Name:
Calamovilfa longifolia Herbaceous Alliance
Reference:
Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This alliance, found in the northwestern Great Plains, occurs on sandy dry-mesic sites. There are two prominent vegetation layers in stands of this alliance and a moderate amount of bare ground (Looman 1980). The tallest layer, about 0.6-1.5 m, is dominated by mid grasses, particularly Calamovilfa longifolia. Other species present include Andropogon hallii, Hesperostipa comata (= Stipa comata), Schizachyrium scoparium, Koeleria macrantha, and Sporobolus cryptandrus. The shorter layer includes several short graminoid species, forbs, and some small shrubs. Graminoids make up the majority of this layer, especially upland Carices. Among the most frequent are Carex duriuscula (= Carex eleocharis), Carex inops ssp. heliophila, Carex filifolia, and Carex duriuscula. Bouteloua gracilis is prominent in some stands, especially in the western portion of this alliance's range. Forbs and shrubs do not usually contribute greatly to the vegetation cover, although forb species diversity can be moderately high. The forbs that are present typically include Lathyrus spp., Lygodesmia juncea, Phlox hoodii, Chenopodium leptophyllum, and Liatris punctata. Psoralidium lanceolatum and Rumex venosus are most common on the least stabilized locations. Shrubs are uncommon, but when they are present, short shrubs such as Yucca glauca, Rosa spp., and Artemisia frigida are the most likely to be found. Stands of this alliance are almost exclusively found on sand deposits (Looman 1980, Johnston 1987). A few are on coarse loams (USFS 1992). Stands are usually on gentle slopes but can be on flat ground or steep slopes. The soil is sand, loamy sand, or sandy loam, and there is little horizon development (USFS 1992). Water penetrates the coarse soil quickly. This results in the upper soil having little available moisture for most of the growing season. Water and wind erosion can be frequent disturbances in this alliance.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.19695.CALAMOVILFALONG
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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