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A.1603 | EcoArt 2002
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Name: A.1603
Reference: EcoArt 2002
Description: Vegetation in this alliance occurs on rocky, talus slopes in the alpine tundra in the Colorado Front Range. Strong westerly winds are common in the winter. Stands occur between 3460 and 3650 m elevation on all aspects of gentle to moderate-gradient, stable scree slopes. Small- to large-sized boulders that are snow covered in winter provide protection from the wind and an increased moisture supply to the vegetation. Crevices between the rocks create mesic microsites suitable for plant growth. Stands also occur among the krummholz, where the stunted trees may provide similar sheltered sites. Soils are young and poorly developed. ~Aquilegia caerulea var. caerulea$ and ~Cirsium scopulorum$ are the dominant species. The fern ~Cryptogramma acrostichoides$ and the forbs ~Senecio fremontii var. blitoides$ and ~Viola biflora$ are the most common associates. ~Aquilegia saximontana$ and ~Oxyria digyna$ are often present. The cryptogam cover is sparse; ~Hypnum revolutum$ is the most common moss species, and ~Cladonia pyxidata$ is the most common lichen present. 
Accession Code: VB.CC.1358.A1603
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.B.2.N.a
  • This Community's Level: Alliance
  • This Community's Children: [none]
Names:   Code: A.1603
  Scientific: AQUILEGIA CAERULEA HERBACEOUS ALLIANCE
  Common: Colorado Blue Columbine Herbaceous Alliance
(convergence) and Synonyms:
(undetermined) Aquilegia (caerulea, flavescens) Sparsely Vegetated Alliance