Name:
Rubus parviflorus / Chamerion angustifolium - Heracleum maximum Shrubland
Reference:
Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This is a subalpine shrubland association currently known from northwestern Montana, and from the north Cascades of western Washington. It occurs on toeslope, lowslope and midslope landforms with moderately steep to steep grades. It can be found at all aspects, and in northwestern Montana often occupies avalanche chutes and other areas where snow movement prohibits tree establishment or dislodges taller, established specimens. In the Cascades it is reported to occur below the timberline zone, on sites where the snow-free season is long, typically starting in April-May. Slopes are moderately to rapidly well-drained. In Glacier National Park elevations range from 1375-2010 m (4510-6593 feet). Parent material is derived from a variety of glacial substrates. Ground cover is primarily litter, with 1-25% rock of various sizes, and bare soil. This is a diverse, dense, shrubby meadow association. Total cover of the shrub layer ranges from 30% to well over 90%, and the herbaceous layer is equally abundant. The tall shrub <i>Rubus parviflorus</i> is dominant in most of these shrublands, with an average of 30-60% cover. Other tall shrubs can include <i>Spiraea betulifolia, Sorbus scopulina, Symphoricarpos albus, Acer glabrum, Lonicera</i> spp., <i>Ribes</i> spp., <i>Vaccinium</i> spp. <i>Prunus emarginata</i>, and <i>Sorbus sitchensis</i>; one or more of these may have moderate cover in some areas. Stunted, shrubby <i>Abies lasiocarpa, Abies amabilis</i>, or <i>Abies concolor</i> may be present. The forb component is often very diverse, and mesic forbs prevail. <i>Chamerion angustifolium (= Epilobium angustifolium)</i> was present in all plots, a good indicator of periodic disturbance that characterizes this association. Other common to abundant species include <i>Heracleum maximum, Pteridium aquilinum, Valeriana sitchensis, Veratrum viride, Thalictrum occidentale, Solidago canadensis, Erythronium grandiflorum, Artemisia ludoviciana, Osmorhiza occidentalis, Angelica arguta</i>, and <i>Galium triflorum</i>.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.31126.CEGL001127
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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