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Vaccinium (caespitosum, myrtillus, scoparium) Dwarf-shrubland Alliance | Western Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Vaccinium (caespitosum, myrtillus, scoparium) Dwarf-shrubland Alliance Reference: Western Ecology Working Group of... Description: Vegetation in this alliance occurs in the alpine tundra in Colorado. The climate regime is continental, with long, cold winters and short summers with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Strong westerly winds are common in the winter and spring and distribute snow on the leeward side of the mountains. Large areas of late-lying snowpatches are located on the eastern slope. Stands are found between 3220 and 3580 m elevation on gentle- to moderate-gradient slopes. Stands are located in the lower alpine just above treeline in areas where snow accumulates in the winter and melts relatively late in the summer. The soils are poorly developed, may have a high organic matter content, and are classified as Inceptisols (Cryumbrepts or Cryochrepts). The soil profile has A and B horizons; the B horizon is moderately thick. The average surface pH is 5.0, indicating leached soils. The vegetation in the alliance is found in snowbed habitats, areas where snow accumulates in the winter and melts relatively late in the summer. Vaccinium caespitosum and Vaccinium scoparium dominate the dwarf-shrub canopy. A number of herbaceous species occur in the understory. Carex rossii (= Carex brevipes), Danthonia intermedia, Gentiana calycosa, Geum rossii, Hieracium gracile, Penstemon whippleanus, Poa reflexa, and Viola adunca are the most common species. The cryptogam layer is dominated by lichens; Cladonia pyxidata and Catapyrenium cinereum (= Dermatocarpon cinereum) are the most common.  Accession Code: VB.CC.23837.VACCINIUMCAESPI 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: Vaccinium (caespitosum, myrtillus, scoparium) Dwarf-shrubland Alliance   Translated: (Dwarf Blueberry, Whortleberry, Grouseberry) Dwarf-shrubland Alliance   UID: HIGHER_CLASS_UNIT.2.124722 NatureServe Explorer   Code: A.1114