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Acer glabrum Shrubland Alliance | Western Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Acer glabrum Shrubland Alliance
Reference: Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description: These shrublands have been described from subalpine avalanche paths in the mountains of northwestern Montana, but are likely throughout the northern Rocky Mountains. Elevations in northwestern Montana are approximately 950-2200 m. Stands of the alliance 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. 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, scattered Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata, Alnus incana, and on the edges of the avalanche tracks and runout zones, small, avalanche-damaged conifers such as Picea engelmannii, Abies lasiocarpa, and Betula papyrifera. The ground cover is moderately dense to dense and composed of graminoids, forbs in Asteraceae, Castilleja spp., Erythronium grandiflorum, Myosotis asiatica (= Myosotis alpestris), Veratrum viride, and Xerophyllum tenax. Mosses and ferns are often present. 
Accession Code: VB.CC.18869.ACERGLABRUMSHRU
Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
      Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization)
Perspective from: 26-Nov-1997 to: 01-May-2019
     
  • status: accepted
  • This Community's Level: Alliance
  • This Community's Children: [none]
Names:   Scientific: Acer glabrum Shrubland Alliance
  Translated: Rocky Mountain Maple Shrubland Alliance
  UID: HIGHER_CLASS_UNIT.2.126177 NatureServe ExplorerNatureServe Explorer logo
  Code: A.915