Name:
Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata / Mesic Forbs Shrubland
Reference:
Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This deciduous shrubland is located in moderate to high-elevation (1200-3000 m) riparian habitats of the northern Rocky Mountains and Cascade Range where deep snow accumulations are common. They usually occur in low-gradient creek drainages, on midslope avalanche chutes, in cirque basins, and in relatively steep drainages, all of which flood from spring snowmelt or summer rainstorms. The wet soils and frequent fluvial disturbance act to discourage colonization by coniferous trees and allow full sunlight to reach the ground at these sites. Soils are often well-drained colluvial or glacial-fluvial deposits, generally sandy loam to clay loam over sorted gravels and sands. A dense tall-shrub cover of Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata characterizes this vegetation. Acer circinatum, Alnus incana, Sambucus racemosa, or Salix drummondiana may be codominant in the tall-shrub layer. Acer glabrum, Ribes lacustre, Sorbus scopulina, and Menziesia ferruginea may also be present. In the northern Rocky Mountains, Abies lasiocarpa colonizes these communities, and scattered seedlings or saplings may be present. Low cold-deciduous or ericaceous shrubs may be abundant, including Rubus spectabilis, Rubus parviflorus, Sambucus racemosa, Paxistima myrsinites, and Vaccinium spp. A lush herbaceous layer is usually present, characterized by a high diversity of low-abundance tall mesic forbs, including Aconitum columbianum, Achillea millefolium, Heracleum maximum (= Heracleum lanatum), Veratrum viride, Senecio triangularis, Prosartes spp. (= Disporum spp.), Urtica dioica, and Osmorhiza berteroi (= Osmorhiza chilensis). Graminoids are generally uncommon.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.27860.ALNUSVIRIDISSSP
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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