Name:
Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Festuca idahoensis Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation
Reference:
Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This association is widespread in mountainous areas across the western U.S. The shrubland can form large, continuous stands on mid-elevation mountain slopes and foothills, and can extend above lower treeline as patches within montane or subalpine coniferous forests. Sites are variable and range from flats to steep slopes to ridgetops with deep to shallow rocky soil. The vegetation is characterized by an open (<25% cover on average) shrub layer of Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana, but generally high cover of perennial graminoids (>20% total cover). Associated shrubs include Artemisia arbuscula, Artemisia rigida, Ribes cereum, Purshia tridentata, Prunus virginiana, and Tetradymia canescens. The herbaceous layer is typically abundant and dominated by perennial graminoids. The most common species is the bunchgrass Festuca idahoensis. Other locally important species include Pseudoroegneria spicata, Festuca thurberi, Bromus carinatus, Elymus elymoides, Elymus trachycaulus, Koeleria macrantha, Achnatherum occidentale (= Stipa occidentalis), and Poa secunda. Forb canopy cover and species composition are variable. Characteristic forb species include Castilleja, Potentilla, Erigeron, Phlox, Astragalus, Geum, Lupinus, and Eriogonum. Other forbs common, if less frequent, include Balsamorhiza sagittata, Achillea millefolium, Eriogonum umbellatum, Antennaria rosea, and Geranium viscosissimum. Some authors have noted different phases based on dominance of forb species. All phases are included within this one herbaceous shrubland concept. Trees are uncommon but individuals of Pinus ponderosa, Cercocarpus ledifolius, Populus tremuloides, Juniperus occidentalis, Pinus albicaulis, and Abies lasiocarpa may occasionally occur.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.27816.ARTEMISIATRIDEN
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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