Name:
Pinus albicaulis / Carex geyeri Woodland
Reference:
Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This central and northern Rocky Mountain woodland association occurs in northwestern Wyoming, western Montana, Idaho and northeastern Oregon. Stands are found in the upper subalpine zone at 2040 to 2865 m (6685-9400 feet) elevation on dry sites that are typically on steep, upper slopes with southerly or westerly aspects or on ridgetops. It also occurs on less exposed, gentle slopes and benches. Substrates are often rocky coarse-textured soils derived from volcanic (pumice), sedimentary, granitic or granitic-gneiss parent materials. The vegetation is characterized by an open tree canopy of Pinus albicaulis that is typically multi-stemmed (and stunted) on exposed, high-elevation sites, sometimes with occasional Pinus flexilis trees. On less exposed sites, the upper canopy may include scattered Pinus contorta, or Abies lasiocarpa may be present with Abies lasiocarpa or Pseudotsuga menziesii present in the subcanopy and understory. The understory is characterized by a relatively sparse to moderately dense (15-60% cover) herbaceous layer that is typically dominated by Carex geyeri. Other common graminoids include Achnatherum occidentale (= Stipa occidentalis), Carex rossii, Elymus glaucus, Festuca idahoensis, Poa nervosa, and Trisetum spicatum. Associated forbs, such as Achillea millefolium, Antennaria spp., Arnica cordifolia, Campanula rotundifolia, Erigeron spp., Geum triflorum, Lupinus argenteus, Pedicularis racemosa, Solidago multiradiata, Valeriana dioica, or Xerophyllum tenax, are often present with relatively low cover. Shrubs do occur in this type but typically have low cover. Occasional species include Dasiphora fruticosa ssp. floribunda, Penstemon fruticosus, Symphoricarpos spp., or Spiraea spp.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.22218.PINUSALBICAULIS
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
|
