Name:
Pinus ponderosa - Pseudotsuga menziesii / Arctostaphylos nevadensis Woodland
Reference:
Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This association includes sparse, mixed age stands of Pinus ponderosa and Pseudotsuga menziesii. In the northern portion of its range trace amounts of Abies grandis occur. These sites are too exposed and hot for Abies grandis to thrive. At the southern end of its range scattered Pinus lambertiana, Abies concolor and Calocedrus decurrens can be found in the stands, and Abies grandis will not be found. Shrub growth is patchy, dominated by Arctostaphylos nevadensis. In the northern portion of the range common associated shrubs include Arctostaphylos patula, Chrysolepis chrysophylla (= Castanopsis chrysophylla), and Spiraea betulifolia. Common herbaceous species include Calamagrostis rubescens, Achnatherum occidentale (= Stipa occidentalis), Carex geyeri, Festuca occidentalis, Achillea millefolium, Pteridium aquilinum, and Penstemon species. In the southern portion of the range common associated shrubs include Quercus vacciniifolia, Symphoricarpos mollis, Mahonia aquifolium (= Berberis piperiana), Whipplea modesta, and Ceanothus integerrimus. Common herbaceous species include Lupinus albicaulis, Apocynum androsaemifolium, Moehringia macrophylla (= Arenaria macrophylla), Eriophyllum lanatum, Pyrola picta (= Pyrola dentata), and Eriogonum species. Steep, rocky slopes near ridgetops that receive intense solar radiation are typical sites for this association. Aspects generally range from the southeastern to the western and slope averages 50%. This association usually occupies small areas that are surrounded by more dense forest stands and unforested ridgetops. The rocky, shallow soils have so little moisture-holding capacity that these sites are effectively very dry for plant growth despite the substantial input of precipitation. These sites are exposed to high winds. Wind detracts from soil moisture status by blowing off snow, directly desiccating plants, and eroding soil. Elevation ranges from 4200-4600 feet to the north and 4200-5100 feet to the south. Precipitation ranges from 58-90 inches.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.18840.PINUSPONDEROSAP
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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