Name:
Rhus trilobata Shrub Herbaceous Alliance
Reference:
Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This alliance is concentrated in Montana but is also found in adjacent states. The vegetation is dominated by herbaceous species with a conspicuous component of Rhus trilobata. Average cover is moderate with bare ground and rock exposed. The shrubs occur in patches 0.5-1 m tall and with fairly complete cover over small areas. The total canopy cover of shrubs, however, is approximately 10-25% (Mueggler and Stewart 1978, Hansen and Hoffman 1988). In addition to Rhus trilobata there are small amounts of Artemisia tridentata, Chrysothamnus spp., Prunus virginiana, Ribes spp., and Symphoricarpos occidentalis. Shorter shrubs, such as Artemisia frigida, Rosa spp., and Yucca glauca are also present. The herbaceous stratum is dominated by graminoids, such as Bouteloua gracilis, Calamovilfa longifolia, Carex inops ssp. heliophila, Carex filifolia, Festuca idahoensis, Pseudoroegneria spicata, Pascopyrum smithii, Schizachyrium scoparium, and Hesperostipa comata (= Stipa comata). Forbs that may occur in communities within this alliance include Artemisia dracunculus, Symphyotrichum ericoides (= Aster ericoides), Dalea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, Heterotheca villosa var. villosa, Gaura coccinea, and Sphaeralcea coccinea. Communities in this alliance are not extensive; they are usually found in patches or strips on gentle to moderate slopes (Hansen and Hoffman 1988, MTNHP 1988). The soils are shallow and rocky and may be sandy loam, loamy sand, or loam (Hansen and Hoffman 1988, Thilenius et al. 1995).
Accession Code:
VB.CC.19867.RHUSTRILOBATASH
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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