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Important Bryophyte Habitats of Western Oregon

Defining important habitats for bryophytes is somewhat different from defining habitats for higher plants. Bryophytes are more sensitive to variation in landscape characteristics. Distinct assemblages of bryophytes may characterize specific substrates within what is usually thought of as a coherent plant community. For this reason, they are often referred to as occupying microhabitats. It would possible to define dozens, if not hundreds, of microhabitats in the Pacific Northwest. A subset of seventeen bryophyte habitats has been chosen to organize learning the 100 Prominent Bryophytes used in Wagner's beginning workshops.

These habitats are listed below under two main groups: FOREST COMMUNITIES and NON-FORESTED COMMUNITIES. Photographs of the prominent bryophytes of each habitat are accessible by clicking on the title after each number. All 100 bryophytes may be viewed using the link to the alphabetical index at both top and bottom of this page.


Alphabetical Index to Images of 100 Prominent Bryophytes of Western Oregon


FOREST COMMUNITIES

CONIFERS

1. Terrestrial Upland Forest

2. Terrestrial Riparian Forest

3. Conifer Trunks

4. Conifer Canopy

5. Rotting Logs

HARDWOODS

6. Bigleaf Maple

7. Vine Maple

8. Oak Trees

NON-FORESTED COMMUNITIES

9. Urban Weeds (except lawns)

10. Wetlands and Swamps

11. Soil, Trail and Road Cuts

12. Fire Bryophytes

13. Dry, Sunny Rocks

14. Shady Cliffs

15. Wet Cliffs, Rocky Seeps

16. Streamside Rocks, Amphibious

17. Aquatic, always submerged


Alphabetical Index to Images of 100 Prominent Bryophytes of Western Oregon


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