Name:
Picea pungens Forest Alliance
Reference:
Western Ecology Working Group of...
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.18719.PICEAPUNGENSFOR
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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