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Pinus aristata / Festuca arizonica Woodland | Western Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Pinus aristata / Festuca arizonica Woodland
Reference: Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description: This is an association confined to exposed, wind-swept ridges and steep slopes in the upper montane and subalpine zones of the southern Rocky Mountains. These open to moderately closed woodlands occur on all aspects, but are most common on drier south- and west-facing slopes. Slopes are typically moderate to steep, but may also be gentle. Soils are typically well-drained, shallow, and skeletal. Stands have an open to moderately closed canopy typically 5-15 m tall that is solely dominated or codominated by <i>Pinus aristata</i>. Individual trees may reach 20 m. In some stands trees are clumped with grassy patches interspersed. Other tree species that may be present to codominant vary geographically within its range. <i>Picea engelmannii</i> and <i>Pseudotsuga menziesii</i> are the most common. <i>Pinus flexilis</i> has also been reported as an associate in some stands. <i>Abies lasiocarpa</i> and <i>Populus tremuloides</i> may be scattered in some stands, but are generally restricted to more mesic sites and are typically absent in the drier southern extent of this association. The understory vegetation ranges from moderately dense to sparse (typically) because sites are dry and often have large amounts of rock cover. The sparse to moderately dense herbaceous layer often dominates the understory. The most common species are typically graminoids, especially species of <i>Festuca</i>. This association differs from ~<i>Pinus aristata / Trifolium dasyphyllum</i> Woodland (CEGL000762)$$ by having a higher and more consistent cover of perennial grasses. 
Accession Code: VB.CC.32971.CEGL000759
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.2.684122 NatureServe ExplorerNatureServe Explorer logo
  Translated: Bristlecone Pine / Arizona Fescue Woodland
  Scientific: Pinus aristata / Festuca arizonica Woodland
  Code: CEGL000759