Name:
Populus angustifolia - Juniperus scopulorum Woodland
Reference:
Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This semi-riparian woodland association occurs in north-central Wyoming, western Colorado and northern New Mexico on terraces or slopes of gorges, ravines, and moderate-sized intermittent or perennial drainages between 1740 and 2400 m (5725-7875 feet) elevation. This type usually occurs on high, dry stream terraces with level slopes and a sandy surface soil texture. Stands are infrequently flooded (10- to 100-year recurrence intervals). The vegetation is characterized by moderately open canopies (25-60% cover) dominated by <i>Populus angustifolia</i>, with <i>Juniperus scopulorum</i> or occasionally <i>Juniperus monosperma, Betula occidentalis</i>, or <i>Pinus edulis</i> in the subcanopy. An open grassy understory with abundant <i>Sporobolus cryptandrus</i> is characteristic, although other grasses such as <i>Carex geyeri, Juncus balticus, Leymus cinereus</i>, and <i>Poa fendleriana</i> may also be present. In disturbed stands the native grasses may have been replaced by exotic species such as <i>Bromus inermis</i>. Although shrubs are uncommon, those present, such as <i>Brickellia californica, Quercus gambelii, Artemisia tridentata, Mahonia repens, Purshia tridentata, Rosa woodsii</i>, and <i>Symphoricarpos oreophilus</i>, reflect relatively dry site conditions. The herbaceous understory also reflects open, dry site conditions. Facultative and upland forbs such as <i>Thalictrum fendleri, Achillea millefolium, Maianthemum stellatum, Solidago nemoralis</i>, and <i>Penstemon barbatus</i> are common. In open areas <i>Bouteloua curtipendula</i> is common. Regardless of the drier conditions, a variety of native wetland indicators can occur, including <i>Juncus effusus, Glyceria striata, Carex nebrascensis, Agrostis exarata, Rudbeckia laciniata, Equisetum arvense, Epilobium ciliatum, Mertensia ciliata</i>, and <i>Equisetum laevigatum</i>. Many stands have decadent <i>Populus angustifolia</i> trees that are being replaced by <i>Juniperus scopulorum</i>. Other stands periodically flood and retain a large amount of woody debris. In all cases the vegetation and topographic position indicate a community that is becoming isolated from the water table. As the water table drops, the facultative and obligate wetland plants will be replaced by upland species.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.32638.CEGL002640
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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