|
Description: |
DISTRIBUTION: The CWHxm occurs at lower
elevations along the east side of Vancouver
Island (above the CDF where present) as
far north as Kelsey Bay, and on the islands
around southern Johnstone Strait. It also
occurs inland on Vancouver Island along
major valleys from Nimpkish Valley in the
north to Cowichan Valley in the south. On
the mainland it extends up the south side
of the Fraser River as far as Chilliwack,
and along the Sunshine Coast as far as Desolation
Sound. Elevational limits range from sea
level (or above the CDFmm where present)
to approximately 700 m. Near the wetter
parts of its distribution, the upper limit
is lower (e.g., 150 m on Gambier and Bowen
islands, and in the Fraser Valley).
CLIMATE: The CWHxm has warm, dry summers
and moist, mild winters with relatively
little snowfall. Growing seasons are long,
and feature water deficits on zonal sites.
VEGETATION: Forests on zonal sites are
dominated by Fd, accompanied by Hw and minor
amounts of Cw. Major understorey species
include salal, dull Oregon-grape, red huckleberry,
Hylocomium splendens, and Kindbergia oregana.
Less common species include vanilla-leaf,
sword fern, twinflower, and bracken.
|
