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Pinus contorta var. murrayana / Sparse Understory Forest | Western Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Pinus contorta var. murrayana / Sparse Understory Forest Reference: Western Ecology Working Group of... Description: This forest association is widespread at higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada, California. It is found at the highest elevations of the upper montane, often sharing this position with ~<i>Abies magnifica - Pinus monticola - Pinus contorta var. murrayana</i> Forest (CEGL008616)$$. Together, they straddle the Sierran crest at higher elevations. Stands can cover extensive areas, but most are less than 100 acres due to natural fragmentation of the landscape. Elevations are mostly above 2590 m (8500 feet) and aspects are variable. Slopes range from gentle to somewhat steep, but are predominantly moderate or gentle. The association typically occurs on the lower portions of slopes or on benches. Soils are derived from igneous rocks, primarily granite, but also pumice, rhyolite and andesite, and have sandy loam or gravelly loam textures. Soils are typically well-drained, but may be excessively drained. Sites are characterized by significantly higher levels of surface gravel as compared to other associations in the upper montane of the Sierra Nevada. Litter cover is also generally high. Stands of this association are moderately dense forests with open understories. Tree cover is moderate, averaging 59% cover. Tree overstories are dominated by <i>Pinus contorta var. murrayana</i> with very scattered <i>Abies magnifica</i>. <i>Pinus monticola</i> is a rare member of the stand. The shrub layer is essentially absent, averaging less than 1%, although <i>Ribes montigenum</i> occurs in widely scattered locations, indicating moist conditions. Cover of herbaceous dicots is among the lowest in the upper montane associations, averaging 3%; the species represent a mix of moderate to dry conditions (e.g., <i>Arabis platysperma</i> indicating drier sites and <i>Pyrola picta</i> and <i>Thalictrum fendleri</i> indicating moister sites). Herbaceous monocots average 10% cover, with <i>Carex rossii</i> indicating moister conditions and <i>Achnatherum occidentale</i> indicating drier conditions. Conifer regeneration is moderate, dominated by <i>Pinus contorta var. murrayana</i>, with generally more than 250 seedlings per acre.  Accession Code: VB.CC.33164.CEGL003069 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.2.688257 NatureServe Explorer   Translated: Sierra Lodgepole Pine / Sparse Understory Forest   Scientific: Pinus contorta var. murrayana / Sparse Understory Forest   Code: CEGL003069