Name:
A.165
Reference:
EcoArt 2002
Description:
This forest alliance occurs at middle elevations (1800-3300 m) of the central and southern Rocky Mountains, usually in moist, concave topographic positions. Soils are variable, but usually young and derived from glacial or alluvially deposited materials. Stands often occupy sites that are protected from extreme sun and wind, within ~Pinus ponderosa$ or ~Pseudotsuga menziesii$ montane forests. North aspects are most common. Forests included in this alliance are characterized by the dominance of ~Picea pungens$ in the forest canopy. Other conifers are usually present in these stands, and may include ~Pseudotsuga menziesii, Abies lasiocarpa, Abies concolor, Picea engelmannii, Pinus ponderosa, Pinus contorta$, and ~Pinus strobiformis$. ~Populus tremuloides$ is the only widespread hardwood associate. The shrub layer is usually of only moderate cover and dominated by ericaceous or cold-deciduous species, with the latter group increasing with soil moisture or proximity to watercourses. Common species include ~Quercus gambelii, Amelanchier alnifolia, Acer glabrum, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Juniperus communis, Mahonia repens$, and ~Rubus parviflorus$. Due to favorable soil moisture, the herbaceous layer is usually a diverse mixture of forbs and graminoids, including ~Carex siccata (= Carex foenea), Festuca arizonica, Arnica cordifolia, Packera cardamine (= Senecio cardamine), Fragaria virginiana, Linnaea borealis, Pseudoroegneria spicata, Erigeron eximius$, and ~Achillea millefolium$. Diagnostic of this alliance is the dominance of ~Picea pungens$ in the moderately closed to closed tree canopy on sites that are not flooded during the growing season.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.1405.A165
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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