Name:
Pseudotsuga menziesii / Quercus gambelii Forest
Reference:
Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This forest association occurs on mountains and plateaus from Colorado to Trans-Pecos Texas, west into Arizona and Utah. Elevation ranges from 1370-2870 m (4500-9400 feet). Stands are found along drainages, lower and middle slopes, steep upper slopes and ridgetops. Aspects are variable. This forest occurs as both a non-obligate riparian community on the outer margins of riparian areas in desert canyons and steep draws, and as an upland forest forming extensive stands on typically north-facing hillslopes (southern aspects at higher elevations). Soils vary, but are often shallow and rocky ranging from sandy loams to clay. The vegetation is characterized by a relatively sparse to moderately dense evergreen tree canopy dominated by Pseudotsuga menziesii sometimes with scattered large Pinus ponderosa, Pinus strobiformis, Pinus edulis, or Juniperus spp. (especially on drier sites). Abies concolor is typically not present. Quercus gambelii dominates both the subcanopy (tree form, if present) and the moderately dense tall-shrub layer that consists of dense clumps of oak. Quercus gambelii must have at least 5% cover, but there is frequently over 25%. At higher elevations, the Quercus gambelii are more tree-like and Symphoricarpos oreophilus will be present with significant cover in the short-shrub layer. At lower elevations, scattered Pinus edulis, Juniperus osteosperma, or Juniperus deppeana are often present. The herbaceous layer is generally sparse and composed of mostly graminoids with scattered forbs, but can be moderately dense and diverse. Many other species are associated such as Amelanchier spp., Holodiscus dumosus, Mahonia repens, Paxistima myrsinites, Robinia neomexicana, Rosa woodsii, Carex spp., Festuca arizonica, Muhlenbergia virescens, Poa fendleriana, Lathyrus lanszwertii var. leucanthus, Thalictrum fendleri, and Vicia americana. The shrub layer has equal or greater cover than graminoids.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.23322.PSEUDOTSUGAMENZ
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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