Name:
Populus tremuloides / Amelanchier alnifolia Avalanche Chute Shrubland
Reference:
Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This association is scattered infrequently on avalanche chutes and other steep slopes on the east and west sides of Glacier National Park in Montana and within Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta. This mesic, montane to lower subalpine association is present within avalanche chutes at a broad range of elevations, from 1130 to 1710 m (3720-5600 feet) on moderate to steep, south-facing midslopes. Soils are rapidly to well-drained sandy loams, characterized as Orthic and Cumulic Regosols developed on fluvial and colluvial landforms. These are generally weakly developed, strongly acidic to neutral soils that are coarse-textured. Litter dominates the ground surface with 40-85% cover. Frequent avalanches maintain the shrubby structure of this deciduous shrubland. Tall shrubs are dominant and some stands have a more pronounced short-tree layer, ranging from 1-5 m in height. Populus tremuloides dominates both the tall-shrub and tree layer. Pseudotsuga menziesii may also be present, sometimes becoming emergent over other vegetation. Picea engelmannii, Abies lasiocarpa, and Pinus ponderosa trees are also sometimes scattered in the canopy. Total short-shrub cover is 20-70%, and common shrubs are Amelanchier alnifolia, Acer glabrum, Spiraea betulifolia, Shepherdia canadensis, Prunus pensylvanica, Rubus parviflorus, Lonicera utahensis, Symphoricarpos albus, Mahonia repens, Paxistima myrsinites, and Arctostaphylos uva-ursi. Total herbaceous cover ranges from 20-100% and high-constancy species include Chamerion angustifolium, Eurybia conspicua (= Aster conspicuus), Carex geyeri, Populus tremuloides seedlings, Thalictrum occidentale, and Calamagrostis rubescens.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.28140.POPULUSTREMULOI
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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