BG BWBS SBPS PP SWB ESSF ICH IDF MS SBS CDF CWH MH … · General Description. Beaked sedge –...

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.. Distribution of Marsh Site Associations by biogeoclimatic zone

BG BWBS SBPSPP SWB ESSF ICH IDF MS SBS CDF CWH MH

Wm01 Beaked sedge – Water sedge x xx x xxx xxx xx xx xWm02 Swamp horsetail – Beaked sedge x x x x xxWm03 Awned sedge x xWm04 Common spike-rush x x xx x x xx xWm05 Cattail xxx x xx xx x xx xx xs

Wm06 Great bulrush xxx x x xx xx x x xWm07 Baltic rush x xxWm50 Sitka sedge – Hemlock-parsley xx xxWm51 Three-way sedge x x x

x = incidental; < 5% of wetlands xx = minor; 5–25% of wetlands xxx = major; >25% of wetlands

s = southern subzones only

Source publication

LMH 52

106 Wetlands of British Columbia: A Field Guide to Identification

.. Marsh Species Importance Table

Species Wm01 Wm02 Wm03 Wm04 Wm05

Herbs Carex utriculata xyzzz xyzzz x xy

and Carex aquatilis xyzz xy x

Dwarf Equisetum fluviatile x xyzzzz x

Shrubs Comarum palustre xy xy x

Sium suave x xy

Carex exsiccata x

Carex atherodes xyzzzz

Polygonum amphibium x x xy x x

Eleocharis palustris x xyzzzz x

Potamogeton richardsonii xyz

Typha latifolia x xyzzzz

Schoenoplectus acutus x

Menyanthes trifoliataUtricularia macrorhiza x x x x x

Juncus balticus x x

Hordeum jubatum x

Potentilla anserina x

Calamagrostis canadensis xy x xy x

Cicuta douglasii x x

Lysichiton americanus x

Oenanthe sarmentosa x

Galium trifidum x

Spiraea douglasii x

Carex sitchensisNuphar lutea ssp. polysepala x x

Dulichium arundinaceum

Mosses Drepanocladus spp. xy xy xy x x

Warnstorfia spp. x x x x x

General Description

Beaked sedge – Water sedge marshes constitute the most

common and widespread Marsh Site Association in the

province. The Wm01 occurs in all subzones from low to sub-

alpine elevations on sites that are inundated by shallow,

low-energy floodwaters and that experience

some late-season drawdown. These marshes are

found in a wide variety of landscape positions

including flooded beaver ponds, lake margins,

floodplains, and palustrine basins.

Species diversity is low and plant cover is

strongly dominated by Carex utriculata and C. aquatilis

with scattered forbs, aquatics, and mosses. On sites experi-

encing significant surface drying, species diversity increases

and sites become more meadow-like. Species such as Cala-

magrostis canadensis, Geum macrophyllum, or Deschampsia

cespitosa can become prominent.

The Wm01 occurs over a wide range of site conditions on

mineral substrates with thin peat veneers. Common soil

types include Gleysols and Terric Humisols.

Characteristic Vegetation

Tree layer (0 - 0 - 0)Shrub layer (0 - 0 - 5)Herb layer (13 - 80 - 100)Carex aquatilis, C. utriculataMoss layer (0 - 5 - 100)

Comments

The Wf 01 and Wm01 have similar plant com-munities, but, because these units arespecies-poor and the two dominant sedgespecies have a wide ecological amplitude, theplant community poorly differentiates betweensites on peat (Wf 01) and those on mineral soil(Wm01). In general, the Wm01 is more deeplyflooded, has more dynamic hydrology, and has a higher cover of C. utriculata.

The Wm02 is another similar community that occurs on more hydrologically dynamic loca-tions such as lake margins or floodplains. In cooler climates the Wm01 frequently develops intoWf 01 on sites with less dynamic hydrology.

Some Wm01 sites have scattered tall shrubs; those sites supporting > 10% shrub cover are de-scribed by Swamp Site Associations (Section 5.4).


Wetland Edatopic Grid

Wm01 Beaked sedge – Water sedge

Carex utriculata – Carex aquatilis

A B C D E F

Soil Nutrient Regime

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Wf01 Water sedge – Beaked sedge xx x xx xxx xxx xxx xi

Wf02 Scrub birch – Water sedge xxx x xx xx xx xxWf03 Water sedge – Peat-moss xx xWf04 Barclay’s willow – Water sedge – Glow mosss x xxx x xWf05 Slender sedge – Common hook-moss x xx xx xx xxWf06 Slender sedge – Buckbean x x x xWf07 Scrub birch – Buckbean – Shore sedge x x x xWf08 Shore sedge – Buckbean – Hook-moss x x x x xWf09 Few-flowered spike-rush – Hook-moss x x xWf10 Hudson Bay clubrush – Red hook-moss xWf11 Tufted clubrush – Star moss x x x x xWf12 Narrow-leaved cotton-grass – Marsh-marigold xxxWf13 Narrow-leaved cotton-grass – Shore sedge xx xWf50 Narrow-leaved cotton-grass – Peat-moss x xxxWf51 Sitka sedge – Peat-moss x xx xxWf52 Sweet gale – Sitka sedge xx xxs

Wf53 Slender sedge – White beak-rush x xxs


i = inland areas only s = southern subzones only

Source publication

LMH 52


.. Fen Species Importance Table

Species Wf01 Wf02 Wf03 Wf04 Wf05 Wf06 Wf07 Wf08

Shrubs Betula nana x xyzzz x xy x x xyzzz x

Salix barclayi x x xyzzzz

Salix pedicellaris x xyz xy xy xyzz xy

Spiraea douglasii x x x x

Myrica gale

Herbs Carex utriculata xyzzz xyz xy xy xyz x x x

and Carex aquatilis xyzzz xyzz xyzzz xyzz xyz x xyz x

Dwarf Comarum palustre xy xyz xy xy xy xyzz xy

Shrubs Calamagrostis canadensis x xy x xyzz x x x x

Carex lasiocarpa x xyzzzz xyzzzz xy x

Menyanthes trifoliata x x x xyzzz xyzzz xyzz

Carex limosa x x x x xy xyzz xyzzz

Carex chordorrhiza x x xy xyz xy

Eleocharis quinqueflora x x

Trichophorum alpinum x

Trichophorum cespitosumEriophorum angustifolium x xy xy x x xy xy

Caltha leptosepala xy xy

Carex anthoxantheaEquisetum fluviatile x x xy xy xy xy

Carex magellanica x x

Carex sitchensis xy xy xyz xyz x x

Rhynchospora alba x

Carex livida x x x x

Eriophorum chamissonis x x x

Vahlodea atropurpurea x

Drosera anglica x x xy

Hypericum anagalloidesTriantha glutinosa x x xy

Schoenoplectus tabernaemontaniFauria crista-galli

Senecio triangularis x x xyz xy

Andromeda polifolia x xy xy

Kalmia microphylla x x x

Oxycoccus oxycoccos x x x x xy x

Triglochin maritima x x x xy xy

Drosera rotundifolia x x x

Leptarrhena pyrolifolia xy x

Platanthera dilatata x xy x x x

Sanguisorba canadensis x xy

Utricularia intermedia x x x xy

Viola palustris x x x

Lichens Sphagnum Group I xy xyz xyzz x x xyz x

and Aulacomnium palustre x xyz xyz xyzz x x x x

Mosses Drepanocladus spp. xyz x xy xyzz xyz xyz xyz

Sphagnum Group II x xyz x x xyz xy

Tomentypnum nitens x xyzz xyz xy x xyz xy

Philonotis fontana xy xyz

Calliergon stramineum x x x x x

Scorpidium spp. x xy xyzz xy

Campylium stellatum x x xy xy x x

Warnstorfia spp. x xy x x xyz x xy

Meesia triquetra x x xy xy

General Description

The Shore sedge – Buckbean – Hook-moss is an uncommon,

rich Fen Site Association that occurs mainly at higher eleva-

tions throughout the Interior (700–1800 m) in colder

subzones. These fens occur on pond-side floating mats or in

flarks of patterned fens where there is prolonged shallow

flooding to no more than several

centimetres.

Carex limosa rooted in shallow

water is the constant dominant on these sites.

Menyanthes trifoliata occurs on most sites but

can be very sparse or absent on some. A

diversity of species tolerant of permanent sat-

uration such as Carex chordorrhiza, Equisetum

fluviatile, and Andromeda polifolia commonly

occur with low cover.

Peat deposits are shallow (0.5 m) to very deep (> 6 m), fibric or mesic,

and derived from fine sedges and brown mosses. Fibrisols are the most

common soil type.


Tree layer (0 - 0 - 0)Shrub layer (0 - .5 - 10)Herb layer (14 - 35 - 100)C. limosa, Menyanthes trifoliataMoss layer (1 - 85 - 100)Drepanocladus spp.

Comments

This is the most common and dominant SiteAssociation in patterned fens. In weakly pat-terned fens, the Wf 08 occurs over ribs andflarks. Where there is a more pronouncedrib/flark pattern, the Wf 08 will typicallyoccur in flarks and the floristically similar,shrubby Wf 07 on elevated ribs.

The Wf 06 occurs on wetter and more hydrologically dynamic sites than the Wf 08. Similarlystagnant sites with acidic soil water are occupied by the Wb13.The Wf 08 has similar hydrolo-gy to the Wf 09 and Wf10, but with more mobile groundwater and greater degree of surfaceflooding. Wf 08 sites may become Wb13 sites in some circumstances.Peat deposits are often consistent throughout the profile, and peat core contents of fine sedgeand brown mosses are readily identifiable.This suggests that these ecosystems can be stableand long-lived.

Chapter 5.2 Fens 89

Shore sedge – Buckbean – Hook-moss Wf 08

Carex limosa – Menyanthes trifoliata – Drepanocladus


A B C D E F


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.. Distribution of Fen Site Associations by biogeoclimatic zone


Wf01 Water sedge – Beaked sedge xx x xx xxx xxx xxx xi

Wf02 Scrub birch – Water sedge xxx x xx xx xx xxWf03 Water sedge – Peat-moss xx xWf04 Barclay’s willow – Water sedge – Glow mosss x xxx x xWf05 Slender sedge – Common hook-moss x xx xx xx xxWf06 Slender sedge – Buckbean x x x xWf07 Scrub birch – Buckbean – Shore sedge x x x xWf08 Shore sedge – Buckbean – Hook-moss x x x x xWf09 Few-flowered spike-rush – Hook-moss x x xWf10 Hudson Bay clubrush – Red hook-moss xWf11 Tufted clubrush – Star moss x x x x xWf12 Narrow-leaved cotton-grass – Marsh-marigold xxxWf13 Narrow-leaved cotton-grass – Shore sedge xx xWf50 Narrow-leaved cotton-grass – Peat-moss x xxxWf51 Sitka sedge – Peat-moss x xx xxWf52 Sweet gale – Sitka sedge xx xxs

Wf53 Slender sedge – White beak-rush x xxs


i = inland areas only s = southern subzones only

Source publication

LMH 52


.. Fen Species Importance Table

Species Wf01 Wf02 Wf03 Wf04 Wf05 Wf06 Wf07 Wf08

Shrubs Betula nana x xyzzz x xy x x xyzzz x

Salix barclayi x x xyzzzz

Salix pedicellaris x xyz xy xy xyzz xy

Spiraea douglasii x x x x

Myrica gale

Herbs Carex utriculata xyzzz xyz xy xy xyz x x x

and Carex aquatilis xyzzz xyzz xyzzz xyzz xyz x xyz x

Dwarf Comarum palustre xy xyz xy xy xy xyzz xy

Shrubs Calamagrostis canadensis x xy x xyzz x x x x

Carex lasiocarpa x xyzzzz xyzzzz xy x

Menyanthes trifoliata x x x xyzzz xyzzz xyzz

Carex limosa x x x x xy xyzz xyzzz

Carex chordorrhiza x x xy xyz xy

Eleocharis quinqueflora x x

Trichophorum alpinum x

Trichophorum cespitosumEriophorum angustifolium x xy xy x x xy xy

Caltha leptosepala xy xy

Carex anthoxantheaEquisetum fluviatile x x xy xy xy xy

Carex magellanica x x

Carex sitchensis xy xy xyz xyz x x

Rhynchospora alba x

Carex livida x x x x

Eriophorum chamissonis x x x

Vahlodea atropurpurea x

Drosera anglica x x xy

Hypericum anagalloidesTriantha glutinosa x x xy

Schoenoplectus tabernaemontaniFauria crista-galli

Senecio triangularis x x xyz xy

Andromeda polifolia x xy xy

Kalmia microphylla x x x

Oxycoccus oxycoccos x x x x xy x

Triglochin maritima x x x xy xy

Drosera rotundifolia x x x

Leptarrhena pyrolifolia xy x

Platanthera dilatata x xy x x x

Sanguisorba canadensis x xy

Utricularia intermedia x x x xy

Viola palustris x x x

Lichens Sphagnum Group I xy xyz xyzz x x xyz x

and Aulacomnium palustre x xyz xyz xyzz x x x x

Mosses Drepanocladus spp. xyz x xy xyzz xyz xyz xyz

Sphagnum Group II x xyz x x xyz xy

Tomentypnum nitens x xyzz xyz xy x xyz xy

Philonotis fontana xy xyz

Calliergon stramineum x x x x x

Scorpidium spp. x xy xyzz xy

Campylium stellatum x x xy xy x x

Warnstorfia spp. x xy x x xyz x xy

Meesia triquetra x x xy xy

Chapter 5.2 Fens 81

Wf09 Wf10 Wf11 Wf12 Wf13 Wf50 Wf51 Wf52 Wf53 Common Name

x x xy x scrub birchx x Barclay’s willow

xy x x bog willowx xyz x pink spireax xyzzzz xyz sweet gale

xy x x xy x x beaked sedgex xyz x xy xyz x x water sedgexy x x x xyz xy x marsh cinquefoilx x xy xy xy xy x bluejoint reedgrassx xyz xy x x x xyzzz slender sedge

xyzzz xyz x x x xy x x buckbeanxyz xyzz xyz x xyzz x x shore sedge

xyzz x cordroot sedgexyzzzz x x few-flowered spike-rush

xyzzzz x Hudson Bay clubrushx xyzzzz x xyz x tufted clubrush

xyz x xyz xyzzzz xyzzz xyzzzz xy x narrow-leaved cotton-grassxy x xyzz xyz x x white mtn. marsh-marigold

xy x yellow-flowered sedgex x x swamp horsetailx x xyz x poor sedge

x x x xy x xyzzzz xyzzz x Sitka sedgexy xyzz white beak-rush

xy x x pale sedgex xy Chamisso’s cotton-grass

xy xy x mountain hairgrassx xyzz xy x x x xy great sundew

x x bog St. John’s-wortx xyz xy xy xy sticky asphodel

xy great bulrushxyz x deer-cabbage

x x x x x arrow-leaved groundselxyz x x bog-rosemary

x x xy x xyz x x western bog-laurelx xyz x xy x bog cranberry

xyz x seaside arrow-grassx xy x xy round-leaved sundew

xy xy x x leatherleaf saxifragexy x x xy x x x fragrant white rein orchidx x x xy xy x Sitka burnet

x xy x flat-leaved bladderwortx x x x xy x marsh violet

x xy xy x xyz xyzz xyzz x peat-moss Group Ixy x x xyz xyz xy xy x glow mossxyz xy xy x x hook-mossesxy xyz xyz x x xyzz x peat-moss Group IIxyz xyz x xy x x golden fuzzy fen moss

xy xyz spring mossxy xyz x xy x x x straw spear-mossxy xyzz x x x sausage-moss

xyzzz xyzzz xy yellow star-mossx x xy xy x hook-mossesxy x x three-ranked hump-moss

General Description

The Hudson Bay clubrush – Red hook-moss Site Association

is rare and seems to occur only in the moist subzones of the

SBS. It is floristically related to the Wf11 but occurs where the

watertable is more stagnant and at

or slightly above the peat surface for

much of the growing season. Com-

mon locations are around small

peatland lakes and ponds, and in

flarks.

Trichophorum alpinum dominates but there is

usually a diverse array of other species typical

of base-rich and saturated peatland habitats

such as Carex chordorrhiza, C. lasiocarpa, C.

limosa, Menyanthes trifoliata, and Triglochin maritima.

The moss flora is dominated by brown mosses and strong calciphiles:

Campylium stellatum, Scorpidium revolvens, and S. scorpioides.

Many sites are underlain by calcareous marl, and peat water is usually

neutral to alkaline. Peat decomposition is apparently retarded under

these conditions because the entire peat profile often has few signs of de-

composition. Typic Fibrisols are common. Peat is usually deep (> 3 m).


Tree layer (0 - 0 - 0)Shrub layer (0 - 0 - 0.5)Herb layer (37 - 90 - 95)Andromeda polifolia, Carex aquatilis,C. chordorrhiza, C. lasiocarpa, C. limosa,Drosera anglica, Menyanthes trifoliata,Oxycoccus oxycoccos,Triantha glutinosa,Trichophorum alpinum,Triglochin mariti-maMoss layer (25 - 95 - 100)Calliergon stramineum, Campylium stella-tum, Scorpidium revolvens, S. scorpioides,Sphagnum Group II,Tomentypnum nitens

Comments

Wf10 sites are usually small inclusions in larger complexes of rich fen peatland but are conspic-uous when Trichophorum alpinum is in flower. Most site conditions are similar to the Wf 08but the Wf10 occurs where soil water is alkaline and (apparently) occurs over a much more restricted climatic range.


Chapter 5.2 Fens 91

Hudson Bay clubrush – Red hook-moss Wf10

Trichophorum alpinum – Scorpidium revolvens

A B C D E F


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Sium suave x xy

Carex exsiccata x








Juncus balticus x x

Hordeum jubatum x






Galium trifidum x

Spiraea douglasii x





General Description

The Swamp horsetail – Beaked sedge Marsh Site Association is

uncommon at lower elevations throughout the Interior. Com-

mon locations are in back-levee depressions along sediment-

laden, low-gradient streams, protected bays of large lakes, or

hydrologically modified (flooded) fens. The Wm02 also oc-

curs along the Coast in tidal reaches of large rivers above

saltwater influence.

Plant diversity is low. Sites are dom-

inated by Equisetum fluviatile with Carex

utriculata sometimes co-dominating; often

there are scattered aquatics such as Potamoge-

ton and Myriophyllum spp. The Wm02 is

similar to the Wm01 but is distinguished by its

higher hydrodynamic index and by the domi-

nance of E. fluviatile.

Soils are derived from silty or fine-sandy fluvi-

um, deep limnic deposits at open margins of lakes, or recently flooded

peat. Rego Gleysols and Terric Humisols are common soil types.


Tree layer (0 - 0 - 0)Shrub layer (0 - 0 - 4)Herb layer (18 - 85 - 100)C. utriculata, Equisetum fluviatileMoss layer (0 - 0 - 90)

Comments

E. fluviatile is tolerant of extreme variationsin water depth and high rates of sedimenta-tion and can colonize exposed mineral orpeat soils. It has been used to revegetate theextreme environment of the drawdown zonein reservoirs.

On fluvial sites, the Wm02 is usually adjacentto tall-willow swamps or low bench commu-nities. In lake systems, Wm02 commonlyadjoins open water and other marsh commu-nities.

Chapter 5.3 Marshes 109

Swamp horsetail – Beaked sedge Wm02

Equisetum fluviatile – Carex utriculata


A B C D E F


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.. Distribution of Flood Site Associations by biogeoclimatic zone


Fl01 Mountain alder – Common horsetail xxx x xx xx xx xxx xFl02 Mountain alder – Red-osier dogwood – Lady fern xx xxw xFl03 Pacific willow – Red-osier dogwood – Horsetail x x x x xFl04 Sitka willow – Red-osier dogwood – Horsetail xx xw xFl05 Drummond’s willow – Bluejoint x x x xxxFl06 Sandbar willow x xFl07 Water birch – Rose x xh

Fm01 Cottonwood – Snowberry – Rose x xx xFm02 Cottonwood – Spruce – Red-osier dogwood x xx xx xx xx xxFm03 Cottonwood – Subalpine fir – Devil’s club xx xw

Fl50 Sitka willow – False lily-of-the-valley xFl51 Red alder – Salmonberry – Horsetail xx xxFm50 Cottonwood – Red alder – Salmonberry xx xxxoc

x = incidental; < 5% of flood sites xx = minor; 5–25% of flood sites xxx = major; >25% of flood sites

w = wet/very wet subzones only h = warm/hot subzones only xoc = not on outer coast (hypermaritime)

Source publication

LMH 52


.. Flood Species Importance Table

Species Fl04 Fl05 Fl06 Fl03 Fl07 Fl01 Fl02

TreesPopulus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa x xyz x xy x

Picea X x x x x x xy xy

Abies lasiocarpa x x

Alnus rubraPicea sitchensis

Shrubs Salix sitchensis xyzzzz x x xy

Salix drummondiana xyz xyzzzz x

Salix exigua x xyzzzz xy

Salix lucida xy x xyzzzz x

Betula occidentalis xyzzzz

Salix bebbiana x x xyz x

Alnus incana xy x xy xyzzz xy xyzzzz xyzzzz

Cornus stolonifera xyzz x xyzzzz xyz xy xyzz

Lonicera involucrata xyz xyzz x xyz xyzz

Rosa woodsii xyzz

Rosa nutkana x xy

Symphoricarpos albus x xyz x

Acer glabrum xy

Rosa acicularis x xy x x x x

Oplopanax horridus x x

Rubus parviflorus x x x xy

Viburnum edule xy x x x

Sambucus racemosa x xy xyz

Rubus spectabilisRibes bracteosum x x

Herbs Calamagrostis canadensis xy xyzzz x xy xy xy

and Equisetum arvense xyzz xy x xyzz xy xyzzz xyzz

Dwarf Equisetum hyemale x xyzz x

Shrubs Athyrium filix-femina xy x xyz xyzz

Urtica dioica x x xy xyzz

Heracleum maximum x xy x xyz xyz

Matteuccia struthiopteris x xyzzz

Poa pratensis x x xyz x

Osmorhiza berteroi x x x

Pyrola asarifolia x x x x

Actaea rubra x x xy

Gymnocarpium dryopteris x xyz xy

Circaea alpina x x x x xy

Streptopus amplexifolius x xy xy

Aster subspicatus x

Stachys mexicanaElymus glaucus x x x

Maianthemum dilatatum

Mosses Brachythecium spp. xy x x xyz xy

and Mnium spp. xy xy x x xyz xyz

Lichens Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus

General Description

Mountain alder – Red-osier dogwood – Lady fern sites are

common at low elevations in the wet climates of the Sub-

Boreal Interior, Southern Interior Mountains, and Nass Basin, along

streams and in creek gullies. Low-gradient floodplains with loamy or

fine-textured soils and moderate duration of flooding are characteristic

of this Site Association.

Alnus incana always dominates the canopy but a diversity

of shrubs is common. Cornus stolonifera and Lonicera

involucrata are frequently abundant. The understorey is

diverse and lush, with a marked abundance of large ferns.

In the eastern SBS and in some locations in the Skeena-

Nass area, Matteuccia struthiopteris is the dominant fern;

elsewhere Athyrium filix-femina predominates. The moss

layer is usually very sparse.

Soils are Humic Gleysols or Cumulic Regosols.


Tree layer (0 - 0 - 10)Shrub layer (10 - 78 -100)Alnus incana, Cornus stolonifera, Lonicerainvolucrata, Sambucus racemosaHerb layer (20 - 75 - 100)Athyrium filix-femina, Equisetum arvense,Heracleum maximum, Matteucciastruthiopteris, Urtica dioicaMoss layer (0 - 4 - 20)Brachythecium spp., Mnium spp.

Comments

Similar but wetter sites with a perched wa-tertable have an abundance of Lysichitonamericanus and are described by the Ws01.Higher-gradient sites with gravelly or sandysoils are occupied by the Fl01.The Fl02 is oftenfound in association with Fm02 or Fm03 mid-dle bench communities.


Chapter 5.7 Flood associations 181

Mountain alder – Red-osier dogwood – Lady fern Fl02

Alnus incana – Cornus stolonifera – Athyrium filix-femina

A B C D E F


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Sium suave x xy

Carex exsiccata x








Juncus balticus x x

Hordeum jubatum x






Galium trifidum x

Spiraea douglasii x





General Description

Common spike-rush marshes are widely distributed through-

out the Interior at elevations below 1300 m. They occur along

lakeshores, and as a zone in larger potholes, oxbows, and

slow-moving rivers, where there is some weak

waterflow or wave action. Sites are shallowly

flooded in the early season in all locations; the

watertable often drops to the surface in palus-

trine locations but is permanent in lacustrine or

fluvial systems. Wm04 sites also occur in fresh-

water and brackish tidal reaches of large coastal

rivers and estuaries.

Plant diversity is low; Eleocharis palustris is often the only

emergent species with significant cover. In interior sites,

submerged and floating aquatics can be common; in estu-

arine sites Carex lyngbyei is often present.

Soils are typically sandy or gravelly with or without a thin

organic veneer.


Tree layer (0 - 0 - 0)Shrub layer (0 - 0 - 0)Herb layer (10 - 70 - 100)Eleocharis palustris,Potamogeton richardsoniiMoss layer (0 - 0 - 10)

Comments

Eleocharis palustris occurs commonly in awide variety of wetland habitats, includingalkaline and weakly saline marshes, richfens, and estuarine marshes. However, theWm04 describes only those sites where E. palustris dominates. Wm04 sites are gen-erally more shallowly flooded than Wm06sites and better aerated than Wm05 sites.

The Wm04 commonly occurs adjacent toWm05, Wm06, and Wm07 Site Associationsor shallow-water ecosystems.


Common spike-rush Wm04

Eleocharis palustris


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Sium suave x xy

Carex exsiccata x








Juncus balticus x x

Hordeum jubatum x






Galium trifidum x

Spiraea douglasii x






Wm06 Wm07 Wm50 Wm51 Common Name

x x x x beaked sedgewater sedge

x swamp horsetailxy xy marsh cinquefoil

hemlock water-parsnipx x xy inflated sedgex awned sedge

x water smartweedx x common spike-rush

Richardson’s pondweedx x common cattailxyzzzz x great bulrushx xy buckbeanx x greater bladderwortx xyzzzz Baltic rush

xyz foxtail barleyx xyz common silverweed

x x bluejointx Douglas’ water-hemlockxy skunk cabbagexyzz Pacific water-parsleyxyz small bedstrawxy x pink spireaxyzzzz xyz Sitka sedge

x x xyz yellow pond-lilyxyzzzz three-way sedge

x hook-mosses: intermediatex x hook-mosses: poor

General Description

Great bulrush marshes occur widely in subzones with warm

and dry summers. Wave-exposed lake embayments with

significant water movements, and grassland potholes with

occasional substrate exposure (conditions that provide

abundant aeration and limit organic accu-

mulations), are the most common locations

for this Site Association.

Plant diversity is low; typically, Schoenoplec-

tus acutus is the only species with significant

cover. Bulrush marshes are usually adjacent

to open water in wetland mosaics and can sometimes

be found in complex with the Wm05.

Floodwaters to 1.5 m depth in the spring are typical,

with significant growing-season drawdown occurring

in potholes. Great bulrush is tolerant of alkali soils

and often dominates in brackish potholes. Soils are

mostly Gleysols and Humic Gleysols, though Terric

Humisols occasionally occur.


Tree layer (0 - 0 - 0)Shrub layer (0 - 0 - 5)Herb layer (10 - 70 - 100)Schoenoplectus acutusMoss layer (0 - 0 - 60)

Comments

The Wm06 includes marshes dominated byS. tabernaemontani (soft-stemmed bulrush).On wave-exposed lake shorelines or wheresites are more brackish, S. acutus is more frequent, while in protected waters and potholes with mucky substrates,S. tabernaemontani is typical.

Site conditions for Wm05 and Wm06 over-lap. S. acutus dominates on sites with alkaline mineral soils, greater wave exposure, orpronounced surface drying. Where marshes are heavily grazed by Muskrat, S. acutus is oftenfavoured over Typha latifolia because it stores nutrients in the root mass and recovers morerapidly from grazing.


Great bulrush Wm06

Schoenoplectus acutus


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.. Distribution of Flood Site Associations by biogeoclimatic zone


Fl01 Mountain alder – Common horsetail xxx x xx xx xx xxx xFl02 Mountain alder – Red-osier dogwood – Lady fern xx xxw xFl03 Pacific willow – Red-osier dogwood – Horsetail x x x x xFl04 Sitka willow – Red-osier dogwood – Horsetail xx xw xFl05 Drummond’s willow – Bluejoint x x x xxxFl06 Sandbar willow x xFl07 Water birch – Rose x xh

Fm01 Cottonwood – Snowberry – Rose x xx xFm02 Cottonwood – Spruce – Red-osier dogwood x xx xx xx xx xxFm03 Cottonwood – Subalpine fir – Devil’s club xx xw

Fl50 Sitka willow – False lily-of-the-valley xFl51 Red alder – Salmonberry – Horsetail xx xxFm50 Cottonwood – Red alder – Salmonberry xx xxxoc

x = incidental; < 5% of flood sites xx = minor; 5–25% of flood sites xxx = major; >25% of flood sites

w = wet/very wet subzones only h = warm/hot subzones only xoc = not on outer coast (hypermaritime)

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.. Flood Species Importance Table

Species Fl04 Fl05 Fl06 Fl03 Fl07 Fl01 Fl02

TreesPopulus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa x xyz x xy x

Picea X x x x x x xy xy

Abies lasiocarpa x x

Alnus rubraPicea sitchensis

Shrubs Salix sitchensis xyzzzz x x xy

Salix drummondiana xyz xyzzzz x

Salix exigua x xyzzzz xy

Salix lucida xy x xyzzzz x

Betula occidentalis xyzzzz

Salix bebbiana x x xyz x

Alnus incana xy x xy xyzzz xy xyzzzz xyzzzz

Cornus stolonifera xyzz x xyzzzz xyz xy xyzz

Lonicera involucrata xyz xyzz x xyz xyzz

Rosa woodsii xyzz

Rosa nutkana x xy

Symphoricarpos albus x xyz x

Acer glabrum xy

Rosa acicularis x xy x x x x

Oplopanax horridus x x

Rubus parviflorus x x x xy

Viburnum edule xy x x x

Sambucus racemosa x xy xyz

Rubus spectabilisRibes bracteosum x x

Herbs Calamagrostis canadensis xy xyzzz x xy xy xy

and Equisetum arvense xyzz xy x xyzz xy xyzzz xyzz

Dwarf Equisetum hyemale x xyzz x

Shrubs Athyrium filix-femina xy x xyz xyzz

Urtica dioica x x xy xyzz

Heracleum maximum x xy x xyz xyz

Matteuccia struthiopteris x xyzzz

Poa pratensis x x xyz x

Osmorhiza berteroi x x x

Pyrola asarifolia x x x x

Actaea rubra x x xy

Gymnocarpium dryopteris x xyz xy

Circaea alpina x x x x xy

Streptopus amplexifolius x xy xy

Aster subspicatus x

Stachys mexicanaElymus glaucus x x x

Maianthemum dilatatum

Mosses Brachythecium spp. xy x x xyz xy

and Mnium spp. xy xy x x xyz xyz

Lichens Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus

General Description

Sitka willow – Red-osier dogwood – Horsetail stands are com-

mon at low elevations in the wet climates of the Sub-Boreal

Interior and Southern Interior Mountains, and in coast tran-

sition areas of the Coast and Mountains. They occur primarily on levees

or bars in the active floodplains of sluggish, low-gradient streams.

Salix sitchensis is consistently the dominant shrub, though

some sites have appreciable cover of Alnus incana, Salix

drummondiana, or Salix lucida. Equisetum arvense or

E. pratense are found on most sites; but where recent

floods have deposited new material, the herb layer can

be very sparse.

Soils are generally fine-sandy, well drained, Cumulic

Regosols or Gleysols that remain saturated at depth for

much of the growing season.


Tree layer (0 - 0 - 5)Shrub layer (50 - 95 - 99)Cornus stolonifera, Lonicera involucrata,Salix drummondiana, S. sitchensisHerb layer (1 - 30 - 90)Equisetum arvenseMoss layer (0 - 5 - 20)

Comments

Wetter sites have sedge- or skunk cabbage–dominated understoreys and are described bySwamp Site Associations (Ws06 and Ws51). Indrier climates, similar low bench sites are usu-ally occupied by the Fl05. On the outer Coast,the Fl50 replaces the Fl04. Adjacent middlebench communities are Fm50 in coastal areasand Fm02 or Fm03 in interior climates.

Chapter 5.7 Flood associations 183

Sitka willow – Red-osier dogwood – Horsetail Fl04

Salix sitchensis – Cornus stolonifera – Equisetum


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4 • 2

TABLE 4.1 Summary of climate data for biogeoclimatic units within the guide areaa

Biogeoclimatic UnitBiogeoclimatic UnitBiogeoclimatic UnitBiogeoclimatic UnitBiogeoclimatic Unit

Climatic CharacteristicsClimatic CharacteristicsClimatic CharacteristicsClimatic CharacteristicsClimatic Characteristics BWBSdkBWBSdkBWBSdkBWBSdkBWBSdk1 ESSFmvESSFmvESSFmvESSFmvESSFmv3 SBSmkSBSmkSBSmkSBSmkSBSmk2 SBSwkSBSwkSBSwkSBSwkSBSwk2 SBSwkSBSwkSBSwkSBSwkSBSwk3 SWBmkSWBmkSWBmkSWBmkSWBmk

Annual precipitation (mm) Mean 417 (502)b (743) 692 (543) 952 (759) 608 (622) 579 (664)Range 326–513 N/A N/A 518–1916 518–698 459–699SDc (123) (118) (77) (260) (77) (116)

Growing-season Mean 221 262 249 335 239 341precipitation (mm) Range 130–278 202–316 209–296 198–583 198–293 254–442

Annual snowfall (cm) Mean 157 N/A 337 786 209 269Range 15–269 N/A N/A 210–1075 N/A 144–395

Annual temperature (°C) Mean -0.3 (-0.7) (0.4) 1.2 (1.6) 1.4 (1.3) 2.4 (1.7) -1.5 (-1.7)Range -1.9–2.0 N/A 0.7–1.9 -0.1–5.0 N/A -3.2–0.5SD (1.2) (0.7) (0.6) (0.7) (0.5) (0.7)

Growing degree days Mean 953 N/A 1110 1139 1188 667(>5 °C) Range 595–1897 N/A N/A 984–1139 866–1510 534–933

Frost-free period (days) Mean N/A N/A 75 91 104 58Range N/A N/A N/A 88–95 79–128 37–99

a Reynolds, G. 1989. Climatic data summaries for the biogeoclimatic zones of British Columbia. B.C. Min. For., Research Branch, Victoria, B.C., unpublishedreport.

b Data in brackets are estimated using an overlay of the biogeoclimatic map and climatic maps modelled using the PRISM process (Daly et al. 1997)c Standard deviation of the mean.

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7 • 1

7 WILLISTON MOIST COOL SUB-BOREAL SPRUCE(SBSmk2)1

LocationLocationLocationLocationLocationThe SBSmk2 occurs at lower elevations along Williston Lake andalong some of the major drainages feeding into Williston Lake. Itgenerally occurs below the SBSwk2. It reaches its northern extentat Chowika Creek and southern extent approximately 10 km southof Mackenzie.

Elevation rangeElevation rangeElevation rangeElevation rangeElevation range670 – 800 m

ClimateClimateClimateClimateClimateThe SBSmk2 is the driest of the Sub-Boreal Spruce units describedin this guide based on the vegetation expressed on zonal sites. It issimilar in temperature regime to the other sub-boreal units butwarmer than the BWBSdk1, which replaces it to the north at lowerelevations.

Distinguishing the SBSmkDistinguishing the SBSmkDistinguishing the SBSmkDistinguishing the SBSmkDistinguishing the SBSmk2 from adjoining biogeoclimatic from adjoining biogeoclimatic from adjoining biogeoclimatic from adjoining biogeoclimatic from adjoining biogeoclimaticunitsunitsunitsunitsunits

SBSwk2 has:• more devil’s club in the shrub layer on mesic sites; and• more oak fern in the herb layer on mesic sites.

SBSmk1 has:• more thimbleberry but less highbush-cranberry in the shrub layer

on mesic sites; and• more queen’s cup but less palmate coltsfoot in the herb layer on

mesic sites.

BWBSdk1 has:• less black huckleberry and Sitka alder in the shrub layer on

mesic sites;• less false Solomon’s-seal and common mitrewort in the herb

layer on mesic sites; and• less oak fern and devil’s club on subhygric and wetter sites.

1 Formerly SBSo

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7 • 2

ForestsForestsForestsForestsForestsDue to the recurrent disturbances in this variant, forested areas areoften dominated by lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) and trem-bling aspen (Populus tremuloides). Climax forests have a hybridwhite spruce (Picea glauca x engelmannii) canopy with a subalpinefir (Abies lasiocarpa) understorey. Black spruce (Picea mariana)occurs on upland sites with lodgepole pine generally on lacustrineor compact till soils and in wetlands. Some fairly homogeneousstands of paper birch (Betula papyrifera) occur primarily along theeast side of Williston Lake. Black cottonwood (Populusbalsamifera ssp. trichocarpa) occurs along streams and rivers and isoften associated with hybrid white spruce.

WildlifeWildlifeWildlifeWildlifeWildlifeThis variant provides summer range for mule deer and black bear.Waterfowl use wetlands in the variant for staging in migration andbreeding. Caribou are found in limited distribution (e.g., nearManson Arm) but there is significant winter range for moose.Mountain goats are found at low elevations in Ospika Arm.

7 • 3

EDATOPIC GRIDSBSmk2S

oil m

oist

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reg

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Soil nutrient regime

Poor

BVery poor

A

Very xeric

Xeric

Subxeric

Submesic

Mesic

Subhygric

Hygric

Subhydric

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Medium

CRich

DVery rich

E

02

03

04

05

01

06

01 Sxw - Huckleberry- Highbush-cranberry

02 Pl - Feathermoss - Cladina03 Sxw - Huckleberry - Soopolallie

04 Sb - Huckleberry - Spirea05 Sxw - Oak fern06 Sxw - Horsetail

Wetlands

See MacKenzie and Moran (2004) for classifying wetlands occuring in the area

Figure 7.1 Edatopic grid displaying site units of the SBSmk2variant.

7 • 4 Site Series 02 03 04 01 05 06Trees

Pinus contorta 4 4 4 4 3 g p plodgepole pineAbies lasiocarpap 1 1 1 1 subalpine firp

Picea mariana 3 pblack sprucePicea glauca × engelmannii 2 2 3 3 4 hybrid white spruce

ShrubspShepherdia canadensis 4 3 2 2 psoopolallieSpiraea betulifoliap f 2 2 birch-leaved spireap

Alnus viridus pssp. 1 4 3 3 3 2 Sitka alderViburnum edule 1 2 1 3 2 2 highbush-cranberry

Ledum groenlandicum 2 Labrador teaLonicera involucrata 1 2 3 2 black twinberryy

p pOplopanax horridus 3 2 devil’s clubCornus stolonifera 23 red-osier dogwood

Herbs and Dwarf Shrubsp yArctostaphylos uva-ursi 2 kinnikinnick

Oryzopsis asperifolia 1 rough-leaved ricegrass2 1 1 ydwarf blueberry

Cornus canadensis 2 3 2 5 4 5 bunchberryyGeocaulon lividum 1 bastard toadflaxPetasites palmatus 1 2 1 palmate coltsfoot

y pLycopodium annotinum 1 4 2 stiff clubmossRubus pubescensp 1 3 2 trailing raspberryg p y

y p y pGymnocarpium dryopteris 5 1 oak fernEquisetum arvense 2 3 common horsetail

Mosses and Lichens1 juniper haircap moss

Peltigera aphthosa 1 4 freckle pelt lichenPleurozium schreberi 5 5 5 5 5 5

Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus 1 4 electrified cat’s-tail moss

Prominence class:11 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5

VEG

ETAT

ION

TAB

LESB

Smk2

Figure 7.2

SBSmk2 vegetation table.

7 • 5

SITE SERIES KEYSBSmk2

1a Organic soilsWWWWWeeeeetland btland btland btland btland booooog eg eg eg eg ecccccosyosyosyosyosystststststeeeeemsmsmsmsms2

1b Non-organic soils

2a Canopy dominated by white spruce3a Usually level; often adjacent to moving water;

Equisetum spp. (p. 281–282)3 moderate to highcover (>5% cover)

SBSmkSBSmkSBSmkSBSmkSBSmk2/////06

3b Slope position variable; often not adjacent tomoving water; Equisetum spp. very low cover (<1%)or absent

4a Generally lower slope, or level and influencedby water table; Oplopanax horridus (p. 36) andGymnocarpium dryopteris (p. 293) moderateto high cover (>5%)


4b Generally not lower slope and if level, notinfluenced by a water table; Oplopanaxhorridus and Gymnocarpium dryopteris lowcover (<5%) or absent

5a Generally upper slope or crest, if levelthen coarse textured; Lonicera involucrata(p. 48) very low cover (<1%) or absent


5b Generally mid to toe slope, if level thenmedium textured; Lonicera involucratagenerally moderate cover (>5%)


2 MacKenzie, W.H. and J.R.Moran. 2004. Wetlands of British Columbia: a guideto identification.

3 Page numbers refer to the publication Plants of Northern British Columbia(MacKinnon et al. 1992).

7 • 6

2b Canopy dominated by lodgepole pine

6a Generally lower slope, or level and influenced bywater table; Oplopanax horridus andGymnocarpium dryopteris moderate to high cover(>5%)


6b Generally not lower slope and if level, notinfluenced by a water table; Oplopanax horridusand Gymnocarpium dryopteris very low cover(<1%) or absent

7a Slope gradient <10%, aspect flat or northfacing; black spruce present in canopy


7b Slope gradient and aspect variable; blackspruce absent from canopy

8a Level or crest slope position; coarse-textured soils; Arctostaphylos uva-ursi(p. 82) present


8b Slope position and soil texture variable;Arctostaphylos uva-ursi absent

9a Generally upper slope or crest, iflevel then coarse-textured; Lonicerainvolucrata very low cover (<1%) orabsent


9b Generally mid to toe slope, if levelthen medium textured; Lonicerainvolucrata generally moderate cover(>5%)


7 • 7

7 • 8

Sxw – Huckleberry –Highbush-cranberry

SBSmk2/01

VEGETVEGETVEGETVEGETVEGETAAAAATIONTIONTIONTIONTION

Tree Layer: 40% coverHybrid white spruce, lodgepole pine

Shrub Layer: 50% coverViburnum edule (highbush-cranberry)Rosa acicularis (prickly rose)Lonicera involucrata (black twinberry)Vaccinium membranaceum (black huckleberry)Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata** (Sitka alder)[Rubus parviflorus (thimbleberry)]subalpine fir, hybrid white spruce

Herb Layer: 70% coverCornus canadensis (bunchberry)Petasites frigidus var. palmatus (palmate coltsfoot)Linnaea borealis (twinflower)Rubus pubescens (trailing rasberry)Maianthemum racemosum** (false Solomon’s-seal)Mitella nuda (common mitrewort)Orthilia secunda (one-sided wintergreen)Lycopodium annotinum (stiff clubmoss)Epilobium angustifolium (fireweed)Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparillia)Mertensia paniculata (tall bluebells)Equisetum arvense (common horsetail)Pyrola asarifolia (rosy wintergreen)

Moss Layer: 90% coverPleurozium schreberi (red-stemmed feathermoss)Ptilium crista-castrensis (knight’s plume)Hylocomium splendens (step moss)

SOIL AND SITESOIL AND SITESOIL AND SITESOIL AND SITESOIL AND SITE

Moisture Regime: 4 (– 5) (mesic (–subhygric))Nutrient Regime: B–D (poor–rich)* Slope Gradient (%): 0–25

* Slope Position: mid to toe or levelParent Materials: morainal, fluvial,

(glaciofluvial)* Soil Texture: usually moderately

coarse or mediumCoarse Fragments (%): 0–75

DISTRIBUTION:DISTRIBUTION:DISTRIBUTION:DISTRIBUTION:DISTRIBUTION: very common and widespread

Viburnum edule

Vacciniummembranaceum

Petasites frigidusvar. palmatus

** The name of this species has been updated (see Appendix 1).

7 • 9

Sxw – Huckleberry –Highbush-cranberry

SBSmk2/01

INTERPRETINTERPRETINTERPRETINTERPRETINTERPRETAAAAATIONSTIONSTIONSTIONSTIONS

Site limitations: – sites within this unit with medium- to fine-texturedlacustrine soils often have poor soil structure, leading topoor root growth; plant stock that will achieve betterplant stock that will achieve betterplant stock that will achieve betterplant stock that will achieve betterplant stock that will achieve betterlateral root development (e.g., Cu-treated), prescribelateral root development (e.g., Cu-treated), prescribelateral root development (e.g., Cu-treated), prescribelateral root development (e.g., Cu-treated), prescribelateral root development (e.g., Cu-treated), prescribenatural regeneration, or protect advance regeneration.natural regeneration, or protect advance regeneration.natural regeneration, or protect advance regeneration.natural regeneration, or protect advance regeneration.natural regeneration, or protect advance regeneration.

Site preparation: – minimize or align large slash accumulations when logging tohelp meet site preparation objectives and reduce fire hazard.

– see Section 12.

Species choice: – Pl, Sx, [BlBlBlBlBl ]At, Ep

Vegetation potential: – moderate (trembling aspen, fireweed, thimbleberry)

Reforestation: – attempt to regenerate naturally if potential exists.– help maintain stand diversity on sites to be planted with Pl

by mapping aspen patches prior to harvest and plantingthese areas to spruce.

– young Bl regeneration (<3 m tall) may be susceptible toheavy browsing by moose.

Concerns: – full tree harvesting will lead to nutrient depletion andseriously reduce cones; woody debris and cones should bewoody debris and cones should bewoody debris and cones should bewoody debris and cones should bewoody debris and cones should bedistributed across these sites (i.e., lop and scatter).distributed across these sites (i.e., lop and scatter).distributed across these sites (i.e., lop and scatter).distributed across these sites (i.e., lop and scatter).distributed across these sites (i.e., lop and scatter).

– sites with fine-textured soils are vulnerable to compactionunder wet conditions; restrict traffic to winter operationsrestrict traffic to winter operationsrestrict traffic to winter operationsrestrict traffic to winter operationsrestrict traffic to winter operationsor dry soil conditions.or dry soil conditions.or dry soil conditions.or dry soil conditions.or dry soil conditions.

7 • 10

Pl – Feathermoss – CladinaSBSmk2/02


Tree Layer: 30% coverLodgepole pine

Shrub Layer: 30% coverShepherdia canadensis (soopolallie)Rosa acicularis (prickly rose)Viburnum edule (highbush-cranberry)Spiraea betulifolia (birch-leaved spirea)lodgepole pine, subalpine fir

Herb Layer: 10% coverArctostaphylos uva-ursi (kinnikinnick)Linnaea borealis (twinflower)Oryzopsis asperifolia (rough-leaved ricegrass)Epilobium angustifolium (fireweed)Cornus canadensis (bunchberry)Vaccinium caespitosum (dwarf blueberry)Orthilia secunda (one-sided wintergreen)

Moss Layer: 85% coverPleurozium schreberi (red-stemmed feathermoss)Hylocomium splendens (step moss)Polytrichum juniperinum (juniper haircap moss)Cladina spp. (cladina lichens)


Moisture Regime: 1–2 (xeric–subxeric)Nutrient Regime: A–B (very poor–poor)* Slope Gradient (%): 0–60

Slope Position: level or crestParent Materials: glaciofluvial, morainal,

(fluvial)* Soil Texture: usually coarseCoarse Fragments (%): 0–55

DISTRIBUTION:DISTRIBUTION:DISTRIBUTION:DISTRIBUTION:DISTRIBUTION: common, especially in large valley bottoms,but small in area

Shepherdiacanadensis

Arctostaphylosuva-ursi

Cladina spp.

7 • 11

Pl – Feathermoss – CladinaSBSmk2/02


Site limitations: – sites within this unit with high coarse fragment content(>70%) will have significantly reduced soil moistureretention and will be extremely difficult to plant; attempt toattempt toattempt toattempt toattempt toregenerate naturally by retaining Pl cones.regenerate naturally by retaining Pl cones.regenerate naturally by retaining Pl cones.regenerate naturally by retaining Pl cones.regenerate naturally by retaining Pl cones.


– light scarification for seedbed preparation or summer loggingwith no site preparation.

Species choice: – Pl (SxSxSxSxSx ){At}

Vegetation potential: – low

Reforestation: – attempt to regenerate naturally if potential exists.– if natural regeneration is not feasible, plant Pl without site

preparation.– Sx and At will generally be less productive on these sites.


– site and soil conditions of this unit result in drought hazardfor a significant portion of the growing season; naturalnaturalnaturalnaturalnaturalregeneration is generally better adapted to surviving theseregeneration is generally better adapted to surviving theseregeneration is generally better adapted to surviving theseregeneration is generally better adapted to surviving theseregeneration is generally better adapted to surviving theseconditions, especially during establishment.conditions, especially during establishment.conditions, especially during establishment.conditions, especially during establishment.conditions, especially during establishment.

7 • 12

Sxw – Huckleberry – SoopolallieSBSmk2/03


Tree Layer: 30% coverLodgepole pine, hybrid white spruce

Shrub Layer: 45% coverViburnum edule (highbush-cranberry)Rosa acicularis (prickly rose)Shepherdia canadensis (soopolallie)Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata** (Sitka alder)Spiraea betulifolia (birch-leaved spirea)Vaccinium membranaceum (black huckleberry)subalpine fir, hybrid white spruce

Herb Layer: 35% coverCornus canadensis (bunchberry)Linnaea borealis (twinflower)Maianthemum racemosum** (false Solomon’s-seal)Orthilia secunda (one-sided wintergreen)Epilobium angustifolium (fireweed)Rubus pubescens (trailing raspberry)Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla)Geocaulon lividum (bastard toad-flax)

Moss Layer: 95% coverPleurozium schreberi (red-stemmed feathermoss)Hylocomium splendens (step moss)Ptilium crista-castrensis (knight’s plume)Peltigera spp. (pelt lichens)Dicranum polysetum (wavy-leaved moss)


Moisture Regime: 3–4 (submesic–mesic)Nutrient Regime: B–C (poor–medium)Slope Gradient (%): 0–45

* Slope Position: mid to crest or levelParent Materials: morainal, glaciofluvial

(fluvial)* Soil Texture: medium to coarseCoarse Fragments (%): 0–60

DISTRIBUTION: DISTRIBUTION: DISTRIBUTION: DISTRIBUTION: DISTRIBUTION: common

Viburnum edule

Rosa acicularis



7 • 13

Sxw – Huckleberry – SoopolallieSBSmk2/03


Site limitations: – see Concerns.


– light scarification for seedbed preparation or summer loggingwith no site preparation.

– see Section 12.

Species choice: – Pl, SxSxSxSxSx, (BlBlBlBlBl )At, Ep


Reforestation: – attempt to regenerate naturally if potential exists.– if natural regeneration is not feasible, plant Pl or Sx without

site preparation.– within this unit, Sx should generally be planted on moister

microsites.– Bl will generally be less productive on these sites.


– sites within this unit with shallow and/or coarse-texturedsoils are vulnerable to nutrient deficiency if forest floors arereduced; site preparation methods that reduce forest floorsite preparation methods that reduce forest floorsite preparation methods that reduce forest floorsite preparation methods that reduce forest floorsite preparation methods that reduce forest floorthickness, such as slashburning or brushblading, must bethickness, such as slashburning or brushblading, must bethickness, such as slashburning or brushblading, must bethickness, such as slashburning or brushblading, must bethickness, such as slashburning or brushblading, must beavoided.avoided.avoided.avoided.avoided.

7 • 14

Sb – Huckleberry – SpireaSBSmk2/04


Tree Layer: 30% coverLodgepole pine, black spruce, hybrid white spruce

Shrub Layer: 40% coverShepherdia canadensis (soopolallie)Ledum groenlandicum (Labrador tea)Vaccinium membranaceum (black huckleberry)Rosa acicularis (prickly rose)Vaccinium myrtilloides (velvet-leaved blueberry)[Spiraea betulifolia (birch-leaved spirea)]subalpine fir, black spruce

Herb Layer: 15% coverLinnaea borealis (twinflower)Cornus canadensis (bunchberry)Geocaulon lividum (bastard toad-flax)Epilobium angustifolium (fireweed)Vaccinium caespitosum (dwarf blueberry)Gaultheria hispidula (creeping-snowberry)Diphasiastrum complanatum** (ground-cedar)Oryzopsis asperifolia (rough-leaved ricegrass)Orthilia secunda (one-sided wintergreen)Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint)

Moss Layer: 95% coverPleurozium schreberi (red-stemmed feathermoss)Hylocomium splendens (step moss)Peltigera aphthosa (freckle pelt lichen)Ptilium crista-castrensis (knight’s plume)Cladina mitis (green reindeer lichen)Dicranum polysetum (wavy-leaved moss)


Moisture Regime: 3–5 (submesic–subhygric)Nutrient Regime: A–B (very poor–poor)* Aspect: northerly or flat* Slope Gradient (%): usually <10

Slope Position: mid to lower or level* Parent Materials: glaciofluvial* Soil Texture: medium to coarseCoarse Fragments (%): 0–40

DISTRIBUTION:DISTRIBUTION:DISTRIBUTION:DISTRIBUTION:DISTRIBUTION: common in some areas


Ledumgroenlandicum

Gaultheriahispidula


7 • 15

Sb – Huckleberry – SpireaSBSmk2/04


Site limitations: – soil drainage and rooting may be impeded by dense basal tilllayers or poorly structured clay-rich horizons within 30 cm ofthe soil surface; this results in a shallow rooting zone that issaturated and poorly aerated in the spring followingsnowmelt, but subject to drought in summer.

– the poor productivity resulting from these limitationsthe poor productivity resulting from these limitationsthe poor productivity resulting from these limitationsthe poor productivity resulting from these limitationsthe poor productivity resulting from these limitationsshould dictate a limited investment in intensiveshould dictate a limited investment in intensiveshould dictate a limited investment in intensiveshould dictate a limited investment in intensiveshould dictate a limited investment in intensivesilviculture; protect advance regeneration and regeneratesilviculture; protect advance regeneration and regeneratesilviculture; protect advance regeneration and regeneratesilviculture; protect advance regeneration and regeneratesilviculture; protect advance regeneration and regeneratenaturally whenever possible or if planting then plantnaturally whenever possible or if planting then plantnaturally whenever possible or if planting then plantnaturally whenever possible or if planting then plantnaturally whenever possible or if planting then plantstock that will achieve better lateral root developmentstock that will achieve better lateral root developmentstock that will achieve better lateral root developmentstock that will achieve better lateral root developmentstock that will achieve better lateral root development(e.g., Cu-treated).(e.g., Cu-treated).(e.g., Cu-treated).(e.g., Cu-treated).(e.g., Cu-treated).


– see Section 12.

Species choice: – Pl, (SxSxSxSxSx, SbSbSbSbSb){At}


Reforestation: – attempt to regenerate naturally if potential exists.– if natural regeneration is not feasible, plant Pl.– At, Sx and Sb will generally be less productive on these sites.


– site conditions may lead to frost damage of regeneration,especially in naturally occurring or artificially createddepressions; leaving a partial canopy and/or choosing aleaving a partial canopy and/or choosing aleaving a partial canopy and/or choosing aleaving a partial canopy and/or choosing aleaving a partial canopy and/or choosing afrost-resistant species (e.g., Pl) is advised.frost-resistant species (e.g., Pl) is advised.frost-resistant species (e.g., Pl) is advised.frost-resistant species (e.g., Pl) is advised.frost-resistant species (e.g., Pl) is advised.

7 • 16

Sxw – Oak fernSBSmk2/05


Tree Layer: 30% coverHybrid white spruce, subalpine fir, lodgepole pine

Shrub Layer: 40% coverOplopanax horridus (devil’s club)Ribes lacustre (black gooseberry)Lonicera involucrata (black twinberry)Viburnum edule (highbush-cranberry)Rosa acicularis (prickly rose)[Cornus stolonifera (red-osier dogwood)]subalpine fir, hybrid white spruce

Herb Layer: 60% coverGymnocarpium dryopteris (oak fern)Cornus canadensis (bunchberry)Pyrola asarifolia (rosy wintergreen)Streptopus amplexifolius (clasping twistedstalk)Galium triflorum (sweet-scented bedstraw)Linnaea borealis (twinflower)Rubus pubescens (trailing raspberry)Lycopodium annotinum (stiff clubmoss)

Moss Layer: 75% coverHylocomium splendens (step moss)Ptilium crista-castrensis (knight’s plume)Pleurozium schreberi (red-stemmed feathermoss)Mnium spp. (leafy mosses)


Moisture Regime: 5 (subhygric)Nutrient Regime: C–(E) (medium–rich (–very

rich))Slope Gradient (%): 0–50

* Slope Position: usually lower to toebut sometimes level

Parent Material: variableSoil Texture coarse to mediumCoarse Fragments (%): 0–50

* Seepage Water: may be present below 50 cm

DISTRIBUTION:DISTRIBUTION:DISTRIBUTION:DISTRIBUTION:DISTRIBUTION: uncommon and not large in area

Oplopanaxhorridus

Ribes lacustre

Gymnocarpiumdryopteris

7 • 17

Sxw – Oak fernSBSmk2/05


Site limitations: – sites within this unit with medium- to fine-texturedlacustrine soils often have poor soil structure, leading topoor root growth; plant stock that will achieve betterplant stock that will achieve betterplant stock that will achieve betterplant stock that will achieve betterplant stock that will achieve betterlateral root development (e.g., Cu-treated), prescribelateral root development (e.g., Cu-treated), prescribelateral root development (e.g., Cu-treated), prescribelateral root development (e.g., Cu-treated), prescribelateral root development (e.g., Cu-treated), prescribenatural regeneration, or protect advance regeneration.natural regeneration, or protect advance regeneration.natural regeneration, or protect advance regeneration.natural regeneration, or protect advance regeneration.natural regeneration, or protect advance regeneration.

Site preparation: – see Section 12.

Species choice: – Sx, Pl, [BlBlBlBlBl ]At, Ep, {Act}

Vegetation potential: – moderate (black twinberry, thimbleberry, fireweed)

Reforestation: – if vigorous advanced Sx or Bl regeneration is present itshould be preserved.

– plant sturdy stock as soon after harvesting as possible.– young Bl regeneration (<3 m tall) may be susceptible to

heavy browsing by moose.– help maintain stand diversity on sites to be planted with Pl

by mapping aspen patches prior to harvest and plantingthese areas to spruce.

– Act may not be consistently productive on these sites.

Concerns: – sites within this unit with fine-textured soils are vulnerable tocompaction under wet conditions; restrict traffic to winterrestrict traffic to winterrestrict traffic to winterrestrict traffic to winterrestrict traffic to winteroperations or dry soil conditions.operations or dry soil conditions.operations or dry soil conditions.operations or dry soil conditions.operations or dry soil conditions.

– site conditions may lead to frost damage of regeneration,especially in any naturally occurring or artificially createddepression; leaving a partial canopy and/or choosing aleaving a partial canopy and/or choosing aleaving a partial canopy and/or choosing aleaving a partial canopy and/or choosing aleaving a partial canopy and/or choosing afrost-resistant species (e.g., Pl) is advised.frost-resistant species (e.g., Pl) is advised.frost-resistant species (e.g., Pl) is advised.frost-resistant species (e.g., Pl) is advised.frost-resistant species (e.g., Pl) is advised.

7 • 18

Sxw – HorsetailSBSmk2/06


Tree Layer: 20% coverHybrid white spruce

Shrub Layer: 30% coverCornus stolonifera (red-osier dogwood)Rosa acicularis (prickly rose)Viburnum edule (highbush-cranberry)Lonicera involucrata (black twinberry)Ribes lacustre (black gooseberry)Oplopanax horridus (devil’s club)subalpine fir

Herb Layer: 65% coverEquisetum arvense (common horsetail)Equisetum sylvaticum (wood horsetail)Equisetum pratense (meadow horsetail)Rubus pubescens (trailing raspberry)Cornus canadensis (bunchberry)Mertensia paniculata (tall bluebells)Linnaea borealis (twinflower)Petasites frigidus var. palmatus (palmate coltsfoot)Mitella nuda (common mitrewort)Galium triflorum (sweet-scented bedstraw)Gymnocarpium dryopteris (oak fern)Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint)Aralia nudicaulis (wild sarsaparilla)

Moss Layer: 90% coverHylocomium splendens (step moss)Pleurozium schreberi (red-stemmed feathermoss)Ptilium crista-castrensis (knight’s plume)Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus (electrified cat’s-tail moss)


Moisture Regime: 6 (hygric)Nutrient Regime: C–D (medium–rich)* Slope Gradient (%): 0–5

* Slope Position: usually level* Parent Material: usually fluvialSoil Texture: medium to coarseForest Floor Depth: (cm) 3–70

Coarse Fragments (%): 0–50

* Seepage Water: usually present at depthsgreater than 30 cm

DISTRIBUTION:DISTRIBUTION:DISTRIBUTION:DISTRIBUTION:DISTRIBUTION: common but small in area, and generally onfluvial floodplains

Cornusstolonifera

Rosa acicularis

Equisetumarvense

7 • 19

Sxw – HorsetailSBSmk2/06


Site limitations: – very difficult sites to manage; serious consideration shouldserious consideration shouldserious consideration shouldserious consideration shouldserious consideration shouldbe given to managing these sites as wildlife corridors.be given to managing these sites as wildlife corridors.be given to managing these sites as wildlife corridors.be given to managing these sites as wildlife corridors.be given to managing these sites as wildlife corridors.

– sites with saturated soils are poorly aerated, which slows rootdevelopment; plant seedlings on naturally or artificiallyplant seedlings on naturally or artificiallyplant seedlings on naturally or artificiallyplant seedlings on naturally or artificiallyplant seedlings on naturally or artificiallyraised microsites.raised microsites.raised microsites.raised microsites.raised microsites.

Site preparation: – creating an excessive number of mounds (i.e., >300/ha)should be avoided, especially on sites within this unit with awater table <30 cm from the surface.

– see Section 12.

Species choice: – SxSxSxSxSx, [PlPlPlPlPl, BlBlBlBlBl ]Act, At

Vegetation potential: – high (black twinberry, fireweed, bluejoint)

Reforestation: – advance regeneration should be preserved.– supplement advance regeneration by planting sturdy stock in

groups, using available raised microsites.– young Bl regeneration (<3 m tall) may be susceptible to

heavy browsing by moose.

Concerns: – site conditions may lead to frost damage of regeneration,especially in any naturally occurring or artificially createddepression; leaving a partial canopy and/or choosing aleaving a partial canopy and/or choosing aleaving a partial canopy and/or choosing aleaving a partial canopy and/or choosing aleaving a partial canopy and/or choosing afrost-resistant species (e.g., Pl) is advised.frost-resistant species (e.g., Pl) is advised.frost-resistant species (e.g., Pl) is advised.frost-resistant species (e.g., Pl) is advised.frost-resistant species (e.g., Pl) is advised.

– sites with thick organic horizons (>10 cm) have extremewindthrow hazard; block layouts must have windfirmblock layouts must have windfirmblock layouts must have windfirmblock layouts must have windfirmblock layouts must have windfirmboundaries, or a wide buffer of standing timber must beboundaries, or a wide buffer of standing timber must beboundaries, or a wide buffer of standing timber must beboundaries, or a wide buffer of standing timber must beboundaries, or a wide buffer of standing timber must beleft around such sites.left around such sites.left around such sites.left around such sites.left around such sites.

– water table will likely rise above the ground surface in thespring, causing seedling mortality on non-elevated sites.

– these units represent important wildlife habitat; discussdiscussdiscussdiscussdiscussprescription with fish and wildlife personnel.prescription with fish and wildlife personnel.prescription with fish and wildlife personnel.prescription with fish and wildlife personnel.prescription with fish and wildlife personnel.

– this unit is critical to the control of runoff streamflow.

13 • 3

TABLE 13.1 Some important wildlife species that utilizebiogeoclimatic units within the guide area

Occurrence of species by unitOccurrence of species by unitOccurrence of species by unitOccurrence of species by unitOccurrence of species by unit

SpeciesSpeciesSpeciesSpeciesSpecies

Mountain goat ps Y ps ps ps YStone sheep ps ps - - - YCaribou(northern pop.) Y Y y y y YElk y sa y y y YMoose Y pSA Y Y Y YGrizzly beara Y Y y Y Y YGray wolf Y Y Y Y Y YWolverinea Y Y Y Y Y YFishera Y y Y Y Y yMarten Y Y Y Y Y Y

a Species considered to be threatened or endangered (“red-listed”) or of specialconcern (“blue-listed”) (B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2003.)

b Includes SBSwk3a

Key to codingKey to codingKey to codingKey to codingKey to codingAbundance:Uppercase letter = common to very common and abundantLowercase letter = rare, scarce, or uncommon and scatteredTiming:Y, y = yearlong; P, p = spring (approximately March–May); S, s = summer (approxi-mately June–August); A, a = autumn (approximately September–November);Example: pSA = scarce in spring, common–abundant in summer and autumn

FisheFisheFisheFisheFisherrrrr – uses pole-sapling and young mixed forest in summer,mature forest and old growth in winter, possibly for snow inter-ception; requires >50% crown closure; natal dens in large treecavities; also uses coarse woody debris, slash piles, edges/ecotones.

Striped skunkStriped skunkStriped skunkStriped skunkStriped skunk – opportunistic omnivore; prefers open forest andforest edge.

Ermine Ermine Ermine Ermine Ermine – dependent on small mammals, chiefly voles; mostcommon in early seral stages.

BWBSdk

BWBSdk

BWBSdk

BWBSdk

BWBSdk1

ESSFmv

ESSFmv

ESSFmv

ESSFmv

ESSFmv3

SBSmk

SBSmk

SBSmk

SBSmk

SBSmk2

SBSwkSBSwkSBSwkSBSwkSBSwk2

SBSwk

SBSwkSBSwk

SBSwk

SBSwk3b

SWBmk

SWBmk

SWBmk

SWBmk

SWBmk

Source publcation

LMH 54

Date post:	05-Oct-2019
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