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A.1323 | EcoArt 2002
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Name: A.1323
Reference: EcoArt 2002
Description: This alpine grassland alliance occurs in the central Rocky Mountains of southwestern Montana and adjacent Bitterroot Range in east-central Idaho. Elevations range from 2900-3600 m. Stands are found in parks in the upper subalpine zone and undulating alpine meadows and turf. Sparse stands dominated by ~Leucopoa kingii (= Festuca kingii)$ may occur on the rocky transition zones with fell-fields. Sites are dry, with nearly level to steep slopes. Aspect is typically on the warmer, drier southeastern to western slopes, but can include north-facing slopes. Sites generally have only moderate wind exposure. Soils are shallow to moderately deep, gravelly, well-drained and often with rock outcrops. The vegetation is characterized by a moderate to dense herbaceous layer dominated by ~Leucopoa kingii$. ~Carex elynoides$ is codominant in some stands. Other characteristic species include ~Agoseris glauca, Cymopterus nivalis (= Cymopterus bipinnatus), Oxytropis campestris, Phlox pulvinata, Poa fendleriana ssp. fendleriana, Poa secunda$, and ~Pseudoroegneria spicata$. Mosses and lichens have low cover. Shrubs and dwarf-shrubs may include scattered ~Artemisia frigida, Artemisia tridentata$, and ~Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus$ at lower elevations. Diagnostic of this alliance is the dominance of ~Leucopoa kingii$ in the herbaceous layer. 
Accession Code: VB.CC.1095.A1323
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.h
  • This Community's Level: Alliance
  • This Community's Children: [none]
Names:   Scientific: LEUCOPOA KINGII HERBACEOUS ALLIANCE
  Code: A.1323
  Common: Spike Fescue Herbaceous Alliance
(convergence) and Synonyms:
(undetermined) Leucopoa kingii Herbaceous Alliance