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Spruce - Fir - Northern Hardwoods Forest Ecosystem
State Rank: S5This forest ecosystem can be found over most of the northern half of the state, and is often referred to by foresters as the Spruce - Fir - Northern Hardwoods zone. Red spruce and balsam fir are the most widespread conifers. Conifer-dominated and hardwood-dominated forests intergrade with one another: conifers are typically found in the lowlands or at the highest elevations, while northern hardwood forests are found at mid-elevation hillsides or along mid-elevation ridgelines. This ecosystem is almost entirely limited to terrestrial communities, although it may includ vernal pools and intermittent streams.
Natural Communities Associated with Spruce - Fir - Northern Hardwoods Forest Ecosystem
- Aspen - Birch Woodland/Forest Complex
- Beech - Birch - Maple Forest
- Cedar - Spruce Seepage Forest
- Fir - Heart-leaved Birch Subalpine Forest
- Hemlock Forest
- Jack Pine Forest
- Jack Pine Woodland
- Labrador Tea Talus Dwarf-Shrubland
- Maple - Basswood - Ash Forest
- Red Pine - White Pine Forest
- Red Pine Woodland
- Red Spruce - Mixed Conifer Woodland
- Spruce - Fir - Broom-moss Forest
- Spruce - Fir - Cinnamon Fern Forest
- Spruce - Fir - Wood-sorrel - Feather-moss Forest
- Spruce Heath Barren
- Spruce - Northern Hardwoods Forest
- Spruce Talus Woodland
- White Pine - Mixed Conifer Forest