Name:
Amelanchier (utahensis, alnifolia) - Cercocarpus montanus Shrubland
Reference:
Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
The description for this association is based on information from Colorado and Utah; its characteristics in Nevada are unknown and will be described when more information becomes available. This plant association is found on moderate to steeply sloping colluvial slopes, canyons, ridges and in alcoves. Sites may be oriented to any aspect. Elevation ranges between 1586 and 2595 m (5200-8500 feet). Relative to other mixed mountain shrub types, it is found on the driest sites with the least soil development and relatively low diversity. Soils range from shallow to deep but are generally always rocky with a high cover of surface rock. The vegetation is characterized by a more open shrub layer and a sparse understory relative to other mixed mountain shrub types. Total vegetation cover often does not exceed 50%. <i>Amelanchier utahensis</i> and <i>Cercocarpus montanus</i> are the dominants of as many as 16 shrub species in this association. Typical associated shrub species include <i>Artemisia bigelovii, Artemisia tridentata, Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus, Ephedra viridis, Ericameria nauseosa, Eriogonum corymbosum, </i><i>Peraphyllum ramosissimum</i><i>, Purshia tridentata, Rhus trilobata, Fraxinus anomala</i>, and <i>Tetradymia canescens</i>. <i>Symphoricarpos oreophilus</i> can dominate the lower shrub layer, which may also include <i>Brickellia microphylla, Eriogonum microthecum, Gutierrezia sarothrae, Mahonia repens</i>, and <i>Paxistima myrsinites</i>. Succulents such as <i>Opuntia</i> spp. or <i>Yucca</i> spp. may also have minor cover. If <i>Quercus gambelii</i> is present, cover is low (<5%). Scattered trees of <i>Juniperus osteosperma, Juniperus scopulorum</i>, or <i>Pinus edulis</i> may be present in some stands. <i>Achnatherum hymenoides (= Oryzopsis hymenoides)</i> is the most common species in the diverse herbaceous layer. Other graminoid species may include <i>Poa fendleriana, Koeleria macrantha, Achnatherum lettermanii, Pseudoroegneria spicata, Elymus lanceolatus, Hesperostipa comata</i>, and <i>Leymus salinus</i>. Forb species may include <i>Arenaria fendleri, Chaenactis douglasii, Cryptantha flava, </i><i>Cymopterus purpureus</i><i>, Balsamorhiza sagittata, Eriogonum umbellatum, Galium coloradoense, Heterotheca villosa, Lepidium montanum, Lithospermum ruderale, Petradoria pumila, Phlox longifolia, Physaria acutifolia, Senecio integerrimus, Sphaeralcea coccinea, Stanleya pinnata, Stenotus acaulis</i>, and <i>Streptanthella longirostris</i>. Disturbed sites may have high cover of <i>Bromus tectorum</i>.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.31983.CEGL001070
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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