Name:
Achnatherum nelsonii - Lupinus sericeus Herbaceous Vegetation
Reference:
Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This montane, mesic to subxeric, herbaceous association is uncommon in Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, and on the west side of Glacier National Park, Montana. It occurs at elevations between 1090 and 1360 m (3580-4460 feet) under a broad range of environmental conditions, on flat to somewhat steep slopes from the basin floor to high slopes at various aspects. Soil texture ranges from moderately well-drained to rapidly drained silt loam or clay. These are generally moderately to well-developed, medium- to coarse-textured soils that have developed on fluvial, morainal, and sometimes eolian landforms. These landforms include alluvial terraces, benches, fluvial fans, and ground moraines. Litter and small rock dominate the ground surface. One of the sampled areas in Glacier National Park burned in the 1988 Red Bench fire. This association is dominated by Achnatherum nelsonii with 1-90% cover, Lupinus sericeus with 5-15% cover, and Koeleria macrantha with 10-20% cover. Overall herbaceous cover ranges from 90-100% with moderate species diversity and heights less than 0.5 m. Other moderate- to high-constancy species with average cover ranging from 1-5% include Galium boreale, Achillea millefolium, Festuca idahoensis, Gaillardia aristata, Arnica sororia, Antennaria parvifolia, Zigadenus elegans, Anemone multifida, Castilleja lutescens, Lithospermum ruderale, and Potentilla gracilis. Low-constancy herbaceous species that may have conspicuous cover in certain areas are Pseudoroegneria spicata, Danthonia parryi, Fragaria virginiana, Selaginella densa, Monarda fistulosa, Poa nemoralis ssp. interior (= Poa interior), Carex petasata, Apocynum androsaemifolium, and Elymus trachycaulus. Poa pratensis and Phleum pratense may also be present with low to moderate cover in disturbed areas. Shrubs may be present in certain areas with low cover. Common shrubs may include Dasiphora fruticosa ssp. floribunda, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, and Rosa acicularis. Nonvascular cover averages 5%.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.27446.ACHNATHERUMNELS
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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