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Cercocarpus montanus / Muhlenbergia montana Shrubland | Western Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Cercocarpus montanus / Muhlenbergia montana Shrubland Reference: Western Ecology Working Group of... Description: This association is part of the lower montane-foothills shrublands ecosystem. This ecosystem may occur as a mosaic of two or three plant associations often surrounded by grasslands or woodlands. This shrubland occupies gravelly substrate and rocky sites on the dry, upper steep slopes (25-56%) of hills and ridges. These slopes are typically oriented southerly, between approximately 125 degrees and 190 degrees, although a few ridges are more westerly trending. The slopes are steep, from 7-22% and are rapidly drained. Generally occurring between 2410-2623 m (7900-8600 feet) in elevation, Cercocarpus montanus shrubs are scattered on these sites, e.g., the canopies rarely overlap, unlike very dense stands that grow at lower elevations in Colorado and nearby states. Cercocarpus montanus is the dominant shrub, along with a few Ribes cereum or Rhus trilobata on most sites. Since the type occupies canopy breaks or is occasionally invaded by Pinus ponderosa trees, it is not unusual to have some foliar cover provided by tree canopies. Stands have a relatively sparse shrub layer and can actually be dominated by graminoids, particularly Muhlenbergia montana, Festuca arizonica, and Bouteloua gracilis. Total vegetative cover for Cercocarpus montanus stands was estimated from 40-70%, dependent on the amount of understory herbaceous growth. Dwarf-shrubs, typically Yucca glauca, Artemisia frigida, and young Cercocarpus montanus, are present, but usually provide less than 5% foliar cover.  Accession Code: VB.CC.19438.CERCOCARPUSMONT Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
	Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization) Perspective from: 27-Aug-2002 to: 17-Nov-2014
	status: accepted Community's Parent: Cercocarpus montanus Shrubland Alliance This Community's Level: Association This Community's Children: [none]		Names:   Translated: Mountain-mahogany / Mountain Muhly Shrubland   UID: ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.684416 NatureServe Explorer   Code: CEGL002914   Scientific: Cercocarpus montanus / Muhlenbergia montana Shrubland (convergence) and Synonyms: (undetermined) Cercocarpus montanus / Muhlenbergia montana Shrubland