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Salix commutata / Mesic Graminoid Shrubland | Western Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Salix commutata / Mesic Graminoid Shrubland Reference: Western Ecology Working Group of... Description: This shrubland association is distributed in moist sites at high elevation on both sides of the Continental Divide in Glacier National Park. This small-patch shrubland association occurs on subirrigated gentle slopes and flat terraces along high-elevation streams and ponds. The association also occupies shallow swales where water accumulates from snowmelt and remains until early summer. Species composition is indicative of sites retaining snow cover longer than the adjacent landscape. Sampled elevations range from 1920-2000 m (6298-6560 feet), the uppermost portion of subalpine environments. Parent material is derived from glacio-fluvial deposits and soils vary from poorly drained clay loams to well-drained loamy sand. Ground cover is primarily litter. Salix commutata is the dominant and virtually the only shrub contributing to a canopy cover of 40-90%. Dwarf-shrubs Kalmia microphylla and Salix arctica are sporadically represented, and small, stunted Picea engelmannii may be present. The herbaceous layer has 20-30% cover, contributed by a variety of moist-site, high-elevation sedges and forbs. The presence and occasionally modest coverage of Carex nigricans, Juncus mertensianus, Juncus drummondii, and Sibbaldia procumbens is indicative of sites retaining snowpack well into the growing season. Arnica latifolia and/or Hypericum scouleri ssp. nortoniae (= Hypericum formosum var. nortoniae) may be present with covers ranging from 10-20%. Other species characteristic of a high moisture status include Senecio triangularis, Parnassia fimbriata, Erigeron peregrinus, and Veronica wormskjoldii; typically their cover is quite low.  Accession Code: VB.CC.28052.SALIXCOMMUTATAM Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
	Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization) Perspective from: 05-Jan-2004 to: 17-Nov-2014
	status: accepted Community's Parent: Salix commutata Seasonally Flooded Shrubland Alliance This Community's Level: Association This Community's Children: [none]		Names:   Translated: Undergreen Willow / Mesic Graminoid Shrubland   UID: ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.728482 NatureServe Explorer   Scientific: Salix commutata / Mesic Graminoid Shrubland   Code: CEGL003497 (convergence) and Synonyms: (undetermined) Salix commutata / Mesic Graminoid Shrubland