Name:
Abies concolor Woodland Alliance
Reference:
Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
These woodlands occur in mountain or foothill environments from southeastern Oregon to the southern Rocky Mountain region. They occur at middle elevations of major mountain ranges. Temperature and moisture regimes appear to be the key factors in distribution of these woodlands. Sometimes, they are associated with moist topo-edaphic positions such as ravines, in other cases with scree slopes where soils are confined to small pockets within the rocks. Edaphic conditions (such as on the scree) or frequent fires are important factors maintaining the open nature of these woodlands. All slopes and aspects are represented within this alliance. Soils are highly variable, but are generally more skeletal and better drained than soils supporting Abies concolor forests. These woodlands may occupy somewhat marginal sites for Abies concolor communities. Stands included in this alliance are typically mixed conifer woodlands that are characterized by the importance of Abies concolor in the tree canopy. Pseudotsuga menziesii andPinus ponderosa are common codominant trees throughout the range of these woodlands. Other tree species include Pinus jeffreyi, Pinus contorta, Pinus lambertiana, and Calocedrus decurrens in southeastern Oregon, and Abies lasiocarpa, Juniperus scopulorum, Pinus flexilis, Picea engelmannii, and Picea pungens in stands from Utah and Colorado southward. If present, shrub or dwarf-shrub layers may include Arctostaphylos spp, Artemisia tridentata, Ceanothus spp., Holodiscus dumosus, Mahonia repens, Juniperus communis, Purshia tridentata, Ribes spp., Symphoricarpos oreophilus, and Vaccinium spp. The herbaceous layer is typically dominated by shade-tolerant forbs, including Pyrola picta, Orthilia secunda, Galium triflorum, and Chimaphila umbellata. Graminoids may include Festuca arizonica, Poa fendleriana, Danthonia parryi, Carex siccata (= Carex foenea), Leymus triticoides, and Muhlenbergia montana. These woodlands are distinguished from woodlands in similar alliances by the relatively open tree canopy (<60% cover on average) and the dominance of Abies concolor.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.18137.ABIESCONCOLORWO
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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