Name:
Populus tremuloides / Symphoricarpos oreophilus / Carex rossii Forest
Reference:
Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This association is documented from high plateaus in Utah and Colorado and is reported to occur in the mountains of northwestern Wyoming and central Nevada. Elevations range from 1860 m to more than 2600 m (6100-8530 feet). Slopes are gentle to moderate and sites occur on all aspects. Soils vary in texture but are often rocky and may be derived from granite, sandstone, limestone or volcanics. The canopy consists of moderately closed to closed stands of <i>Populus tremuloides</i>, although stands will occasionally contain <i>Pseudotsuga menziesii, Abies concolor</i>, or <i>Abies lasiocarpa</i>, indicating that some stands may eventually convert to coniferous forests. The shrub layer consists primarily of <i>Symphoricarpos oreophilus</i>, although minor amounts of <i>Amelanchier utahensis, Prunus virginiana, Artemisia tridentata, Rosa woodsii, Juniperus communis, Mahonia repens</i>, and <i>Paxistima myrsinites</i> may be present. In addition to the generally dominant <i>Carex rossii</i>, the herbaceous understory may contain <i>Achnatherum occidentale, Bromus anomalus, Elymus trachycaulus, Poa pratensis, Thalictrum fendleri, Geranium viscosissimum, Arnica cordifolia</i>, and <i>Lupinus argenteus</i>. This association is generally a climax type, not usually subject to replacement by coniferous species. Overgrazing converts the understory to dominance by <i>Poa pratensis, Elymus elymoides, Astragalus miser, Taraxacum officinale</i>, and <i>Achillea millefolium</i>.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.33040.CEGL000613
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
|
