This community is found primarily in the northern half of the state. It is concentrated in the Adirondacks, but is also common in the Great Lakes area. There are very small, scattered examples in the lower Hudson, Tug Hill Plateau, and possibly also the Alleghany area.

The range is probably widespread throughout Canada and along the northeastern fringe of the United States. The range is estimated to span northeast to Newfoundland, northwest possibly to northwestern Canada, west to Minnesota, southwest to Michigan, and southeast to Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and possibly New Jersey.