Name:
Salix wolfii Seasonally Flooded Shrubland Alliance
Reference:
Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
Communities within this cold-deciduous shrubland alliance occur in moderately narrow to wide valleys and glacial basins in saturated peat wetlands and on floodplains with lateral seepage of groundwater. Valley slopes range from 3-7%, and stream channels that run through the valleys vary from deep, narrow, and sinuous to shallow, broad, and gently meandering. Beavers are often active within the stands. Some stands occur on seeps, which remain wet throughout the growing season. Elevation ranges from 1950-3350 m. Soils vary from highly organic or peat to mineral based. Soil textures include silty clay loams, silty loams, and sandy clay loams with mottling. Some stands occur on deep sandy clays, often with a high organic content, while other stands occur on shallow silty clays over gravels and rocks. The shrub layer is typically dominated by at least 70% cover of Salix wolfii. Other willow species may include Salix planifolia, Salix boothii, Salix monticola, and Salix brachycarpa. Betula nana (= Betula glandulosa) also occurs on wetter sites. The graminoid undergrowth is generally dense and rich, dominated by Carex aquatilis, Carex utriculata, Deschampsia caespitosa, Carex nebrascensis, and Carex microptera. Forb cover varies from sparse (<10%) to moderately dense (60%) and is generally diverse. Forb species include Caltha leptosepala, Ligusticum tenuifolium, Swertia perennis, Pedicularis groenlandica, and Thalictrum alpinum. At higher elevations, adjacent hillsides are often covered with Abies lasiocarpa - Picea engelmannii or Pinus contorta forests, Festuca thurberi subalpine meadows, or alpine tundra. At lower elevations, Artemisia tridentata scrub is often present on adjacent hillslopes.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.21479.SALIXWOLFIISEAS
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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