Name:
Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa - Populus tremuloides - Conifer / Clintonia uniflora Forest
Reference:
Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This association is relatively uncommon on both the east and west sides of the Continental Divide in Glacier National Park, Montana. This montane association occurs along flat bottomlands and alluvial terraces on the west side of Glacier National Park and on gentle valley floors to moderately steep lowslopes on the east side of the park with variable aspects. Elevations on the west side range from 970 to 1030 m (3170-3390 feet), while they range from 1300 to 1630 m (4280-5350 feet) on the east side of the park. Soil texture ranges from moderately well- to rapidly drained sand, sandy loam, and silt loam to somewhat poorly drained clay. Soils have high gravel and rock content and tend to contain red and green argillite. They are developed on alluvial, glacio-fluvial, and morainal landforms. Litter dominates the ground surface with 40-60% cover. Wood is also common with 10-30% cover. This mesic, mixed evergreen-deciduous forest occurs on both riparian bottomlands and in the transition zone between Populus tremuloides types and Pseudotsuga menziesii or Pinus contorta forests. Total tree cover ranges from 30-70% with heights ranging from 10-35 m. A mix of tree species dominates the overstory, including Picea engelmannii, Populus tremuloides, Pinus contorta, and Abies lasiocarpa. Pseudotsuga menziesii, Betula papyrifera, and Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa are infrequently scattered in the subcanopy. Tall shrubs are present in most stands with 30-50% cover. Amelanchier alnifolia and Rubus parviflorus are the most common shrubs. Other shrubs include Acer glabrum, Menziesia ferruginea, and Sorbus scopulina. Salix scouleriana and Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata are low-constancy shrubs that may have high cover. The herbaceous cover ranges from 20-50% and is dominated by native forbs. Arnica cordifolia and Xerophyllum tenax have the highest individual cover with 1-20% cover. Other species include Clintonia uniflora, Thalictrum occidentale, Viola orbiculata, Orthilia secunda, Eurybia conspicua (= Aster conspicuus), Fragaria virginiana, and Picea engelmannii seedlings. Less infrequent herbs include Chimaphila umbellata, Elymus glaucus, Aralia nudicaulis, Prosartes trachycarpa (= Disporum trachycarpum), Heracleum maximum, Athyrium filix-femina, Equisetum arvense, Packera pseudaurea (= Senecio pseudaureus), and Pteridium aquilinum. Nonvascular plants have 5-10% cover.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.28248.POPULUSBALSAMIF
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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