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Caltha leptosepala Saturated Herbaceous Alliance | Western Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Caltha leptosepala Saturated Herbaceous Alliance
Reference: Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description: This alliance occurs in subalpine and alpine areas in the Rocky Mountains. Elevations range from 2850-3500 m. Landforms that support these types are seeps, streamsides, springs, and wet meadows with high winter snow accumulation. Types can occur on slopes up to 30%. This type rarely occurs on eastern slopes, but is common on western slopes. Soils are poorly drained alluvium. The substrate is saturated to the surface for extended periods. Commonly there is standing water from underground seeps or subsurface flows. A dense, conspicuous layer of Caltha leptosepala dominates the forb stratum with 60-100% cover. Many graminoids and forbs that tolerate long-term soil saturation may also be present. Carex aquatilis and Deschampsia caespitosa are very common and typically codominant with Caltha leptosepala. Other forbs may include Pedicularis groenlandica, Stellaria umbellata, Swertia perennis, Polygonum bistortoides, Ranunculus alismifolius, Senecio crassulus, and Rhodiola rhodantha (= Sedum rhodanthum). Other graminoids can include Phleum alpinum, Calamagrostis canadensis, Carex scopulorum, and Carex phaeocephala. In forest openings this alliance is found with Salix planifolia shrublands and Carex aquatilis and Senecio triangularis meadows. On high-elevation peatlands it occurs with stands of Eleocharis quinqueflora and Salix planifolia shrublands. 
Accession Code: VB.CC.22993.CALTHALEPTOSEPA
Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
      Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization)
Perspective from: 26-Nov-1997 to: 01-May-2019
     
  • status: accepted
  • This Community's Level: Alliance
  • This Community's Children: [none]
Names:   Scientific: Caltha leptosepala Saturated Herbaceous Alliance
  Translated: White Marsh-marigold Saturated Herbaceous Alliance
  UID: HIGHER_CLASS_UNIT.2.126665 NatureServe ExplorerNatureServe Explorer logo
  Code: A.1698