Name:
Populus tremuloides / Symphoricarpos oreophilus / Calamagrostis rubescens Forest
Reference:
Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This is a common aspen forest type and is known from much of eastern Idaho, western Wyoming, northern Nevada, and occurs as far south as the Abajo Mountains in Utah. Stands occur on slopes that are gentle to moderately steep, on any exposure, but never along stream bottoms. Elevation ranges from 1829 to 2438 m (6000-8000 feet). The undergrowth of this association is much less complex than that in Populus tremuloides / Symphoricarpos oreophilus / Tall Forbs Forest (CEGL000615). Both types have three strata, but the herbaceous undergrowth is comparatively simple and dominated by graminoids. Conifers, if present, are varied but never in abundance. Species include Abies lasiocarpa, Picea engelmannii, Picea pungens, Pinus contorta, Pseudotsuga menziesii, or Pinus flexilis. However, many stands lack conifer presence. A low-shrub layer is prominent and is usually dominated by Symphoricarpos oreophilus. Other low shrubs that can also be abundant are Rosa woodsii, Paxistima myrsinites, Symphoricarpos albus, Shepherdia canadensis, or Mahonia repens. Tall shrubs such as Amelanchier alnifolia and Prunus virginiana are frequently present but never abundant. The herbaceous layer is thick and dominated by graminoids. Calamagrostis rubescens is in high abundance and is always present. Carex geyeri is also sometimes present and is considered an indicator of the type. Other graminoids frequently present are Elymus glaucus, Poa pratensis, and Elymus trachycaulus (= Agropyron trachycaulum). Several forbs are usually present, but never in such abundance as the graminoid species. Forbs species include Geranium viscosissimum, Galium boreale, Lupinus argenteus, Thalictrum fendleri, and Osmorhiza berteroi (= Osmorhiza chilensis).
Accession Code:
VB.CC.27580.POPULUSTREMULOI
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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