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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. <i>Salix commutata</i> is the dominant and virtually the only shrub contributing to a canopy cover of 40-90%. Dwarf-shrubs <i>Kalmia microphylla</i> and <i>Salix arctica</i> are sporadically represented, and small, stunted <i>Picea engelmannii</i> 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 <i>Carex nigricans, Juncus mertensianus, Juncus drummondii</i>, and <i>Sibbaldia procumbens</i> is indicative of sites retaining snowpack well into the growing season. <i>Arnica latifolia</i> and/or <i>Hypericum scouleri ssp. nortoniae (= Hypericum formosum var. nortoniae)</i> may be present with covers ranging from 10-20%. Other species characteristic of a high moisture status include <i>Senecio triangularis, Parnassia fimbriata, Erigeron peregrinus</i>, and <i>Veronica wormskjoldii</i>; typically their cover is quite low.  Accession Code: VB.CC.32172.CEGL003497 Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
	Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization) Perspective from: 17-Nov-2014 to: 01-May-2019
	status: accepted This Community's Level: association This Community's Children: [none]		Names:   UID: ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.728482 NatureServe Explorer   Translated: Undergreen Willow / Mesic Graminoid Shrubland   Scientific: Salix commutata / Mesic Graminoid Shrubland   Code: CEGL003497