Name:
Philadelphus lewisii Intermittently Flooded Shrubland
Reference:
Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This association is restricted to low elevations between 408 and 1281 m (1340-4200 feet), ranging from the Columbia Basin of eastern Washington, south through Hells Canyon and the Blue Mountains in Oregon, to southwestern Idaho. The association is usually found in narrow to moderate-width canyons and gorges on dry alluvial terraces or steep banks of moderate- to high-gradient intermittent and perennial streams. These sites are above the average high water line, but are occasionally scoured by flash floods or high runoff events. Philadelphus lewisii prefers rocky-gravelly, well-drained alluvial soils ranging from deep to shallow, silty or sandy loam. Philadelphus lewisii forms patchy to dense, 2- to 5-m tall, thickets. Various subdominant tall shrubs are present, most commonly Prunus virginiana, Amelanchier alnifolia, Celtis laevigata var. reticulata, Cornus sericea, and Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea, often with climbing Clematis ligusticifolia present. Low to medium height shrubs (e.g., Rosa spp. and Toxicodendron rydbergii) have high constancy, but relatively low cover. Young Alnus rhombifolia, Betula occidentalis, or Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa are occasionally present, indicating potential successional trends. Total herbaceous cover varies from sparse to moderate and is inversely related to shrub canopy cover. Pseudoroegneria spicata and Elymus glaucus are the most common native grass, but disturbed stands have moderate cover of exotic graminoids (e.g., Poa spp. and annual Bromus spp.). Various colonizing forbs, both native and exotic, especially Anthriscus caucalis, Claytonia perfoliata ssp. perfoliata, Galium aparine, and Stellaria media, are common with low cover.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.21666.PHILADELPHUSLEW
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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