Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site F004BX115CA
Douglas-fir-redwood/California huckleberry,
mountain slopes,
schist, very gravelly loam
Accessed: 08/29/2026
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Draft. A draft ecological site description is either incomplete or has not undergone quality control and quality assurance review.
Associated sites
F004BX101CA Redwood/Douglas-fir/Pacific rhododendron, mountain slopes, schist, clay loam
Ecological site F004BX101CA may be found downslope from this site.
F004BX104CA Redwood-Douglas-fir/Pacific rhododendron, ridge-tops, schist, red clay
F004BX104CA may be found upslope on broad ridgetops with generally more heavily textured soils.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree (1) Pseudotsuga menziesii
(2) Sequoia sempervirensShrub (1) Vaccinium ovatum
Herbaceous Not specified
Physiographic features
This ecological site is found west of Redwood Creek. It occurs on slightly convex to strongly convex shoulders of broad ridges, and strongly sloping to steep mountain slopes.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Mountain slope
Flooding frequency None Ponding frequency None Elevation 62 – 3038 ft Slope 30 – 50 % Water table depth 60 – 0 in Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Climatic features
The climate is humid with cool, foggy summers, and cool, moist winters. Coastal influence limits the diurnal range in temperatures. Summer temperatures range from 42 to 70 degrees F. Mean annual precipitation ranges from 75 to 100 inches and usually falls from October to May.
Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (average) 290 days Freeze-free period (average) 290 days Precipitation total (average) 100 in BarLineFigure 1. Monthly precipitation range
BarLineFigure 2. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
">Influencing water features
There are no influencing water features on this site.
Soil features
These well-drained soils have developed from colluvium and residuum weathered from schist. They are moderately to strongly acidic at 40 inches with a loamy subsurface rock content ranging from very gravelly to extremely gravelly. These soils are moderately deep to a lithic contact.
Soils that have been tentatively correlated to this ecological site include the following:
Soil Survey Area: CA605-Redwood National and State Parks
MU Component
536 LackscreekTable 4. Representative soil features
Surface texture (1) Gravelly loam
(2) Very gravelly loam
Family particle size (1) Loamy
Drainage class Well drained Permeability class Moderately slow to moderate Soil depth 20 – 40 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 20 – 45 % Surface fragment cover >3" 0 – 5 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)1 – 3 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)Not specified Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)Not specified Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)Not specified Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)5.1 – 6 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)35 – 80 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 15 % Ecological dynamics
The redwood's interior range is largely contained within the coastal fog belt. Coastal fog ameliorates the effects of solar radiation on conifer transpiration rates (Daniel, 1942). Research in the redwood region (Dawson, 1998) has indicated that fog drip and direct fog uptake by foliage may contribute significant amounts of moisture to the forest floor during summer months and over the course of the year.
Previous harvesting and the use of fire to treat logging slash have changed species composition on many formerly redwood-dominated sites (Noss et al, 2000). Within many areas of the park, aerial seeding of Douglas-fir has led to a 10:1 ratio of Douglas-fir to redwood (Noss, 2000).
The historical origins of fires within the northern redwood region remain unknown. Lightning-ignited fires are considered rare. However, Native American burning is thought to have played a major role by burning fires from the interior into the redwood zone (Veirs, 1996). Natural fire intervals ranged from 500 to 600 years on the coast, 150 to 200 years on intermediate sites, and 50 years on inland sites. The northern range of redwoods evolved within a low to moderate natural disturbance regime (Veirs, 1979).
Surface fires likely modified the tree species composition by favoring the thicker-barked redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) (Veirs, 1979). Western hemlock's (Tsuga heterophylla) shallow roots and thin bark make it susceptible to fire damage (Arno, 2002). Fires also expose the mineral-rich soil and reduce competition from other plants, thereby increasing the establishment of new western hemlock (Veirs, 1979, Williamson, 1976). Tanoak (Lithocarpus densiflorus) seedlings and sapling-sized stems are often top-killed by surface fire, though larger stems may survive with only basal wounding (Tappeiner, 1984).
Both redwood and tanoak have the ability to re-sprout following fire (Veirs, 1996). After fire, redwood may sprout from the root crown or from dormant buds located under the bark of the bole and branches (Noss, 2000). The sprouting ability of redwood is most vigorous in younger stands and decreases with age. Frequent fire reduces tanoak’s sprouting ability and also tends to keep understories open (Arno, 2002). Fire exclusion would allow for the gradual increase of tanoak in the understory (McMurray, 1989).
A moderate fire could lead towards more of a mosaic in regeneration patterns. Patches of trees would be killed leaving others slightly damaged or unharmed. Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) regeneration would be favored in the large gaps that are created following a moderate fire, potentially leading to a larger proportion of Douglas-fir to redwood for several centuries (Agee, 1993). Without these gaps caused by fire, Douglas-fir regeneration is unsuccessful, and with continued lack of disturbance it may slowly be replaced by redwood as the dominant canopy species (Veirs, 1979, 1996).
Fires will also alter the composition of shrubs and forbs in the understory community. California huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum) is a common species in both moist and dry redwood environments. It is normally a fire-dependent shrub species, but little is known concerning it's adaptation to fire under low to moderate fire return intervals (Tirmenstein, 1990). Following a fire, California huckleberry will often re-sprout and recover rapidly.
Pacific rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum) is considered sensitive to fire. Following a surface fire, it may reestablish seedlings by sprouting from the rootcrown or stembase (Crane, 1990). After a disturbance such as fire, a decrease in plant cover is common, and will be followed by a gradual increase in cover over time.
Other potential disturbances in the redwood zone include winter storms that can cause top breakage. This breakage may kill individual or groups of trees and create small openings from windfall (Noss, 2000). This would likely favor the establishment of redwood and other shade tolerant conifers. On alluvial sites with periodic flooding, redwood and other colonizing hardwoods would dominate (Veirs, 1996). Where existing redwoods are inundated, new roots would develop in newly deposited silt (Veirs, 1996).
State and transition model
Custom diagramStandard diagram
Figure 3. State and Transition Model
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective textEcosystem states
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 5 submodel, plant communities
State 1
PC 1.1: Reference State, Douglas-fir and Redwood ForestCommunity 1.1
PC 1.1: Reference State, Douglas-fir and Redwood ForestThe interpretive plant community for this site is presumed to be similar to the historic community*. Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) dominate, with both nearly equally represented on these sites. Redwood may become more dominant on moister north-facing or lower slopes within the mapunits. Tanoak (Lithocarpus densiflorus) dominates the sub-canopy. Pacific madrone (Arbutus menziesii) and, rarely, giant chinquapin (Chrysolepis chrysophylla) may be represented as minor species on some sites. California huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum) and Pacific rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum) are found in the shrub layer along with the occasional salal (Gaultheria shallon).
This community can be maintained with partial cutting or a moderate fire with partial stand replacement. These minor disturbances allow Douglas-fir and redwood to regenerate and grow. The estimated tree age for this community is 200 years or more.
*The historic community is considered conceptual, and so is not part of the State and Transition Model. Any similarities between Plant Community 1.1 and a historic state are based on professional judgment and observation.
Community Pathway 1.1a:
This plant community will transition to PC 1.2 with the block harvesting of Douglas-fir. This would allow sprouting tanoak and evergreen shrubs to dominate the understory for a short period of time.
Community Pathway 1.1b:
Fire exclusion could transition PC 1.1 to PC 1.5 by causing an increase in redwood infill and an eventual predominance of redwood over Douglas-fir in the overstory, especially on north-facing lower slopes. Tanoak may also increase in abundance.
Forest overstory.The main overstory is dominated by Douglas-fir and redwood. <br /> <br /> Tanoak forms a sub-canopy layer beneath the primary overstory. On some sites an occasional Pacific madrone or giant chinquapin may be present. <br /> <br /> Average Percent Canopy Cover: <br /> <br /> Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) 50-60% <br /> Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) <br /> 10-35% <br /> Tanoak (Lithocarpus densiflorus) 35-40% <br /> Pacific madrone (Arbutus menziesii) 5-10% <br /> Giant chinquapin (Chrysolepis chrysophylla) 0-5% <br />
Forest understory. The understory is dominated by California huckleberry. Other shrubs found on the site include Pacific rhododendron and salal. The shrub form of tanoak may present in the understory in varying amounts. <br /> <br /> Average Percent Canopy Cover <br /> <br /> California huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum) 15-35% <br /> Pacific rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum) 5-15% <br /> Salal (Gaultheria shallon) 0-5% <br /> Tanoak (Lithocarpus densiflorus) 5-40%<br />
State 2
PC 1.2: Tanoak ShrublandCommunity 2.1
PC 1.2: Tanoak ShrublandThis plant community is shrub-dominated with sprouting hardwood and evergreen shrubs including tanoak, redwood, California huckleberry, salal and Pacific rhododendron. If a seed sources is present, coyotebrush (Baccharis pilularis) could infill from adjacent areas.
Blueblossom (Ceanothus thyrsiflorus) may also dominate a site following burning (Adams, 1992). It is thought that germination of blueblossom is increased by the pulse of heat from burning (Adams et al, 1992). Periodic fire favors germination of stored seed by eliminating duff cover and reducing other plant competition, thereby maintaining this community.
PC 1.2 will persist for a short period of time before growth or infill transitions the community.
Community Pathway 1.2a:
The implementation of tree planting and infill, in conjunction with brush management or chemical control, could establish the conifer-dominated plant community seen in PC 1.5.
Community Pathway 1.2b:
If a seed source is present Douglas-fir and tanoak may infill and transition this community to PC 1.4, the Douglas-fir and tanoak forest.
Community Pathway 1.2c:
If left to develop without management, vigorously sprouting tanoak will eventually shift this community to PC 1.3. Douglas-fir infill and redwood sprouting will also occur, but their initial growth may be suppressed by competition from hardwoods.
State 3
PC 1.3: Tanoak and Douglas-fir ForestCommunity 3.1
PC 1.3: Tanoak and Douglas-fir ForestThis plant community is initially dominated by tanoak, with Douglas-fir infill and redwood sprouts suppressed by the competition with the Tanoak. Douglas-fir will eventually become a co-dominate with the tanoak. Redwood infill and sprouts will continue to occur below established tanoak and Douglas-fir, developing a sub-canopy layer. The understory is shrub dominated. The estimated age for this plant community is 80 years or more.
Community Pathway 1.3a:
If given an extended period of time without disturbance, Douglas-fir height will eventually overgrow that of the tanoak and shift this community towards PC 1.4.
Community Pathway 1.3b:
This community can transition to PC 1.5, the redwood and Douglas-fir forest if redwood trees are planted, and if tanoak is partially cut and chemically controlled.
State 4
PC 1.4: Douglas-fir and Tanoak ForestCommunity 4.1
PC 1.4: Douglas-fir and Tanoak ForestDouglas-fir and tanoak dominate the overstory canopy, with redwood growth likely limited by drier soil conditions on some sites. The understory is shrub dominated, with California huckleberry and salal providing the majority of cover. The estimated age for this plant community ranges from 20 to more than 200 years.
Community Pathway 1.4:
Fire exclusion or the partial cutting of tanoak may allow the redwood to eventually become a larger component of the overstory and transition this community to PC 1.5.
State 5
PC 1.5: Redwood and Douglas-fir ForestCommunity 5.1
PC 1.5: Redwood and Douglas-fir ForestThis plant community is dominated by both redwood and Douglas-fir, with redwood being slightly more dominant. Tanoak exists in the sub-canopy and in the shrub layer, along with California huckleberry and salal. Tanoak may increase in the understory in the absence of fire. The estimated age for this site ranges from 20 to 400 years.
Community Pathway 1.5a:
In the event of a moderate fire, Douglas-fir can regenerate quickly in the created openings, causing it to eventually dominate the overstory species composition, and transition this community back to PC 1.1.
Community Pathway 1.5b:
Block harvesting would likely increase the tanoak and evergreen shrub community and would transition this plant community to PC 1.2.
Additional community tables
Table 5. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 6. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 7. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 8. Community 4.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 9. Community 5.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
The Redwood forest provides habitat for many species of mammals and native birds. Predators include black bear, fisher and marten, mountain lion, fox and bobcat. Ungulates included deer and elk, which use the forested areas for foraging and cover.
Many bird species use the redwood forest on a seasonal basis. Bird species include warblers, tanagers, sparrows, blackbirds, the Marbeled Murrelet, the Northern spotted owl and the Bald Eagle.
Common reptiles found in forested areas would include the alligator lizard and garter snake.
Amphibians are mostly associated with riparian and wetland areas. The northwest salamander and two newt species spend much of their lives in upland habitat.
Hydrological functions
Hydrological Group -- C.
The site is subject to erosion where adequate vegetative cover is not maintained. Road building, timber harvest, and site preparation for planting may increase surface erosion and potential for mass wasting.Recreational uses
Recreational use or development may be limited by slope and the rock content of the soils.
Wood products
Redwood is a highly valued lumber because of its resistance to decay. Uses of redwood include house siding, paneling, trim and cabinetry, decks, hot tubs, fences, garden structures, and retaining walls. Other uses include fascia, molding and industrial storage and processing tanks.
Douglas-fir is employed in residential structures and light commercial timber-frame construction. It is also used for solid timber heavy duty construction such as pilings, wharfs, bridge components and warehouse construction.
Other products
Redwood burls are used for tabletops, veneers, bowls and other turned products. Redwood bark is widely used as garden mulch.
Douglas-fir is a very desirable Christmas tree; branches and cones are also used as materials for Christmas wreaths.
California huckleberries are made into wine, as well as processed into pie fillings for home and commercial use. Foliage of the California huckleberry is used by florists in floral arrangements and to make Christmas decorations.
Other information
California huckleberries are a food source for various wildlife species.
Note: Forest Site Productivity below is based on the following sources:
Douglas-fir -- McArdle, Technical Bulletin 201.
Redwood -- Lindquist and Palley, Bulletin 796, Table 208.Supporting information
Inventory data references
Forestry data collected in support of this ecological site is from the following sources: Soil pits: 04-058 Soil Notes: 6004, 6014, 6032, 6046
Other references
Agee, James K., 1993. Fire Ecology of Northwest Forests. P 187-225.
Arno, Stephen H. and Allison-Bunnel, Steven. 2002. Flames in Our Forest, Disaster or Renewal? Island Press.
Burns, Russel M. and Honkala, B.H., Ed., 1990. Silvics of North America, Volume 1, Conifers. Agricultural Handbook 654. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service.
Crane, M. F. 1990. Rhododendron macrophyllum. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online] U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis [2005, November 9.]
Daniel, T. W. 1942. The comparative transpiration rates of several western conifers under controlled conditions. PhD. diss., University of California. Berkeley.
McMurray, Nancy E. 1989. Lithocarpus densiflorus. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer).
Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ [2006, June 2].
Noss, Reed, F., editor. 2000. The Redwood Forest. 377 pages.
Silvics of North America. 1990. USDA Handbook 654
Tappeiner, John C., II; Harrington, Timothy B.; Walstad, John D. 1984. Predicting recovery of tanoak (Lithocarpus densiflorus) and Pacific madrone (Arbutus menziesii) after cutting or burning. Weed Science. 32: 413-417.
Tirmenstien, D. 1990. Vaccinium ovatum.
In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online] U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis
Viers, Stephen D. 1996. Ecology of the Coast Redwood. Conference on Coast Redwood Forest Ecology and Management. P 9-12.
Viers, Stephen D. 1979. The Role of Fire in Northern Coast Redwood Forest Dynamics. Conference on Scientific Research in the National Parks.
Viers, Stephen D., 1996. Proceedings of the Conference on Coast Redwood Forest Ecology and Management. Humboldt State University, Arcata, California
Williamson, Richard L.; Ruth, Robert H. 1976. Results of shelterwood cutting in western hemlock. Res. Pap. PNW-201. Portland, OR: U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Experiment Station. 25 p.
Contributors
Judy Welles
Rangeland health reference sheet
Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health is a qualitative assessment protocol used to determine ecosystem condition based on benchmark characteristics described in the Reference Sheet. A suite of 17 (or more) indicators are typically considered in an assessment. The ecological site(s) representative of an assessment location must be known prior to applying the protocol and must be verified based on soils and climate. Current plant community cannot be used to identify the ecological site.
Author(s)/participant(s) Contact for lead author Date Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
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Number and extent of rills:
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Presence of water flow patterns:
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Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
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Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
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Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
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Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
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Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
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Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
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Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
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Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
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Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
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Functional/Structural Groups (list in order of descending dominance by above-ground annual-production or live foliar cover using symbols: >>, >, = to indicate much greater than, greater than, and equal to):
Dominant:
Sub-dominant:
Other:
Additional:
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Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
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Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
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Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
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Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). List species which BOTH characterize degraded states and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the ecological site if their future establishment and growth is not actively controlled by management interventions. Species that become dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive plants. Note that unlike other indicators, we are describing what is NOT expected in the reference state for the ecological site:
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Perennial plant reproductive capability:
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