Rich Conifer Swamp Communityrich Conifer Abstract Swamp, Page 1
Rich Conifer Swamp CommunityRich Conifer Abstract Swamp, Page 1 Community Range Photo by Michael R. Penskar Prevalent or likely prevalent Infrequent or likely infrequent Absent or likely absent Overview: Rich conifer swamp is a groundwater- communities are minerotrophic wetlands but differ in influenced, or minerotrophic, forested wetland that is species composition because of the absence of northern dominated by northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis) white cedar, which often forms a dense canopy. An- and occurs on organic soils (e.g., peat and muck). The other type of conifer-dominated wetland, poor conifer community is often referred to as cedar swamp. swamp, which occurs primarily in northern Michigan, can be distinguished from rich conifer swamp by its Global and State Rank: G4/S3 acidic organic soils, lack of groundwater influence (i.e., ombrotrophic), and prevalence of black spruce (Picea Range: Rich conifer swamp occurs throughout the up- mariana) and/or tamarack (Kost et al. 2007). Stands of per Midwest and northeast United States and adjacent mixed conifers and hardwoods that occur on saturated Canadian provinces (Faber-Langendoen 2001, Nature- mineral or muck soils are classified as hardwood- Serve 2001). The community varies in overall species conifer swamp and also occur primarily in northern composition across its range, which includes Michigan, Michigan (Kost et al. 2007). Boreal forest, which is Minnesota, Wisconsin, Ontario, Manitoba, Quebec, often dominated by northern white cedar, is sometimes New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, and confused with rich conifer swamp. Unlike rich conifer northern Illinois, Indiana and Ohio (Faber-Langendoen swamp, most boreal forests in Michigan are upland 2001, NatureServe 2001).
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