There is no universal definition for the term "old growth" forest because old-growth properties are specific to location. Alaska has two well-known forest types, the Coastal and Interior forests. A third, poorly-studied type occurs in southcentral Alaska where climatic conditions are unique. The canopies of young and old-growth forests in this area are dominated by only two tree species, white spruce (Picea glauca) and paper birch (Betula papyrifera). However, understory species richness is much greater. Therefore, shrubs and herbs may provide additional, if not greater, insight into characterizing the old-growth forests. During the summer of 1997, we conducted percent cover estimates on study plots established on Fort Richardson Army Base near Anchorage to determine whether some understory species uniquely characterize old-growth forests of southcentral Alaska. The plots were located to encompass various landforms and successional stages. Findings indicate that understory communities are more influenced by tree canopy cover than they are by topography or successional stage. Although the presence or absence of understory species is consistent across stands, species abundances are variable and aid in identifying understory communities.

Key words: Alaska, old-growth forest, southcentral Alaska