Alpine and subalpine ericoid heath

Dwarf-shrub communities in arctic-boreal, alpine and subalpine regions dominated mostly by Ericaceous species such as Calluna vulgaris, Empetrum hermaphroditum, Loiseleuria procumbens, Vaccinium myrtillus, V. gaultherioides, V. vitis-idaea. Some chamaephytes, as well as hemicryptophytes occur constantly, usually with lower abundance values. The unit comprises mainly natural, partly semi-natural (or secondary distributed), acidophilous communities of dwarf-shrub heaths on siliceous bedrock. In some cases, the stands from calcareous bedrock are included as well, because of their distinctive physiognomy or/and soil characteristics that are different from those that are supposed to be on limestone bedrock because of the thick layer of undecomposed humus. These communities are nearly always mono-dominant and relatively species poor. Also here, species from the families Ericaceae and Empetraceae play an important role, as well as species from the genus Dryas. Rhododendron-heath in sheltered sites and Loiseleuria-heath on exposed ridges build close stands mainly in the southern part of the distributional range and only rarely in the arctic, due to ecological differences between arctic and high-alpine habitats, such as greater amounts of snow in alpine areas, and the relatively long, cold nights of the alpine summer compared to the continuous daylight of the arctic growing season. The vegetation of this habitat is mainly classified within the class Loiseleurio-Vaccinietea that comprises arctic-boreal tundra dwarf shrub and relict (sub)alpine acidophilous heathlands. Based on habitat variability, e.g. mass and length of snow cover and thickness and quality of soil, the communities can be divided into several subtypes: cryo- and xerophilous communities on shallow soils and mesophilous communities on deeper soils. Subalpine acidophilous, mesophilous communities of the Rhododendro-Vaccinion with a vicariate West Carpathian unit Vaccinion myrtilli (sometimes synonymised with the Genisto-Vaccinion), and the Balkan unit Bruckenthalion spiculifoliae represent another side of variability in comparison with the xero-, cryophilous communities of the Loiseleurio procumbentis-Vaccinion, which occur on windswept slopes and summits. All these vegetation types occupy mainly shallow and skeletal acidic soils and rarely basic bedrocks in places with a thick layer of litter and/or raw humus. In cold atlantic and subcontinental regions also heath communities of the alliance Genisto-Vaccinion (Calluno-Ulicetea) in montane to subalpine belts are included, heaths tolerating humid to hyperhumid climate. Further, communities belonging to the Ericion carneae (Rhododendro hirsuti-Ericetea carneae) from the subalpine and alpine zone, representing dwarf heath and short 'krummholz' on rocky calcareous soils, outcrops, lapies ('karren') and boulders are included into this habitat type. Finally, within this habitat type, plant communities of the order Kobresio-Dryadetalia (Carici rupestris-Kobresietea) may be found. These comprise chionophobous dwarf-shrub and cushion shaped wind-exposed fjell-field vegetation on the ridges and plateaus. The habitat is found almost in all mountains of Eurasia from the Balkan Peninsula to the Arctic (Pyrenees, Apennines, Alps, Carpathians, Dinarides, Scandinavia) and in montane regions of Eurasia and North America.

Indicators of quality:

This vegetation can be threatened by (over)grazing, burning, extirpation of shrub for cultivation, global warming and increased nutrient content. In the areas, where it presents secondary vegetation, it may be subject to afforestation or natural succession towards woodland.

The following characteristics are considered as indicators of good quality:

• dense stands of diagnostic Ericaceous species
• absence or low cover of tree species
• absence of tall and dense scrubs
• no indication of overgrazing
• presence and high cover of lichens (Cladonia and Cetraria species)
• absence of nutrient-demanding species

Synthesis of Red List assessment

Confidence in the assessment

Pressures and threats