Name:
Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland
Reference:
Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This is a common, abundant, and widespread sagebrush community in the western U.S. It occurs from 1829 to 3048 m (6000-10,000 feet) elevation, on 10-59% slopes, usually on the upper part of the slope, or on ridgetops, from northeast- to south-facing aspects. Soils are generally deep Mollisols (average depth from one study was 104 cm). This association is dominated by Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana, with a conspicuous herbaceous undergrowth often dominated by Pseudoroegneria spicata. Other shrubs are usually present, but no one species consistently so, all generally with low cover (<10%). Shrub species include Chrysothamnus spp., Tetradymia canescens, Purshia tridentata, and Amelanchier alnifolia. Note that stands usually lack Symphoricarpos oreophilus. The herbaceous undergrowth is dominated by grasses, Pseudoroegneria spicata usually having the highest cover. In disturbed stands, Bromus tectorum can be more abundant. Other grass species include Poa fendleriana, Poa secunda (= Poa sandbergii), Bouteloua gracilis, Elymus lanceolatus (= Agropyron dasystachyum), Koeleria macrantha, Hesperostipa comata (= Stipa comata), and Elymus elymoides (= Sitanion hystrix). Festuca idahoensis is usually not present, but if so then in very low amounts. Common forbs include Eriogonum umbellatum, Lupinus sericeus, Lupinus caudatus, Comandra umbellata, Balsamorhiza sagittata, Lithospermum ruderale, and Achillea millefolium.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.23752.ARTEMISIATRIDEN
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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