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A.1280 | EcoArt 2002
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Name: A.1280
Reference: EcoArt 2002
Description: This alliance includes montane grasslands dominated by ~Danthonia compressa$ often with significant cover by the dwarf-shrub ~Sibbaldiopsis tridentata$ or by ~Rhododendron calendulaceum$. Species dominance is highly variable from occurrence to occurrence and within occurrences. Associated species can include ~Carex brunnescens, Carex pensylvanica, Carex debilis, Oclemena acuminata (= Aster acuminatus), Deschampsia flexuosa, Stachys clingmanii, Solidago glomerata, Prenanthes roanensis, Smilax herbacea$, and ~Houstonia serpyllifolia$. Typical shrubs are ~Rhododendron calendulaceum, Rhododendron catawbiense, Menziesia pilosa, Pieris floribunda, Vaccinium corymbosum, Vaccinium simulatum$, and ~Rubus canadensis$. These grasslands occur on high-elevation (usually above 1500 m or 5000 feet), often south- to southwest-facing domes, ridgetops and gentle slopes. Strong winds, high rainfall, frequent fog, shallow, rocky soils, and extremes of temperature and moisture are characteristic of these environments. Grasslands in this alliance occur at the highest elevations of the southern Appalachian Mountains, often adjacent to montane shrublands or dwarfed forests dominated by ~Fagus grandifolia$ or ~Quercus rubra$. 
Accession Code: VB.CC.1049.A1280
Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
      Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization)
Perspective from: 26-Nov-1997 to: 17-Mar-2005
     
  • status: accepted
  • Community's Parent: V.A.5.N.e
  • This Community's Level: Alliance
  • This Community's Children: [none]
Names:   Scientific: DANTHONIA COMPRESSA HERBACEOUS ALLIANCE
  Code: A.1280
  Common: Mountain Oatgrass Herbaceous Alliance
(convergence) and Synonyms:
(undetermined) Danthonia compressa Herbaceous Alliance