Name:
Acer glabrum Avalanche Chute Shrubland
Reference:
Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This deciduous shrubland has been described from subalpine avalanche paths in the mountains of northwestern Montana, but is likely throughout the northern Rocky Mountains. Elevations in northwestern Montana are approximately 950-2200 m. Stands are located in avalanche tracks and runout zones, on slopes ranging from 15-60%. These communities can occur on any aspect, but are more common where unstable snowpack conditions frequently occur. Soils are rapidly to well drained loamy sands, sandy loams, or silt loams. They tend to be dark, weakly developed soils on colluvial and glaciofluvial landforms with high gravel and rock content. Sites are often mesic because avalanche paths are often in stream gullies. Stands have a moderately dense woody canopy characterized by flexible, deciduous small trees and shrubs, dominated by Acer glabrum. Other common woody plants include Paxistima myrsinites, Sorbus scopulina, Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata, Alnus incana, Rubus parviflorus, Prunus virginiana, Symphoricarpos albus, Salix planifolia, and Crataegus douglasii. In addition to shrub species, several trees are usually present, these rarely attaining heights above that of the shrubs due to the frequent disturbance. Tree species are those from the surrounding forested slopes, and include Picea engelmannii, Abies lasiocarpa, Populus tremuloides, Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa, Pseudotsuga menziesii, and Betula papyrifera. The ground cover is moderately dense to dense and composed of many graminoids and forbs. Chamerion angustifolium and Thalictrum occidentale are common. Other species include Lomatium dissectum, Heracleum maximum, Xerophyllum tenax, Carex geyeri, Castilleja spp., Erythronium grandiflorum, Myosotis asiatica (= Myosotis alpestris), Veratrum viride, and Xerophyllum tenax. Mosses and ferns are often present.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.18868.ACERGLABRUMAVAL
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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