Name:
Salix lucida Temporarily Flooded Woodland Alliance
Reference:
Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
Vegetation types within this cold-deciduous, temporarily flooded shrubland alliance are located along streams, from near sea level to moderate elevations (0-3050 m). These types typically occur immediately adjacent to small streams and rivers and are occasionally associated with abandoned beaver ponds and sloughs. Landforms diagnostic of these types include overflow channels of large rivers, alluvial deposits (point bars) of sands and gravels, and sloughs. Soils are typically Entisols, less frequently Mollisols. They are typically coarse-textured but remain moist with water tables above 1 m throughout the growing season. Colorado stands can occur in saturated areas, producing Histosols. Salix lucida dominates the canopy with 10-60% cover. At lower elevations, Salix lucida grows into a medium-sized tree overtopping all other willows. However, at higher elevations, it tends to have a more shrubby growth form. It dominates a dense canopy, although Salix exigua, Salix fluviatilis, and Salix lutea share dominance in some types. Other willows that may be present are widely varied, and depend on the stand elevation and region of the state. Other willow species present with 10-20% cover in sampled stands included Salix ligulifolia, Salix boothii, Salix geyeriana, and Salix amygdaloides. Other shrub species (10-20% cover) include Ribes montigenum, Alnus incana, Betula occidentalis, Cornus sericea, Lonicera involucrata, Rosa woodsii, Alnus incana ssp. tenuifolia (= Alnus tenuifolia), and Ribes aureum. The herbaceous layer consists of Mentha arvensis, Phalaris arundinacea, and Poa palustris. Forb cover was sparse and light in many of the stand. Populus angustifolia woodlands, Salix exigua and Salix boothii shrublands, and Carex aquatilis - Carex utriculata wet meadows occur within the surrounding floodplain.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.18877.SALIXLUCIDATEMP
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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