RANGE PLANT COMMUNITIES AND
CARRYING CAPACITY FOR THE
DRY AND CENTRAL MIXEDWOOD
SUBREGIONS OF ALBERTA
/dlberra
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
RANGE PLANT COMMUNITY TYPES AND CARRYING CAPACITY
FOR THE DRY AND CENTRAL MIXEDWOOD SUBREGIONS
Second approximation
1997
Prepared by
Michael G. Willoughby
Karen Sundquist
and
Dave Downing
Edmonton
1996
Environmental Protection
Lands and Forest Services
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2016
https://archive.org/details/rangeplantcommun01will_3
Pub. no.: T/395
ISBN: 0-7785-0016-0
For copies of this report contact:
Michael Willoughby
9920 108 st, 9th Floor
Edmonton, Alta.
T5K2M4
(403) 422-4598
E-mail: mwilloug@env.gov. ab.ca
u
Table of contents
Page
Introduction 1
Climate of Dry and Central Mixedwood subregions 1
Methods 4
How to use guide 4
Results 5
DM-Dry Mixedwood subregion 12
A. Native grass and Shrublands 12
Ecology of grass and shrublands 13
Key to grasslands and shrublands 16
Community types
Grasslands
DMA 1. Sedge meadows 17
DMA2. Marsh reedgrass meadow 18
DMA3. Plains wormwood/Sedge 19
DMA4. Purple oatgrass-Sedge-California oatgrass 20
DMA5. Western porcupine grass-Sedge/Fringed sage 21
DMA6. Northern wheatgrass/Fringed sage 22
DMA7. Saskatoon-Bearberry/Indian ricegrass 23
DMA8. Saskatoon/Sweet clover/Smooth brome 24
DMA9. Kentucky bluegrass-Hairgrass 25
Shrublands
DMA 10. Willow/Sedge 26
DMA1 1 . Willow/Marsh reedgrass-Kentucky bluegrass 27
DMA12. Willow/Horsetail/Marsh reedgrass 28
DMA 1 3 . Paper birch- Alder/Horsetail 29
B. Tame grasslands 30
Ecology of tame pastures 3 1
Key to the grasslands 33
Community types
DMB 1 . Kentucky bluegrass/Clover-Dandelion 34
iii
DMB2. Kentucky bluegrass/Canada thistle 35
DMB3. Timothy/Dandelion 36
DMB4. Foxtail barley/Sweet Clover 37
DMB5. Quackgrass/Dandelion 38
DMB6. Reed canarygrass/Cicer milkvetch 39
DMB7. Creeping red fescue/Dandelion 40
DMB8. Smooth brome-Creeping red fescue/Strawberry 41
C. Decidous community types 42
Ecology of deciduous community types 43
Key to deciduous community types 47
Community types for Peace ecodistricts (Debolt, Dunvegan, Falher, Smoky, Grimshaw
Manning, High Level and Boyer Plains)
DMC 1 . Aw/Rose/Bearberry 49
DMC2. Aw/Rose/Tall forb 50
DMC3 . Aw/Rose/Low forb 5 1
DMC4. Aw/Rose-Hazelnut 52
DMC 5. Aw/Buffaloberry-Rose 53
DMC6. Aw/ Alder/Mountain ricegrass 54
DMC7. Aw/Saskatoon-Rose 55
DMC8. Pb/Red Osier dogwood-Rose 56
DMC9. Aw/Horsetail 57
DMC 10. Deciduous cutblocks 58
Community types for Eastern ecodistricts (Onion Lake, Athabasca, Westlock Plains and
Whitefish and Frog Uplands)
DMC 1 1 . Aw/Rose-Low bush cranberry 60
DMC 12. Aw/Rose- Whortleberry 61
DMC 13. Aw/Beaked hazelnut-Rose/Wild peavine 62
DMC 14. Aw/Beaked hazelnut-Rose/Wild sarsaparilla 63
DMC 1 5 . Aw/Rose/Forb/Marsh reedgrass 64
DMC 16. Balsam poplar- Aspen 65
D. Mixedwood and Conifer community types 66
Ecology 67
Key to community types 69
Community types
DMD1. Pj/Alder 70
IV
.
DMD2. Pj-Aw/Bearberry 71
DMD3. Sw/Buffalo/Bearberry 72
DMD4. Sw/Hazelnut/Moss 73
DMD5. Aw-Sw/Rose/Marsh reedgrass 74
DMD6. Aw-Pb-SwAVillowAVild sarsaparilla 75
DMD7. Sw-Pb-Aw/Rose/Twinflower 76
DMD8. SbAVillow/Moss 77
DMD9. Sb-Lt/Labrador tea/Moss 78
CM-Central Mixedwood subregion
A. Native grass and Shrublands 79
Ecology 80
Key to community types 83
Community types
Grasslands
CMA1. Sedge meadows 84
CMA2. Marsh reedgrass meadow 85
CMA3. Cow parsnip/Kentucky bluegrass-Marsh reedgrass 86
CMA4. Snowberry/Kentucky bluegrass 87
CMA5. Sheep fescue/Plains wormwood 88
CMA6. Kentucky bluegrass-Sedge/Plains wormwood 89
Shrublands
CMA7. Willow/Sedge 90
CMA8. Willow/Sedge-Kentucky bluegrass 91
CMA9. Willow/Marsh reedgrass 92
CMA10. Willow- Alder/Marsh reedgrass 93
CMA1 1. Willow/Fireweed 94
CMA12. Willow-Spruce/Kentucky bluegrass 95
B. Tame grass community types 96
Ecology 97
Key to community types 99
Community types
v
'
-
CMB 1 . Kentucky bluegrass/Dandelion 1 00
CMB2. Kentucky bluegrass-Timothy/Dandelion 101
CMB3. Timothy/Dandelion 102
CMB4. Creeping red fescue-Kentucky bluegrass 103
CMB5. Creeping red fescue/Hairgrass 104
CMB6. Creeping red fescue-Timothy/Dandelion 105
CMB7. Smooth brome 106
C. Deciduous community types 107
Ecology 108
Key to community types 1 12
Community types
Balsam poplar dominated
CMC l.Pb/Rose- Alder 114
CMC2. Pb-Aw/River alder 115
CMC3. Pb- Aw/Beaked hazelnut-Rose 116
Paper birch dominated
CMC4. BwAVillow 117
Aspen/Rose dominated
CMC 5. Aw/Blueberry 118
CMC6. Aw/Rose/Twinflower 119
CMC7. Aw/Rose/Low forb 120
CMC 8. Aw/Rose/Tall forb 121
CMC9. Aw/Rose-Saskatoon 122
CMC 10. Aw-Pb/Rose/Strawberry 123
CMC 1 1. Aw/Rose/Clover 124
CMC 12. Aw/ Alder-Willow-Rose 125
CMC 13. Aw/Willow 126
CMC 14. Aw/Red Osier dogwood-Rose 127
CMC 15. Aw/Horsetail-Cow parsnip 128
D. Mixedwood and Conifer community types 129
Ecology 130
vi
Key to community types 132
Community types
CMD1. Pj/Alder 133
CMD2. Pj/Bearberry 134
CMD3. Aw-Pj/Bearberry/Lichen 135
CMD4. Balsam fir-Sw/Moss 136
CMD5. Sw/Moss 137
CMD6. Sw/Creeping red fescue 138
CMD7. Aw-Sw/Rose/Low forb 139
CMD8. Aw-Sw/Labrador tea/Moss 140
CMD9. Sb/Labrador tea/Peat moss 141
CMD10. Sb/Bog birch 142
Literature cited 143
Appendices 145
List of Figures
Figure 1 . Overview of native shrub and grassland complex in the
Dry Mixedwood subregion 14
Figure 2. Overview of deciduous communities in the Dry Mixedwood subregion 44
Figure 3. Overview of native shrub and grassland communities in the Central
Mixedwood subregion 8 1
Figure 4. Overview of deciduous communities in the Central Mixedwood
subregion 109
List of Tables
Table 1. Ecosites, ecosite phases and community types of the Boreal Mixedwood
subregions 6
Table 2. Native grass and shrublands of the Dry Mixedwood subregion 15
Table 3. Tame forage community of the Dry Mixedwood subregion 32
Table 4. Deciduous community of the Dry Mixedwood subregion 45
Table 5. Conifer and Mixedwood community of the Dry Mixedwood
subregion 68
Table 6. Native grass and shrublands of the Central Mixedwood subregion 82
Table 7. Tame forage community types for the Central Mixedwood subregion 98
Table 8. Deciduous community types for the Central Mixedwood subregion 110
Table 9. Conifer and Mixedwood community types for the Central Mixedwood
subregion 131
vii
I
List of Maps
Map 1. Location of Dry Mixed wood subregion in AJberta 3
Map 2. Location of Central Mixedwood subregion in Alberta 3
List of Photos
Photo 1. Western porcupine grass- Sedge/Fringed sage community type 12
Photo 2. Sedge-Marsh reedgrass, willow community types 1 2
Photo 3. Typical range improvement clearing in the Dry Mixedwood subregion 30
Photo 4. Aw/Rose/Tall forb community type in the Dry Mixedwood subregion 42
Photo 5. Aw/Hazelnut-Rose community type in the Dry Mixedwood subregion 59
Photo 6. Pj/Bearberry community type 66
Photo 7. Plains wormwood/Sheep fescue-Sedge 79
Photo 8. Heavily grazed range improvement site 96
Photo 9. Aw/Rose/Clover community type 107
Photo 10. Balsam fir-White spruce/Moss community type 129
vm
Abstract
The Dry and Central Mixedwood subregions cover nearly 40% of the province and are
dominated by aspen, jack pine on coarse textured soils and black spruce, willows and sedges in
the poorly drained areas. The vegetative communities in these subregions are important because
they provide summer range for livestock, prime habitat for many species of wildlife, productive
watersheds, recreational areas and timber harvesting. Despite the importance of these vegetation
types there is little information on their ecology. The lack of information makes it very difficult to
develop management prescriptions for multiple use. As a result guides like this and “Ecosites of
Northern Alberta” (Beckingham and Archibald 1996) are being developed to provide a
framework that will easily group the vegetative community types. It is hoped these classification
systems can be used by field staff to assess the ecology of the sites and develop management
prescriptions on lands within each region.
This guide represents the analysis of 349 grass, shrubland, conifer and deciduous plots
described in the Dry and Central Mixedwood subregions. These types are split into:
Dry Mixedwood subregion
A. Native grass and shrubland
13 types
B. Tame grasslands
8 types
C. Deciduous community types
1 6 types
D. Mixedwood and Conifer community types
9 types
Central Mixedwood subregion
A. Native grass and shrubland
12 types
B. Tame grasslands
7 types
C. Deciduous community types
1 5 types
D. Mixedwood and Conifer community types
1 0 types
IX
Introduction
The province of Alberta is covered by a broad spectrum of vegetation regions from prairie
in the South, to alpine vegetation in the mountains and dense forests in the Central and Northern
parts of the province. These broad vegetation regions have been classified into 6 regions and 20
subregions (Dept, of Environmental Protection 1994). Each of the 20 subregions consists of
groups of plant communities which are influenced by environmental conditions and human
impacts. Intensive management of these regions requires the ability to recoqnize the vegetative
communities that have similar productivities and respond to disturbance in the same way.
The vegetative communities in the province of Alberta are highly regarded by most
resource managers for their ability to provide a wide variety of benefits. They are a classic
example of multiple use land, providing summer range for livestock, prime habitat for many
species of wildlife, productive watersheds and recreational areas. Despite the importance of
these vegetation types there is little information on their ecology. The lack of information makes
it very difficult to development management prescriptions for multiple use.
The purpose of this guide was to develop a framework that would easily group the plant
community types utilized by livestock in the Dry and Central Mixedwood subregions of the
province. This guide combines the Low and Mid Boreal Mixedwood ecoregion guides done by
Sundquist and Willoughby in 1993 and 1994.
It is hoped this classification system can be used by field staff to assess the ecology and
carrying capacity of the sites, in order to develop management prescriptions on lands within each
region. This guide supplements the work done by Beckingham and Archibald (1996) on the
forested community types in the Boreal Mixedwood of northern Alberta. Their guide is a good
description of the forested community types found within the subregion, but it does not include
forage production values and carrying capacities. It also does not provide a description of the
native shrubland and grassland communities which are utilized extensively by livestock in these
subregions.
ffP; ;
Climate
Dry Mixedwood subregion
The Dry Mixedwood subregion represents a transition between the Central and Peace
River Parklands and the Central Mixedwood subregions. This subregion occurs in three areas of
the province. One section is located between the Central Parkland and the Central Mixedwood
subregions in the southern portion of the boreal forest and includes the Onion Lake, Athabasca,
Westlock plains and Whitefish and Frog Uplands ecodistricts (Strong and Thompson 1995). A
second area is located immediately east of Edmonton in the Cooking Lake upland ecodistrict.
The third and largest area parallels the Peace River in northwestern Alberta from Grande Prairie
1
.
to Fort Vermillion and includes the Debolt, Dunvegan, Falher, Smoky, Grimshaw, Manning, High
Level and Boyer plains ecodistricts (Map 1).
Mean summer temperature averages 13.8°C and winter temperatures average -10.5 °C,
which is somewhat warmer than the Central Mixedwood subregion and somewhat cooler than the
Parkland subregions. Mean annual precipitation averages 380 mm which is drier than the Central
Mixedwood, but wetter than the Parkland subregions.
The reference plant community in this subregion is dominated by Aspen, with a variable
understorey dominated by rose, pea-vine, beaked hazelnut, saskatoon and marsh reedgrass. Jack
pine stands are found on well drained, coarse-textured parent materials and poorly drained sites
are dominated by black spruce, willows and sedge species.
Central Mixedwood subregion
This subregion is the largest in the province covering over 210,000 km2 or nearly 32% of
the province (Strong and Leggat 1992)( Map 2). Mean annual summer temperatures average
13.5 °C and winter temperatures average -13 °C, which is somewhat colder than the adjacent Dry
Mixedwood subregion. Annual precipitation averages 397 mm of precipitation which is wetter
than the Dry Mixedwood.
The modal plant communities are vegetated by aspen and balsam poplar with understories
composed of a variety of herbs and deciduous shrubs. White spruce and balsam fir are the
climatic climax species but are not well represented because of the frequent occurrence of fire.
On dry, well drained, coarse-textured soils jack pine dominates and the poorly drained sites are
dominated by black spruce, willows and sedge species. These reference communities are very
similar to the Dry Mixedwood subregion, but the drier conditions of the Dry Mixedwood favours
the formation of a number of native grassland communities, which are not found in the Central
Mixedwood.
2
Map 1. Location of the Dry Mixedwood subregion in Alberta
Map 2. Location of the Central Mixedwood subregion in Alberta
3
Methods
A community type approach (Mueggler 1988) to classification was chosen in preference to
the habitat type approach (Daubenmire 1952) or ecosystem association approach (Corns and
Annas 1986) because of the lack of understanding of the successional sequences of the
communities. Community types are aggregates of similar plant communities based upon existing
floristics regardless of successional status (Mueggler 1988). Community types are what is
actually seen in the field. After defining the community types, they then can be linked to the
ecosystem associations developed by Corns and Annas (1986) and Beckingham and Archibald
(1996). In the mean time community types can be used as the basis for mapping and range
management planning.
Individual plots were initially classified within a forest region using cluster analysis (SAS)
and ordination (DECORANA, Gauch 1982). These types were described in individual carrying
capacity guides for each forest. This led to differences in classification of the same types between
forests, particularly for deciduous forest types. In an effort to standardize the community name
and gain some understanding of each community types ecology, all plots sampled in each forest
were reclassified. As the study progressed it became quite evident that there were differences in
the productivity of the communities between subregions. As a result, it was decided to develop
the classification within the subregion framework. A subregion is a geographical area that has
broad vegetation zones combined with climatic data. As a result, the vegetation within each
subregion is strongly influenced by the climatic conditions.
Sampling for this guide occurred within the Dry and Central Mixedwood subregions .
This guide outlines the preliminary classification of 349 plots.
The procedure for inventory followed the Range Survey Manual (19921 and uses the
MF5 form. A plot consisted of a 10x10 m macroplot and ten randomly selected lxl m microplots
to record the canopy cover of shrubs and ten nested 20x50 cm microplots to record the canopy
cover of forbs and grass. At each macroplot a 50x100 cm was clipped and separated into trees,
shrubs, forbs and graminoids, oven dried and weighed. The recommended stocking rate is based
on 25 percent of the total production for forested types and 50% total production for grass and
shrubland types and the fact that one animal requires 455 kg of dry weight material for one month
of grazing.
How to use the guide
First decide what subregion you are in. Then decide the appropriate category the
community type is in within each subregion. If the area has been cleared of trees, broken, and
seeded down to tame forage species such as timothy or creeping red fescue, the community will
be in the TAME GRASS category. If the area does not have an overstory tree canopy and has
not been cleared and broken, the community will fall under the NATIVE GRASS and
SHRUBLANDS category. The DECIDUOUS category includes all plant communities that are
dominated by deciduous tree species. Communities which have begun to undergo succession
from a deciduous to a conifer dominated overstory with an overstory cover greater than 1 5% for
both deciduous and coniferous species fall into the MIXEDWOOD category. Those communities
4
dominated by a conifer overstory, White spruce. Black spruce or Jack pine are classified in the
CONIFER category. Three plots were sampled in deciduous cutblocks. These plots were
included in the deciduous category under deciduous cutblocks.
In order to understand how the community types in this guide are related to the ecosites
and ecosite phases outlined in “Ecosites of Northern Alberta” (Beckingham and Archibald 1996),
the community types in this guide are arranged by ecosite and ecosite phase (Table 1). Ecosites
are defined as ecological units that develop under similar environmental influences (climate,
moisture and nutrient regime). An ecosite phase is a subdivision of the ecosite based on the
dominant species in the canopy. Table 1 is a reproduction of Figure 1 1 in the Ecosites of
Northern Alberta guide with the community types in this guide highlighted. For the most part the
ecosites and ecosite phases are the same, particularly for the forested community types, but a
number of new ecosites had to be created for the grass and shrubland community types (Table 1).
These included (dd)(mesic/medium) purple oatgrass/california oatgrass, (bb)(submesic/poor)
grassland/shubland and (aa)(subxeric/medium) grassland. The “Grazing succession” category
(Table 1) outlines the successionl sequence the community type will undergo with increased
grazing pressure. DM refers to Dry Mixedwood subregion and CM refers to Central Mixedwood
subregion.
In the rest of the guide the dominant plant species, canopy cover, environmental
conditions, response to grazing, forage production and carrying capacity of the various
community types for the Dry and Central Mixedwood subregions are outlined.
Results
The analysis of the 349 plots distinguished 90 community types in the two subregions.
These types were split into 4 categories within each subregion:
Dry Mixedwood subregion
DMA. Native grass and shrubland 13 types
DMB. Tame grasslands 8 types
DMC. Deciduous community types 16 types
DMD. Mixedwood and Conifer community types 9 types
Central Mixedwood subregion
CMA. Native grass and shrubland 12 types
CMB. Tame grasslands 7 types
CMC. Deciduous community types 15 types
CMD. Mixedwood and Conifer community types 10 types
The dominant plant species, canopy cover, environmental conditions, forage production and
carrying capacity (when available) are outlined for each community type.
5
s «
DRY MIXEDWOOD SUBREGION
GRASSLAND AND SHRUBLAND COMMUNITY TYPES
Photo 1. The Western porcupine grass-Sedge/Fringed sage community is found throughout the
Dry Mixedwood subregion on the south-facing slopes of the Smoky, Wapiti and Peace Rivers.
This community provides early spring forage for both wildlife and cattle.
Photo 2. This picture represents the transition from sedge-marsh reedgrass meadows to willow
sedge dominated community types. These community types provide a large amount of forage, but
the moist conditions limit their use by livestock.
12
DM - NATIVE GRASS AND SHRUBLAND COMMUNITIES
The Dry Mixedwood subregion represents the transition between the Boreal forest and
Parkland subregions. Aspen Parkland-like vegetation can develop where site conditions or
drought conditions occur in combination with the driest climatic conditions (Strong 1992). The
Grande Prairie area is an example where a number of these conditions occur. It is within this area
that a number of native upland grassland community types have been described. On steep, south-
facing slopes of the Smoky, Wapiti and Peace Rivers with subxeric moisture regimes and medium
nutrient regimes the Western porcupine grass-Sedge/Fringed sage and Northern
wheatgrass/Fringed sage community types are common (Figure 1). The Purple oatgrass-Sedge-
Califomia oatgrass community type is found on more upland sites with mesic moisture and
medium nutrient regimes. Wilkinson and Johnston (1983) felt these grasslands to be the climax
community type on Solonetzic soils. Indeed, Adams (1981) found the Western porcupine grass-
Sedge dominated community on the Peace River slopes to be associated with Dark Gray Solods
and Solonetzic Gray Luvisols. These grasslands provide important forage locally for both wildlife
and domestic livestock. The grasslands of the south-facing river slopes are important spring
forage sources because of early spring green-up.
On coarse textured, sandy soil, with submesic moisture and poor nutrient regimes which
lack tree cover are found the Plains wormwood/Sedge and Saskatoon/Bearberry/Northem
ricegrass community types. These community types are usually found in association with Jack
pine dominated community types.
Wetter (subhydric/rich) sites are associated with sedge and marsh reedgrass dominated
meadows. Sedge species are usually associated with the areas of free standing water and marsh
reedgrass dominates the drier edges. Willow will invade into these meadows to form the
Willow/Sedge and Willow/Marsh reedgrass community types.
13
South River Slopes
Western porcupine grass-Sedge/
Fringed sage
Northern wheatgrass/
Paper birch/Alder/ Fringed sage /
Figure 1 . Ecology of the native grass and shrublands in the landscape of the
Dry Mixedwood subregion.
Carrying
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number (Kg/ha) (Ha/AUM)
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DMA1. Sedge meadows
(Car ex aquatilis , C. ro strata, C. atherodes)
n=3 This wetland community type is found near fresh water. The sedge meadow is a poorly drained community.
As one moves to the drier edges marsh reedgrass becomes predominant. Willows will invade into both the sedge and
marsh reedgrass dominated meadows. The sedge meadow community is very productive, but the high water table,
particulary in the spring when the sedge species are most palatable, restricts livestock movement. One study done in
the Yukon found that crude protein on these meadows declined from a high of 10% in May to less than 5% in
September (Bailey et al. 1 992).
Beaked sedge found in abundance in this community is usually associated with nitrogen rich conditions and
moving water (Bnerly et al. 1 985). Water sedge is often found in abundance in this community type and is associated
with calcium rich stagnant water (MacKinnon et al. 1 992).
Plant Composition canopy covers soil drainage (mean):
Poorly to very poorly
Shrubs
Willow spp.
(Salix spp.) is Carrying Capacity
Forbs
Marsh willowherb
( Epilobium palustris)' 1
Dock
(Rumex acetosa) 1
Skull cap
( Scutellaria galericulata) 1
Grasses
Beaked sedge
( Carex rostrata)
54
Awned sedge
(Carex atherodes)
31
Water sedge
(Carex aquatilis )
2
Marsh reedgrass
(Calamagrostis canadensis )
1
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)(N)
Grass 3325(1054-5028)
Forb 27(0-80)
Shrub 40(0-120)
Total 3392(1254-5028)
Recommended stocking Rate
0.3 Ha/AUM (Autumn only)
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime (mean):
Subhydric-Hygric
Nutrient Regime (mean
Permesotrophic
Elevation:
586(579-600) m
17
DMA2. Marsh reedgrass meadow
(Calcimagrostis canadensis)
n=l This community is found on the edges of sedge meadows and moist draws where the water table is lower. The
lower water table makes this community accessible for most of the grazing season. Willow will invade onto these sites
to form the Willow/Marsh reedgrass community type. Increased grazing pressure on these sites will cause marsh
reedgrass to decline and their will be an invasion of Kentucky bluegrass and dandelion. These sites are highly
productive for domestic livestock and should be rated as primary range.
Plant Composition canopy coverc/.)
Elevation:
600 m
Shrubs
Willow spp.
Soil Drainage (mean):
(Salix spp.)
1
Poorly
Prickly rose
(Rosa acicularis )
2
Forbs
Leafy-bracted aster
Carrying Capacity
(Aster sibricus)
4
Dock , sorrel
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)(N)
(Rumex crispus)
1
Grass 1254
Grasses
Forb 1170
Total 2424
Marsh reedgrass
(Calamagroslis canadensis)
72
Baltic rush
(Juncus balticus)
9
Suggested Stocking Rate
Kentucky bluegrass
0.4 Ha/AUM
(Poa pratensis )
6
Water sedge
(Carex aquatilis )
3
Awned sedge
(Carex atherodes )
1
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime (mean):
Subhygric-Hygric
Nutrient Regime (mean):
Permesotrophic
18
DMA3. Plains wormwood/Sedge
(Artemisia campestris/Carex spp.)
n=l This community type is found on coarse textured, sandy soils. It is generally found on hilltops and south-facing
slopes in openings among Jack pine on the uplands and black spruce in the lowlands. This community type was also
described on similar site conditions in the Central Mixedwood subregion. This community would be considered either
secondary or non-use range for domestic livestock because of the low forage production and fragile nature of the
community.
Plant Composition canopy c0vert%i
Forbs
Slope(Range):
10
Aspect:
South to westerly
Scouring rush
( Equisetum hyemale)
Plains wormwood
(Artemisia campestris)
LOW GOLDENROD
(Solidago missouriensis)
American vetch
(Vicia americana)
Yellow beardstongue
16
10
3
3
Carrying Capacity
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)
Grass 652
Forb 525
Shrub 86
Total 1263
( Penstemon confertus)
2
Suggested Stocking Rate
Kentucky bluegrass
(Poa pratensis )
Creeping red fescue
0.7 Ha/AUM
9
(Festuca rubra)
Sedge
5
(Carex spp)
Sheep fescue
35
(. Festuca saximontana )
4
Environment al Variables
Moisture Regime (mean):
SUBMESIC-MESIC
Nutrient Regime (mean):
MESOTROPHIC
Elevation:
606 m
Soil Drainage (mean):
Rapidly To Well
19
.
DMA4. Purple oatgrass-Sedge-California oatgrass
(Schizachne purpurascens-Carex spp.-Danthonia calif ornica)
n=4 This community appears to be characteristic of dry grassy meadows on dark colored Solonetzic soils and
gentle to level areas throughout the Dry Mixedwood subregion. Wilkinson and Johnson ( 1 982), found there was a close
correlation between large tracts of prairie vegetation and the distribution of solonetzic soils in the Peace River district
of Alberta. They specifically described Western porcupine grass-Sedge/Fringed sage community on steep south -facing
slopes and a Sedge-Califomia oatgrass-Westem porcupine grass on more gentle slopes. They felt the solonetzic soils
supported grasslands and not forests because of their unfavourable ratios of Ca and Na, hard, columnar B-horizon, and
relatively impermeable clay pan close to the surface. This community type appears to more similar to their Sedge-
Califomia oatgrass-Westem porcupine grass community type. It is likely the heavy grazing pressure of the described
sites favours the growth of purple oatgrass over Western porcupine grass on these sites.
This community type would be rated as primary range. Indeed many of the sites described were old homestead
sites.
Plant Composition canopy cover£%j Environmental Variables
Shrubs
Prickly rose
(Rosa acicularis )
Snowberry
(Sym p h or i carp os occidentalis)
Saskatoon
( Amelanchier alnifolia )
Forbs
Strawberry
(Fragaria virginiana)
Meadow rue
(ThalicU'um venulosum)
Dandelion
(T araxacum officinale)
Yarrow
(Achllea millefolium)
American vetch
( Vicia americana)
Grasses
Purple oatgrass
(Schizachne purpurascens)
Slender wheatgrass
(Agropyron trachycaulum)
Kentucky bluegrass
(Poa pratensis )
Prairie sedge
(Carex prairea )
JUNEGRASS
( Koeleria macrantha)
California oatgrass
(Danthonia californica )
3
12
1
14
4
8
6
5
25
12
12
9
4
9
Moisture Regime (mean):
Mesic
Nutrient Regime (mean):
Mesotrophic
Elevation:
576-606(584) m
Soil Drainage (mean):
Well
Slope % (Range):
2(0-5)
Aspect:
South to west
Carrying Capacity
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)
Grass 1463 (626-2578)
Forb 818(500-1192)
Shrub 227(0-606)
Total 2508(1600-3316)
Suggested Stocking Rate
0.4 Ha/AUM
20
DMA5. Western porcupine grass-Sedge/F ringed sage
(Stipa curti seta-Car ex sppJ Artemisia frigida)
n=2 This community type is found on steep, south-facing slopes along the banks of the Peace, Smoky and Wapiti
rivers throughout the Diy Mixedwood subregion. Wilkinson and Johnson ( 1 982), found there was a close correlation
between large tracts of prairie vegetation and the distribution of solonetzic soils in the Peace River district of Alberta.
They specifically described Western porcupine grass-Sedge/Fringed sage community on steep south -facing slopes and
a Sedge-Califomia oatgrass-Westem porcupine grass on more gentle slopes. They felt the solonetzic soils supported
grasslands and not forests because of their unfavourable ratios of Ca and Na, hard, columnar B-horizon, and relatively
impermeable clay pan close to the surface. Adams (1981), found this community type as being a major source of spring
forage for livestock in the Peace River area. He found that with increased grazing pressure sedge, junegrass, northern
and western wheatgrass would increase as western porcupine grass declines. Often this community type is on steep
enough slopes to be considered non-use for domestic livestock.
Plant Composition canopy covers
Shrubs
Fringed sage
(Artemisia frigida)
3
WILLOW
(Salix spp. )
10
Snowberry
(Symphoricarpos occidentalis)
4
Forbs
Little leaved everlasting
(Antermaria parviflora)
2
White camus
(Zigadenus elegat is)
1
Grasses
Western porcupine grass
(Stipa curtiseta )
27
Blunt sedge
(Carex obtusata)
23
Green needlegrass
(Stipa viridula)
3
Junegrass
(Koeleria macrantha)
10
Western wheatgrass
(Agropyron smithii)
3
Kentucky bluegrass
(Poa pratensis)
4
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime (mean):
xeric
Nutrient Regime (mean):
SUBMESOTROPHIC (2)
Elevation:
455-606(53 1)m
Soil Drainage (mean):
Very rapidly
Slope:
35%
Aspect:
South and west
Carrying Capacity
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)
Grass 729(752-806)
Forb 68(0-136)
Total 847(752-942)
Suggested Stocking Rate
1.1 ha/Aum
21
DMA6. Northern wheatgrass/F ringed sage
(Agropyron dasystachyum Artemisia frigida)
n=l This community type is found on steep, south-facing slopes along the banks of the Peace, Smoky and Wapiti
rivers throughout the D17 Mixedwood subregion. Adams (1981), felt this community type would form when the
Western porcupine grass community was heavily to moderately grazed, but this community type was described in an
area that had little grazing pressure. This community was located on a much steeper slope (90% vs 35%) than the
previously described Western porcupine grass community type. It is likely that the drier site conditions and shallower
soils favour the growth of northern wheatgrass over Western porcupine grass. This community type is located on a
steep enough slope to be considered non-use for domestic livestock.
Plant Composition Canopy Cover! %)
Shrubs
Forbs
Grasses
Fringed sage
{Artemisia frigida ) 5
Saskatoon
( Amelanchier ahiifolia) 8
Rose
(Rosa acicularis ) 8
Snowberry
(Symphoricarpos occidentals ) 1 0
Wild blue flax
(Liman lewesii) 4
Lindley’s aster
(Aster ciliolatus ) 2
Loose flowered milk vetch
(Astragalus tenellus ) 2
Dandelion
(Taraxacum offincinale) 2
Northern wheat grass
(Agropyron dasystachyum ) 1 7
Blunt sedge
(Carex obtusata ) 1
Richardson needlegrass
(Stipa richardsonii) 3
Junegrass
(Koeleria macrantha) 6
Western wheatgrass
(Agropyron smithii ) 2
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime (mean):
xeric
Nutrient Regime (mean):
Submesotrophic (2)
Elevation:
455 m
Soil Drainage (mean):
Very rapidly
Slope:
90%
Aspect:
South and west
Carrying Capacity
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)
Grass
798
Forb
80
Shrub
316
Total
1194
Suggested Stocking Rate
1.0ha/Aum
RECOMMENDED STOCKING RATE
NON-USE
22
DMA7. Saskatoon/Bearberry/Indian ricegrass
(Amelcmchier cilnifolia/Arctostaphylos uva-ursi/Oryzopsis pungens)
n=l This community represents small grassy openings within jack pine forests. Jack pine stands are associated
with rapidly drained, acidic soils and poor nutrient status due to the coarse-textured eolian and fluvial parent material
(Beckingham and Archibald 1 996). It is likely these grassy openings are even drier, which favours the growth of
shrubs. Forage productivity on these sites is only moderate averaging only 677 kg/ha. These sites are also heavily
utilized by wildlife. As a result caution should be used when managing these sites for domestic livestock grazing to
prevent overutilization.
Plant .CoMPQaiiQN Canopy CovERf%) Environmental Variables
Shrubs
Blueberry
( Vaccinium myrtilloides) 2
Hazelnut
{Coiylus cornu ta ) 1
Snowberry
( Symphoricarpos occidentalis ) 7
Saskatoon
(. A melanchier alni folia ) 1 5
Prickly rose
{Rosa acicularis) 1 3
Forbs
Bearberry
(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 1 5
Strawberry
(Fragaria virginiana ) 3
Yellow peavine
(Lathy rus ochroleucus) 2
Lindley’s aster
(Aster ciliolatus ) 1
Grasses
Northern ricegrass
{Otyzopsis pungens) 5
Slender wheatgrass
{Agropyron trachycaulum ) 2
Blunt sedge
(Carex obtusata ) 4
Hairy wildrye
( Elymus innova tus) T
Kentucky bluegrass
( Poa pratensis ) 3
Moisture Regime (mean):
Mesic-submesic
Nutrient Regime (mean):
Submesotrophic-Mesotrophic
Elevation:
455-606(505) m
Soil Drainage (mean):
Very rapidly to well
Slope (Range):
1(0-2)
Aspect:
Southerly
Carrying Capacity
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)
Grass 344(124-564)
Forb 189(82-296)
Shrub 144(104-184)
Total 677(524-830)
Suggested Stocking Rate
1.3 Ha/AUM
23
DMA8. Saskatoon/Sweet clover/Smooth brome
(Amelanchier abiifolici/Meliolatus officinalis/Brormis inermis)
n=2 This community type appears to represent the Saskatoon/Bearberry/Northem ricegrass community type
which has undergone disturbance by livestock. Sweet clover and smooth brome are both weedy species and occur
essentially where roads and settlement occurs. Sweet clover is well adapted to growing on roadsides and in waste
places. Therefore, it is well suited to growing in the poor nutrient soils of the Saskatoon/Bearberry/Northem
ricegrass community type. Unfortunately, forage production was not done for this community type, but sweet
clover and brome can be very productive if grazed before they become overmature.
Plant Composition canopy covers
Environmental Variables
Trees
Aspen
Moisture Regime (mean):
(Populus tremuloides)
5
SUBMESIC-MESIC
Shrubs
Snowberry
Nutrient Regime (mean):
(Symphoricarpos occidentalis)
20
submesotrophic-Mesotrophic
Prickly rose
(Rosa acicularis)
37
Elevation:
Saskatoon
455 m
( Amelanchier alnifolia )
7
Forbs
Soil Drainage (mean):
Strawberry
well To Moderately Well
(Fragaria virginiana)
1
Cream colored vetchling(peavine)
Slope (Range):
(Lathyrus ochroleucus)
2
4(3-5)
Northern bedstraw
(Galium boreale)
5
Aspect:
Sweet clover
Southerly
{Meliolatus officinalis)
8
Grasses
Smooth brome
Carrying Capacity
(Bromus inermis)
7
Ross's sedge
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)
(Carex rossii)
6
Timothy
Total 1 500*Estimate
( Phleum pratense)
Kentucky bluegrass
(Poa pratensis)
5
1
Suggested Stocking Rate
0.6 HA/AUM
24
DMA9. Kentucky bluegrass-Hairgrass
{Poa prcitensis-Agrostis sea bra)
n=l This community type represents a Marsh reedgrass meadow that has undergone heavy prolonged grazing
pressure and is now dominated by Kentucky bluegrass, rough hairgrass and dandelion. This community is a fairly
productive community type and the species are generally palatable to livestock when grazed in the vegetative state, but
the extremely heavy grazing pressure which is needed to displace the native grass species indicates that there are
livestock distribution problems that should be addressed.
Plant Composition canopy coyfr(%>
Forbs
Dandelion
Carrying Capacity
(T araxacum officinale)
60
Yellow peavine
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)
(Lathyrus ochroleucus)
12
Wild Strawberry
Grass 1382
(Fragaria virginiand)
14
Forb 1682
Yarrow
Total 3064
(Achillea millefolium)
Horsetail
11
( Equisetum arvense)
7
Grasses
Suggested Stocking Rate
Kentucky bluegrass
0.3 Ha /AUM
(Poa pratensis)
Rough Hairgrass
18
( Agrostis scahra)
Slender wheatgrass
17
(Agropyron trachycaulum)
Fringed brome
5
( Bromus ciliatus)
4
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime (mean):
Hygric-Subhygric
Nutrient Regime (mean):
Permesotrophic
Elevation:
697 m
Soil Drainage (mean):
Imperfectly
25
1
DMA10. Willow/Sedge
(Salix spp./Carex spp.)
n=2 This community type is found along the edges of sedge meadows and in moist depressions. Willow becomes
established at the edges of the sedge meadows due to the shorter duration of standing water. Increased flooding and
prolonged waterlogging may result in the disappearance of willow and a transition to a water sedge meadow.
These sites are fairly productive but difficult to graze due to the moist ground conditions and heavy shrub
cover which reduces access and mobility within the area.
Plant Composition canopy covF.nr%i
Shrubs
Willow spp.
(Salix spp.) 25
Forbs
Mint
(Mentha arvensis) 1
Green sorel
(Rumex acetosa) 1
Grasses
Awned sedge
(Care x atherodes) 47
Marsh reedgrass
(Calamagrostis canadensis) 1
Beaked sedge
(Carex rostra ta) 39
Water sedge
(Carex aquatilis ) 2
Carrying Capacity
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)
Grass 673(344-1002)
Forb 470(52-888)
Shrub 11(0-22)
Total 1169(448-1890)
Suggested Stocking Rate
0.8 Ha /AUM
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime (mean):
Subhydric
Nutrient Regime (mean):
Permesotrophic
Elevation:
576-606(588) m
Soil Drainage (mean):
Poorly
26
DMA11. Willow/Marsh reedgrass-Kentucky bluegrass
(Salix spp./Calamagrostis canadensis-Poa pratensis)
n=l This community type is veiy similar to the Marsh reedgrass meadow, but has been heavily grazed favouring
the growth of Kentucky bluegrass and dandelion. Continued heavy grazing pressure will eventually lead to a community that
is similar to the Kentucky bluegrass-Rough hairgrass dominated community type.
Plant Composition Canopy Cover(%)
Shrubs
Willow spp.
(Salix spp.)
Snowberry
35
( Symphoricarpos occidentalis )
2
Forbs
Strawberry
(Fragaria virginiana)
Dandelion
1
(T araxacum offmcinale)
Yellow peavine
41
(Lathyi'us ochroleucus)
2
Grasses
Marsh reedgrass
(Ca/atnagrostis canadensis)
Kentucky bluegrass
43
(Poa pratensis)
Baltic rush
32
(Juncus balticus)
9
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime (mean):
SUBHYGRIC
Carrying Capacity
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)
Grass 1922
Forb 176
Shrub 28
Total 2126
Suggested Stocking Rate
0.4 Ha/AUM
Nutrient Regime (mean):
Permesotrophic
Elevation:
600 m
Soil Drainage (mean):
Imperfectly
27
DMA 12. Willow/Horsetail/Marsh reedgrass
(Salix spp./Equisetum an’ensis/Calamagrostis canadensis)
n=l This community type appeals to be transitional between the horsetail (hygric/rich) and shrubby rich fen
(subhydric/rich) ecosites described by Beckingham and Arcliibald (1996). It has plant species characteristic of both ecosites.
This community type was also described in an area that had been extensively utilized by livestock. It is possible that the
heavy grazing pressure favoured the growth of horsetail.
This community type is only moderately productive. Horsetail the principal forage species is generally unpalatable
to domestic livestock and can be poisonous to livestock in large amounts (Lodge et al. 1 968). Consequently, this community
type should be rated as secondary or non-use range.
Plant Composition Canopy Cover(%)
Shrubs
Willow spp.
(Salix spp.) 60
Bracted honeysuckle
( Lonicera involcrata ) 1
Prickly rose
(Rosa acicularis ) 1 0
Forbs
Strawberry
(Fragaria virginiana) 5
Lindley's aster
(Aster ciliolatus) 9
Common horsetail
(Equisetum arvensis) 1 8
Large Leaved yellow avens
(Geum macrophyllum) 3
Dewberry
(Rubus pubescens ) 5
Grasses
Marsh reedgrass
(Calamagrostis canadensis) 22
Hair-like sedge
(Carex capillaris) 1
Environmental Variables
Elevation:
667 m
Soil Drainage (mean):
Moderately well
Carrying Capacity
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)
Grass 580
forb 1272
Total 1852
Suggested Stocking Rate
0.5 Ha /AUM
Recommended Rate
Non-Use
Moisture Regime (mean):
subhygric
Nutrient Regime (mean):
Permesotrophic
28
DMA13. Paper birch-Alder/Horsetail
(Be tula papyrifera-Alnus tenuifolia/Equisetum an’ensis)
n=l This community represents a lowland site surrounding open water. The presence of larch and black spruce indicate
the succession to a black spruce dominated community type. The high cover of alder indicates a relatively rich nutrient
regime, but succession to black spruce will cause a leaching of nutrients as the soil begins to acidify. The forage productivity
of this community is poor and many of the plant species are unpalatable. Consequently, this community type would be
considered non-use for domestic livestock.
Plant Composition Canopy CovERf%I
Trees
Paper birch
{Be tula papyrifera) 25
Larch
{Larix laricina ) 5
Black spruce
( Picea mariana ) 3
Shrubs
Willow spp.
(Salix spp.) 3
River alder
{Alrtus tenuifolia ) 45
Bracted honeysuckle
{Lonicera involcrata ) 8
FORBS
Dewberry
(Rubus pu be see ns) 6
Bishop’s cap
(Mitella nuda) 5
HORSETAIL
(Equisetum arvensis) 28
Twinflower
(Lirmaea borealis) 3
Nutrient Regime (mean):
Permesotrophic
Elevation:
606 m
Soil Drainage (mean):
Imperfectly
Carrying Capacity
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)
Grass 1 02
Forb 330
Shrub 1 04
Total 536
Suggested Stocking Rate
3.4 Ha/AUM
Recommended Rate
Non-Use
Grasses
SEDGE
(Carex spp.) 3
Marsh reedgrass
{Calamagrostis canadensis ) 9
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime (mean):
Hygric
29
DRY MIXEDWOOD SUBREGION
TAME FORAGE COMMUNITIES
Photo 3. Typical Range improvement clearing in the Dry Mixedwood subregion
30
DM - TAME FORAGE COMMUNITIES
(Cleared areas that have been broken and seeded to tame forage)
Throughout the Dry mixedwood subregion there are sites that have been deforested,
broken, and seeded to tame forage. Usually these areas are mesic and moderately well to well
drained with good nutrient levels. Because most of these tame forage stands are established on
similar sites, the most influential factors affecting plant species composition are stand
establishment and grazing regime.
Stand establishment is important because it determines what the initial plant species
composition is going to be. Seed bed preparation and the type of seed sown are the two most
important factors influencing stand establishment. Seed bed preparation is important because it
helps to determine how well the sown seed germinates and establishes. If the seed bed is not well
prepared the tame forage stand may establish poorly and native species can become a dominant
component of the plant community. If the seed bed is well prepared, the community type that
establishes will depend on the type of seed sown. If a mixture of Creeping Red Fescue, Timothy,
and Aisike Clover is sown into the area a Creeping Red Fescue/ Alsike Clover community type
will become established. Whereas, if a mixture of Smooth Brome Grass, Timothy, Creeping Red
Fescue, and Red Clover is sown, a Smooth Brome/ Red Clover community type will become
established.
After the stand is established, the grazing regime applied to the stand will determine the
plant species composition. Generally, a light to moderate amount of grazing allows the stand to
maintain itself while sustained heavy grazing causes the stand to degrade. Damage to a stand due
to over grazing occurs more readily while the stand is establishing than it does when the stand is
established. This is because the forage plants in an establishing stand have not had time to
develop energy reserves in their roots, and are therefore, more susceptible to grazing induced
damage.
Well distributed light to moderate grazing will normally maintain a forage stand similar to
what was seeded on the site. These stands are generally the most productive and provide the best
grazing opportunities for livestock. They are normally considered to be in good to excellent
range condition. Non use or very light grazing often results in the stand becoming dominated by
the forage species that is most competitive under an ungrazed situation. Plant community
changes which occur under heavy grazing are dependent on the grazing history (level of use,
season of use and duration of the grazing regime). Overgrazed community types develop over a
long period of repeated overgrazing. If weedy species such as Tall Buttercup, become established
on overgrazed sites, they can quickly become a dominant species.
31
Table 3. Tame forage communities of the Dry Mixedwood subregion
Community Community type Productivity (kg/ha) Ecosite Carrying
number capacity
(ha/AUM)
Grass Forb Shrub Total
<L>
c/3
3
i
C
m x <n o x to m to
o’ o’ o' Z o’ o’ o’ o'
£
X
£
£
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JS
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3
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£
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£
£
—
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C/3
£
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on
£
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Tame grass plant communities
C
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33
DMB1. Kentucky bluegrass/Clover-Dandelion
(Poa pratensis / Trifolium spp. -Taraxacum officinale)
n=7 This community type has had a history of being grazed heavily throughout the growing season. Heavy grazing
throughout the growing season, allows kentucky bluegrass, clover, and dandelion to out-compete all of the other
vegetation. This community occurs on tame pastures or native rangeland that has been over grazed. It is considered
to be in poor condition because forage production and nutritional value have been degraded
Plant Composition Canopy Cover(%)
Trees
n/a 0
Shrubs
Prickly Rose
(Rosa acicularis j T
Forbs
Clover
(T rifolium spp.) 1 2
Dandelion
(Taraxacum officinale) 35
Wild Strawberry
(Fragaria virginiana) 2
Grasses
Creeping Red Fescue
(Festuca rubra) T
Timothy
(Phleum pratense) 3
Kentucky Bluegrass
(Poa pratensis) 49
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime (mean):
Mesic-Subhygric
Nutrient Regime (mean):
Mesotrophic to Permesotrophic
Elevation:
457-606 (587)m
Soil Drainage (mean):
Well to moderately well
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha
Grass 1408(557-2270)
Forbs 702(60-1772)
Shrubs 13(0-100)
Total 2120(989-3051)
Suggested Stocking Rate
0.5 ha/aum
34
DMB2. Kentucky bluegrass/Canada thistle
(Poa pratensis/Cirsinm arvense)
n=l This community type represents a native Marsh reedgrass community that has been heavily grazed for a
prolonged period of time. The heavy grazing pressure has eliminated the native species cover and has allowed
Kentucky bluegrass, dandelion and Canada thistle to invade onto the site. Canada thistle is unpalatable to livestock
and restricts their movement throughout the field. If left untreated it will dominate the site and the field will become
unuseable. Mowing or spraying with herbicide will help to control Canada thistle.
Plant Composition canopy covf.ri%i Soil Drainage (mean):
Moderately well
Forbs
Clover
(T rifolium spp.) 6
Dandelion
(T araxacum officinale) 1 9
Canada thistle
(Cirsium arvense) 29
Grasses
Creeping Red Fescue
(Festuca rubra) 1
Foxtail barley
(Hordeum jubatum) 1
Kentucky Bluegrass
(Poa pratensis) 75
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev);
Grass 1 500
Forbs 500
Total 2000
Suggested Stocking Rate
0.6 HA/AUM
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime (mean):
SUBHYGRIC
Nutrient Regime (mean):
Permesotrophic.
Elevation:
609m
35
DMB3. Timothy/Dandelion
(Phleum pratense / Taraxacum officinale)
n=3 This community type develops on sites that were seeded with a timothy, smooth brome, creeping red fescue,
clover mixture. Timothy establishes much quicker than creeping red fescue or smooth brome on pastures that have
been recently seeded. Eventually creeping red fescue and smooth brome will outcompete timothy and this community
will likely become dominated by creeping red fescue and smooth brome. Timothy provides excellent forage for
domestic livestock, especialy if timothy is kept in the vegetative state by mowing or grazing.
Plant Composition canopy covers Environmental Variables
Shrubs
Willow spp.
(Salix spp.) 1 3
Forbs
Alsike Clover
(T rifolium hybridum) 1 2
Dandelion
(T araxacum officinale) 1 9
Wild Strawberry
(Fragaria virginiana) 4
Grasses
Creeping Red Fescue
(Festuca rubra) 1 2
Timothy
(Phleum pratense) 50
Smooth brome
(Bromus inermis) 1 1
Moisture Regime (mean):
Mesic to subhygric
Nutrient Regime (mean):
Mesotrophic to Permesotrophic
Elevation:
576-70 1(658)m
Soil Drainage (mean):
Well (moderately well)
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 3893(2294-5492)
Forbs 565(360-770)
Shrubs 0
Total 4458(3004-5852)
Suggested Stocking Rate
0.2 HA/AUM
36
DMB4. Foxtail barley/Sweet clover
(Hordewn jubatum/Meliolatus officinalis)
n=l This community was found in a depressional area on a river flood plain in a field that appeared to have
been cultivated. It is likely the cultivation process allowed foxtail barley to mvade onto the site. Foxtail barley is
also well adapted to growing on saline soils (Bailey et al. 1 992). It is likely that the soils of this site are slightly
saline. This community type would be considered non-use because the principle forage species foxtail barley is
generally unpalatable to livestock. Foxtail barley can also cause injury to livestock. The sharp seeds and awns may
work their way into tongues, gums, eyes, noses or skins of animals.
Plant Composition Canopy Cover(%)
Forbs
Clover
(T rifolium spp.) 5
Sweet clover
(Meliolatus officinalis) 5
Yellow lucerne
(Medicago falcata) 1 1
Common plantain
( Plantago major ) 4
Canada thistle
( Cirsium arvense ) 2
Grasses
Foxtail barley
(Hordeum jubatum) 68
Timothy
(Phleum pratense) 1 8
Fowl Bluegrass
(Poa palustris) 1
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime (mean):
Mesic to subhygric
Nutrient Regime (mean):
Mesotrophic to Permesotrophic (3.30)
Elevation:
455m
Soil Drainage (mean):
MODERATELY WELL
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 1200
Forbs 300
Shrubs 0
Total 1500
Suggested Stocking Rate
Non - use
37
DMB5. Quackgrass/Dandelion
(Agropyron repens/Taraxacum officinale)
n=l This community type was described next to an old homestead. Quackgrass is a rhizomatous, introduced
species that has become well established in the settled portions of the province as a vigorous, persistent weed. If
kept in the vegetative state it can provide good productive forage for domestic livestock. Unfortunately, once this
species has established onto cropland it is very difficult and expensive to control.
Plant Composition Canopy Cover(%)
Shrubs
Wild red raspberry
(Rubus ideaus) 30
Forbs
Yellow peavine
( Lathyrus ochroleucus) 2
Dandelion
(T araxacum officinale) 25
Common yarrow
(Achillea millefolium) 2
Grasses
Quackgrass
(Agropyron repens) 45
Kentucky Bluegrass
(Poa pratensis) 1 0
Smooth brome
(Bromus inermis ) 1 5
Creeping red fescue
( Festuca rubra ) 1 5
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime (mean):
Mesic
Nutrient Regime (mean):
Mesotrophic
Elevation:
579m
Soil Drainage (mean):
Well
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 1 500
Forbs 800
Shrubs 0
Total 2300
Suggested Stocking Rate
0.5 ha/aum
38
DMB6. Reed canary grass/Cicer milkvetch
(Phalaris anmdinacea/ Astragalus cicer)
n=l This community type represents pipelines that have been seeded with reed canary grass and cicer milkvetch.
Reed canary grass establishes quickly in wet places that have been disturbed. Care should be taken when seeding reed
canary grass. It appears that the commercial cultivars can be very invasive (Invasive plants of natural habitats 1 992).
In areas that have supported reed canaiy grass monocultures for extended periods many have seed banks devoid of other
species. Cicer milkvetch is also well adapted to growing on moist soils, but this species is also invasive. Plants of cicer
milkvetch were found growing off the pipeline under aspen. When seeding disturbed lands thought must be given to
the compatibility of the tame species to the surrounding environment. The two dominant species of this community
type appear to be invasive and probably should not have been seeded.
Plant Composition Canopy Cover(%I
Forbs
Clover
(T rifolium spp.) 6
Dandelion
(T araxacum officinale) 2
Cicer milkvetch
(Astragalus cicer) 26
Grasses
Creeping Red Fescue
(Festuca rubra) 1 1
Reed canary grass
(Phalaris arundinacea) 55
Timothy
( Phleum pratense) 9
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime (mean):
SUBHYGRIC
Nutrient Regime (mean):
Permesotrophic
Elevation:
667m
Soil Drainage (mean):
MODERATELY WELL
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 2995(2769-3221)
Total 2995(2769-3221)
Suggested Stocking Rate
0.3 ha/aum
39
DMB7. Creeping red fescue-Kentucky bluegrass/Dandelion
(Festuca rubra - Poa pratensi s/Taraxacum officinale)
n=9 This community type develops on sites that were seeded with a creeping red fescue, timothy, clover mixture
and have a history of moderate to heavy grazing which has allowed Kentucky bluegrass and dandelion to invade into
the stand. This community type is usually considered to be in fair condition.
Plant Composition Canopy CovERf%I
Trees
n/a 0
Shrubs
Prickly rose
( Rosa acicularis ) 3
Forbs
Clover
(T rifolium spp.) 9
Dandelion
(T araxacum officinale) 1 2
WILD STRAWBERRY
( Fragaria virginiana ) 1
Grasses
Creeping red fescue
(Festuca rubra) 49
SLENDER WHEATGRASS
(Agropyron trachycaulum) 1
Timothy
(Phleum pratense) 5
Kentucky bluegrass
(Poa pratensis) 1 3
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime (mean):
Mesic
Nutrient Regime (mean):
Mesotrophic to Permesotrophic
Elevation:
457-606(597)m
Soil Drainage (mean):
Well (moderately well)
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 1408(1104-227)
Forbs 702(60-1772)
Shrubs 13(0-100)
Total 2120(989-3051)
Suggested Stocking Rate
0.5 ha/aum
40
DMB8. Smooth brome-Creeping red fescue/Strawberry
(Bromus imrmis-Festuca rubra/Fragaria virginiana)
n=l This community type occurs on cleared pastures that were seeded with a smooth brome, creeping red fescue-
clover mix. With a moderate grazing regime, smooth brome grass is the most competitive forage plant seeded into this
site. It out-competes timothy because it is strongly rhizomatous and is able to fill in the gaps between plants allowing
it to shade out the timothy reducing its prominence in the stand,
fescue because it establishes faster.
Smooth brome grass also out-competes creeping red
Plant Composition canopy covf.ri%i
Shrubs
Environmental Variables
Prickly rose
Moisture Regime (mean):
(Rosa acicularis )
Forbs
2
Mesic
Clover
Nutrient Regime (mean):
(T rifolium spp.)
Dandelion
15
Mesotrophic
(T araxacum offincinale)
20
Elevation:
WILD STAWBERRY
579m
(Fragaria virginiana)
35
Soil Drainage (mean):
Grasses
Creeping Red Fescue
Well
(Festuca rubra)
Smooth brome
60
(Bromus inermis)
75
Carrying Capacity:
Timothy
(Phleum pratense)
5
KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
(Poa pratensis)
5
Grass 3248
Forbs
Shrubs
Total
62
0
3310
Suggested Stocking Rate
0.33 Ha/AUM
41
DRY MIXEDWOOD SUBREGION
DECIDUOUS FOREST COMMUNITY TYPES
Photo 4. Aw/Rose/Tall forb community type in the Dry Mixedwood subregion
42
DM - DECIDUOUS FOREST COMMUNITIES
All of the deciduous stands sampled in the Dry Mixedwood subregion were dominated by aspen
and had a significant rose understory. In both Brierley et al. (1985) and Beckingham's (1993)
deciduous classifications in the same subregion rose was the dominant or codominant understory
shrub species in nearly every aspen-dominated community type. In Beckingham's classification
rose was present in 205 of the 209 aspen-dominated stands. Rose is well adapted to a wide
variety of site conditions with a moderate supply of nutrients. The moisture regime can vary from
submesic to subhygric and the sites can be well to imperfectly drained.
It appears the secondary forb and shrub species in association with rose characterize the
ecological conditions of aspen forest types in the Dry Mixedwood subregion. Indeed, many of
the deciduous types in Beckingham's classification were based on the secondary shrub species.
In the Dry Mixedwood classification 9 community types were described in the Grande
Prairie and Peace River area (Debolt, Dunvegan, Falher, Smoky, Grimshaw, Manning, High Level
and Boyer Plains ecodistricts)(Strong and Thompson 1995). The Aspen/Bearberry-Rose type is
found on well-drained, sandy sites in association with jack pine stands. The Aspen/ Alder-Rose
type is found on moist, moderately drained sites at higher elevations and the
Aspen/Rose( Aw/Rose/Tall forb, Aw/Rose/Low forb, Aw/Rose-Hazelnut, Aw/Buffaloberry-Rose
and Aw/Saskatoon-Rose) site types are moderately well-drained, with mesic moisture and
mesotrophic nutrient regimes. Beckingham (1993), felt the Aspen/Buffaloberry type occurred on
somewhat nutrient-poor soils. The three stands in this classification were also found at higher
elevations (>650 m). The Aspen/Rose/Tall and Low forb community types occupy similar site
conditions. The difference between these two types may be related to grazing pressure. The
Aspen/Rose/Low forb type has a low total cover of forbs (48%), whereas the Aspen/Rose/Tall
forb type has a high total cover of forbs (81%). The increased grazing pressure in the
Aspen/Rose/Low forb type may have caused a reduction in forb cover. The Aspen/Rose-
Hazelnut type is found on mesic, well-drained sites and appears to be the reference deciduous
type for this subregion, particularly in the more eastern ecodistricts. The Aspen/Horsetail type
was found on one moist poorly drained site adjacent to some willow shrublands.
One balsam poplar-dominated community was described in the western ecodistricts. This
community was very typical of forests situated along the flood plains of rivers.
The hazelnut-dominated community types were very common within the eastern
ecodistricts in the southern part of the subregion (St. Paul, Bonnyville, Smoky Lake). The
presence of hazelnut appears to be indicative of warmer sites (Beckingham 1993) and have some
fire history (Downing and Karpuk 1992). The Aw/Hazelnut-Rose/Wild sarsaparilla was slightly
moister and appears to have a higher nutrient regime than the Aw/Hazelnut-Rose/Peavine
community type. The Aw/Rose-Blueberry community type is typical of sandy, well-drained sites
throughout the Dry Mixedwood subregion. This community type is very similar to the
Aw/Blueberry-Rose community type described in the Central Mixedwood subregion. The
Aw/Rose-Low-bush cranberry community type was described on the border between the Central
and Dry Mixedwood subregions. It resembles the modal Aw/Rose-dominated community
described in the Central Mixedwood subregion. The sequence of community types in the
landscape of the eastern ecodistricts is outlined in figure 2.
43
'
Aw - Aspen
44
Figure 2. Sequence of deciduous community types in the landscape of the Dry Mixedwood
subregion of east-central Alberta.
Table 4. Deciduous community types described in the Dry Mixedwood subregion
Community Community type Productivity (kg/ha) Ecosite Carrying
number capacity
(ha/AUM)
Grass Forb Shrub Total
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Table 4. Deciduous community types described in the Dry Mixedwood subregion
Community Community type Productivity (kg/ha) Ecosite Carrying
number capacity
(ha/AUM)
Grass Forb Shrub Total
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47
Key to deciduous communities in the western ecodistricts of the Dry Mixedwood subregion
Deciduous community types (Eastern ecodistricts)
Key to deciduous community types in the Dry Mixedwood of east-central Alberta
WESTERN ECODISTRICTS (GRANDE PRAIRIE, PEACE RIVER)
DMC1. Aw/Rose/Bearberry
(Populus tremuloide s/Rosa acicularis/Arctostaphylos uva-ursi )
n=3 This community type is found on dry, well -drained, sandy sites mterspersed with stands of jack pine and is part
of the blueberry ecosite outlined by Beckingham and Archibald (1996). The canopy cover of aspen is open allowing for
easy access by livestock, but the dry site conditions and poorer nutrient status limit the amount of regrowth after grazing.
If this community type is managed for one rotation a year, it can contribute significantly to the overall carrying capacity
of a lease. This community type would be considered to be primary range for domestic livestock.
Pi. ant Composition canopycovebI%i (fhyzopas pungem)
Trees
Trembling Aspen
( Populus tremuloides) 48
White spruce
(Picea glauca) 5
Shrubs
Prickly Rose
(Rosa acicularis) 1 4
SASKATOON
(Amelanchier alnifolia) 8
Blueberry
(V r actinium myrtilloides) 1
FORBS
BEARBERRY
(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 30
Twinflower
(Linnaea borealis) 8
Lindley's Aster
(Aster ciliolatus) 3
Wild lily of the valley
(Maianthemum canadense) 6
Yellow pe avine
(Lathyrus ochroleucus ) 7
Wild Sarsaparilla
(Aralia nudicaulis) 1
Grasses
Mountain Rice Grass
(Oryzopsis asperfolia) 1 3
Hairy wildrye
( Elymus innovatus ) 1 1
Purple oatgrass
( Schizachne purpurascens ) 6
Northern ricegrass
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime:
SUBMESIC
Nutrient Regime:
MESOTROPH1C
Elevation:
455 m
Soil Drainage:
Well
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 339(166-442)
Forbs 263(64-610)
Shrubs 145(56-266)
Total 728(230-1284)
Suggested Stocking Rate
2.5 HA/AUM
49
DMC2. Aw/Rose/Tall forb
( Populus tremuloide s/Rosa acicularis/Tall forbs)
n=8 This community type is part of the low bush cranberry ecosite outlined by Beckingham and Archibald ( 1 996).
This community type is also very similar to the Aspen/Rose/Low forb community type, but the cover of forbs is much
higher. This appears to be related to the grazing pressure. The higher the grazing pressure on the Aw/Rose/Tall forb
community type appears to cause a reduction in the cover of tall growing forbs (wild sarsparilla, fireweed, peavine,
showy aster) and favours the growth of low growing forbs (bunchberry, dewberry, wintergreen, strawberry). This
community type is providing a moderate amount of forage for domestic livestock and would be considered primary range
on a forested disposition.
Plant Composition canopy covERf%i
Trees
Trembling Aspen
(Populus tremuloides) 57
Balsam Poplar
(Populus balsamifera) 2
Shrubs
Hazelnut
(Corylus cornuta) 2
Wild Red Raspberry
(Rubus idaeus) 7
Bracted Honeysuckle
(Lonicera involucrata) 5
Prickly Rose
(Rosa acicularis) 1 4
Low BUSH CRANBERRY
( Viburnum edule ) 5
Forbs
Fireweed
(Epilobium angustifolium) 3
Dewberry or Running Raspberry
( Rubus pubescens) 4
Palmate-leaved Coltsfoot
(Petasites palmatus) 2
Wild Strawberry
(Fragaria virginiana) 1
Lindley's Aster
(Aster ciliolatus) 1
YELLOW PEAVINE
(Lathyrus ochroleucus ) 9
Wild Sarsaparilla
(Aralia nudicaulis) 29
Grasses
Marsh Reed Grass
(Calamagrostis canadensis) 3
Mountain ricegrass
( Oryzopsis asperifolia) 3
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime:
Mesic to Subhygric
Nutrient Regime:
Mesotrophic to Permesotrophic
Elevation:
455-600(496) m
Percent Slope Gradient:
0-25(5)
Soil Drainage:
Well to Moderately well
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 169(0-444)
Forbs 507(72-988)
Shrubs 282(118-378)
Total 958(624-1810)
Suggested Stocking Rate
1.9 ha/AUM
50
.
DMC3. Aw/Rose/Low forb
(Populus tremuloide s/Rosa acicu lari s/Low forbs )
n=19 This community type is part of the low bush cranberry ecosite described by Beckingham and Archibald ( 1 996)
and is very similar to the Aw/Rose/Tall forb community type previously described. The difference in the community
types appears to be related to the grazing pressure. The higher the grazing pressure on the Aw/Rose/Tall forb
community type appears to cause a reduction in the cover of tall growing forbs (wild sarsaparilla, fireweed, peavine,
showy aster) and favours the growth of low growing forbs (bunchberry, dewberry, wintergreen, strawberry). This
community type is providing a moderate amount of forage for domestic livestock and would be considered primary range
on a forested disposition.
Plant Composition Canopy Cover! %1
Trees
Trembling Aspen
(Populus tremuloides) 67
Balsam Poplar
(Populus balsamifera) 2
Shrubs
Willow spp.
(Salix spp.) 3
Saskatoon
(Amelanchier alnifolia) 3
Wild Red Raspberry
(Rubus idaeus) 8
SNOWBERRY
(Symphoricarpos occidentals) 6
Prickly Rose
(Rosa acicularis) 24
Forbs
Fireweed
(Epilobium angustifolium) 3
Dewberry or Running Raspberry
(Rubus pubescens) 4
Palmate-leaved Coltsfoot
(Petasites palmatus) 3
Wild Strawberry
(Fragaria virginiana) 3
Lindley's Aster
(Aster ciliolatus) 3
Bunchberry
(Comus canadensis) 4
Wild Sarsaparilla
(Aralia nudicaulis ) T
Wintergreen
( Pyrola asarifolia ) 3
Grasses
Marsh Reed Grass
(Calamagrostis canadensis) 4
Slender wheatgrass
( Agropyron trachycaulum) 6
Hairy wildrye
( Elymus innovatus ) 4
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime:
Mesic to Subhygric
Nutrient Regime:
Mesotrophic to Permesotrophic
Elevation:
455-697(524) m
Percent Slope Gradient:
0-5
Soil Drainage:
Well to Moderately well
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 285(12-996)
Forbs 339(90-842)
Shrubs 300(0-896)
Total 937(414-2074)
Suggested Stocking Rate
2.0 ha/aum
51
DMC4. Aw/Rose-Hazelnut
(Populus tremuloides/Rosa acicularis-Corylus cornuta)
n=6 Beaked hazelnut is a common component of many of the deciduous stands in both the western and eastern
ecodistricts of the Dry Mixedwood subregion. The presence of hazelnut appears to be indicative of warmer sites and
have some fire history (Downing and Karpuk 1 992). The total forage productivity of this community type is only
moderate, but the majority of the production is coming from hazelnut, which is largely unpalatable to livestock at proper
stocking levels. The high cover of hazelnut also restricts access to livestock, limiting the forage availability. This
community type would be rated as secondary range.
Plant Composition Canopy Cover(%)
Trees
Trembling Aspen
(Populus tremuloides) 52
Balsam Poplar
(Populus balsamifera) 3
Shrubs
Hazelnut
(Corylus cornuta) 20
Prickly Rose
(Rosa acicularis) 1 8
Snowberry
( Symphoricarpos occidentalism 7
Saskatoon
(Amelanchier alnifolia) 9
Low BUSH CRANBERRY
{Viburnum edule ) 4
Forbs
Showy aster
(Aster conspicuus) 2
Dewberry or Running Raspberry
(Rubus pubescens) 2
Peavine
(Lathyrus ochroleucus) 3
American vetch
(Vicia americana) 1
False Solomon's seal
(Smilacina racemosa) 3
Wild Sarsaparilla
(Aralia nudicaulis) 8
Grasses
Marsh Reed Grass
(Calamagrostis canadensis) 1
Environmental Variabi.es
Moisture Regime:
Mesic To subhygric
Nutrient Regime:
Mesotrophic to Permesotrophic
Elevation:
455 m
Percent Slope Gradient:
0-15%
Soil Drainage:
Well to Moderately well
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 77(2-200)
Forbs 457(398-520)
Shrubs 441(348-522)
Total 995(830-1180)
Suggested Stocking Rate
1.8 ha/aum
52
DMC5. Aw/Buffaloberry-Rose
(Populus tretmdoides/ Shepherdia canadensis-Rosa acicularis)
n=3 This community type was found on mesic sites at higher elevations in the Saddle and Birch hills. Beckingham
(1993) felt the Aw/Buffaloberry type was slightly drier and had a slightly poorer nutrient regime than the modal
Aw/Rose community types. This type is providing a moderate amount of forage for domestic livestock, but the drier
site conditions and poorer nutrient status will limit regrowth after grazing. Buffaloberry the predominant shrub species
in this community type, is generally unpalatable to livestock.
Plant Composition Canopy Cover(%)
Trees
Trembling Aspen
(Populus tremuloides) 65
Shrubs
Buffaloberry
(Shepherdia canadensis) 26
Wild Red Raspberry
(Rubus idaeus) 5
Bracted Honeysuckle
(Lonicera involucrata) 1
Prickly Rose
(Rosa acicularis) 1 0
Low Bush Cranberry
(Viburnum edule) 1
Forbs
Bunchberry
(Comus canadensis) 1 3
Dewberry or Running Raspbery
(Rubus pubescens) 4
Yellow peavine
(Lathyrus ochroleucus) 1 3
TWINFLOWER
(Linnaea borealis) 4
Grasses
Marsh Reed Grass
(Calamagrostis canadensis) 3
Hairy wildrye
(Elymus innovatus) 3
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime:
Mesic
Nutrient Regime:
MESOTROPHIC
Elevation:
455-758(556) m
Percent Slope Gradient:
0-15
Soil Drainage:
Well
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 19(12-26)
Forbs 658(426-986)
Shrubs 219(0-392)
Total 897(840-1006)
Suggested Stocking Rate
2.1 ha/aum
53
DMC6. Aw/Alder/Mountain ricegrass
(Populus tremuloides/ Alnus crispa/Oryzopsis asperifolia)
n=l This community type was described at a higher elevation (600 m) in the Dry Mixedwood subregion. Brierly
et al. ( 1 985) and Beckingham ( 1 993) both described aspen-alder communities at higher elevations (>600m). It appears
that the presence of alder may indicate a transition from the Dry Mixedwood into the Lower Foothills subregion.
This community type is providing a moderate amount of forage for domestic livestock, but the high cover of
alder will limit access. Consequently, this community type should be rated as secondary range.
Plant Composition Canopy Cover( °/<ri
Trees
Balsam Poplar
(Populus balsamifera) 1
Trembling Aspen
(Populus tremuloides) 60
Shrubs
Prickly Rose
(Rosa acicularis) 1 2
Wild Red Raspberry
(Rubus idaeus) 1
WHITE MEADOWSWEET
(Spiraea betulifolia) 1 4
Snowberry or Buckbrush
(Symphoricarpos occidentals) 1
Forbs
Cream-coloured Vetchling
(Lathyrus ochroleucus) 7
Bunchberry
(Comus canadensis) 30
Spreading dogbane
(Apocynum androsaemifolium) 10
Wild Sarsaparilla
(Aralia nudicaulis) 26
Grasses
Mountain ricegrass
(Oryzopsis asperifolia) 24
Fringed brome
( Bromus ciliatus) 4
Nutrient Regime:
Mesotrophic
Elevation:
600 m
Percent Slope Gradient:
5%
Soil Drainage:
well
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 170
Forbs 356
Shrubs 556
Total 1082
Suggested Stocking Rate
1.7 HA/AUM
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime:
Mesic
54
I
I
I
I
I
DMC7. Aw/Saskatoon-Rose
(Populus tremuloides/ Amelanchier alnifolia-Rosa acicu laris)
n=l This community type is found on mesic, well drained south facing slopes that overlook rivers and creeks.
Generally, hazelnut, chokecherry, saskatoon and snowbeny are indicative of the Dry Mixedwood subregion and are
usually found associated with each other. When saskatoon predominates it usually occurs on south and west facing
slopes. Saskatoon provides important browse for wild ungulates. Livestock also find saskatoon palatable and in areas
where there is extensive cattle grazing this species can be heavily browsed.
Plant Composition Canopy Cover(%)
Trees
Trembling Aspen
(Populus tremuloides) 35
Shrubs
Saskatoon
(Amelanchier aim folia) 2 1
Prickly Rose
(Rosa acicu laris) 3 1
Wild Red Raspberry
(Rubus idaeus) 1 8
Snowberry
(Symphoricarpos occidentals) 1 3
Chokecherry
( Prunus virginiana ) 1 1
Forbs
Spreading dogbane
(Apocynum androsaemifolium) 12
Canada violet
(Viola canadensis) 4
Dewberry or Running Raspberry
(Rubus pubescens) 1
Lindley’s aster
(Aster ciliolatus) 1
Grasses
Marsh Reed Grass
(Calamagrostis canadensis) 3
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime:
Mesic
Elevation:
455 m
Percent Slope Gradient:
5%
Aspect:
Southerly
Soil Drainage:
well
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 264
Forbs 587
Shrubs 514
Total 1 365 *Estimate
Suggested Stocking Rate
1.3 ha/AUM ’Estimate
Nutrient Regime:
Mesotrophic
55
DMC8. Pb/Red osier dogwood-Rose
(Populus balsam if era/Cornus stolonifera-Rosa acicularis)
n=l This community type is typical of river floodplains throughout the Dry Mixedwood subregion. This
community type tends to have a subhygric moisture and rich nutrient regime. Beckingham and Archibald (1996) found
this community type on mid to lower slope topographic positions or near water courses where they recieve nutrient-rich
seepage or flood waters for a portion of the growing season. This community type is one of the most productive in the
Dry Mixedwood subregion, but the high cover of shrubs limits access to livestock. The high cover of tall growing
shrubs (alder, red osier dogwood) also limits the growth of low shrubs, forbs and grass the principle forage species for
domestic livestock in deciduous forests. As a result, this community should be rated as secondary or non-use range.
Plant Composition Canopy Cover(%1
Trees
Balsam Poplar
(Populus balsamifera)
Trembling Aspen
35
(Populus tremuloides)
10
Shrubs
Red osier dogwood
(Comus stolonifera)
Wild red raspberry
24
(Rubus idaeus)
Prickly rose
18
(Rosa acicularis)
Green alder
18
(Alnus crisp a)
Forbs
10
Canada goldenrod
(Solidago canadensis)
Strawberry
3
(Fragaria virginiana)
BUNCHBERRY
3
(Comus canadensis)
Lindley's Aster
2
(Aster ciliolatus)
1
Grasses
Marsh Reed Grass
(Calamagrostis canadensis)
1
Nutrient Regime:
Permesotrophic
Elevation:
455 m
Soil Drainage:
Moderately well
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 50
Forbs 1 50
Shrubs 400
Total 600
Suggested Stocking Rate
Non-Use
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime:
Subhygric
56
DMC9. Aw/Horsetail
(Populus tremuloides/Equisetum arvense)
n=l This community occupies lowland sites adjacent to black spruce and willow lowlands. It is very moist and
nutrient-rich. Horsetail types in the other subregions also tend to be moister and richer than the modal Aw/Rose types.
Past overgrazing pressure appears to have been heavy at this site resulting in an alteration of understory species
composition and productivity. Overuse in the past has resulted in less species diversity and an abundance of the
increaser plant horsetail.
Plant Composition Canopy Cover(°/<0
Trees
Aspen
(Populus tremu hides ) 85
Shrubs
Prickly Rose
(Rosa acicularis) T
Forbs
Horsetail
(Equisetum arvense) 6 1
Bunchberry
(Comus canadensis) 7
Tall lungwort
(Mertensia paniculata) 6
Dewberry
(Rubus pubescens) 6
Veiny meadow rue
( Thalictrum venulosum ) 5
Bishop’s cap
( Mitella nuda) 3
Strawberry
( Fragaria virginiana ) 2
Grasses
Marsh Reed Grass
(Calamagrostis canadensis) 4
Soil Drainage:
Imperfectly
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 272
Forbs 638
Total 910
Suggested Stocking Rate
Non-use
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime:
hygric
Nutrient Regime:
Permesotrophic
Elevation:
667 m
57
DMC10. Deciduous cutblocks and unseeded clearings
(Populus tremuloides)
n=4 This community type represents deciduous cutblocks and clearings that have not been seeded to tame forage
species. Marsh reedgrass and strawberry initially dominated these areas. As succession occurs an understory of aspen
and rose predominate. As the tree cover increases the understory species structure and diversity declines. Initially these
clearings are very productive for domestic livestock until the trees grow back and limit accessiblity. Care should be
taken when grazing these cutblocks that the trees are not damaged and there is sufficient regrowth to regenerate the
cutblock.
Plant Composition canopy
COVERt%}
Environmental Variables
Understory Trees
Moisture Regime:
White Birch
Mesic
(Betula papyrifera)
T
Balsam Poplar
Nutrient Regime:
(Populus balsamifera)
Aspen
T
Mesotrophic
(. Populus tremuloides )
18
Elevation:
Shrubs
Prickly Rose
455-727(636) M
(Rosa acicularis)
18
Percent Slope Gradient:
Low Bush Cranberry
Level
(Viburnum edule)
2
Snowberry or Buckbrush
Soil Drainage:
(Symphoricarpos occidentals)
Wild Red Raspberry
3
well
(Rubus idaeus)
Forbs
5
Wild Strawberry
Carrying Capacity:
(Fragaria virginiana)
22
Palmate-leaved Coltsfoot
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
(Petasites palmatus)
2
Grass 623
Dewberry or Running Raspberry
Forbs 580
(Rubus pubescens)
2
Shrubs 810
Northern bedstraw
Total 2013
(Galium boreale)
LlNDLEY’S ASTER
4
(Aster ciliolatus)
4
Grasses
Suggested Stocking Rate
Marsh Reed Grass
(Calamagrostis canadensis)
17
I.Oha/aum
58
Eastern ecodistricts (Smoky Lake, St Paul)
Photo 5. Aw/Hazelnut-Rose community is very common in the eastern ecodistricts of the Dry
Mixedwood subregion.
59
DMC11. Aw/Rose-Low bush cranberry
( Vopulus tremuloide s/Rosa acicularis-Viburnum edule)
n=l 1 This community type occurs mainly along the Dry Mixedwood and Central Mixedwood subregion boundary
in east-central Alberta. Stands occur on moderately moist, moderately well-drained and medium-textured Orthic Gray
Luvisols that have developed in slightly stony till deposits. Slopes are gentle with variable aspects. This type may be
expected farther south in the east-central part of the subregion on sites that are cooler and moister than the average.
Like other deciduous community types described in the Central Mixedwood, this community type produces a moderate
amount of forage for domestic livestock and would be rated as secondary range.
Plant Composition Canopy Cover(%)
Nutrient Regime:
Mesotrophic
Trees
Trembling Aspen
( Vopulus tremuloides) 52
Shrubs
Low BUSH CRANBERRY
(Viburnum edule) 13
Prickly Rose
(Rosa acicularis) 1 4
Forbs
Dewberry or Running Raspberry
(Rubus pubescens) 8
Bunchberry
(Comus canadensis) 8
Wild Strawberry
(Fragaria virginiana) 3
Fire weed
(Epilobium angustifolium) 7
Tall lungwort
( Mertensia paniculata ) 2
Wild lily-of-the-v alley
( Maianthemum canadense ) 4
Grasses
Marsh Reed Grass
(Calamagrostis canadensis) 1 0
Hairy wildrye
(Elymus innovatus) 8
Elevation:
590-648(630) M
Percent Slope Gradient:
0
Soil Drainage:
Moderately well
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 261
Forbs 418
Shrubs 163
Total 842 ^Estimate
Suggested Stocking Rate
2.2 ha/AUM
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime:
Mesic
60
DMC12. Aw/Rose-BIueberry
(Populus tremuloides/ Rosa acicularis-Vaccinium myrtilloides)
n=4 This community type is scattered throughout the Dry Mixedwood subregion on mainly dry, rapidly to well-
drained sites. Sandy glaciofuluvial veneers and blankets or rubble clays typically mantle fine-textured till deposits.
Soil nutrient levels are judged to be poor (submesotrophic) relative to other vegetation types because soils are slightly
to moderately acid and have sandy to stony textures in the upper soil horizons. These stands tend to be relatively open
allowing for easy access by livestock, but the dry site conditions and poorer nutrient status limit the amount of regrowth
after grazing. If this commlunity type is managed for one rotation a year, it can contribute significantly to the overall
carrying capacity of a lease.
Plant Composition Canopy CovERf%t
Trees
Trembling Aspen
(Populus tremuloides) 49
Shrubs
Prickly Rose
(Rosa acicularis) 1 7
Blueberry
( Vaccinium myrtilloides) 14
Buffaloberry
(Shepherdia canadensis) 7
FORBS
Bunchberry
(Comus canadensis) 1 5
Wild Strawberry
(Fragaria virginiana) 3
BEARBERRY
(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 7
Dewberry
(Rubus pubescens) 2
Wild lily-of-the-v alley
( Maianthemum canadense ) 3
Yellow peavine
( Lathyrus ochroleucus) 3
Grasses
Marsh Reed Grass
(Calamagrostis canadensis) 4
Hairy wildrye
(Elymus innovatus) 10
Mountain ricegrass
( Otyzopsis asperifolia ) 8
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime:
SUBMESIC
Nutrient Regime:
Submesotrophic
Elevation:
556-646(587) m
Percent Slope Gradient:
1-5(3)%
Soil Drainage:
Rapidly to well
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 303
Forbs 177
Shrubs 193
Total 673 ^Estimate
Suggested Stocking Rate
2.7 ha/AUM
61
DMC13. Aw/Beaked hazelnut-Rose/Wild peavine
(Populus tremuloides/Corylus cornuta-Rosa acicularis/Lathyrus ochroleucus)
n=13 This community occurs mainly in the south half of the Dry Mixedwood subregion in east-central Alberta.
Typical sites are judged to be moderately well-drained and moderately moist. The trend toward warmer, drier
conditions with more southerly locations in the Dry Mixedwood may explain the dominance of this type over the
Aw/Beaked hazelnut-Rose/Wild sarsaparilla community type in this part of the subregion. The presence of high
peavine cover appears to be indicative of a boreal-parkland climatic transition. The total forage production of this
community type is moderate, but the majority of the production is coming from hazelnut, which is largely unpalatable
to livestock at proper stocking levels. The high cover of hazelnut also restricts access to livestock and limits the forage
availability. This community type would be rated as secondary range.
Pi, ant Composition Canopy Cover/0/.)
Environmental Variables
Trees
Trembling Aspen
(Populus tremuloides) 53
Shrubs
Prickly Rose
(Rosa acicularis) 2 1
LOW BUSH CRANBERRY
(Viburnum edule) 2
Hazelnut
(Corylus cornu ta) 35
FORBS
Bunchberry
(Comus canadensis) 7
Wild sarsaparilla
(Aralia nudicaulis) 1 1
Purple peavine
(Lathyrus venosus) 1 1
Dewberry
(Rubus pubescens) 7
Wild lily-of-the-v alley
(Maianthemum canadense ) 5
Yellow peavine
( Lathyrus ochroleucus ) 7
Grasses
Marsh Reed Grass
(Calamagrostis canadensis) 4
Hairy wildrye
(Elymus innova tus) 3
Moisture Regime:
mesic
Nutrient Regime .
Mesotrophic to permesotrophic
Elevation:
570-690(630) m
Soil Drainage:
Moderately well
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 57
Forbs 447
Shrubs 779
Total 1283 *Estimate
Suggested Stocking Rate
1.4 ha/AUM
62
DMC14. Aw/Beaked hazelnut-Rose/Wild sarsaparilla
(Populus tremuloides/Corylus cornuta-Rosa acicularis/Aralia nudicaulis)
n=21 This community type is one of the most common types found within the Dry Mixedwood subregion of east-
central Alberta. It occurs mainly on moderately well-drained, fine-textured and gently sloping till deposits. Beaked
hazelnut is the dominant shrub in most stands and accounted for well over half of the total shrub cover. The total forage
production of this community type is moderate, but the majority of the production is coming from hazelnut, which is
largely unpalatable to livestock at proper stocking levels. The high cover of hazelnut also restricts access to livestock
and limits the forage availability. This community type would be rated as secondary range.
Plant Composition Canopy CovERf%l
Trees
Trembling Aspen
(Populus tremuloides) 50
Shrubs
Prickly Rose
(Rosa acicu laris) 1 4
Hazelnut
(Corylus cornu ta) 45
Forbs
Bunchberry
(Comus canadensis) 8
Wild sarsaparilla
(Aralia nudicaulis) 13
Dewberry
(Rubus pubescens) 5
Wild lily-of-the-valley
( Maianthemum canadense) 4
Yellow peavine
( Lathyt'us ochroleucus) 6
Grasses
Marsh Reed Grass
(Calamagrostis canadensis) 3
Hairy wildrye
(Elymus innovatus) 2
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime:
mesic
Nutrient Regime:
Mesotrophic
Elevation:
556-709(624) m
Soil Drainage:
Moderately well
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 57
Forbs 447
Shrubs 779
Total 1283
Suggested Stocking Rate
1.4 ha/AUM
63
DMC15. Aw/Rose/Forb/Marsh reedgrass
(Populus tremuloide s/Rosa acicularis/Forb/Calamagrostis canadensis)
n=25 This community type is the most common and widespread aspen forest type found in the Diy Mixedwood
subregion of east-central Alberta. Typical parent materials are moderately well to imperfectly drained, fine-textured and
gently sloping till deposits in which Orthic and Gleyed Gray Luvisols have developed. This type is difficult to distinguish
from the Aw/Rose-Low bush cranberry type towards the northern limit of the subregion. In the latter type the major
distinguishing characteristic is the infrequent occurrence of beaked hazelnut. This community type is fairly productive
and produces a moderate amount of palatable forage for domestic livestock. Consequently, this community type would
be rated as secondary range.
Plant Composition Canopy Cover(%)
Trees
Trembling Aspen
(Populus tremuloides) 5 1
Shrubs
Prickly Rose
(Rosa acicu laris) 22
Hazelnut
(Corylus comuta) 4
Wild red raspberry
( Rubus idaeus ) 6
FORBS
Bunchberry
(Comus canadensis) 1 0
Fire weed
(Epilobium angustifolium) 7
Dewberry
(Rubus pubescens) 7
Wild lily -of-the-v alley
( Maianthemum canadense ) 3
Yellow peavine
(Lathyrus ochroleucus ) 6
Grasses
Marsh Reed Grass
(Calamagrostis canadensis) 1 4
Hairy wildrye
(Elymus innova tus) 4
Nutrient Regime:
Mesotrophic to permesotrophic
Elevation:
556-693(617) m
Soil Drainage:
Moderately well to imperfectly
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 130
Forbs 513
Shrubs 467
Total 1110
Suggested Stocking Rate
1.6 ha/AUM
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime:
mesic to subhygric
64
DMC16. Pb-Aw
(Populus balsamifera-Populus tremuloides)
n=l This community type apparently occurs infrequently in the east-central portion of the Dry Mixedwood
subregion. This type may be expected in association with small depressions between till knobs, along stream channels
or on valley sides where soil moisture and nutrient status are relatively high compared to the surrounding topography.
Further sampling is necessary to determine whether this expectation is justified.
Plant Composition canopy cqvek(%)
Trees
Trembling Aspen
(Populus tremuloides) 40
Balsam poplar
( Populus balsamifera) 30
Shrubs
Prickly Rose
(Rosa acicularis)
Low BUSH CRANBERRY
( Viburnum edule) 10
Bracted honeysuckle
( Louicera itivolcrata ) 7
Twinning honeysuckle
(Louicera dioica ) 7
Forbs
Bunchberry
| Cornu s canadensis) 1 5
Wild sarsaparilla
(Aralia nudicaulis) 40
Dewberry
(Rubus pubescens) 3
Wild lily-of-the-v alley
(Maianthemum canadense ) 3
WlNTERGREEN
( 'Pyrola asarifolia ) 1 0
Grasses
Marsh Reed Grass
(Calamagrostis canadensis) 4
Hairy wildrye
(Elymus innovatus) 2
SUBHYGRIC
Nutrient Regime:
PERMESOTROPH1C
Elevation:
625 m
Soil Drainage:
poorly
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 26 1
Forbs 418
Shrubs 1 63
Total 842 *Estimate
Suggested Stocking Rate
2.2 ha/AUM
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime:
65
DRY MIXEDWOOD SUBREGION
CONIFEROUS AND MIXEDWOOD FOREST
COMMUNITIES
Photo 6. Pj/Bearberry community type in the Dry Mixedwood subregion
66
DM-CONIFEROUS AND MIXEDWOOD FORESTS
The mixedwood and coniferous community types described in this guide represent four
ecosites as described by Beckingham and Archibald (1996). On sites with subxeric moisture and
poor nutrient regimes, coarse textured, sandy soils open stands of jack pine generally dominate
(Pj/Alder, Pj/Bearberry). These community types commonly have a carpet of lichens covering the
forest floor and a thin organic layer typically less than 5 cm thick (Beckingham and Archibald
1996).
On slightly moister sites with submesic moisture and medium nutrient regimes aspen
grows in conjunction with jack pine to form the Pj-Aw/Bearberry community type. The soils of
this community type continue to be coarse-textured but the moisture and nutrient conditions are
more favourable to the growth of aspen.
The mesic/medium sites are generally dominated by white spruce
(Sw/Buffaloberry/Bearberry, Sw/Moss) and mixedwood communities of aspen and spruce (Aw-
Sw/Rose/Marsh reedgrass, Aw-Pb-Sw/Willow/Wild sarsparilla, Sw-Pb-Aw/Rose/Twinflower).
These communities represent the reference ecosite for the Boreal Mixedwood subregion
(Beckingham and Archibald 1996). Generally, these sites have moderately fine to fine-textured
till or glaciolacustrine parent materials. Pioneer deciduous species (aspen, balsam poplar and
birch) are replaced with white spruce and balsam fir as these sites develop successionally. With
succession shade tolerant plants take over the herbaceous layer as conifers dominate the' canopy.
These shade tolerant species are unproductive and often unpalatable for domestic livestock.
Forage productivity declines from 2.3 ha/AUM in a deciduous community to 2 3-8.6 ha/AUM in a
mixedwood community to less than 10 ha/AUM in a conifer community.
Black spruce and larch communites generally dominate on wetter sites with subhygric to
subhydric moisture regimes and poor to medium nutrient regimes to form the Sb/Willow/Moss
and Sb-Lt/Labrador tea/Moss community types. Larch is more tolerant of excessive moisture and
is indicative of an enriched nutrient status, while black spruce is typical in areas of stagnating
ground water with poor nutrient status (Hay et al. 1985). Generally, these community types are
considered non-use for domestic livestock.
Beckingham and Archibald (1996), provide a good description on how the conifer and
mixedwood community types are arranged in the landscape.
67
Table 5. Conifer and Mixedwood communities of the Dry Mixedwood subregion
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Conifer and Mixedwood types Dry Mixedwood
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Key to conifer and mixedwood communities in the Dry Mixedwood subregion
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DMD1. Pj/Alder
(Pinus banksicma/ Alims crispa)
n=2 Tliis community type is found on dry, rapidly drained, sandy soils with a poor nutrient status. Consequently,
production is quite low. Cattle will utilize these areas due to the easy access, however overutilization will quickly
deplete the area of forage. This community type would be rated as secondary or non-use range.
Percent Composition Canopy cover(%)
Trees
Jack Pine
(Pinus banksiana) 43
Shrubs
GREEN ALDER
(Alnus crispa) 33
Prickly rose
(Rosa acicularis) 9
Saskatoon
(Amelanchier alnifolia) 5
Forbs
Twin-flower
(Linnaea borealis) 6
Bearberry
(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 9
Yellow peavine
(Lathyrus ochroleucus) 4
Strawberry
( Fragaria virginiana ) 2
Grasses
Sedges
(Carex spp.) 6
Hairy Wild Rye
(Ely mu s innova tus) 3
Northern ricegrass
(Otyzopsis pungens) 6
SUBXERIC
Nutrient Regime
Poor
Elevation:
606 m
Soil Drainage:
Rapidly
Percent Slope Gradient:
2-8
Carrying Capacity
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)
grass 1 60
FORBS 175
SHRUBS 1 9 1
Suggested Stocking Rate
NON-USE
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime:
70
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DMD2. Pj-Aw/Bearberry
(Piirus bcmksiana Arctostciphylos uva-ursi)
n=4 This community represents a jack pine forest with a secondary canopy of aspen. It is very similar to the Pj/Alder
community type, but it is found on slightly moister soils with better nutrient regimes. These conditions favour the growth of aspen.
Like the previous community, cattle will utilize these area due to the easy access, however overutilization will quickly deplete
the forage supply. This community type w'ould be rated as secondaiy range and should be grazed on a single rotation per year.
Plant Composition canopy coverc/.)
Trees
Jack Pine
(Pinus banks iana) 39
Aspen
( Populus tremuloides) 16
Shrubs
Saskatoon
(Amelanchier alnifolia) 6
Prickly rose
(Rosa acicularis) 7
Blueberry
(Vaccinium myrtilloides) 2
Forbs
Bearberry
(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 26
Northern bedstraw
(Galium boreale) 1
Wild lily-of-the-v alley
(Maianthemum canadense) 3
Cream-coloured Vetchlinc.
(Lathyrus ochroleucus ) 5
Grasses
Hairy Wild Rye
(Elymus imiovatus) 6
Northern ricegrass
( Otyzopsis pungens ) 3
Mosses
Moss spp. 4
Elevation:
606 m
Soil Drainage:
Rapidly
Percent Slope Gradient:
0-5
Carrying Capacity
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)
grass 237(185)
forbs 146(6)
shrubs 488(52)
Suggested Stocking Rate
NON-USE
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime:
Submesic
Nutrient Reglme:
SUBMESOTROPHIC
71
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DMD3. Sw/Buffaloberry/Bearberry
(Pice a glauca/ Shepherdia cancidensis/Arctoslaphylos uva-ursi)
n=l This community type represents a very open spruce forest. It was found on a small, sandy hillcrest with a high
water table. The site may have a liigh pH and be somewhat nutrient poor as indicated by the abundance of buffaloberry
(Beckingham 1 993). The majority of productivity is from buffaloberry which is unpalatable to livestock. Consequently,
this community type would be considered non-use range.
Pi. ant Composition c.>NOPYCovr.nr%i
Trees
White spruce
(Picea glauca) 1 0
Shrubs
Buffaloberry
(Shepherdia canadensis) 48
Prickly rose
(Rosa acicularis) 1 2
Blueberry
( Vaccinium myrtilloides) 7
Snowberry
(Symphoricarpos occidentalis) 5
Forbs
bearberry
(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 19
Twinflower
(Linnaea borealis) 12
Yellow peavine
(Lathyrus ochroleucus) 8
TOADFLAX
( Comandra uni be Hat a) 2
Grasses
Mountain ricegrass
(Otyzopsis asperifolia) 8
Northern ricegrass
(Otyzopsis pun gens) 6
Sedge
(Care. x spp.) 5
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime:
Submesic
SUBMESOTROPHIC
Elevation:
606 m
Soil Drainage:
Well
Percent Slope Gradient:
0-4
Carrying Capacity
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)
grass 1 8
forbs 238
SHRUBS 848
Total 1104
Suggested Stocking Rate
NON-USE
Nutrient Regime:
72
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DMD4. Sw/Beaked hazelnut/Moss
(Picea glcmcci/Corylus conmta/ Moss)
n=l Tliis is a mature white spruce forest which represents the climax or near climax vegetation for the area. The
northerly aspect of this community type has probably protected the site from past disturbance by fires and allowed the
community to undergo succession. The high canopy of spruce limits the light reaching the forest floor, limiting the
growth of grasses and forbs. As a result, the forage productivity of this community type is very low. This community
would be considered non-use.
Plant Composition Canopy Cover(%)
Soil Drainage:
well
Trees
White Spruce
(Picea glauca) 60
Paper birch
(Betula papyri/ era) 5
Shrubs
HAZELNUT
(Cotylus conmta) 1 2
BOG CRANBERRY
(Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 6
Prickly rose
(Rosa acicularis) 6
Forbs
Bearberry
(Arctostapylos uva-ursi) 2
Twinflower
(Linnaea borealis) 8
Bastard toadflax
(Geocaulon lividwn) 2
Strawberry
(Fragaria virginiana) 2
Mosses
Moss spp. 73
Percent Slope Gradient:
5%
Aspect:
Northerly
Carrying Capacity
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)
grass 0
FORBS 132
SHRUBS 74
Total 206
Suggested Stocking Rate
NON-USE
Environmentai Variables
Moisture Regime:
Mesic
Nutrient Regime:
MESOTROPHIC
Elevation:
606 m
73
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DMD5. Aw-Sw/Rose/Marsh reedgrass
(Populus treimiloides-Picea glauca Rosa acicularis/Calamagrostis canadensis)
n=l This community represents a highly productive aspen community that is succeeding to white spruce. The
presence of tall forbs wild sarsaparilla and fjreweed indicate a high nutrient regime and a light grazing regime. At
present this community' type has a good level of forage for domestic livestock.
Plant Composition canopy cover(%>
Trees
White Spruce
(Picea glauca) 30
Populus tremuloides
(Populus tremuloides) 35
Shrubs
Prickly rose
(Rosa acicularis) 23
Wild red raspberry
(Rubus idaeus) 1 5
Bristly black currant
(Ribes lacustre) 1 0
Low BUSH CRANBERRY
( Viburnum edu/e) 8
Forbs
Bunchberry
(Cornus stolonifera) 8
Field Horsetail
(Equisetum arvense) 4
Tall lungwort
(Mertensia paniculata) 7
Wild sarsaparilla
(Aralia nudicaulis) 5
.DEWBERRY
( Rubus pubscens) 5
Fire weed
(Epilobium angustifolium) 3
Grasses
Marsh reedgrass
(Calamagrostis canadensis) 1 9
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime:
SUBHYGRIC
Permesotrophic
Elevation:
455 m
Soil Drainage:
Moderately well
Percent Slope Gradient:
1%
Carrying Capacity
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)
grass 468
forbs 534
shrubs 440
Total 1442
Suggested Stocking Rate
1.3 ha/aum
Nutrient Regime:
74
DMD6. Aw-Pb-SwAVillowAVild sarsaparilla
(Populus tremuIoides-Populus halsamifera-Picea glauca/Salix spp./Aralia midicaulis)
n=l This community type has similar moisture and nutrient conditions to the Aw-Pb and Pb/Red osier dogwood-
Rose community- types, but this community is successionally more advanced. The abundance of tall shrubs limits the
amount of light reaching the forest floor, which limits forage production. As a result, this community type would be
considered non-use or marginal secondary range for domestic livestock.
Plant Composition canopy covers
Nutrient Regime:
Permesotrophic
Trees
Aspen
(Populus tremuloides) 35
White Spruce
(Picea glauca) 1 5
Paper birch
(Be tula papyrifera ) 1 0
Balsam poplar
(Populus balsamifera ) 25
Shrubs
Green alder
(Alnus crispa) 45
Willow
(Salix spp.) 25
LOW BUSH CRANBERRY
(Viburnum edule) 10
Prickly Rose
(Rosa acicularis) 1 0
Forbs
Wild sarsaparilla
(Aratia nudicaulis) 13
Bishop’s cap
(Mitella nuda) 1 1
Canada violet
( Viola canadensis) 1 1
Lady fern
(Athyrium fdix-femina) 5
Dewberry
(Rubus pubescens) 4
Elevation:
606 m
Soil Drainage:
Moderately well
Percent Slope Gradient:
20%
Aspect:
East
Carrying Capacity
Forage Production in kc,/ha (+-std. dev.)
grass 20
forbs 400
SHRUBS 56
Total 476
Suggested Stocking Rate
NON-USE
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime:
Subhygric
75
DMD7. Sw-Pb-Aw/Rose/Twinflower
(Picea glauca-Popuhis balsamifera-Populus tremuloides/ Rosa acicularis/ Linnaea borealis)
n=l This community is similar to the previous Aw-Ph-SwAVillowAVild sarsaparilla community type but is found
on slightly dner sites with a poorer nutrient regime. Succession of this community type will likely be to a White spruce
/Moss dominated community type. The thick overstory limits the growth of shrubs, forbs and grass. Consequently,
there is little forage for domestic livestock. This community type would be considered non-use.
Pi. ant Composition canopy covf.ri%i
Trees
White Spruce
(Picea glauca) 35
Trembling Aspen
(Populus tremuloides) 20
Balsam Poplar
(Populus balsamifera) 30
Shrubs
Snowberry
(Symphoricarpos occidenta/is) 1 3
Prickly Rose
( Rosa acicularis) 1 8
Bracted honeysuckle
(Lonicera itivolcrata) 5
Buffalo-berry
(Shepherdia canadensis) 1
Forbs
Twin-flower
(Linnaea borealis) 22
BUNCHBERRY
(Cornus canadensis) 8
W INTERGREEN
( Pyrola asarifolia) 6
Dewberry
(Rubus pubscens) 6
Bishop's cap
(Mitella nuda) 3
Mosses
Moss spp. 71
Mesotrophic
Elevation:
606 m
Soil Drainage:
Well to Moderately well
Carrying Capacity
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)
grass 1 6
FORBS 1 1 2
SHRUBS 108
Total 236
Suggested Stocking Rate
NON-USE
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime:
Mesic to Subhygric
Nutrient Regime:
76
DMC8. SbAVillow/Moss
(Pice a mariana/Salix spp./Moss)
n=3 This community type is part of the poor fen ecosite (Beckingham and Archibald 1 996) because it has an
intermediate nutrient regime between the bog and rich fen ecosites. Drainage on this community type is poor to very
poor, but has some movement of water through the site. This community type has a well developed shrub layer and
the grass layer consists mainly of marsh reedgrass and sedge species. The productivity of this type is moderate, but the
high water table limits access to domestic livestock. This community would be rated as non-use.
Plant Composition canopy cqvf.r<%)
Trees
Larch
(Larix iaricina ) 5
Black Spruce
(Picea mariana) 1 3
Shrubs
willow SPP.
(Salix spp.) 1 4
Bog Birch
(Betula glandulosa) 1 1
FORBS
Stemless raspberry
(Rubus acaulis) 3
Horsetail
(Equisetum arven.se) 1 2
Bishop’s cap
(Milella muia) 4
Grasses
Marsh reedgrass
(Caiamagrostis canadensis) 8
Hair-like sedge
(Car ex capillaris) 7
Mosses
Moss spp. - 1
Carrying Capacity
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)
grass 40 1
forbs 89
shrubs 242
Total 732
Suggested Stocking Rate
NON-USE
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime:
SUBHYDRIC
Nutrient Regime:
Mesotrophic
Elevation:
606-697(657) m
Soil Drainage:
poorly
77
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DMD9. Sb-Lt/Labrador tea/Moss
(Picea mciricma-Lcirix laricina/Ledum groenlandicnm/Moss)
n=l This community type is very similar to the previously described community type, but the nutrient status is
poorer. This community ripe appeal's to be related to the bog ecosite described by Beckingham and Archibald (1996).
The bog ecosite commonly has organic soils consisting of slowly decomposing peat moss. This community' type is
considered non-use for livestock, due to the lack of forage and poor accessibility.
Plant Composition canopy covers
Trees
Larch
(Larix laricina) 1 5
Black Spruce
(Picea mariana) 60
Shrubs
willow SPP.
(Sa/ix spp.) 8
Labrador tea
(Ledum groenlandicum ) 35
Forbs
Dwarf bramble
(Rubus pedatus) 25
Horsetail
(Equisetum arvense) 45
Dwarf scouring rush
(Equisetum scirpoides) 25
Grasses
Marsh reedgrass
(Calamagrostis canadensis) 2
Golden sedge
(Carex aurea) 1 5
Beaked sedge
(Carex rostrata) 7
Fowl bluegrass
(Poa palustris ) 2
Mosses
Moss spp. 95
Elevation:
576 m
Soil Drainage:
poorly
Carrying Capacity
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)
grass 10
FORBS 40
SHRUBS 50
Total 100
Suggested Stocking Rate
NON-USE
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime:
SUBHYDRIC
Nutrient Regime:
Oligotrophic
78
CENTRAL MINED WOOD SUBREGION
Photo 7. This picture represents the Sheep fescue/Plains wormwood community type. This
community type is common on dry sandy hills throughout the Central Mixedwood subregion.
79
CM - NATIVE GRASS AND SHRUBLAND COMMUNITIES
Upland native grasslands are very rare in the Central Mixedwood subregion. The
communities that have been described on coarse textured, sandy soil, with submesic moisture and
poor nutrient regimes which lack tree cover are the Plains wormwood/Sheep fescue-Sedge
community type. This community type is usually found in association with jack pine dominated
community types. Heavy grazing of this community type leads to a Kentucky bluegrass-
Sedge/Plains wormword dominated type. On level, gravelly, well-drained sites adjacent to
streams and rivers a snowberry dominated community type is common. This community is
extensively grazed by livestock to form the Snowberry/Kentucky bluegrass dominated type
(Figure 3).
Wetter (subhydric/rich) sites are associated with sedge and marsh reedgrass dominated
meadows. Sedge species are usually associated with the areas of free standing water and marsh
reedgrass dominates the drier edges. Willow will invade into these meadows to form the
Willow/Sedge and Willow/Marsh reedgrass community types. Under grazing pressure these
community types tended to be invaded by dandelion, clover and Kentucky bluegrass to form the
Willow/Sedge-Kentucky bluegrass community type.
Fire is an important part of the ecology to the Central Mixedwood subregion. There are a
number of shrubland community types which have a strong fire origin. These include the Willow-
Alder/Marsh reedgrass, Willow/Fireweed and Willow-Spruce/ Kentucky bluegrass dominated
community types.
80
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Burns
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Willow/Spruce
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Figure 2. Ecology of the native grass and shrublands in the landscape of the
Central Mixedwood subregion.
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Table 6. Grass and shrub community types for the Central Mixedwood subregion
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CMA1. Sedge meadows
(Car ex acjuatilis, C. rost rata , C. atherodes)
n=5 This wetland community type is found near fresh water. The sedge meadow is a poorly drained community.
As one moves to the drier edges marsh reedgrass becomes predominant. Willows will invade into both the sedge and
marsh reedgrass dominated meadows. The sedge meadow community is very productive, but the high water table,
particular/ in the spring when the sedge species are most palatable, restricts livestock movement. One study done in
the Yukon found that crude protein on these meadows declined from a high of 10% in May to less than 5% in
September (Bailey et al. 1992).
Beaked sedge found in abundance in this community is usually associated with nitrogen rich conditions and
moving water (Brierly et al. 1 985). Water sedge is often found in abundance in this community type and is associated
with calcium rich stagnant water (MacKinnon et al. 1992).
Plant Composition canopy covers
Forbs
Marsh skullcap
(Scutellaria galericu/ata) 5
Nodding beggarticks
(Bidens ceniua) 3
Dandelion
(T araxacum officinale) 1
Grasses
Beaked sedge
( Carex rostra ta) 48
Awned sedge
( Carex atherodes ) 1 3
Water sedge
(Carex aqua til is) 3
Marsh reedgrass
( Calamagrostis canadensis ) 8
Carrying Capacity
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)(N)
Grass 2209(1498-300)
Forb 161(0-644)
Total 2370(1498-3000)
Recommended stocking Rate
0.4 Ha/AUM (Autumn only)
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime (mean):
Subhydric-Hygric
Nutrient Regime (mean
Permesotrophic
Elevation:
485(1 50-606) m
Soil Drainage (mean):
Poorly to very poorly
84
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CMA2. Marsh reedgrass meadow
( Calamagrostis canadensis)
n=6 This community is found on the edges of sedge meadows and moist draws where the water table is lower. The
lower water table makes this community accessible for most of the grazing season. Willow w ill invade onto these sites
to form the Willow/Marsh reedgrass community type. Increased grazing pressure on these sites will cause marsh
reedgrass to decline and their will be an invasion of Kentucky bluegrass and dandelion. These sites are highly
productive for domestic livestock and should be rated as primary range.
Plant Composition canopy covers
Trees
White birch
( Belula papyrifera) 2
Shrubs
Willow spp.
(Salix spp.) 1
Forbs
Nodding beggarticks
(Bidens cernua) 1
Leafy-bracted aster
(Aster sibricus) T
Dock , sorrel
(Rum ex cri spits) 1
Grasses
Marsh reedgrass
(Calamagrostis canadensis) 56
Beaked sedge
(Care x rostrata) 4
Water sedge
(Carex aquatilis ) 4
Awned sedge
(Carex atherodes ) 1 1
Elevation:
320(150-758) m
Soil Drainage (mean):
Poorly
Carrying Capacity
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)(N)
Grass 2068(1052-5110)
Forb 6(0-18)
Shrub 42(0-254)
Total 2117(1070-5110)
Suggested Stocking Rate
0.4 Ha/AUM
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime (mean):
Hygric
Nutrient Regime (mean):
MESOTROPHIC
85
CMA3. Cow parsnip/Kentucky bluegrass-Marsh reedgrass
(Her ad cum lanatum/Poa pratensis-Calamagrostis canadensis)
n=l This community type is found on fine textured, silty soils adjacent to the Willow river near Wabasca . It
represents a Willow/Cow parsnip/Marsh reedgrass community that has been cleared and then grazed extensively. The
heavy grazing pressure has allowed dandelion and Kentucky bluegrass to invade onto the site. The high nutrient and
moisture regime of this community type makes it extremely productive. Once cleared of shrubs it can provide a
significant amount of forage for domestic livestock.
Plant Composition canopy covers
Elevation:
606 m
Shrubs
Green alder
Soil Drainage (mean):
Moderately Well
(A bins crispa )
Prickly rose
{Rosa acicularis )
1
8
Carrying Capacity
Forbs
Cow PARSNIP
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)(N)
(Heraoleum lanatum)
42
Grass 200
Horsetail
Forb 1798
(Equisetum arvense)
33
Shrub 470
Dandelion
Total 2468
(T araxacwn officinale)
27
Fire weed
(Epilobium angustifoliuni)
Yellow peavine
19
Suggested Stocking Rate
0.4 Ha/AUM
(Lathy rus ochroleucus )
8
Grasses
Kentucky bluegrass
(Poa pratensis)
Marsh reedgrass
15
(Calamagrostis canadensis)
Fringed brome
10
(Browns ciliatus )
2
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime (mean):
SUBHYGRIC
Nutrient Regime (mean):
Permesotrophic
86
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CMA4. Snowberry/Kentucky bluegrass
(Symphoricarpos occidentcilis/Poa pratensis)
n=4 Tliis snowbeny dominated community type appeal's to be common on level, well drained, gravelly areas along
rivers throughout Northern Alberta. In the absence of disturbance this community type appears to be dominated by
snowbeny, rose, lireweed, slender wheatgrass and marsh reedgrass. Heavy grazing pressure causes the native forbs
and grasses to decline and allows Kentucky bluegrass, dandelion and clover to increase. Because these clearings are
some of the only natural openings throughout the Central Mixedwood they tend to be heavily utilized by livestock.
Snowbeny which is unpalatable to livestock will remain even under extreme grazing pressure.
Plant Composition canopy coyek(%)
Shrubs
Prickly rose
(Rosa acicu laris) 3
Buckbrush
( Symphoricarpos occidentalis ) 1 9
Willow
(Sa/ix spp.) 5
Forbs
Strawberry
(Fragaria virginiana) 1
Clover
(T rifolium repens) 29
Dandelion
(T araxacum officinale) 32
Yarrow
(Ach/lea millefolium) 2
American vetch
(Vicia americana) 1
Grasses
Marsh reedgrass
(Calamagrostis canadensis) 7
Slender wheatgrass
(Agropyron trachycaulum) 7
Kentucky bluegrass:
( Poa pratensis) 38
Prairie sedge
(C a rex prairea ) 1
Environmentai VARIABLES
Moisture Regime (mean):
Mesic
Nutrient Regime (mean) :
Mesotrophic to permesotrophic
Elevation:
576-606(586) m
Soil Drainage (mean):
Well
Carrying Capacity
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)(N)
Grass 1337(800-1800)
Forb 1311(200-2390)
Shrub 1 4 1 (0-424)
Total 2790(2000-3614)
Suggested Stocking Rate
0.4 Ha/AUM
87
CMA5. Plains wormwood/Sheep fescuc-Sedge
(Artemisia campestris/Festuca saximon tana- Car ex spp.)
n=3 This community type is found on coarse textured, sandy soils. It is generally found on hilltops and south-
facing slopes in openings among Jack pine on the uplands and black spruce in the lowlands. This community type was
also described on similar site conditions in the Dry Mixedwood subregion. This community would be considered either
secondary or non-use range for domestic livestock because of the low forage production and fragile nature of the
community.
Plant Composition canopy covf.R(%i
Shrubs
Saskatoon
( Amelcmchier a In ifolia) 3
Blueberry
(Vacciniutn myrtilloides) 3
FORBS
Smooth scouring rush
(Equisetum laevigatum) 1
Plains wormwood
(Artemisia campeslris) 9
LOW GOLDENROD
(Solidago missouriensis) 2
Bearberry
(Arctostaphylos uya-ursi) 5
Grasses
Kentucky bluegrass
(Poa pratensis) 3
NORTHERN RICEGRASS
(Oiyzopsis pungens) 4
Slender wheatgrass
( Agropyron trachycaulimi) 2
Sedge
( Carex spp ) 9
Sheep fescue
(Festuca saximontana ) 8
MESOTROPHIC
Elevation:
611 (576-652) m
Soil Drainage (mean):
Rapidly
Slope(Range):
22(15-30)%
Aspect:
South to westerly
Carrying Capacity
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)(N)
Grass 469(270-612)
Forb 303(200-452)
Total 772(470-978)
Suggested Stocking Rate
1.2 Ha/AUM
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime (mean):
SUBMESIC-SUBXERIC
Nutrient Regime (mean):
88
CMA6. Plains wormwood/Kentucky bluegrass-Sedge
(Artemisia campestris Poa pratensis-Carex spp.)
n=l This community type is similar to the Plains wormwood/Sheep fescue-Sedge community type, but heavy grazing
pressure and a higher nutrient and moisture regime has allowed Kentucky bluegrass to invade onto the site.
Plant Composition canopy covers
Shrubs
Saskatoon
(Ame/anchier alni folia) 2
Ghokecherry
(Primus virginiaua) 8
SNOWBERRY
(Symphoricarpos dccidentalis ) 3
Forbs
Meadow parsnip
( Zizia aptera) 2
Plains wormwood
(Artemisia campestris) 4
Low goldenrod
(So/idago missouriensis) 2
BEARBERRY
(A rctostaphylos uva-ursi) 1 0
Grasses
Kentucky bluegrass
( Poa pratensis) 49
NORTHERN RICEGRASS
(Oiyzopsis pimgens) 4
Slender wheatgrass
(Agropyron trachycauium) 3
Sedge
(Carex spp) 1 3
Sheep fescue
(Festuca saximontana ) 1
Nutrient Regime (mean):
MESOTROPHIC
Elevation:
606 m
Soil Drainage (mean):
Rapidly
Slope(Range):
15%
Aspect:
South to westerly
Carrying Capacity
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)(N)
Grass 824
Forb 38
Total 862
Suggested Stocking Rate
1.1 Ha/AUM
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime (mean):
Submesic
89
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CMA7. Willow/Sedge
(Salix spp./Carex spp.)
n=6 Tins community type is found along the edges of sedge meadows and in moist depressions. Willow becomes established
at the edges of the sedge meadows due to the shorter duration of standing water. Increased flooding and prolonged waterlogging may
result in the disappearance of willow and a transition to a water sedge meadow.
These sites are fairly productive but difficult to graze due to the moist ground conditions and heavy shrub cover which
reduces access and mobility within the area.
Plant Composition CanqpyCqver(%)
Shrubs
Willow spp.
(Salix spp.) 57
Forbs
Mint
(Mentha arvensis) 1
Green sorel
( Rmnex acetosa) 1
Fire weed
(Epilohium angustifoliwn) 3
Horsetail
(Equisetum arvense) 10
Grasses
AWTTED SEDGE
(Carex atherodes) 1 2
Marsh reedgrass
(Calamagrostis canadensis) 12
Beaked sedge
(Carex rostrata) 7
Water sedge
(Carex aquatilis ) 43
Elevation:
393(150-636) M
Soil Drainage (mean):
Poorly
Carrying Capacity
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)
Grass 852(0-1734)
Forb 96(70-150)
Shrub 100(0-364)
Total 1072(214-2218)
Suggested Stocking Rate
0.8 Ha /aum
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime (mean):
Subhydric
Nitrient Regime (mean):
Permesotrophic
90
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CMA8. Willow/Sedge-Kentucky bluegrass
(Sa/ix spp. Car ex spp. -Poa pratensis)
n=3 This community type is very similar to the Willow/Sedge community, but has been heavily grazed favouring
the growth of Kentucky bluegrass and dandelion. Continued heavy grazing pressure will eventually lead to a community
that is similar to the Kentucky bluegrass/Dandelion dominated community type.
Plant Composition Canopy Cover£%}
Shrubs
Willow spp.
(Salix spp.) 25
Prickly rose
( Rosa acicularis ) 3
Forbs
Strawberry
(Fragaria virginiana) 3
Dandelion
( T araxacwn offmcinale) 5
Mint
(Mentha arvensis) 3
Clover
( Trifolium spp.) 9
Arrow leaved coltsfoot
( Petasites sagittatus) 4
Grasses
Sedge
(Carex rostra ta, aquatilis, atherodes.) 40
Kentucky bluegrass
( Poa pratensis) 2 1
Elevation:
576 m
Soil Drainage (mean):
Imperfectly
Carrying Capacity
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)
Grass 2121(1566-2478)
Forb 547(492-1204)
Total 2138(2770-2970)
Suggested Stocking Rate
0.3 Ha /AUM
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime (mean):
SUBHYDGRIC
Nutrient Regime (mean):
Permesotrophic
91
CMA9. Willow/Marsh reedgrass
(Sa/ix spp./Calamagrostis canadensis)
n=7 The Marsh reedgrass community type is found along the edges of sedge meadows and in moist depressions.
Willow will invade onto these sites to form the Willow/Marsh reedgi'ass community type. Increased grazing pressure
on these sites will cause marsh reedgrass to decline and there will be an invasion of Kentucky' bluegrass and dandelion.
These sites are highly productive for domestic livestock and should be rated as primary range. Increased flooding and
prolonged waterlogging may result in the disappearance of willow and a transition to a water sedge meadow.
These sites are fairly productive but difficult to graze due to the moist ground conditions and heavy shrub
cover which reduces access and mobility within the area.
Pi, ant Composition canopy cq\ f,ri%>
Shrubs
Willow spp.
(Sa/ix spp.) 56
Forbs
Mint
(Mentha arvensis) 1
Dandelion
(T araxacum officinale) 3
Grasses
Kentucky bluegrass
(Poa pratensis) 3
Marsh reedgrass
(Calatnagrostis canadensis) 34
Beaked sedge
(Carex rostrata) 6
Water sedge
(Carex aquatilis) 4
Soil Drainage (mean):
Poorly
Carrying Capacity
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)
Grass 1050(318-2010)
Forb 107(0-270)
Shrub 208(0-554)
Total 1529(588-2118)
Suggested Stocking Rate
0.6 Ha/AUM
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime (mean):
SUBHYDRIC
Nutrient Regime (mean):
Permesotrophic
Elevation:
333-576(537) m
92
CMA10. Willow-Alder/Marsh reedgrass
(Salix spp- A bins tenuifolia Calamagrostis canadensis)
n=4 This community type represents a tall willow and alder dominated type that is usually represented as an AIA aspen
stand on phase III maps. It is typically found in very moist, poorly drained areas. Black spruce communities are usually
found associated with this community type on the wetter edges. The understory of this community type is fairly open allowing
for easy access by livestock. When this community is situated next to trails or seismic lines it is moderately utilized by
livestock.
Plant Composition canopy cqyer(%i nutrient regime (mean):
Permesotrophic
Shribs
Willow spp.
(Salix spp.)
River alder
(A/nus tenuifolia)
Green alder
(A hi us crispa )
Wild red raspberry
(. Rubus idaeus)
Bracted honeysuckle
49
15
14
17
Elevation:
576 M
Soil Drainage (mean):
Imperfectly
(. Lonicera involucrata ) 7
Forbs
Strawberry
( Fragaria vjrginiana) 1
Sweet scented bedstraw
(Galium triflonnn) 4
Wild sarsaparilla
(Aralia nudicaulis) 5
Dewberry
( Rubus pubscefis) 4
Carrying Capacity
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)
Grass
702(118-1102)
Forb
184(18-470)
Shrub
61(0-132)
Total
947(592-1296)
Grasses
Marsh reedgrass
(Calamagrostis canadensis) 34
Beaked sedge
(Carex rostrata) 7
Suggested Stocking Rate
1.9 Ha /AUM
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime (mean):
subhygric-hygric
93
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CMA11. Willow/Fireweed
(Salix spp./Epilobium cmgustifolium)
n=l This community type represents a 3 year old bum of a white spruce forest. Firevveed and marsh reedgrass early
successional species quickly dominate the community after a fire. As this community undergoes succession the herbaceous
understory will be suppressed as a result of shading by white spruce. Eliminating the tree canopy cover has increased the
forage production of this site from 50-100 kg/ha under a spruce moss forest to over 1 700 kg/ha on this community type.
Plant Composition canopy covers/.)
Trees
Aspen
( Populus tremu hides)
White spruce
( Picea g/auca)
Shrubs
Willow spp.
(Salix spp.)
Forbs
Strawberry
(Fragaria virginiana)
Fire weed
(Epilobium angustifolium)
Yarrow
(A chi l lea m ille folium )
Large Leaved yellow avens
( Geum macrophyllum )
Grasses
Marsh reedgrass
(Calarnagrostis canadensis) 1 9
Hair-like sedge
(Car ex capillaris) 1
Environmental Variables
10
21
2
37
2
2
Carrying Capacity
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)
Grass
forb
Shrub
Total
190
1322
236
1748
Suggested Stocking Rate
0.5 Ha /AUM
Moisture Regime (mean):
SUBHYGRIC-MESIC
Nutrient Regime (mean):
MESOTROPHIC
Elevation:
150 m
Soil Drainage (mean):
Moderately well
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CMA12. Willow-Spruce/Kentucky bluegrass
(SaJix spp. -Picea glauca/Poa pratensis)
n=l This community represents an old spruce community which burned in 1968, succeeded to willow, and is now
succeeding back to white spruce. After the fire, the canopy was opened up allowing for good forage productivity.
Consequently, cattle grazing was quite heavy allowing Kentucky bluegrass and clover to establish. Thistle is now beginning
to invade and will expand to other areas if not controlled. As the spruce continues to mature, the increasing canopy cover
will cause a decline in overall production and this site will eventually become non-use for domestic livestock.
Plant Composition canopy covers
Trees
Larch
( Larix laricina) 8
White spruce(understory)
( Picea glauca ) 3
Shrubs
Willow spp.
(Salix spp.) 50
Forbs
Clover
(T rifolium sp.) 22
Dandelion
(T araxacum officinale) 1 4
Marsh hedge nettle
(Stachys palustris) 6
Bishop’s cap
(Mitella nuda) 6
Canada thistle
(Cirsium arvense ) 2
Grasses
Kentucky bliegrass
( Poa pratensis ) 77
Carrying Capacity
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)
Grass 1 985
Forb 540
Shrub 0
Total 2524
Suggested Stocking Rate
0.4 Ha/AUM
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime (mean):
Subhygric
Nutrient Regime (mean):
Permesotrophic
Elevation:
667 m
Soil Drainage (mean):
Moderately Well to Imperfectly
95
I
CENTRAL MIXEDWOOD SUBREGION
TAME FORAGE COMMUNITIES
tv cr
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_• .. ... »o
lw£p&^
‘ ’ ‘‘'T !«&?$' ' T W' •'/’ & :;Sg^ • :Vi
*fcj , ^ j|® O? 1
Photo 8. This range improvement clearing exhibits signs of heavy grazing pressure and is slowly
being invaded by tall buttercup.
96
CM - TAME FORAGE COMMUNITIES
(Cleared areas that have been broken and seeded to tame forage)
Throughout the Central Mixedwood subregion there are sites that have been deforested,
broken, and seeded to tame forage. Usually these areas are mesic and moderately well to well
drained with good nutrient levels. Because most of these tame forage stands are established on
similar sites, the most influential factors affecting plant species composition are stand
establishment and grazing regime.
Stand establishment is important because it determines what the initial plant species
composition is going to be. Seed bed preparation and the type of seed sown are the two most
important factors influencing stand establishment. Seed bed preparation is important because it
helps to determine how well the sown seed germinates and establishes. If the seed bed is not well
prepared the tame forage stand may establish poorly and native species can become a dominant
component of the plant community. If the seed bed is well prepared, the community type that
establishes will depend on the type of seed sown. If a mixture of Creeping Red Fescue, Timothy,
and Alsike Clover is sown into the area a Creeping Red Fescue/ Alsike Clover community type
will become established. Whereas, if a mixture of Smooth Brome Grass, Timothy, Creeping Red
Fescue, and Red Clover is sown, a Smooth Brome/ Red Clover community type will become
established.
After the stand is established, the grazing regime applied to the stand will determine the
plant species composition. Generally, a light to moderate amount of grazing allows the stand to
maintain itself while sustained heavy grazing causes the stand to degrade. Damage to a stand due
to over grazing occurs more readily while the stand is establishing than it does when the stand is
established. This is because the forage plants in an establishing stand have not had time to
develop energy reserves in their roots, and are therefore, more susceptible to grazing induced
damage.
Well distributed light to moderate grazing will normally maintain a forage stand similar to
what was seeded on the site. These stands are generally the most productive and provide the best
grazing opportunities for livestock. They are normally considered to be in good to excellent
range condition. Non use or very light grazing often results in the stand becoming dominated by
the forage species that is most competitive under an ungrazed situation. Plant community
changes which occur under heavy grazing are dependent on the grazing history (level of use,
season of use and duration of the grazing regime) Overgrazed community types develop over a
long period of repeated overgrazing. If weedy species such as Tall Buttercup, become established
on overgrazed sites, they can quickly become a dominant species.
97
Table 7. Tame forage communities of the Central Mixedwood subregion
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CMB1. Kentucky bluegrass/Dandelion
(Poa pratensi s/Taraxacum officinale)
n=8 This community type has had a history of being grazed heavily throughout the growing season. Heavy grazing
throughout the growing season, allows Kentucky bluegrass, clover, and dandelion to out-compete all of the other
vegetation. This community occurs on tame pastures or native rangeland that has been over grazed. It is considered
to be in poor condition because forage production and nutritional value have been degraded
Plant Composition canopy covers
Forbs
Environmental Vari ables
Clover
(T rifolium spp.)
13
Moisture Regime (mean):
Dandelion
Mesic-Subhygric.
(T araxacum officinale)
17
Plantain
Nutrient Regime (mean):
(Plantago major)
4
Mesotrophic to Permesotrophic
Grasses
Smooth brome
Elevation:
(Bromus inennis)
6
576-667(594)m
Quackgrass
( Agropyron repens)
12
Soil Drainage (mean):
Timothy
Well to moderately well
(Phleum pratense)
2
Kentucky Bluegrass
(Poa pratensis)
55
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha
Grass 2344(858-5304)
Forbs 843(0-3322)
Total 2929(858-5371)
Suggested Stocking Rate
0.4 HA/AUM
100
CMB2. Kentucky bluegrass-Timothy/Dandelion
(Poa pratensis-Phleum prcitense/Tciraxacnm officinale)
n=6 This community ytpe represents a tame pasture that is showing signs of heavy grazing pressure. The
original seed mix species (such as timothy and smooth brome) are still present, however Kentucky bluegrass and
dandelion have become established and are starting to take over. If allowed some rest, this field may recover to the
original seeded species.
Plant Composition Canopy Cover(%)
Forbs
Clover
(T rifolium spp.)
Dandelion
25
(T araxacum officinale)
Canada thistle
36
(Cirsium arvense)
Horsetail
3
( Equisetum arvense )
6
Creeping Red Fescue
(Festuca rubra)
Foxtail barley
1
( Hordeum jubatum)
Kentucky Bluegrass
3
(Poa pratensis)
Timothy
39
( Phleum pratense )
Smooth brome
( Bromus inennis )
1 1
2
Nutrient Regime (mean):
Mesotrophic. to Permesotrophic
Elevation:
576-606(596)m
Soil Drainage (mean):
Well to Moderately well
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 1396(700-2434)
Forbs 1098(280-2042)
Shrub 17(0-100)
Total 2793(1300-3902)
Suggested Stocking Rate
0.3 ha/aum
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime (mean):
Mesic to Subhygric
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CMB3. Timothy/Dandelion
(Phi cum prateme / Taraxacum officinale)
n=l This community type develops on sites that were seeded with a timothy, meadow foxtail, clover mixture.
Timothy establishes very quickly on pastures that have been recently seeded. If this pasture had been seeded with
creeping red fescue and smooth brome they eventually will outcompete timothy and this community will likely become
dominated by creeping red fescue and smooth brome. Timothy provides excellent forage for domestic livestock,
especialy if timothy is kept in the vegetative state by mowing or grazing.
Plant Composition Canopy Cover(%)
Elevation:
576m
Forbs
Alsike Clover
(T rifolium hybridum) 2
Dandelion
(T araxacum officinale) 42
Wild Strawberry
(Frageria virginiana) 2
Grasses
Meadow foxtail
(Aiopecurns pratensis) 3
Timothy
( Phleum praieme) 29
Soil Drainage (mean):
Well (moderately well)
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 2000
Forbs 470
Shrubs 0
Total 2470
Suggested Stocking Rate
0.4 HA/AUM
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime (mean):
Mesic. to subhygric
Nutrient Regime (mean):
Mesotrophic to Permesotrophic.
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CMB4. Creeping red fescue-Kentucky bluegrass
(Festuca rubra-Poa prat en sis)
n=3 This community type represents recently seeded fields that have since been moderately to heavily grazed.
Kentucky bluegrass has increased to equal the level of the seeded species, creeping red fescue. If heavy grazing
pressure persists, Kentucky bluegrass and dandelion will dominate resulting in a decline in forage quality. This
community' type will require a period of rest each year with light to moderate grazing pressure to maintain good
cover of creeping red fescue.
Plant Composition canopy covers
Shrubs
Prickly rose
(Rosa acicu laris ) 3
Forbs
Clover
( Trifolium spp.) 2
Dandelion
(T araxacum officinale) 6
Alfalfa
(Medicago saliva) 5
Grasses
Kentucky bluegrass
(Poa pratensis) 38
Timothy
(Phleum pratense ) 1
Creeping red fescue
(Festuca rubra) 34
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime (mean):
mesic
Nutrient Regime (mean):
MESOTROPHIC
Elevation:
579 (576-606)m
Soil Drainage (mean):
Well
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 1859(846-2738)
Forbs 2722(120-2348)
Shrubs 0
Total 2767(1100-5086)
Suggested Stocking Rate
0.3 ha/aum
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CMB5. Creeping red fescue-Rough hairgrass
(Festuca rubra-Agrostis scabra)
n=l Tliis community type represents an area that was cleared and seeded, however due to poor soil conditions,
it established poorly. The soils on this site are sandy to a depth of about 6 inches and hairgrass is well adapted to
growing on these disturbed sites with poor nutrients. The overall cover of vegetation is sparse, therefore grazing
should only be light in order to maintain the little cover of vegetation. This site should not have been approved for
range improvement.
SUBMESIC
Plant Composition canopy cover(%]
Nutrient Regime (mean):
Forbs
Three toothed cinquefoil
SUBMESOTROPHIC
(PotentiUa tridenlata)
3
Elevation:
Rough cinquefoil
579m
(PotentiUa norvegica)
1
Soil Drainage (mean):
Grasses
Rough hairgrass
Well
(Agrostis scabra)
6
Carrying Capacity:
Timothy
( Phleum pratense )
2
Creeping red fescue
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
(Festuca rubra)
12
Grass 832
Forbs 302
Shrubs 0
Total 1134
Suggested Stocking Rate
0.8 HA/AUM
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime (mean):
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CMB6. Creeping red fescue-Timothy/Dandelion
(Festucci rubra-Phlcum prateme/Taraxacum officinale)
n=9 This community type represents areas cleared of aspen, seeded to timothy, creeping red fescue and clover.
In general, these sites are in good condition, but they will require adequate rest periods from grazing each season to
remain in good condition.
Plant Composition Canopy Cover(%)
Forbs
Clover
(T rifolium spp.) 5
Dandelion
(T araxacum officinale)
Common yarrow
(Achillea millefolium') 1
Grasses
Creeping Red Fescue
(Festuca rubra) 50
Kentucky Bluegrass
(Poa pratensis) 3
Timothy
(Phleum prate me) 6
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime (mean):
Mesic
Nutrient Regime (mean):
Mesotrophic
Elevation:
576-636(603)m
Soil Drainage (mean):
well
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 1328(724-2588)
Forb 750(250-1590)
Shrub 1 9(0- 1 62)
Total 2097(1214-3268)
Suggested Stocking Rate
0.4 HA/AUM
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CMB7. Smooth brome
(Browns inermis)
n=2 Tins community type occurs on cleared pastures that were seeded with a smooth brome, timothy-clover mix.
With a moderate grazing regime, smooth brome grass is the most competitive forage plant seeded into this site. It out-
competes timothy because it is strongly rhizomatous and is able to fill in the gaps between plants allowing it to shade
out the timothy. One of the sites had only been recently cleared and the forage species had not yet fully established.
As a result, forage production was only 1/3 as high as expected.
Plant Composition canopy cqvem%i
Trees
n/a
0
Shrubs
Prickly rose
( Rosa acicularis)
3
Forbs
Clover
(T rifolium spp.)
2
Grasses
Smooth brome
(Browns inermis)
31
SEDGE SPP.
(Carex spp.)
Timothy
4
(P'hleum pratense)
Kentucky bluegrass
13
(Poa pratensis)
8
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime (mean):
Mesic
Nutrient Regime (mean):
Mesotrophic
Elevation:
576m
Soil Drainage (mean):
Well (moderately well)
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 2034
Forbs 680
Total 2714
Suggested Stocking Rate
0.3 ha/aum
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CENTRAL MIXEDWOOD SUBREGION
DECIDUOUS FOREST COMMUNITY TYPES
Photo 9. Aw/Rose/Clover community type represents an deciduous community that has been
moderately to heavily grazed for a number of years.
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CM - DECIDUOUS FOREST COMMUNITIES
Balsam poplar is most commonly found on moist upland and alluvial bottomland sites; its best
growth is on moist rich bottomlands with deep soil (Peterson and Peterson 1992). The nine
stands with predominant balsam poplar (Pb) cover represent three community types in the Central
Mixedwood subregion. The Pb-Aw/River alder community is found on lower slope positions and
stream channels where there is seepage throughout the growing season. The Pb/Rose-Alder and
Pb-Aw/Beaked hazelnut-Rose community types are found upslope on slightly drier and better
drained soils. These two community types integrade into the Aw/Rose dominated community
types on mesic/medium ecosites.
White birch is indicative of well-drained, sandy or silty loams (Wilkinson 1990). In
Alberta this tree is found in association with balsam poplar on moist sites adjacent to small creeks
and lowland areas. Pure stands of Alaska variety white birch are also found on dry sandy ridges
with high watertables throughout northern Alberta. Beckingham (1993), found that white birch
was well adapted to growing on a soil with a pH of less than 5.3. The White birch/Willow
dominated community type maybe indicative of sites with slightly lower pH’s.
More mesic sites tend to be dominated by aspen and rose. It is the underlying soil
conditions and site history that appear to dictate which forb and shrub species will dominate these
mesic sites. Blueberry and twinflower appear to indicate sandy soils with poorer nutrient regimes.
An abundance of tall forbs (Aw/Rose/Tall forb) appears to be indicative of higher nutrient regimes
that have not been disturbed by livestock. In contrast the low forb (Aw/Rose/Low forb)
dominated type occupies sites similar to the tall forb type, but these sites appear to have been
disturbed by livestock. Increased grazing pressure on these two community types leads to the
formation of strawberry and clover dominated community types (Pb-Aw/Rose/Strawberry,
Aw/Rose/Clover).
Sites that have a more subhygric moisture regime and are moderately well-drained tend to
be dominated by willow and alder (Aw/ Alder-Willow-Rose, Aw/Willow). The Aw/Rose-
Saskatoon community was described on south and west facing slopes overlooking streams and
rivers. This community is very similar to the community that was described in the Dry
Mixedwood subregion. On sites with rich nutrient regimes red osier dogwood and horsetail
dominated communities are very common. The Aw/Horsetail community is usually found on
moister sites than the Aw/Red osier dogwood-Rose community type.
108
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Figure 4. Sequence of Aspen/Rose-dominated community types in the landscape of the
Central Mixedwood subregion.
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Table 8. Deciduous community types described in the Central Mixedwood subregion
Community Community type Productivity (kg/ha) Ecosite Carrying
number capacity
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Table 8. Deciduous community types described in the Central Mixedwood subregion
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Key to balsam poplar, paper birch, aspen/alder-willow dominated communities in the Central
Mixedwood subregion.
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Willow and Alder dominated types Aspen/Rose community types, Grazed community types
Aw/Alder-Willow-Rose CMC1 2 rose, saskatoon, or blueberry Aw-Pb/Rose/Strawberry CMC10
Aw/Willow (fire) CMC13 dominate the shrub layer Aw/Rose/Clover CMC1 1
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Key to Aspen/Rose community types in the Central Mixedwood subregion
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CMC1. Pb/Rose-Alder
(Populus balsam if era/Rosa acicularis-Alnus crispa)
n=3 This community was found on moderately well-drained sites with subhygric moisture regimes. Beckingham
(1993), described a similar community type. He found these forests to develop on parent materials that are neutral to
alkaline, thus they tended to have a relatively high level of nutrient availability and potentially high production levels.
This commmunity is producing only a moderate forage base for domestic livestock. Green alder, which makes
a large part of the total forage production for this vegetation type, is generally unpalatable to livestock. This community
type would be rated as secondary or non-use range.
Plant Composition canopy covers
Trees
Trembling Aspen
(Populus tremuloides) 1
Balsam poplar
(Populus balsamifera) 63
Shrubs
Prickly Rose
(Rosa acicularis) 1 5
Green alder
(Alnus crispa) 14
LOW BUSH CRANBERRY
(Viburnum edule) 1 1
Forbs
STRAWBERRY
(Fragaria virginiana) 7
Twinflower
(Liimaea borealis) 1
Northern bedstraw
(Galium boreale) 5
Tall lungwort
(Mertensia paniculata) 5
Yellow peavine
(Lathyrus ochroleucus ) 5
Wild Sarsaparilla
(Aralia nudicaulis) 1
Grasses
Marsh reedgrass
(Calamagrostis canadensis) 6
Northern ricegrass
(Oiyzopsis pungens) 1
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime:
Subhygric.
Nutrient Regime:
MESOTROPHIC
Elevation:
567 M
Soil Drainage:
Moderately Well
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 185(0-552)
Forbs 490(234-978)
Shrubs 154(0-250)
Total 829(474-1530)
Suggested Stocking Rate
2.2 HA/AUM
RECOMMENDED STOCKING RATE
non-use
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CMC2. Pb-Aw/River alder
(Populus balsctmiferci-Populus trermdoides/ Alims tenuifolia)
n=3 This community type is found on moist lower slope positions. A similar community type was described on
similar sites in the Lower Foothills subregion (Willoughby and Downing 1 995). The high cover of alder limits the light
reaching the understory and results in low production of grass and forbs. The majority of the total forage production
comes from alder which is generally inaccessible and unpalatable to livestock. Consequently this community type would
be rated as non-use for domestic livestock.
Plant Composition canopy covers
Trees
Trembling Aspen
(Populus tremuloides) 23
Balsam Poplar
(Populus balsamifera) 26
Shrubs
River .alder
(Aluus tenuifolia) 27
Red osier dogwood
(Cornus stolonifera) 1 0
Bracted Honeysuckle
(Lonicera involucrala) 3
Prickly Rose
( Rosa acicularis) 9
LOW BUSH CRANBERRY
( Viburnum edule ) 4
Forbs
Horsetail
(Equisetwn arvense) 14
Dewberry or Running Raspberry
(Rubus pubescens) 6
Bishop’s cap
(Milella nuda) 4
Wild Strawberry
(Fragaria virginiana) 3
Lindley's Aster
(Aster ciliolatus) 2
YELLOW PEAVINE
(Lathyms ochroleucus ) 3
Wild Sarsaparilla
(Aralia nudicaulis) 29
Grasses
Marsh Reed Grass
(Calamagrostis canadensis) 1
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime:
SUBHYGRIC TO HYGRIC
Nutrient Regime:
Permesotrophic
Elevation:
454(1 50-606) m
Percent Slope Gradient:
0-2
Soil Drainage:
Moderately well
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 7(2-20)
Forbs 193(62-376)
Shrubs 340(200-438)
Total 540(202-816)
Suggested Stocking Rate
Non-use
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CMC3. Pb-Aw/Beaked hazelnut-Rose
(Populus balsamifera-Populus trermiloidesfCorylus conwta-Rosa acicularis)
n=2 This community type was described on south facing slopes and is very similar to the the beaked hazelnut
communities described in the Diy Mixedwood subregion. This type appears to occupy warmer and drier microsites that
resemble the Dry Mixedwood’s climate. The total production of this type is high, but the majority of production is
coming from hazelnut winch is largely unpalatable to livestock at proper stocking levels. The high cover of hazelnut also
restricts access to livestock, limiting the forage availability. This community would be rated as secondary range.
Plant Composition canopy cover i%)
Trees
Trembling Aspen
(Populus trenndoides) 40
Balsam Poplar
(Populus balsamifera) 65
Shrubs
Hazelnut
(Corylus cornuta) 1 6
Saskatoon
(Amelanchier alnifolia) 6
Wild Red Raspberry
(Rubus idaeus) 6
Prickly Rose
(Rosa acicularis) 8
Forbs
Wild lily-of-the-valley
(Kiaianthemum canadense) 5
Dewberry or Running Raspberry
(Rubus pubescens) 6
YELLOW PEAVINE
(Lathyms ochroleucus) 4
VEINY MEADOW RUE
( Thalictnnu venulosum) 3
Wild Sarsaparilla
(Aralia nudicaulis) 1 1
Grasses
Marsh Reed Grass
( Ca/arnagrostis canadensis) 5
Mountain ric.egrass
( Oryzopsis asperifolia) 3
Sedge
( Carexspp .) 5
Environment ai. Variables
Moisture Regime:
Mesic to Subhygric
Nutrient Regime:
Mesotrophic to Permesotrophic.
Elevation:
588(576-600) M
Percent Slope Gradient:
5-10(7.5)%
Soil Drainage:
Well to Moderately well
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 222(74-370)
Forbs 272(234-310)
Shrubs 411(152-670)
Total 905(756-1054)
Suggested Stocking Rate
2.0 ha/aum
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CMC4. BwAVillow
(Betula papyri f era Sal ix spp.)
n=l This community type was described on a veiy moist site that was burned or cleared and is now undergoing
succession to a paper birch dominated community type. The understory of this community type is dominated by
sphagnum moss, which is characteristic of the poor fen ecosite described by Beckingham and Archibald (1996). The
site was likely dominated by black spruce and larch prior to disturbance. The poor nutrient status and veiy moist
conditions make this community type unsuitable for livestock grazing. This community type should be rated as non-use.
Plant Composition Canopy Cover(%)
Trees
Paper birch
(Be tula papyrifera) 55
Shrubs
Willow
(Sal ix spp.) 50
Forbs
Small bog cranberry
( Oxycoccus microcarpus)
Swamp horsetail
25
(Equisetum fluviati/e)
Marsh cinquefoil
19
(Potentilla palustris)
12
Grasses
Marsh Reed Grass
(Calamagrostis canadensis)
Hair-like sedge
7
(Carex capillaris )
Beaked sedge
6
(C a rex rostrata )
6
Mosses
Peat moss
( Sphagnum spp.)
93
Nutrient Regime:
Mesotrophic
Elevation:
576 m
Soil Drainage:
very poor
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 340
Forbs 342
Shrubs 74
Total 756
Suggested Stocking Rate
Non-use
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime:
SUBHYDRIC
117
CMC5. A\v/BIueberry
(Populus trermiloides/ Vaccinium myrtilloides)
n=4 This is a very dry, well-drained community type with sandy soil. It is found in conjunction with jack pine
stands. Productivity of shrubs is largely blueberry, which is unpalatable to livestock.
These stands tend to be relatively open allowing for easy access by livestock, but the dry site conditions and
poorer nutrient status limit the amount of regrowth after grazing. If this community type is managed for one rotation
a year, it can contribute significantly to the overall carrying capacity of a lease.
Plant Composition canopy cover(%>
Trees
Trembling Aspen
(Populus tremuloides) 45
Shrubs
Willow
(Sa/ix spp.) 5
Wild Red Raspberry
(Rubus idaeus) 2
Blueberry
( Vaccinium luyrtilloides ) 20
Prickly Rose
(Rosa acicularis) 1 1
FORBS
Bunchberry
(Cornus canadensis) 7
Bearberry
(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 3
Yellow peavine
(Lathyrus ochroleucus) 4
TWINFLOWER
(Linnaea borealis) 4
Strawberry
(. Fragaria virginiana ) 4
Grasses
Purple oatgrass
(Schizachne purpurascens) 3
Hairy wildrye
(Elymus innovatus) 5
Mountain ricegrass
( Oiyzopsis asperfolia ) 3
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime:
Submesic
Nutrient Regime:
MESOTROPHIC
Elevation:
604(600-606) M
Soil Drainage:
Well
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 1005(98-1794)
Forbs 169(0-388)
Shrubs 138(0-452)
Total 1312(762-1794)
Suggested Stocking Rate
1.4 HA/AUM
118
CMC6. Aw/Rose/Twinflower
(Populus tremuloides/ Rosa acicularis/Lirmaea borealis)
n=6 This community type has been grazed moderately to heavily and is very similar to the grazed
Pb/Rose/Strawbeny and Aw /Rose/Low forb community types. Grazing pressure reduces the cover of shrubs and tall-
growing forbs and allows the low-growing forbs to increase in cover. This community type occupies soils with poor
nutrient regimes. The poor nutrient status appears to favour the growth of twinflower, a species that is well adapted
to growing on poor soils (Coins and Annas 1 986). This may explain why twinflower is predominant on this community
type and not on the other grazed community types.
Plant Composition cmqeycqveb(%i Environmental Variables
Trees
Balsam Poplar
(Populus balsam if era) 3
Trembling Aspen
(Populus tremuloides) 53
Shrubs
Prickly Rose
(Rosa acicularis) 1 1
Wild Red Raspberry
(Rubus idaeus) 1
LOW BUSH CRANBERRY
(I'ibumum edule) 2
Snowberry or Buckrrusi I
(Symphoricarpos occidentalis) 3
Forbs
Cream-coloihed Vetchling
(Lathyrus ochroleucus ) 3
Bunchberry
(Cornus canadensis) 5
Twinflower
(Linnaea borealis) 1 9
Strawberry
(Fragaria virginiana) 5
Winter green
(. Pyrola asarifo/ia) 3
Grasses
Mountain ricegrass
(Otyzopsis asperifolia) 1
Hairy wildrye
{Ely mu s innovalus) 3
Purple oatgrass
{Schizachne purpurascens) 3
Kentucky bluegrass
{Poa pratensis ) 2
Moisture Regime:
SUBMESIC TO MESIC
Nutrient Regime:
Mesotrophic
Elevation:
634(579-733) m
Percent Slope Gradient:
2(0-5 )%
Soil Drainage:
WELL
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 41(6-102)
Forbs 183(70-270
Shrubs 125(16-294)
Total 372(190-490)
Suggested Stocking Rate
4.9 ha/aum
119
CMC7. Aw/Rose/Low forb
(Populus trermdoides/Rosa acicu lari s/Low forb)
n=14 This type occupies mesic, well-drained sites with medium nutrient regimes. This type is similar to the
Aw/Rose/Tall forb community, type, but this type appears to occupy drier sites with poorer nutrient regimes. It has also
been observed that this type can also be produced when the tall forb community is grazed for a number of years. The
increased grazing pressure may explain why the production on this type is lower than the tall forb type.
Forage production in this type is good, but the low-growing forbs are not as accessible to livestock as the tall
growing forbs. Despite these limitations this community type should still be rated as primary range.
Plant Composition canopy covers Environmental Variables
Trees
Trembling Aspen
(Populus tremuloides) 49
Balsam poplar
(. Populus balsam ifera) 9
White spruce
(. Picea glauca ) 2
Shrubs
Saskatoon
(Amelanchier aim folia) 3
Prickly Rose
(Rosa acicu laris) 1 6
Wild Red Raspberry
(Rubus idaeus) 6
Snowberry
(Symphoricarpos occidentalis) 9
LOW BUSH CRANBERRY
( Viburnum edule ) 2
Forbs
Strawberry
(Fragaria virgiuiana) 5
Fire weed
(Epilobium angustifolium) 3
Yellow peavine
( Lathyrus ochroleucus ) 3
Dewberry or Running Raspberry
(Rubus pubescens) 4
Lindley’s aster
(Aster ci/iolatus) 3
Grasses
Marsh Reed Grass
(Calamagrostis canadensis) 6
Hairy wildrye
( Elymus innovatus ) 3
Moisture Regime:
Mesic
Nutrient Regime:
Mesotrophic
Elevation:
61 7(579-667) m
Percent Slope Gradient:
3(0-15)%
Aspect:
Variable
Soil Drainage:
well to Moderately well
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 253(6-660)
Forbs 334(76-830)
Shrubs 235(38-1154)
Total 837(312-2086)
Suggested Stocking Rate
2.0 HA'AUM
120
CMC8. Aw/Rose/Tall forb
(Populus Iremuloide s/Rosa acicularis/Tall forb)
n=13 This type appears to be the modal aspen community type in the absence of disturbance on mesic, medium to
rich sites. The presence of tall forbs wild sarsaparilla, fireweed, and peavine distinguish this community from the low
forb type. It is unclear why there is a diflerence in the tall and low forb types. Corns and Annas ( 1 986) recoqnized the
two types in the Lower Foothills subregion. They felt the wild sarsaparilla type was moister and had a higher nutrient
regime. It has also been observed that the low forb type can be produced when the tall forb community is lightly to
moderately grazed for a number of years (Willoughby 1996).
The forage production on this community' type is good. The majority of the vegetation is palatable to livestock.
This community' type would be rated as primary range for domestic livestock. Wild sarsaparilla, a major component
of this community type appears to be very sensitive to any disturbance by livestock.
Plant Composition canopy cover(%i Environmental Variables
Trees
Balsam Poplar
(Populus balsamifera) 9
Trembling Aspen
(Populus tremuloides) 49
Shrubs
Red osier dogwood
(Cornu s stolon if era) 3
Wild red raspberry
(Rubus ideaus) 2
Prickly rose
(Rosa acicularis) 1 6
LOW BUSH CRANBERRY
( Viburnum edule ) 7
Forbs
Wild sarsaparilla
(Ara/ia nudicaulis) 22
Strawberry
(Fragaria virginiana) 3
Bunchberry
(Cornus canadensis) 4
Lindley's Aster
(Aster ciliolatus) 2
Fireweed
( Epilobium angustifolium ) 5
Dewberry
(Rubus pubscens ) 6
Grasses
Marsh Reed Grass
(Calamagrostis canadensis) 8
Moisture Regime:
Mesic
Nutrient Regime:
MESOTROPHIC TO PERMESOTROPHIC
Elevation:
617(576-697)m
Soil Drainage:
WELL
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 202(3-812)
Forbs 352(179-480)
Shrubs 257(60-1058)
Total 811(459-1470)
Suggested Stocking Rate
2.0 ha/AUM
121
CMC9. Pb-Aw/Rose-Saskatoon
(Populus ire undo ides/R os a acicularis-A melanchier alnifolia)
n=2 This community type is found on mesic, well drained south lacing slopes that overlook rivers and creeks. This
community is also similar to the Aw/Saskatoon-Rose community’ that was described in the Dry Mixedwood subregion.
Both community types occur on south and west facing slopes. Saskatoon provides important browse for wild ungulates.
Livestock also find saskatoon palatable and in areas where there is extensive cattle grazing this species can be heavily
browsed.
Plant Composition canopy covers
Trees
Aspen
(Populus tremuloides)
Balsam poplar
20
( Populus balsam if era )
44
Shrubs
Prickly Rose
(Rosa acicu laris)
Saskatoon
22
( Amelanchier alnifolia )
Red osier dogwood
25
(Com us stolon if era )
River alder
7
(Altius tenuifolia )
Willow
(Salix spp.)
8
8
Forbs
Horsetail
(Equisetum arvense)
BUNCHBERRY
3
(Comus canadensis)
Tall lungwort
i
(. Mertensia paniculata)
Dewberry
2
(Rubus pubescens)
Yellow peavine
3
(Lathyrus ochroleucus )
Wild sarsaparilla
4
(Aralia nudicaulis )
Strawberry
3
(Fragaria virginiana )
Grasses
4
Mountain ricegrass
(Oiyzopsis asperifolia)
1
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime:
Mesic
Nutrient Regime:
MESOTROPHIC
Elevation:
606 m
Soil Drainage:
Well to rapidly
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 25(0-50)
Forbs 279(240-318)
Shrubs 111(10-212)
Total 415(250-580)
Suggested Stocking Rate
4.0 ha/AUM
122
CMC 10. Aw-Pb/Rose/Strawberry
(PopuJus tremuloides-Populus balsam if era/Rosa acicu/aris/Fragaria virgitiiatia)
n=4 Tills community type appeal's to have been moderately grazed in the past. As grazing pressure becomes heavy,
there is a reduction in shrub, tall forbs and native grass cover and an increase in cover of low growing forbs(dandelion
and strawberry). Continued heavy grazing pressure eventually leads to a decline in all native plants and Kentucky
bluegrass, clover and dandelion will predominate in the understory (Willoughby 1 996). The forage production on this
community type is only moderate and is slightly less than other Aw and Pb dominated community types. A period of
rest would greatly benefit the production on this community type.
Plant Composition canopy covers Environmental Variables
Trees
White Birch
( Betula papyrifera) 3
Balsam Poplar
( Populus balsamifera) 28
Aspen
(. Populus tremu/oides) 41
Shrubs
Prickly Rose
(Rosa acicularis) 1 4
Low Bush Cranberry
( Viburnum edule) 1
Snowberry or Buckbrush
(Symphoricarpos occidentalis) 6
Wild Red Raspberry
(Rub ns idaeus) 2
Forbs
Wild Strawberry
(Fragaria virginiana) 1 3
Dandelion
(T araxacum officinale) 3
Dewberry or Running Raspberry
( Rubus pubesceois) 2
Northern bedstraw
(Galium boreale) 2
Lindley's aster
(Aster ciliolatus) 3
Fire weed
( Epilobium angustifolium ) 2
Grasses
Marsh Reed Grass
(Calamagrostis canadensis) 7
Moisture Regime:
Mesic To Subhygric.
Nutrient Regime:
Mesotrophic
Elevation:
576-606(584) m
Percent Slope Gradient:
Level
Soil Drainage:
well to Moderately well
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 259(0-617)
Forbs 327(142-524)
Shrubs 128(23-234)
Total 709(496-916)
Suggested Stocking Rate
3.0 HA/AUM
123
CMC11. Aw/Rose/Clover
(Populus tremuloides/Rosa acicularis/Trifolium spp.)
n=l This community type is represented by aspen stands that have recieved moderate to heavy grazing pressure
for a number of years. As a result, native forbs have declined and clover has increased in the understory. A small
portion of the original shrub and tall forb understory still remains. Although, grass production has dropped, forb
production remains high due to the dense cover of clover. This community has not been grazed as long as the
Aw/Kentucky bluegrass/Clover community type (Willoughby 1 996).
Plant Composition canopy cqveri%)
Trees
Trembling Aspen
(Populus tremuloides) 30
Balsam Poplar
(Populus balsam ifera) 18
Shrubs
Wild red raspberry
(Rubus idaeus) 3
Prickly Rose
(Rosa acicularis) 5
Forbs
Clover
(T rifolium sp.) 1 8
Dandelion
(T araxacum officinale) 4
Wild Strawberry
( Fragaria virginiana) 1
Horsetail
(Equisetum arvense) 4
Wild lily-of-ti ie-y alley
(. Maianthemum canadense ) 1
Grasses
Marsh Reed Grass
(Calamagrostis canadensis) 2
Kentucky bluegrass
(Poa pra ten's is} 1 0
Creeping red fescue
(Festuca mbra) 5
Environmental Variabi.es
Moisture Regime:
Mesic
Nutrient Regime:
Mesotrophic
Elevation:
606 m
Soil Drainage:
WELL
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 5 1 2
Forbs 192
Shrubs 224
Total 928
Suggested Stocking Rate
2.0 HA/AUM
124
CMC 12. Aw/Alder-Willow-Rose
(Populus trennrioides/ Abms crispa-Salix spp.-Rosa acicularis)
n=13 Tins community type is scattered throughout the Central Mixedwood subregion on mainly mesic to subhygric,
well-drained sites. This community is likely of fire origin. Many of the plots were described from a large fire that burned
through the area in 1 968. The aspen trees are also young and very dense. The high cover of aspen, alder, and willow
limits the amount of light reaching the understory. Consequently, there is little forage available for domestic livestock.
This community type would be rated as secondary or non-use range.
Plant Composition Canopy Cover(%)
Environmental Variables
Trees
Trembling Aspen
(Populus tremuloides) 55
Shrubs
Prickly Rose
(Rosa acicularis) 1 1
Blueberry
( Vaccinium myrtilloides) 1
Willow
(Salix spp.) 1 3
Green .alder
( Alnus crisp a) 35
Forbs
Bunchberry
(Cornus canadensis) 1 0
Wild Strawberry
(Fragaria virginiana) 2
Twinflower
(Linnaea borealis) 1 1
Dewberry
( Rubus pubescens) 3
Wild lily-of-the-v alley
( Maianthemum canadense ) 2
Yellow peavtne
(Lathy ms ochroleucus ) 2
Grasses
Marsh Reed Grass
(Ca/amagrostis canadensis) 5
Hairy wildrye
(Ely mu s innovatus) 1
Mountain ricegrass
0 Oiyzopsis asperfolia ) T
Moisture Regime:
mesic to subhygric
Nutrient Regime:
MESOTROPHIC TO PERMESOTROPHIC
Elevation:
635(333-758) m
Percent Slope Gradient:
5(0-15)%
Soil Drainage:
well To Moderately well
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 75(8-350)
Forbs 200(2-476)
Shrubs 225(5-660)
Total 499(100-930)
Suggested Stocking Rate
3.6 ha/AUM
125
CMC13. AwAVillow
(Populus tremuloides/Salix spp.)
n=4 This community type is similar to the A\v/Alder-Willo\v-Rose community type, but lacks the cover of alder.
Previously, this community type was split into four community' types (Willoughby and Downing 1 995). These mcluded
the AwAVillow-Rose/Twinflower, AwAVillow-Rose/Bunchbeny, Aw/Rose-Willow-Pin cherry /Fireweed and Aw/Rose-
Willow-Saskatoon. All four community types appeal ed to have had a fire origin, but had slightly different moisture and
nutrient regimes which affected forage productivity. Productivity' varied from 1 326 to 1 306 kg/ha on the Aw/Willow-
Rose/Bunchbeny and Aw/Rose-Willow-Pin cherry /Fireweed types to 606 kg/ha on the Aw/Willow-Rose/Twinflower
type. Because the sample size was so small it was felt to be impractical to split the four community types and they were
lumped into this one type for the purpose of this guide. As this community undergoes succession forage productivity
will decline.
Plant Composition canopvcqvek(%)
Trees
Trembling Aspen
(Populus tremuloides) 53
Shrubs
Prickly Rose
(Rosa acicularis) 1 3
Willow spp.
(Salix spp.) 27
Low BUSH CRANBERRY
( Viburnum edule) 4
Forbs
Bunchberry
(Cornus canadensis) 13
Wild sarsaparilla
(Aralia nudicaulis) 9
Yellow peavine
(La thy ms ochroleucus) 5
Dewberry
(Rubus pu beseem) 7
Wild lily-of-the-v alley
(Maianthemum canadense) 6
Fireweed
( Epilobium angustifolium ) 1 1
Twinflower
( Linnaea borealis) 5
Grasses
Marsh Reed Grass
(C-alamagrostis canadensis) 1
Hairy wildrye
( Elymus innovatus) 4
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime:
MESIC TO SUBHYGRIC
Nutrient Regime:
Mesotrophic to permesotrophic
Elevation:
542(333-636) m
Soil Drainage:
Well to Moderately well
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 461(2-708)
Forbs 493(362-552)
Shrubs 209(107-378)
Total 1162(606-1367)
Suggested Stocking Rate
1.6 ha/AUM
126
CMC 14. Aw/Red osier dogwood-Rose
(Populus tremuloides/Cornus stoloniferci-Rosa acicularis)
n=4 This community is typical of river floodplains throughout the Central Mixedwood subregion. This comm unit}’
has a subhygric moisture and rich nutrient regime. Beckingham and Archibald (1996) found this community type on
mid to lower slope topographic positions or near water courses where they recieve nutrient-rich seepage or flood waters
for a portion of the growing season. This community type is one of the most productive in the Central Mixedwood, but
the high cover of shrubs limits access to livestock. The high cover of tall growing shrubs (alder, red osier dogwood)
also limits the growth of low shrubs, forbs and grass the principle forage species for domestic livestock in deciduous
forests. As a result, this community should be rated as secondary or non-use range.
Plant Composition canopy co\-F.Rf%>
Trees
Trembling Aspen
(Populus treniuloides)
Balsam poplar
44
( Populus balsamiferd)
Shrubs
Prickly Rose
16
(Rosa acicularis)
Red osier dogwood
10
(Cornus stolonifera)
Green alder
28
(A bins crispa )
Forbs
Lady fern
2
(A thyrium filix-fem ina)
Wild sarsaparilla
2
(Arab a nudicaulis)
Dewberry
4
( Rubus pubescem)
Wild lily-of-the- valley
3
(, Maianthemum canadense )
Yellow pe avine
3
( Lathyms ochroleucus )
Grasses
Marsh Reed Grass
4
(Calamagrostis canadensis)
Hairy wildrye
3
(Ely tnus innovatus)
2
Nutrient Regime:
Permesotrophic
Elevation:
602(600-606)M
Slope percent:
2(1-3)%
Soil Drainage:
Moderately well
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 7(2-22)
Forbs 205(66-372)
Shrubs 265(20-358)
Total 476(226-714)
Suggested Stocking Rate
Non-Use
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime:
Subhygric
127
CMC15. Aw/Horsetail-Cow parsnip
(Populus tremuloides/Equisetum arvense-Heracleum lanatum)
n=l This community type occupies lowland sites adjacent to black spruce and willow lowlands. It is very moist and
nutrient rich. Horsetail types in other subregions also tend to be moister and richer than the modal Aw/Rose types. This
site is very productive and produces a large amount of forage for domestic livestock. Horsetail is generally unpalatable
to livestock and can be poisonous to horses. In contrast cow parsnip is very palatable to livestock. This community type
would therefore be rated as primary or secondary range for domestic livestock.
Plant Composition canopv covr.nr%i
Trees
Trembling Aspen
(Populus tremuloides) 12
Shrubs
Wild red raspberry
( Rubus idaeus ) 3
Forbs
Cow PARSNIP
( Heracleum lanatum) 30
Fire weed
(Epilobium angustifalium) 1
Horsetail
( Equisetum aryense) 25
Tall lungwort
(Mertensia paniculata ) 1 8
Tall larkspur
( Delphinium glaucum ) 1 3
Grasses
Marsh Reed Grass
(Calamagrostis canadensis) 47
Soil Drainage:
Moderately well
Carrying Capacity:
Forage Production in Kg/Ha (+-std dev):
Grass 1292
Forbs 1440
Total 2732
Suggested Stocking Rate
0.7 ha/AUM
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime:
SUBHYGRIC TO HYGRIC
Nutrient Regime.
PERMESOTROPHIC
Elevation:
758 m
128
CENTRAL MIXEDWOOD SUBREGION
CONIFEROUS AND MIXEDWOOD FOREST
COMMUNITIES
Photo 10. The Balsam fir- White spruce/Moss community type is the climatic climax community
for the Central Mixedwood subregion.
129
CM-CONIFEROUS AND MIXEDWOOD FORESTS
The mixedwood and coniferous community types described in this guide represent five
ecosites as described by Beckingham and Archibald (1996). On sites with subxeric moisture and
poor nutrient regimes, coarse textured, sandy soils open stands of jack pine generally dominate
(Pj/Alder, Pj/Bearberry). These community types commonly have a carpet of lichens covering the
forest floor and a thin organic layer typically less than 5 cm thick (Beckingham and Archibald
1996).
On slightly moister sites with submesic moisture and medium nutrient regimes aspen
grows in conjunction with jack pine to form the Aw-Pj/Bearberry/Lichen community type. The
soils of this community type continue to be coarse-textured but the moisture and nutrient
conditions are more favourable to the growth of aspen.
The mesic/medium sites are generally dominated by white spruce (Balsam fir-Sw/Moss,
Sw/Moss, Sw/Creeping red fescue) and mixedwood communities of aspen and spruce (Aw-
Sw/Rose/Low forb). These communities represent the reference ecosite for the Boreal
Mixedwood subregion (Beckingham and Archibald 1996). Generally, these sites have moderately
fine to fine-textured till or glaciolacustrine parent materials. Pioneer deciduous species (aspen,
balsam poplar and birch) are replaced with white spruce and balsam fir as these sites develop
successionally. With succession shade tolerant plants take over the herbaceous layer as conifers
dominate the canopy. These shade tolerant species are unproductive and often unpalatable for
domestic livestock. Forage productivity declines from 2.3 ha/AUM in a deciduous community to
2. 3-8. 6 ha/AUM in a mixedwood community to less than 10 ha/AUM in a conifer community.
Black spruce and larch communites generally dominate on wetter sites with subhygric to
subhydric moisture regimes and poor to medium nutrient regimes to form the Sb/Bog birch and
Sb/Labrador tea/Moss community types. Larch is more tolerant of excessive moisture and is
indicative of an enriched nutrient status, while black spruce is typical in areas of stagnating ground
water with poor nutrient status (Hay et al. 1985). Generally, these community types are
considered non-use for domestic livestock.
Beckingham and Archibald (1996), provide a good description on how the conifer and
mixedwood community are arranged in the landscape.
130
Table 9. Conifer and Mixedwood communities of the Central Mixedwood subregion
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Key to conifer and mixedwood communities in the Central Mixedwood subregion
CMD1. Pj/AIder
(Finns banksi ana/ Ainu s crispa)
n=l This community type is found on dry, rapidly drained, sandy soils with a poor nutrient status. Consequently,
production is quite low. Cattle will utilize these areas due to the easy access, however overutilization will quickly
deplete the area of forage. This community' type would be rated as secondary or non-use range.
Percent Composition Canopy cqver(%)
Trees
Jack Pine
(Finns banks i an a) 45
Shrubs
GREEN ALDER
(A Inns crispa) 4 1
Prickly rose
(Rosa aciculai'is) 5
Blueberry
(Vacciniwn myrtilloides) 1 3
Forbs
Twin-flower
(Linnaea borealis) 4
Bearberry
(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) T
Wild s.arsaparilla
(Arab a nudicaulis) 3
Wild lily-of-the-v alley
(Maianthennnn canaciense) 4
Grasses
Sedges
(Car ex spp.) 4
Hairy Wild Rye
(Elymus innovatus) 4
Northern ricegrass
(Otyzopsis pungens) 5
F.nvironmf.ntai. Variables
Moisture Regime:
subxeric
Nutrient Regime
Poor
Elevation:
606 m
Soil Drainage:
Rapidly
Percent Slope Gradient:
2-8
Carrying Capacity
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)
grass 0
FORBS 40
SHRUBS 86
Total 126
Suggested Stocking Rate
NON-USE
133
CMD2. Pj/Bearberry
(Finns bcniksiana Arctostaphylos uva-nrsi)
i=2 This community represents a jack pine forest which is very similar to the Pj/Alder community type. Like the previous
community cattle will utilize these areas due to the easy access, however overutilization will quickly deplete the forage supply.
This community type would be rated as secondary range and should be grazed on a single rotation per year.
Plant Composition canopy coverc/a
Nutrient Regime:
Trees
Jack Pine
(Pinus hatiksiaua)
38
SlJBMESOTROPHIC
Elevation:
Aspen
624(576-67 1) m
( Populus tremuloides )
1
Shrubs
Soil Drainage:
Bog cranberry
Rapidly
(J 'actinium vitis-idaea)
6
Prickly rose
Percent Slope Gradient:
(Rosa acicu/aris)
T
10%
Blueberry
( Vaccin in m myrti 1 hides)
2
Forbs
Carrying Capacity
Bearberry
(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
1 8 Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)
Northern bedstraw
GRASS 25(0-50)
(Galium horeale)
T
FORBS 47(40-54)
Wild lily-of-the-v alley
Shrubs 41(10-72)
(Maianthemum canadense)
2
Total 113(100-126)
Philadephlia fleabane
(Erigeron philadelphicus)
1
Grasses
Hairy Wild Rye
Suggested Stocking Rate
( E/ymus hmovatus)
Sedge spp.
(C a rex spp.)
2
NON-USE
5
Northern ricegrass
( Oiyzopsis asperifolia )
2
Mosses
Moss spp.
18
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime:
Submesic
CMD3. Aw-Pj/Bearberry/Lichen
(Popuhts tremuloides-Pinus bcmksicma/Arctostaphylos uva-ur si /Lichen)
n=2 This community type represents a aspen forest with a secondary canopy of jack pine. It is very similar to the
Pj/Bearberry community type, but it is found on slightly moister soils with better nutrients. These conditions favour
the growth of aspen. Like the previous community cattle will utilize these areas due to the easy access, however
overutilization will quickly deplete the forage supply. This community type would be rated as secondary range and
should be grazed on a single rotation per year.
Plant Composition canopy covers
Trees
Jack pine
(Pinus bcmksicma) 1 5
Aspen
( Populus tremuloides ) 20
Shrubs
Bog cranberry
( Vacciniutn vitis-idaea) 4
Prickly rose
(Rosa acicularis) 1
Blueberry
( Vacciniutn myrtilloides) 8
Forbs
BEARBERRY
(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 8
Twinflower
(Linnaea borealis) T
Wild lily-of-the-v alley
(Maianthemum canadense)
TOADFLAX
(Comandra umbellatd) 1
Grasses
slender wheatgrass
(Agropyron trachycauhnn) 2
Northern ricegrass
( Otyzopsis pungens) 2
Sedge
(Car ex spp.) 4
Lichens 49
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime:
Submesic
Nutrient Regime:
SUBMESOTROPHIC
Elevation:
576 m
Soil Drainage:
Well
Carrying Capacity
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)
grass 28
FORBS 46
SHRUBS 1 34
Total 208
Suggested Stocking Rate
NON-USE
135
CMD4. Balsam fir-Sw/Moss
(Abies balsamea-Picea glciuca/ Mossj
n=l Tins is a mature balsam fir forest which represents the climax vegetation for the area. The northerly aspect
of this community type has probably protected the site from past disturbance by fires and allowed the community to
undergo succession. The high canopy of balsam fir and spruce limits the light reaching the forest floor, limiting the
growth of grasses and forbs. As a result, the forage productivity of this community type is very low. This community
would be considered non-use.
Plant Composition cunn cmmc/.i
Soil Drainage:
well
Trees
White Spruce
(Picea glauca)
25
Balsam fir
(Abies balsatiiea)
40
Shrubs
Prickly rose
(Rosa acicularis)
T
Forbs
bunc.hberry
(Comas canadensis)
10
Twinflower
(Linnaea borealis)
4
Woodland horsetail
( Equisetum sylvaticwn)
6
Running clibmoss
( Lycopodium clavaturn )
3
Mosses
Feather moss
( Pleurozium schreberi )
51
Stairstep moss
( Hylocomium splendens)
37
Percent Slope Gradient:
5%
Aspect:
Northerly
Carrying Capacity
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)
grass 0
FORBS 102
SHRUBS 0
Total 102
Suggested Stocking Rate
NON-USE
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime:
Mesic
Nutrient Regime:
MESOTROPHIC
Elevation:
333 m
136
CMD5. Sw/Moss
(Picea glaucaMoss)
n=7 This community is considered successionally mature. A more continuous cover of feather moss and presence
of balsam fir would bring this community type closer to the climax community described previously. The limited light
penetration in this community discourages understory development, making this a non-use area for domestic livestock.
Plant Composition canopy cover£%)
Moisture Regime:
Mesic
Trees
White Spruce
(Picea glauca) 4 1
Aspen
(Populus treniuloides) 4
Balsam fir
{Abies balsamea ) 7
Shrubs
Prickly rose
(Rosa acicularis) 4
Red osier dogwood
(Cornus stolonifera)
Low BUSH cranberry
(. Viburnum edule) 2
Forbs
Bunchberry
(Cornus stolonifera) 8
Field PIorsetail
(Equisetum atvense) 1
Twinflower
( Linnaea borealis) 8
Palmate leaved coltsfoot
(Petasites palmatus) 2
dewberry
(Rubus pubescens) 1
Fire weed
( Epilobium angustifolhnn) 1
Grasses
Marsh reedgrass
(Calamagrostis canadensis) 1
Moss
Stair step moss
( Hylocomium splendens ) 1 8
Feathermoss
(. Pleurozium schreberi) 8
Nutrient Regime:
MESOTROPH1C
Elevation:
415(150-606) m
Soil Drainage:
well
Percent Slope Gradient:
1%
Carrying Capacity
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)
grass 1 0(0-40)
FORBS 78(0-172)
shrubs 54(0-158)
Total 143(36-370)
Suggested Stocking Rate
Non-use
Environmental Variables
137
CMD6. Sw/Creeping red fescue
(Pice a glauca/Festuca rubra)
n=l This community type represents an old cultivated field which has been planted to white spruce. The canopy
of spruce is beginning to shade the understory causing a decline in productivity, however, there is still enough forage
for grazing between the spruce trees.
Plant Composition canopy covers
Trees
Aspen
(Populus tremu hides) 1
White Spruce
(Pice a glauca) 35
Balsam poplar
(. Populus balsam if era) 1
Shrubs
Snowberry
(Symphoricarpos occidentalis) 5
Prickly Rose
(Rosa acicu laris) 10
Forbs
Strawberry
(Fragaria virgitiiana) 1 1
Clover
(T rifolum hybridum) 5
Dandelion
(T araxacum officinale) 5
Lindley’s aster
(Aster ciliolatus) 3
Grasses
Creeping red fescue
( Festuca rubra) 29
Hairy wildrye
( Elymus innovatus) 1 2
Slender wheatgrass
{Agropyron trachycaulum ) 1 1
Sedge
( Carexspp .) 3
Environmental Variables
Moisture Regime:
Mesic
Nutrient Regime:
mesotrophic
Elevation:
606 m
Soil Drainage:
WELL
Carrying Capacity
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)
grass 525
forbs 100
SHRUBS 0
Total 625
Suggested Stocking Rate
3.0 ha/AUM
138
CMD7. Aw-Sw/Rose/Low forb
( Populus tremuIoides-Picea glaitca/ Rosa acicu lari s/Low forb)
n=5 This community type is dominated by aspen in the primary canopy and by spruce in the secondary canopy.
It occupies similar site conditions to the Aw/Rose/Low forb community type. As spruce succeeds into the canopy it
reduces the amount of light reaching the forest floor reducing the growth of shrubs, forbs and grass. This community
type would be rarely used by livestock and should be rated as secondary range.
Plant Composition canopy cover<%> Environmental Variables
Trees
White Spruce
(Pice a glauca) 29
Trembling Aspen
(Populus trenniloides) 33
Balsam Poplar
(Populus balsamifera) 3
Shrubs
Snowberry
(Symphoricarpos occidentalis) 2
Prickly Rose
(Rosa acicularis) 1 0
Bracted honeysuckle
(Lonicera involcrata) 4
Buffaloberry
(Shepherdia catiadensis) 2
Forbs
Twinflower
( Linnaea borealis) 3
Bunchberry
(Conius canadensis) 4
WlNTERGREEN
(Pyrola asarifolia) 1
Dewberry
(Rubus pubscens) 2
Bishop’s cap
(Mitella ntida) 1
Grasses
hairy wildrye
( E/ytnus innovatus ) 5
Marsh reedgrass
( Calamagrostis canadensis ) 3
Mosses
Moss spp. 4
Moisture Regime:
Mesic
Nutrient Regime:
Mesotrophic
Elevation:
573(1 50-758) m
Soil Drainage:
Well
Carrying Capacity
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)
grass 86(2-308)
FORBS 194(70-418)
shrubs 128(50-308)
Total 408(160-1034)
Suggested Stocking Rate
4.5 HA/AUM
139
CMC8. Aw-Sw/Labrador tea/Moss
(Popuhts trenmloides-Picea glcnica/Ledum groenlcindicum/Moss)
n=l This community type has relatively poor nutrient status. Labrador tea and bog cranberry are indicative of
acidic soil surface soil conditions. Beckingham and Archibald ( 1 996) described this ecosite with a jack pine and black
spruce dominated overstory. The moisture and nutrient conditions of this community type are probably better than there
ecosite, which allows aspen and white spruce to dominate the overstory, but the soil conditions are poorer than the Aw-
Sw/Rose/Low forb community type. This community type does not produce much palatable forage and therefore would
be classified as non-use.
Plant Composition Canopy CovF.Rf%)
Trees
Aspen
(Populus tremu/oides) 55
White spruce
(Picea glauca) 40
Shrubs
Labrador tea
(Ledum groenlandicum.) 1 1
Blueberry
( V actinium myrtilloides ) 8
Bog cranberry
( Vaccinium vitis-idaea ) 4
FORBS
Bunchberry
(Counts canadensis) 5
Twinflower
(Linnaea borealis) 5
Bastard’s toadflax
(Geocaulon lividum) 3
Cow-wheat
(Klelampyrum lineare ) 3
Grasses
Hairy wildrye
(Elymits innovatics) 1
Mosses
Moss spp. 67
Environmental Variables
Elevation:
333 m
Soil Drainage:
Moderately well
Carrying Capacity
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)
grass 0
FORBS 96
shrubs 96
Total 192
Suggested Stocking Rate
NON-USE
Moisture Regime:
Submesic- Mesic
Nutrient Regime:
Submesotrophic-Mesotrophic
140
CMD9. Sb/Labrador tea/Moss
(Picea maricma/Ledum groenlcmdi cum/Moss)
n=l This community type appeal's to be related to the bog ecosite described by Beckingham and Archibald ( 1 996).
The bog ecosite commonly has organic soils consisting of slowly decomposing peat moss. This community type is
considered non-use for livestock, due to the lack of forage and poor accessibility.
Plant Composition canopy cover£%i
Trees
Larch
(Larix laricina) 1 5
Black Spruce
(Picea mariana) 3 1
Shrubs
WILLOW SPP.
(Salix spp ) 5
Labrador tea
(Ledum groenlandicwn) 29
FORBS
Cloudberry
(Rubus chamaemoms) 8
Horsetail
(Equiseium ajvense) 4
Dwarf scouring rush
(Equisetum scirpoides) 1
Grasses
Marsh reedgrass
(Calamagrostis canadensis) 3
Sedge
( Carex aurea) 4
Water sedge
( Carex aquatilis 3
Mosses
Peat Moss. 47
Soil Drainage:
poorly
Carrying Capacity
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)
grass 52(0-192)
FORBS 61(0-286)
SHRUBS 91(0-200)
Total 228(30-678)
Suggested Stocking Rate
NON-USE
Environmental Variabi.f.s
Moisture Regime:
SUBHYDRIC
Nutrient Regime:
Oligotrophic
Elevation:
61 5(579-636) m
141
CMD10. Sb/Willow-Bog birch
(Picea mariana/Salix spp.-Betula glandulosa)
n=l This community type is part ot the poor fen ecosite (Beckingham and Archibald 1996) because it has an
intermediate nutrient regime between the bog and rich fen ecosites. Drainage on this community type is poor to very
poor, but has some movement of water through the site. This community' type has a well developed shrub layer and the
grass layer consists mainly of marsh reedgrass and sedge species. The productivity of this type is moderate, but the high
water table limits access to domestic livestock. This community would be rated as non-use.
Plant Composition Canopy Cover(%) Soil Drainage:
POORLY
Trees
Larch
(Larix laricina ) 1 0
Black Spruce
(Picea mariana) 5
Shrubs
Willow spp.
(Salixspp.) 30
Bog birch
(Betula glandulosa) 24
Blueberry
( Vaccinium myrtiUoides ) 12
FORBS
Small bog cranberry
(Oxycoccus microcarpus) 57
Horsetail
( Equisetum arvense) 2
Three flw’d Solomon's-seal
(Smilicina trifolia ) 5
Grasses
Marsh reedgrass
(Calamagrostis canadensis) 6
Sedge
(Carex aurea) 2
Mosses
Peat Moss. 47
Carrying Capacity
Forage Production in kg/ha (+-std. dev.)
grass 1 04
forbs 90
shrubs 400
Total 594
Suggested Stocking Rate
NON-USE
Environmentai. Variables
Moisture Regime:
SUBHYDRIC
Nutrient Regime:
Oligotrophic
Elevation:
576 m
142
Literature cited
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Beckingham, J. 1993. Ecosystem associations of Northern Alberta. Dept, of
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Beckingham, J. and J.H. Archibald. 1996. Field guide to ecosites of Northern Alberta.
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143
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Strong, W.L. and K.R. Leggat. 1992. Ecoregions of Alberta. Alberta Forestry, Lands and
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144
APPENDIX 1
VEGETATION REPORTS AND SPECIES LISTS FOR EACH
PLANT COMMUNITY TYPE
(See volume 1 1)
145
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