  • Upper Kuparuk River region (Walker and Maier 2008): Not observed.
  • Toolik Area (Walker and Maier 2008): Not observed.
  • Toolik Grid (Walker and Maier 2008): Not observed.
  • Imnavait Creek Area: Not observed.
  • Imnavait Creek Grid: Does not occur.
Photo A. Dryas integrifolia-Ochrolechia frigida community at Barter Island, AK. Elias et al., 1996, Fig. 6c. D.A. Walker.
Photo A
Photo B. Dryas integrifolia-Lecanora epibryon community on dry sandy terrace of the Kuparuk River on east side of the delta. Walker Slide 81-7-19. D.A. Walker
Photo B
9. Carex aquatilis-Dryas integrifoliaMoist nonacidic coastal meadows in subzone CC Northern Alaska Moist site Nonacidic Described from
Barter Island (Elias et al. 1996), Prudhoe Bay (Walker 1985)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
  • Circumpolar Arctic (CAVM Team 2003): Moist nonacidic microsites within map units found near the coast in bioclimate subzone C.
  • Alaska Arctic (Raynolds et al. 2006): Moist nonacidic microsites within map units found in bioclimate subzone C near the coast (W1.1).
  • Kuparuk Basin (Muller et al. 2001): Part of complex of plant communities in moist nonacidic tundra and dry tundra, near the Arctic coast.
  • Upper Kuparuk River region (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Toolik Area (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Toolik Grid (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Imnavait Creek area: Does not occur.
  • Imnavait Creek Grid: Does not occur.
Photo A. Carex aquatilis-Dryas integrifolia community, on flat-centered polygon with loess soils at Barter Island, AK. Elias et al. (1996), Fig. 8c. D.A. Walker.
Photo A
10. Eriophorum angustifolium-Carex aquatilis subtype Dupontia fisheriWet nonacidic coastal tundra in subzone CC Northern Alaska Wet site Nonacidic Described from
Prudhoe Bay (Walker 1985)		General Comments
  • Several poorly differentiated wet tundra communities within subzone C are grouped into this unit. The more or less acidic wet coastal tundra communities at Barrow were distinguished from the calcareous landscapes at Barter Island and Prudhoe Bay based on dominant mosses (Elias et al. 1996), but until more information is available, they are all grouped under one name with two codes: Community 4 (acidic) and Community 10 (nonacidic). Somewhat richer communities are found inland in bioclimate subzone D and are grouped in Community 29.
    The sedges Carex aquatilis and/or Eriophorum angustifolium, are often the dominant vascular plant species in subzone C. The grass Dupontia fisheri is often present in wet communities near the coast and is used here to designate the wet subtype of subzone C within northern Alaska. A few forbs such as Pedicularis sudetica and Saxifraga foliolosa are usually present. Sphagnum can be locally common in acidic wet tundra. Woody plants are uncommon. Somewhat wetter areas with deeper standing water with the grass Arctophila fulva and/or a few typical aquatic forbs (e.g. Ranunculus palasii, Comarum palustre) are not included in this unit.
 Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
  • Circumpolar Arctic (CAVM Team 2003): Wet tundra within map units found in bioclimate subzone C, northern Alaska (W1). Distribution outside of Alaska is unknown.
  • Alaska Arctic (Raynolds et al. 2006): Wet within acidic (Community 4) and nonacidic (Community 10) coastal wetland complexes found in bioclimate subzone C of northern (W1.1).
  • Kuparuk River region (Muller et al. 2001): Does not occur.
  • Upper Kuparuk River region (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Toolik Area (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Toolik Grid (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Imnavait Area: Does not occur
  • Imnavait Grid: Does not occur.
Photo A. A nonacidic version of communtity type Eriophorum angustifolium-Carex aquatilis at Barter Island. Elias et al. 1996, Fig. 9c. D.A. Walker.
Photo A
11. Cassiope tetragona-Dryas integrifolia subtype DepauperateMoist nonacidic early-melting snowbeds in subzone CC Northern Alaska Snowbed, early-melting Nonacidic Described from
Prudhoe Bay (Walker 1985)		General Comments
  • Cassiope-Dryas vegetation occurs on well-drained nonacidic early-melting snowbed sites. These sites are usually free of snow by early July. This plant community has high cover of the evergreen hemi-prostrate dwarf shrub Cassiope tetragona, and abundant prostrate dwarf shrubs Dryas integrifolia and Salix reticulata. Usually there is also high cover of mosses (Tomentypnum nitens and Hylocomium splendens) and lichens (e,g., Flavocetraria nivalis, Flavocetraria cucullata, Cetraria islandica, Dactylina arctica, Masonhalea richardsonii).
  • This community includes a variety of subtypes that have separate codes in each subzone on the AATVM. However, further analysis is needed to properly classify them within the Braun-Blanquet approach. Here we treat them as subtypes of a single community, Cassiope tetragona-Dryas integrifolia.
  • No Cassiope-Dryas snowbeds have been sampled within bioclimate subzone C of northern Alaska (Comm. 11), and presently are not distinguished from nonacidic early-melting snowbeds in subzone D and E (Community 30 and Community 79). Cassiope-Dryas snowbeds have been sampled in several areas of subzone C in Canada. Similar vegetation was observed in snowbeds of subzone C in Canada on Mount Pelly, Victoria Island, and East Wind Lake, Ellesmere Island (Dryas integrifolia-Cassiope tetragona hemiprostrate dwarf shrub tundra, V-CB-10, 12, and 16, and E-EW-S-1 and 2 (Gonzalez et al. 2000). These correspond rather well with the Hylocomio-Cassiopetum subassociations dryadetosum integrifoliae and typicum described from SW Greenland (Sieg et al. 2006).
  • Snowbed sites within nonacidic portions of subzone D (Community 30) on the Arctic Coastal Plain were well characterized by M.D. Walker (1990) in her study of pingo vegetation on the central Arctic Coastal Plain. She divided the snow beds into four stand types: (1) Phippsia algida-Saxifraga rivularis (very late melting, wet snow-bed sites, 4 relevés); (2) Salix rotundifolia-Dryas integrifolia (well drained snow beds with deep late-melting snow, 36 relevés), (3) Cassiope tetragona-Dryas integrifolia (well-drained nonacidic early-melting snow beds, 57 relevés; (4) Dryas integrifolia-Astragalus umbellatus. She further subdivided the Cassiope tetragona-Dryas integrifolia stand type into two subtypes: Vaccinium uliginosum-Salix glauca (28 relevés) which occurs in warm south-facing snow-beds of subzones D and E (and are not included in the Cassiope-Dryas vegetation type described here), and Cassiope tetragona-Dryas integrifolia (21 relevés), which occurs in colder microsites and is the type described here.
  • Cassiope-Dryas communities in subzone E (Community 79) have been described at Toolik Lake and Imnavait Creek region (Walker et al. 1994) (6 relevés) and Happy Valley (Walker et al. 1997) (2 relevés). In the Toolik Lake region, nonacidic moderately deep, early melting snowbed relevés were placed in the Dryas integrifolia-Cassiope tetragona community (Walker et al. 1994). In the Brooks Range, Cooper (1986) described several similar snowbed vegetation types including the Boykinio richardsonii-Dryadetum alaskanum on north-facing slopes (14 relevés), Cassiope tetragonae-Dryadetum alaskensis mainly on east-facing slopes (10 relevés). Cassiope-Dryas snowbeds in these more southerly areas have numerous species not commonly found further north including Boykinia richardsonii and Novosieversia glaciale and erect willows (Salix glauca and S. richardsonii).
  • Cassiope snowbed communities (Community 21 and Community 62) on acidic substrates generally lack Dryas and have an abundance of acidiphilous dwarf shrubs, mosses and lichens.
Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
  • Circumpolar Arctic (CAVM Team 2003): Nonacidic snowbed microsites within map units found in bioclimate subzone C and northern part of subzone D, Alaska (W1). Similar Cassiope-Dryas snow-bed communities occur widely in bioclimate subzone C of the Canadian Archipelago (Gonzalez et al. 2000).
  • Alaska Arctic (Raynolds et al. 2006): Nonacidic snowbeds within map units found in bioclimate subzone C near the coast (W1.1).
  • Kuparuk Basin (Muller et al. 2001): Part of complex of plant communities in moist nonacidic and dry tundra near the Arctic coast.
  • Upper Kuparuk River region (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Toolik Area (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Toolik Grid (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Imnavait Creek Area: Does not occur.
  • Imnavait Creek Grid: Does not occur.
Photo A. Cassiope tetragona-Dryas integrifolia community on the south-facing slope of a pingo near Frontier Camp, Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. This site is just south of bioclimate subzone C. Walker, 1985, Fig. 18. D.A. Walker.
Photo A
Photo B. Cassiope-Dryas snowbed on Angel pingo, Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. Walker slide 74-12-12. D.A. Walker
Photo B
12. Chamerion latifolium-Artemisia arcticaSand and gravel river bars in subzones C and DC Northern Alaska Riparian site, active Nonacidic Described from
Prudhoe Bay (Walker 1985), Sagavanirktok River (Schickhoff et al. 2002)		General Comments
  • Cold temperatures limit the growth of shrubs and the number of species that can colonize the riparian habitats in Subzone C. Generally there are no riparian shrublands. Woody plants on the river bars are limited to prostrate growth forms of species such as Salix alaxensis and Salix ovalifolia. The early colonizers of the gravels in the farthest north sites are a mix of a few forbs and grasses, most notably the River Beauty Epilobium latifolium. As one travels away from the coast the changes in the abundance of forbs is dramatic. For example, one river bar along the Kuparuk River, only about 10 km inland, had 66 species, nearly a third of the total flora for the Prudhoe Bay region (Walker, 1985).
  • Revegetation of abandoned gravel pads in the Prudhoe Bay oil field is dependent on species involved in the early-succession phases of gravel bars (McKendrick 1991).
 Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
  • Circumpolar Arctic (CAVM Team 2003): Riparian microsites within map units found in bioclimate subzone C, northern Alaska (W1).
  • Alaska Arctic (Raynolds et al. 2006): Riparian microsites within map units found in bioclimate subzone C, northern Alaska near the coast (W1.1).
  • Kuparuk Basin (Muller et al. 2001): Part of barrens complex (Barren and partially vegetated river alluvium).
  • Upper Kuparuk River region (Walker and Maier 2008): Occurs along the Sagavanirktok River (Unit 3 Partially vegetated barrens).
  • Toolik Area (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Toolik Grid (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Imnavait Creek Area: Does not occur.
  • Imnavait Creek Grid: Does not occur.
Photo A. Epilobium latifolium colonizing barren river alluvium, Kuparuk River, Subzone D, Alaska. Walker slide 74-13-5. D.A. Walker.
Photo A
Photo B. Epilobium latifolium colonizing barren river alluvium, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Subzone E, Alaska. Walker slide 81-20-22. D.A. Walker.
Photo B
Photo C. Epilobium latifolium colonizing barren river alluvium, Brooks Range, Subzone E, Alaska. Walker slide 82-12-12. D.A. Walker.
Photo C
13. Dryas integrifolia-Diapensia lapponicaStable dry to moist acidic sandy ridge crests in Northern AlaskaD Northern Alaska Dry exposed site Acidic Described from
Atqasuk (Komárková and Webber 1980).		General Comments
  • This type is common on dry acidic stabilized dune crests in the sand region of northern Alaska. It covers 3% of Komárková's Map 2 at Atkasuk. However, it is poorly described at present, with no good relevés. The only characterization is from Atqasuk where a summary table presents the range of cover values from an unknown number of relevés (Komárková and Webber 1980). Characteristic species are abundant Cassiope tetragona, Salix phlebophylla, Diapensia lapponica and abundant acidiphilous lichens.
 Other Names BB name(s)
  • Undescribed as an association in Alaska. May fit within the Alliance Luzulion nivalis (Nordh, 1936).
 Other Portrayals
  • Circumpolar Arctic (CAVM Team 2003): Part of complex of tussock-tundra vegetation types coded as Map Unit G4.
  • Alaska Arctic (Raynolds et al. 2006): Dry acidic sandy microsites within map units found in bioclimate subzone D, northern Alaska (Map Unit G4.3).
  • Kuparuk River region (Muller et al. 2001): Does not occur.
  • Upper Kuparuk River region (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Toolik Area (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Toolik Grid (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Imnavait Creek Area (Walker and Walker 1996): Does not occur.
  • Imnavait Creek Grid (Walker and Walker 1996): Does not occur.
Photo A. Stabilized dune near Inigok drill site in NPR_A, Alaska, with Diapensia lapponica-Alectoria spp. community. Walker slide 82-8a-23. D.A. Walker.
Photo A
Photo B. Close up showing the cryptogam-covered surface (Alectoria nigricans and Gymnomitrion coralloides) with Cassiope tetragona and scattered forbs. Walker slide 82-8a-24. D.A. Walker.
Photo B

Photo C
14. Salix phlebophylla-Arctous alpina (?)Dry acidic alpine areas and fell- fields in Northern Beringian IslandsD Northern Beringian Islands Dry exposed site Acidic Described from
St. Lawrence Island (Young 1971)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
15. Cladina stellaris-Salix arcticaDry acidic terraces in Northern Beringian IslandsD Northern Beringian Islands Dry exposed site Acidic Described from
St. Matthew Island (Klein 1959)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
16. Eriophorum vaginatum-Sphagnum spp. subtype Sphagnum compactumMesic stabilized sandy soils of Northern AlaskaD Northern Alaska Moist site Acidic Described from
Atqasuk (Komárková and Webber 1980, Edwards et al. 2000).		General Comments
  • This tussock tundra subtype occurs in the sand region in northern Alaska. It is common on stable flat to residual surfaces that are unaffected by thaw-lake processes or frost processes. The sites for this type are notable for their lack of nonsorted circles, which apparently do not form in the sandy soils. It is dominated by small short (<15 cm tall) tussocks (Eriophorum vaginatum). Dwarf shrubs generally do not extend above the top of the tussocks. Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens is relatively common. Deciduous shrubs such as Betula nana and Salix pulchra, which are usually common in tussock tundra, are much less common in this sandy subtype. It is extremely poor in species; the area sampled for the ATLAS studies (Edwards et al. 2000) contained only 6 vascular plant species. The moss Sphagnum compactum appears to be characteristic. Atqasuk vegetation was also studied and mapped as part of the Research on Arctic Tundra Environments (RATE) program (Batzli 1980, Komárková and Webber 1980).
 Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
  • Circumpolar Arctic (CAVM Team 2003): Contained within Map Unit G.4, Tussock-sedge, dwarf-shrub, moss tundra. Distribution outside of Alaska is unknown.
  • Alaska Arctic (Raynolds et al. 2006): (Map Unit G4.3, Tussock-sedge, dwarf-shrub, moss communities.).
  • Kuparuk River region (Muller et al. 2001): Does not occur.
  • Upper Kuparuk River region (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Toolik Area (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Toolik Grid (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Imnavait Creek Area (Walker and Walker 1996): Does not occur.
  • Imnavait Creek Grid (Walker and Walker 1996): Does not occur.

3 photo
17. Eriophorum vaginatum-Sphagnum spp. subtype Ledum decumbensLate successional stage of moist, acidic, fire-dominated areas of Beringian AlaskaD Beringian Alaska Moist site Acidic Described from
Seward Peninsula (Swanson and Schuman 1985)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
18. Calamagrostis canadensis-Rubus arcticus (?)Moist acidic tundra of St. Lawrence I.D Northern Beringian Islands Moist site Acidic Described from
St. Lawrence Island (Young 1971)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s)
  • Dryado integrifoliae-Caricetum bigelowii subass. Equisetosum arvensis (Walker et al. 1994).
 Other Portrayals
19. Carex microchaeta-Sphagnum sp.Moist acidic tundra of St. Matthews I.D Northern Beringian Islands Moist site Acidic Described from
St. Matthew Island (Klein 1959)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
20. Carex aquatilis-Eriophorum angustifolium subtype Sphagnum sp.Wet acidic tundra and wet portions of low-centered polygons in Northern AlaskaD Northern Alaska Wet site Acidic Described from
Northern Alaska: St. Lawrence Island (Young 1971), Seward Peninsula (Swanson and Schuman 1985), Atqasuk (Komárková and Webber 1980)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
21. Cassiope tetragona-Dryas integrifolia subtype Tanacetum bipinnatumMoist acidic early melting snowbeds in subzone DD Northern Alaska Snowbed, early-melting Acidic Described from
Atqasuk (Komárková and Webber 1980).		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
22. Salix alaxensis-Tanacetum bipinnatumStable, dry, acidic sandy floodplains in subzone DD Northern Alaska Riparian site, stable Acidic Described from
Atqasuk (Komárková and Webber 1980).		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
23. Salix pulchra-Hylocomium splendensStable, moist, acidic floodplains in subzone DD Beringian Alaska Riparian site, stable Acidic Described from
Seward Peninsula (Racine and Anderson 1979, Swanson and Schuman 1985)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
24. Dryas integrifolia-Carex rupestrisDry nonacidic tundra on gravels in subzones C and DD Northern Alaska Dry exposed site Nonacidic Described from
Prudhoe Bay (Walker 1985, Walker 1990)		General Comments
  • This type occurs mainly on dry wind-exposed nonacidic gravelly sites. The plant canopy consists of a discontinuous mat of Dryas integrifolia, an abundance of lichens, a few cushion forbs such as Oxytropis nigrescens and Saxifraga oppositifolia and several other erect forbs. A high percentage of the soil is unvegetated or covered in white crustose lichens (e.g., Lecanora epibryon). The sedge Carex rupestris is constant.
  • The community Dryas integrifolia-Carex rupestris embraces all of the diversity within the non-riparian nonacidic Dryas integrifolia group of communities. It excludes the Dryas communities on river terraces that have higher diversity of forbs and erect shrubs (Community 34 and Community 83), and the communities on cryoturbated moister soils that lack Carex rupestris (Community 8). Similar Dryas communities occur within bioclimate subzones C and D of the Canadian archipelago (e.g., Dryas integrifolia-Carex rupestris comm. described from several studies in Arctic Canada and Greenland (e.g., Vonlanthen et al. 2008 (10 relevés); Schweingruber 1997; Thannheiser 1988; Thannheiser and Geesink 1990; Gonzalez et al. 2000, Victoria Island, Mount Pelly, V-CB-01, 05; Carici-Dryadetum integrifoliae (Daniëls 1982) described from Greenland). It is a nonacidic counterpart to Luzula confusa-Sphaerophorus globosus which occurs on dry acidic sites (Community 13).
  • M.D. Walker (1990) sampled 77 stands on exposed north and ENE slopes of 41 pingos of the central Arctic coastal plain. 72 of these were nonacidic. Within the broad nonacidic group that she called Dryas integrifolia-Lecanora epibryon, she identified 3 distinct stand types: (1) Stand Type Cerastium beeringianum-Minuartia rubellum (5 relevés) occurred in very exposed sites near the coast; (2) Stand Type Dryas integrifolia-Oxytropis nigrescens (37 relevés) was the most common type — occurring mostly on north-facing exposed sites and best drained sites in and around Prudhoe Bay; (3) Stand Type Dryas integrifolia-Astragalus umbellatus (31 relevés) occurred on somewhat warmer less exposed sites with moister soils and higher diversity of herbs (e.g., Astragalus umbellatus, Papaver macounii, Parrya nudicaulis, Oxytropis jordalii, Carex scirpoidea).
 Other Names BB name(s)
  • The Dryas integrifolia-Carex rupestris community is more or less equivalent to Association Carici-Dryadetum integrifoliae (Daniëls 1982) described from Greenland. The Oxtropis nigrescens subtype would likely be defined as a subassociation.
 Other Portrayals
  • Circumpolar Arctic (CAVM Team 2003): Unit P1, Prostrate dwarf-shrub, herb tundra.
  • Alaska Arctic (Raynolds et al. 2006): Dry nonacidic gravelly microsites within map units found in bioclimate subzone D and C, northern Alaska (W1.1).
  • Kuparuk Basin (Muller et al. 2001): Contained within Map Unit II.2, Oxtropis bryophila-Dryas integrifolia. Part of complex of plant communities in moist nonacidic tundra and dry tundra, mainly on the Arctic Coastal Plain.
  • Upper Kuparuk River region (Walker and Maier 2008): Generally replaced by Comm. 37, Dryas octopetala-Selaginella sibirica on somewhat acidic sites, but probably occurs on limestone bedrock.
  • Toolik Area (Walker and Maier 2008): Not observed, replaced by Comm. 37, Dryas octopetala-Selaginella sibirica.
  • Toolik Grid (Walker and Maier 2008): Not observed, replaced by Comm. 37, Dryas octopetala-Selaginella sibirica.
  • Imnavait Creek area: Not observed, replaced by Comm. 37, Dryas octopetala-Selaginella sibirica.
  • Imnavait Creek Grid: Does not occur.
Photo A. Dryas integrifolia-Carex rupestris community on pingos at Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. Walker slide 74-12-8. D.A. Walker.
Photo A
Photo B. Detail showing lichen-covered hummocks of Dryas integrifolia-Carex rupestris community. Walker slide 74-12-9. D.A. Walker.
Photo B
Photo C. Dryas integrifolia-Carex rupestris-Lecanora epibryon community on pingo at Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. Walker (1985), Fig. 8. D.A. Walker.
Photo C
Photo D. Dry tundra on ridge near the Kaktakturuk River, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Walker slide 81-20-19. D.A. Walker.
Photo D
25. Dryas integrifolia-Oxytropis nigrescens (?)Dry nonacidic tundra, Beringian AlaskaD Beringian Alaska Dry exposed site Nonacidic Described from
Devil's Upland, Seward Peninsula (Jorgenson 2001)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
26. Dryas octopetala-Rhododendron camtschaticumDry nonacidic tundra, limestone mountains, Beringian AlaskaD Beringian Alaska Dry exposed site Nonacidic Described from
York Mountains, Seward Peninsula (no description)		No data - probably similar to Community 73General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
27. Carex bigelowii-Dryas integrifolia subtype Carex membranaceaMoist nonacidic tundra on loess, Northern AlaskaD Northern Alaska Moist site Nonacidic Described from
Prudhoe Bay (Walker 1985), Seward Peninsula (Swanson and Schuman 1985)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
28. Salix phlebophylla-Luzula confusa (?)Moist nonacidic tundra, Northern Beringian IslandsD Northern Beringian Islands Moist site Nonacidic Described from
St. Lawrence Island (Young 1971)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
29. Carex aquatilis-Eriophorum angustifolium subtype Drepanocladus brevifoliusWet nonacidic tundra, centers of low-centered polygons, lake margins in Subzone DD Northern Alaska Wet site Nonacidic Described from
Prudhoe Bay (Walker 1985)		General Comments
  • This is the nonacidic version of Carex aquatilis-Eriophorum angustifolium subtype Sphagnum sp. (Community 20). The sedge species are the same, but the mosses differ.
 Other Names
  • Stand Type M2, wet calcareous meadows, ice-wedge polygon centers, lake margins, Walker (1985).
 BB name(s) Other Portrayals
30. Cassiope tetragona-Dryas integrifolia subtype typicalMoist nonacidic early-melting snowbeds in subzone DD Northern Alaska Snowbed, early-melting Nonacidic Described from
Prudhoe Bay (Walker 1985, Walker 1990)		General Comments
  • Snowbed sites within nonacidic portions of subzone D on the Arctic Coastal Plain were well characterized by M.D. Walker (1990) in her study of pingo vegetation on the central Arctic Coastal Plain. She divided the snowbeds into four stand types: (1) Phippsia algida-Saxifraga rivularis (very late-melting, wet snowbed sites, 4 relevés); (2) Salix rotundifolia-Dryas integrifolia (well drained snowbeds with deep late-melting snow, 36 relevés), (3) Cassiope tetragona-Dryas integrifolia (well-drained nonacidic early-melting snowbeds, 57 relevés); (4) Dryas integrifolia-Astragalus umbellatus. She further subdivided the Cassiope tetragona-Dryas integrifolia stand type into two subtypes: Vaccinium uliginosum-Salix glauca (28 relevés) which occurs in warm south-facing snowbeds of subzones D and E (and are not included in the Cassiope-Dryas vegetation type described here), and Cassiope tetragona-Dryas integrifolia (21 relevés), which occurs in colder microsites and is the type described here.
 Other Names
  • Stand Type U6, Moist Dryas integrifolia, Cassiope, Cetraria nivalis dwarf shrub, fruticose lichen tundra, 3 relevés (0901, 1416, 1509); Stand Type Cassiope tetragona-Dryas integrifolia, facies Cassiope tetragona-Dryas integrifolia, Prudhoe Bay, 21 relevés, M.D. Walker (1990).
 BB name(s)
  • Undescribed as an association in Alaska. May fit within the Alliance Luzulion nivalis (Nordh, 1936).
 Other Portrayals
  • Circumpolar Arctic (CAVM Team 2003): Nonacidic snowbed microsites within map units found in bioclimate subzone C and northern part of subzone D, Alaska (W1). Distribution outside of Alaska is unknown.
  • Alaska Arctic (Raynolds et al. 2006): Nonacidic snowbeds within map units found in bioclimate subzone C near the coast (W1.1).
  • Kuparuk River region (Muller et al. 2001): Part of complex of plant communities in moist nonacidic and dry tundra near the Arctic coast.
  • Upper Kuparuk River region (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Toolik Area (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Toolik Grid (Walker and Maier 2008): Does not occur.
  • Imnavait Creek Area (Walker and Walker 1996): Does not occur.
  • Imnavait Creek Grid (Walker and Walker 1996): Does not occur.

Photos:
31. Salix rotundifolia-Sanionia uncinatus subtype Cardamine digitataMoist nonacidic late-melting snowbeds in subzone DD Northern Alaska Snowbed, late-melting Nonacidic Described from
Prudhoe Bay (Walker 1985, Walker 1990)		General Comments
  • Snowbed sites within nonacidic portions of subzone D (Community 30) on the Arctic Coastal Plain were well characterized by M.D. Walker (1990) in her study of pingo vegetation on the central Arctic Coastal Plain. She divided the snowbeds into four stand types: (1) Phippsia algida-Saxifraga rivularis (very late-melting, wet snowbed sites, 4 relevés); (2) Salix rotundifolia-Dryas integrifolia (well drained snowbeds with deep late-melting snow, 36 relevés) which is the type described here, (3) Cassiope tetragona-Dryas integrifolia (well-drained nonacidic early-melting snowbeds, 57 relevés; (4) Dryas integrifolia-Astragalus umbellatus.
 Other Names
  • Stand Type U7, Walker (1985).
  • Facies Salix rotundifolia-Eriophorum triste, late-melting nonacidic snowbeds, 36 relevés, Walker (1990).
 BB name(s)
  • Undescribed as an association in Alaska. May fit within the Alliance Luzulion nivalis (Nordh, 1936).
 Other Portrayals
32. Chamerion latifolium-Artemisia arcticaSand and gravel river bars in subzones C and DD Northern Alaska Riparian site, active Nonacidic Described from
Prudhoe Bay (Walker 1985), Sagavanirktok River (Schickhoff et al. 2002)		General Comments
  • This is the same type as Community 12 in Subzone C, though there are more forb species in Subzone D than in Subzone C. It is also the same community as Community 82 in Subzone E.
 Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
33. Salix richardsonii-Anemone parviflora subtype Salix richardsoniiMoist, nonacidic, stablized floodplain terraces with fine-grained soils, subzone DD Northern Alaska Riparian site, stable Nonacidic Described from
Prudhoe Bay (Walker 1985), Sagavanirktok River (Schickhoff et al. 2002)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
34. Dryas integrifolia-Lupinus arcticusMoist, nonacidic, stablized floodplain terraces with gravelly soils, subzone DD Northern Alaska Riparian site, stable Nonacidic Described from
Happy Valley (Walker et al. 1997), Arctic NWR (Jorgenson 2003 pers. comm.)		General Comments Other Names
  • Dryas integrifolia-Lupinus arcticus comm., dry river terraces, Walker et al. (1997).
  • Dryas terrace comm., Jorgenson (2003 pers. comm.).
 BB name(s)
  • Anemono-Salicetum richardsonii lupinetosum arctici (Schickhoff et al. 2002) shrub poor facies, dominated by Dryas.
 Other Portrayals
35. Salix phlebophylla-Vaccinium uliginosumDry, acidic, rocky alpine areas in subzone E, Northern AlaskaE Northern Alaska Dry exposed site Acidic Described from
Arrigetch Mountains (Cooper 1986) 		General Comments Other Names
  • Vaccinio uliginosi-Salicetum phlebophyllae Assoc. 43, prostrate vegetation of ridgetops on acidic soils, Cooper (1986).
 BB name(s)
  • Vaccinio uliginosi-Salicetum phlebophyllae (Cooper 1986).
 Other Portrayals
36. Dryas octopetala-Carex scirpoideaDry, acidic, gravelly, alpine areas in subzone E, Northern AlaskaE Northern Alaska Dry exposed site Acidic Described from
Arrigetch Mountains (Cooper 1986) 		General Comments Other Names
  • Carici scirpoideae-Vaccinietum uliginosi, Assoc. 18, (Cooper (1986).
 BB name(s)
  • Caricetum scirpoidea-Vaccinietum uliginosi (Cooper 1986).
 Other Portrayals
37. Dryas octopetala-Selaginella sibiricaDry, acidic, gravelly soils and glacial till in subzone E, Northern AlaskaE Northern Alaska Dry exposed site Acidic Described from
Imnavait Creek (Walker et al. 1994)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
Photo A

Photo B

Photo C
38. Salix phlebophylla-Arctous alpinaDry acidic tundra on fine grained soils in subzone E, Northern AlaskaE Northern Alaska Dry exposed site Acidic Described from
Imnavait Creek (Walker et al. 1994)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
39. Loiseleuria procumbens-Rhododendron camtschaticumDry acidic tundra on granite slopes, subzone E, Seward PeninsulaE Beringian Alaska Dry exposed site Acidic Described from
Seward Peninsula (Swanson and Schuman 1985, Racine and Anderson 1979, Raynolds et al. 2002)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s)
  • Undescribed as an association in Alaska. May fit within the Alliance Luzulion nivalis (Nordh, 1936).
 Other Portrayals
40. Dryas integrifolia-Empetrum nigrum (?)Dry/moist acidic tundra, Yukon-Kuskokwim DeltaE Beringian Alaska Dry exposed site Acidic Described from
Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (Talbot et al. 1985, McCaffery and Harwood 1997, Tande and Jennings 1986, Jorgenson 2000)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
41. Eriophorum vaginatum-Sphagnum spp. subtype Eriophorum vaginatumMoist acidic tussock tundra on fine-grained soils in subzone EE Northern Alaska Moist site Acidic Described from
Imnavait Creek (Walker et al. 1994), Seward Peninsula (Hanson 1953, Racine and Anderson 1979, Swanson and Schuman 1985, Raynolds et al. 2002), Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (Tande and Jennings 1986, Jorgenson 2000, Talbot 1983)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
42. Eriophorum vaginatum-Sphagnum spp. subtypes Betula nana and Salix pulchraMoist acidic shrub-dominated tussock tundra, subzone EE Northern Alaska Moist site Acidic Described from
Imnavait Creek (Walker et al. 1994)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
43. Ledum decumbens-Rubus chamaemorusMoist acidic tundra on palsas and high-centered polygons, subzone EE Northern Alaska Moist site Acidic Described from
Imnavait Creek (Walker et al. 1994)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
44. Betula nana-Salix pulchraMoist acidic shrublands, subzone EE Northern Alaska Moist site Acidic Described from
Imnavait Creek (Walker et al. 1994), Seward Peninsula (Racine and Anderson 1979, Swanson and Schuman 1985, Raynolds et al. 2002), Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (Talbot et al. 1985, Tande and Jennings 1986)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
45. Alnus viridis-Boschniakia rossica subtype Carex bigelowii (alder savannas)Slopes near treeline and warm foothill oases on North SlopeE Northern Alaska Moist site Acidic Described from
Happy Valley (Walker et al. 1997)		General Comments
  • This type includes closed alder thickets on slopes, open alder with grass-forb communities between shrubs, and alder savannahs consisting of moist graminoid tundra (Community 41 or Community 75) with patches of alders.
 Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
46. Eriophorum vaginatum-Sphagnum spp. subtype Chamerion angustifoliumBurned moist acidic tussock tundra, Seward PeninsulaE Beringian Alaska Moist site Acidic Described from
Seward Peninsula (Racine 1987)		General Comments
  • This type is the early successional stage after tussock tundra fires. Tundra fires are more common on the Seward Peninsula than in other parts of the Alaska Arctic.
 Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
47. Eriophorum vaginatum-Sphagnum spp. subtype Cladina rangiferinaMoist acidic tundra, mainly Seward Peninsula and Yukon-Kuskokwim DeltaE Beringian Alaska Moist site Acidic Described from
Seward Peninsula (Swanson and Schuman 1985)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
48. Betula nana-Cladina rangiferina subtype Ledum decumbens (?)Moist acidic tundra, mainly Seward Peninsula and Yukon-Kuskokwim DeltaE Beringian Alaska Moist site Acidic Described from
Seward Peninsula (Hanson 1953, Racine and Anderson 1979, Swanson and Schuman 1985, Raynolds et al. 2002), Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (Tande and Jennings 1986, Jorgenson 2000)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
49. Betula nana-Cladina rangiferina subtype Salix fuscescens (?)Moist acidic tundra, Nunivak IslandE Beringian Alaska Moist site Acidic Described from
Nunivak Island (Swanson et al. 1986)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
50. Betula nana-Eriophorum vaginatumMoist acidic tundra, Kuskokwim Mtns.E Beringian Alaska Moist site Acidic Described from
Kuskokwim Mtns (Talbot et al. 1985, Tande and Jennings 1986, Wibbenmeyer et al. 1982)		General Comments
  • Similar in species composition to Community 42 in Northern Alaska, but shrubs here are taller.
 Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
51. Alnus viridis-Boschniakia rossica subtype Dryopteris expansa (?)Moist hillsides, Seward Peninsula, Yukon-Kuskokwim DeltaE Beringian Alaska Moist site Acidic Described from
Seward Peninsula (Hanson 1953, Racine and Anderson 1979, Raynolds et al. 2002), Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (Talbot et al. 1985, Wibbenmeyer et al. 1982)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
52. Carex rotundata-Sphagnum orientaleWet acidic tundra on old landscapes, low microsites, Subzone EE Northern Alaska Wet site Acidic Described from
Imnavait Creek (Walker and Walker 1996)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
53. Carex rotundata-Salix fuscescens subtype Sphagnum lenenseWet acidic tundra, raised microsites slightly above water table, Subzone EE Northern Alaska Wet site Acidic Described from
Imnavait Creek (Walker and Walker 1996)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s)
  • Vaccinio uliginosi-Salicetum phlebophyllae (Cooper 1986).
 Other Portrayals
54. Carex aquatilis-Eriophorum scheuchzeri / Ledum decumbens-Sphagnum spp. complexWet low-centered polygon complex, Seward PeninsulaE Beringian Alaska Wet site Acidic Described from
Seward Peninsula (Swanson and Schuman 1985)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
55. Carex ramenskii-C. lyngbyaeiSightly brackish wet meadows, Yukon-Kuskokwim DeltaE Beringian Alaska Wet site Acidic Described from
Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (Tande and Jennings 1986, Jorgenson 2000)		General Comments
  • This is the community found in wet coastal areas with tidal influence. It is slightly saline, with few higher microsites.
 Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
56. Carex aquatilis-C. rariflora / Empetrum nigrum-Sphagnum spp. complexWet low-centered polygon complex, Yukon-Kuskokwim DeltaE Beringian Alaska Wet site Acidic Described from
Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (Tande and Jennings 1986)		General Comments
  • This community is similar to Community 20 in Subzone D. It is found just inland from the tidally-affected areas of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. These are the lowest elevation non-saline areas. Parts of this landscape that are slightly higher and better drained will have moist vegetation (Community 48).
 Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
57. Carex aquatilis-Eriophorum angustifolium subtype Carex rostrataWet, acidic meadows,Yukon-Kuskokwim DeltaE Beringian Alaska Wet site Acidic Described from
Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (Talbot 1983, Jorgenson 2000, Tande and Jennings 1986, Talbot et al. 1985)		General Comments
  • This is the community found in wet areas at slightly higher elevations than Community 56, along the branches of the Yukon River as it divides into smaller channels in the delta area. The banks along the channels are higher and have more shrubby vegetation (Community 70).
 Other Names BB name(s)
  • Dryado integrifoliae-Caricetum bigelowii subass. caricetosum membranaceae (Walker et al. 1994).
 Other Portrayals
58. Carex aquatilis-Eriophorum angustifolium subtype Sphagnum spp.Wet, acidic meadows,Yukon-Kuskokwim DeltaE Beringian Alaska Wet site Acidic Described from
Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (Talbot et al. 1985, Tande and Jennings 1986)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
59. Carex aquatilis-Betula nanaWet, acidic meadows,Yukon-Kuskokwim DeltaE Beringian Alaska Wet site Acidic Described from
Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (Talbot et al. 1985, Tande and Jennings 1986)		General Comments
  • This community is found in the wet portions of the oldest and highest-elevation landscapes of the Yukon-Kuskowim Delta. These landscapes are generally the farthest inland in the Delta. Shrubs and lichens are better established on moist microsites than in Community 57 or Community 58.
 Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
60. Andromeda polifolia-Sphagnum balticumWet, acidic meadows,higher microsites, Yukon-Kuskokwim DeltaE Beringian Alaska Wet site Acidic Described from
Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (Talbot et al. 1985)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
61. Carex aquatilis-C. glareosa / Salix fuscescens-Sphagnum balticum complex (?)Wet / moist acidic tundra complex, Nunivak IslandE Beringian Alaska Wet site Acidic Described from
Nunivak Island (Swanson et al. 1986)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
62. Cassiope tetragona-Carex microchaetaMoist acidic early-melting snowbeds, Northern AlaskaE Northern Alaska Snowbed, early-melting Acidic Described from
Imnavait Creek (Walker et al. 1994)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
63. Salix rotundifolia subtype Ranunculus nivalisMoist acidic late-melting snowbeds, Northern AlaskaE Northern Alaska Snowbed, late-melting Acidic Described from
Imnavait Creek (Walker et al. 1989)		General Comments
  • Similar to Community 31 in Subzone D, but with greater species diversity.
 Other Names BB name(s)
  • Caricetum scirpoidea-Vaccinietum uliginosi (Cooper 1986).
 Other Portrayals
64. Cassiope tetragona-Loiseleuria procumbensMoist acidic early-melting snowbeds, Beringian AlaskaE Beringian Alaska Snowbed, early-melting Acidic Described from
Seward Peninsula (Hanson 1953, Raynolds et al. 2002)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
65. Salix pulchra-Valeriana capitataWet water tracks with flowing water, and streamsidesE Northern Alaska Riparian site, stable Acidic Described from
Sagavanirktok River (Schickhoff et al. 2002), Imnavait Creek (Walker et al. 1994)		General Comments Other Names
  • Valeriano-Salicetum planifoliae ass. nov., (Schickhoff et al. 2002).
  • Eriophorum angustifolium-Salix pulchra comm., (Walker et al. 2004).
 BB name(s) Other Portrayals
66. Salix alaxensis-Chamerion latifolium subtype Parnassia kotzebuiMoist acidic stable shrublands on floodplains, Northern AlaskaE Northern Alaska Riparian site, stable Acidic Described from
Sagavanirktok River (Schickhoff et al. 2002)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
67. Alnus viridis-Boschniakia rossica subtype Salix richardsonii (?)Moist acidic shrublands on stable floodplains, Northern AlaskaE Northern Alaska Riparian site, stable Acidic Described from
Happy Valley (Walker et al. 1997)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
68. Salix pulchra-Hylocomium splendensMoist acidic floodplains willow shrublands, Beringian AlaskaE Beringian Alaska Riparian site, stable Acidic Described from
Seward Peninsula (Swanson and Schuman 1985)		General Comments
  • Similar to Community 65, but with more Beringian forb species. Similar to Community 23 in Subzone C, but with more species diversity.
 Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
69. Salix alaxensis-Chamerion latifolium subtype Parnassia kotzebuiMoist shrublands on floodplains, Beringian AlaskaE Beringian Alaska Riparian site, stable Acidic Described from
Seward Peninsula (Racine and Anderson 1979, Swanson and Schuman 1985)		General Comments
  • Similar to Community 66, but with more Beringian forb species.
Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
70. Alnus viridis-Boschniakia rossica subtype Dryopteris expansa (?)Moist acidic shrublands, Beringian AlaskaE Beringian Alaska Riparian site, stable Acidic Described from
Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (Tande and Jennings 1986, Talbot 1983)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
71. Dryas octopetala-Selaginella sibirica (?)Dry nonacidic gravels in the Northern AlaskaE Northern Alaska Dry exposed site Nonacidic Described from
Toolik Lake (Walker et al. 1994)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
72. Carex rupestris-C. scirpoidesDry limestone slopes, Northern AlaskaE Northern Alaska Dry exposed site Nonacidic Described from
Arrigetch Mountains (Cooper 1986) 		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
73. Dryas octopetala-Rhododendron camtschaticumDry nonacidic tundra and limestone mountains, Beringian AlaskaE Beringian Alaska Dry exposed site Nonacidic Described from
Seward Peninsula (Hanson 1953, Swanson and Schuman 1985, Racine and Anderson 1979, Raynolds et al. 2002)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
74. Umbilicaria spp.-Rhizocarpon geographicumDry rocky lava, Beringian AlaskaE Beringian Alaska Dry exposed site Nonacidic Described from
Seward Peninsula (Raynolds et al. 2002)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
75. Carex bigelowii-Dryas integrifolia subtype Carex membranaceaMoist nonacidic tundra on loess, Subzone EE Northern Alaska Moist site Nonacidic Described from
Toolik Lake (Walker et al. 1994), Seward Peninsula (Racine and Anderson 1979, Raynolds et al. 2002)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s)
  • Dryado integrifoliae-Caricetum bigelowii subass. caricetosum membranaceae (Walker et al. 1994).
 Other Portrayals
76. Betula nana-Salix pulchraMoist nonacidic shrublands, Subzone EE Beringian Alaska Moist site Nonacidic Described from
Seward Peninsula (Swanson and Schuman 1985, Raynolds et al. 2002)		General Comments
  • Similar to Community 44, but with calciphilic forbs and mosses.
 Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
77. Carex aquatilis-Eriophorum angustifolium subtype Carex chordorrhizaWet nonacidic tundra, poor fens, Subzone EE Northern Alaska Wet site Nonacidic Described from
Toolik Lake (Walker and Barry 1991)		General Comments
  • This community occurs in low-centered polygons. It is similar to Community 29 in Subzone D, but has more sedge species.
 Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
78. Puccinellia phryganodes-Carex ramenskiiWet brackish coastal marshes, Subzone EE Beringian Alaska Wet site Nonacidic Described from
Seward Peninsula (Racine and Anderson 1979, Swanson and Schuman 1985), Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (Talbot et al. 1985, Tande and Jennings 1986, Jorgenson 2000)		General Comments
  • Also occurs in Subzone D on Seward Peninsula and even Subzone C in Northern Alaska coast, but covers more extensive areas in Subzone E.
 Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
79. Cassiope tetragona-Dryas integrifolia subtype Novosieversia glacialeMoist nonacidic early-melting snowbeds,Subzone EE Northern Alaska Snowbed, early-melting Nonacidic Described from
Toolik Lake (Walker et al. 1994)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
80. Salix rotundifolia subtype Ranunculus nivalisMoist nonacidic late-melting snowbeds, Subzone EE Northern Alaska Snowbed, late-melting Nonacidic Described from
Toolik Lake (Walker et al. 1989)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
81. Carex bigelowii-Dryas integrifolia subtype Equisetum arvenseWet nonacidic early melting snowbeds and seeps, Subzone EE Beringian Alaska Snowbed, early-melting Nonacidic Described from
Seward Peninsula (Raynolds et al. 2002)		General Comments
  • Similar to Community 79, but includes drainage areas directly below snowbeds. These moist areas often have high cover of horsetails.
 Other Names BB name(s)
  • Dryado integrifoliae-Caricetum bigelowii subass. Equisetosum arvensis (Walker et al. 1994).
 Other Portrayals
82. Chamerion latifolium-Artemisia arcticaMoist nonacidic gravelly active riparian habitats, Subzone EE Northern Alaska Riparian site, active Nonacidic Described from
Toolik Lake (Schickhoff et al. 2002)		General Comments
  • Similar to Community 32 in Subzone D, but with more forb species.
 Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
83. Dryas integrifolia-Lupinus arcticusDry nonacidic gravelly river terraces, Subzone EE Northern Alaska Riparian site, stable Nonacidic Described from
Toolik Lake (Walker et al. 1997), Arctic NWR (Jorgenson 2003 pers. comm.)		General Comments
  • Similar to Community 34 in Subzone D, but with more forb species.
 Other Names
  • Dryas integrifolia-Lupinus arcticus comm., (Walker et al. 1997).
  • Dryas terrace (Jorgenson 2003 pers. comm.).
 BB name(s)
  • Anemono-Salicetum richardsonii lupinetosum arctici (Schickhoff et al. 2002) shrub poor facies, dominated by Dryas.
 Other Portrayals
84. Salix alaxensis-Chamerion latifolium subtype Parnassia kotzebuiMoist nonacidic shrublands on stable floodplains, subzone EE Northern Alaska Riparian site, stable Nonacidic Described from
Toolik Lake (Schickhoff et al. 2002)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
85. Alnus viridis-Boschniakia rossica subtype Salix richardsonii (?)Moist nonacidic shrublands on stable floodplains, Subzone EE Northern Alaska Riparian site, stable Nonacidic Described from
Happy Valley (Walker et al. 1997)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
20. Carex aquatilis-Eriophorum angustifolium subtype Sphagnum sp.Wet acidic tundra and wet portions of low-centered polygons in Northern AlaskaD Northern Alaska, Beringian Alaska, Northern Beringian Islands Wet site Acidic Described from
Northern Alaska: St. Lawrence Island (Young 1971), Seward Peninsula (Swanson and Schuman 1985), Atqasuk (Komárková and Webber 1980)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
27. Carex bigelowii-Dryas integrifolia subtype Carex membranaceaMoist nonacidic tundra on loess, Northern AlaskaD Northern Alaska, Beringian Alaska Moist site Nonacidic Described from
Prudhoe Bay (Walker 1985), Seward Peninsula (Swanson and Schuman 1985)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
41. Eriophorum vaginatum-Sphagnum spp. subtype Eriophorum vaginatumMoist acidic tussock tundra on fine-grained soils in subzone EE Northern Alaska, Beringian Alaska Moist site Acidic Described from
Imnavait Creek (Walker et al. 1994), Seward Peninsula (Hanson 1953, Racine and Anderson 1979, Swanson and Schuman 1985, Raynolds et al. 2002), Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (Tande and Jennings 1986, Jorgenson 2000, Talbot 1983)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
44. Betula nana-Salix pulchraMoist acidic shrublands, subzone EE Northern Alaska, Beringian Alaska Moist site Acidic Described from
Imnavait Creek (Walker et al. 1994), Seward Peninsula (Racine and Anderson 1979, Swanson and Schuman 1985, Raynolds et al. 2002), Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (Talbot et al. 1985, Tande and Jennings 1986)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s) Other Portrayals
75. Carex bigelowii-Dryas integrifolia subtype Carex membranaceaMoist nonacidic tundra on loess, Subzone EE Northern Alaska, Beringian Alaska Moist site Nonacidic Described from
Toolik Lake (Walker et al. 1994), Seward Peninsula (Racine and Anderson 1979, Raynolds et al. 2002)		General Comments Other Names BB name(s)
  • Dryado integrifoliae-Caricetum bigelowii subass. caricetosum membranaceae (Walker et al. 1994).
 Other Portrayals

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Last modified: August 10, 2011