|
|

Complete list of tree species.
The forests of Newfoundland and Labrador form the most eastern part of the Boreal
Forest Region of North America. The forests are relatively small, primarily coniferous
trees intermixed with hardwoods. The variety of species is quite limited. Due to cool,
moist climates, nutrient cycling is slow and poorly drained soils have developed.
Repeated fires have established Black Spruce
(Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) as a characteristic species across much of Central
Newfoundland. Elsewhere, the forests are dominated by the presence of
Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.).
Balsam Fir is the most abundant tree on the
Island and the second most abundant in Labrador. The forests of the west coast
are commonly pure stands of Balsam Fir which
prefer moist, well-drained soils and can attain heights of 20-24 meters at 70-100
years on the best sites. Black Spruce forms
about one-third of the forests on the Island and two-thirds in Labrador. Due to
its very high tolerance for unfavorable conditions, this species is common on
very wet and dry sites. The species grow well on fertile sites, but is a poor
competitor among faster growing hardwoods. Black
Spruce is found primarily in the central plateau of Newfoundland where forest
fires are common; the nature of its cones gives it a competitive edge on burned
over sites. White Spruce (Picea glauca (Moench)
Voss) may be found on more favourable sites.
Hardwoods have not formed a major component of forest cover types in this Province.
However, White Birch and
Trembling Aspen are significant components of
mixed wood and hardwood stands on better forest sites throughout the Island,
especially the deep river valleys of the Western Long Range Mountains and the
Humber and Red Indian Lake watersheds. Hardwoods may reach heights of 22 meters
at 80 years on moist fertile sites.
|