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A.1327 | EcoArt 2002
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Name: A.1327
Reference: EcoArt 2002
Description: Vegetation in this alliance occurs in the alpine tundra in the Colorado Front Range. The climate regime is continental, with long, cold winters and short summers with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Strong westerly winds are common in the winter. Stands are primarily located on high-elevation peaks (>3900 m), but occur down to 3500 m on these peaks as well. Stands are found on northwest- and southwest-facing slopes that are snow-covered in winter. Stands occur on cold, moist microsites on wet rocks and gravel that receive a temporary supply of water during the growing season. Soils are young and poorly developed due to low soil temperature, low soil moisture during the summer, and a short growing season. Soils are classified as Entisols (Cryorthents). The soil profile has only one thin horizon. The vegetation in the alliance occurs on wet rocks and gravel and is dominated by mosses. Several moss species are abundant, including ~Polytrichastrum alpinum, Polytrichum piliferum$, and ~Barbula brachyphylla$. The lichens ~Cladonia pyxidata$ and ~Stereocaulon alpinum$ are common associates. The herbaceous canopy is species-poor; ~Poa lettermanii$ dominates and ~Stellaria umbellata$ is constant. 
Accession Code: VB.CC.1099.A1327
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:   Code: A.1327
  Scientific: POA LETTERMANII HERBACEOUS ALLIANCE
  Common: Letterman's Bluegrass Herbaceous Alliance
(convergence) and Synonyms:
(undetermined) Poa lettermanii Herbaceous Alliance