Associations in Sarmatic Mixed Forests
provided by EOL authors
The Sarmatic mixed forests ecoregion stretches from northwestern Europe to the Ural Mountains in Russia and represents one of the broadest longitudinal expanse of any ecoregion of the Earth. Dominant canopy species include Scots pine and Norway spruce (Picea abies) intermixed with some broadleaf species such as (Quercus robur). There are a number of ferns, shrubs, wildflowers, grasses and mosses that inhabit the mid-tier and forest floor. Common low-growing shrubs include Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and Heather (Calluna vulgaris).
Common mosses found in the more mesic soils in addition to Broom Forkmoss (Dicranum scoparium) are Stairstep Moss (Hylocomium splendens), Red-stemmed Feathermoss (Pleurozium schreberi), Ostrich Plume (Ptilium crista-castrensis) and Common Hair Moss (Polytrichum commune) Other understory associates in the Sarmatic forests include Mountain Bladderfern (Cystopteris montana) and the widespread Western Brackenfern (Pteridium aquilinum).
Example wildflowers or forbs seen in the forest understory are: Marsh Helleborine (Epipactis palustris), Red Campion (Silene dioica), Sand Catchfly (Silene conica), White Campion (Silene latifolia), Common Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) and Field Scabious (Knautia arvensis). In some fens within forest clearings the Marsh thistle (Cirsium palustre) is found.
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- cc-by-nc
- copyright
- C. Michael Hogan
- bibliographic citation
- C.Michael Hogan. 2011. "Sarmatic mixed forests". Topic ed. Sidney Draggan. Ed.-in-chief Cutler J.Cleveland. Encyclopedia of Earth. Environmental Information Coalition, National Council for Science and the Environment, Washington DC
- author
- C. Michael Hogan (cmichaelhogan)
