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Potentilla sierrae-blancae Herbaceous Vegetation | Western Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Potentilla sierrae-blancae Herbaceous Vegetation Reference: Western Ecology Working Group of... Description: This tundra/fell-field association is found only on the upper slopes of the Sacramento Mountains in the vicinity of Sierra Blanca Peak, Otero County, New Mexico. Stands occur at high elevations between 3200-3600 m (10,500-11,800 feet) on open, windswept slopes that can be characterized as alpine tundra. The sites are above timberline and typically cold and dry, due to constant winds which maintain snowfree slopes. Soils are thin, lithosolic, extremely cobbly and excessively drained. Most plant species are of cushion plant growth form, an adaptation to the harsh, windy environment. This is an open association, dominated by low-growing, herbaceous perennials. Most of these species have the characteristic cushion plant growth form found in tundra plants and are less than 5 inches in height. Total cover varies from 30% to over 60%. <i>Potentilla sierrae-blancae</i> is the dominant species, averaging 20-35% cover. Other common species include <i>Minuartia obtusiloba, Primula rusbyi (= Primula ellisiae), Pseudocymopterus montanus</i>, and <i>Zigadenus elegans</i>. Graminoid species are not abundant. Lichens are very common. This is the southernmost example of tundra fell-field in the United States. It has floristic and physiognomic affinities with tundra communities of Colorado, but is relatively depauperate due to its more southerly latitude.  Accession Code: VB.CC.33253.CEGL001982 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.2.688118 NatureServe Explorer   Common: Sierra Blanca Cinquefoil Fell-field   Translated: Sierra Blanca Cinquefoil Herbaceous Vegetation   Scientific: Potentilla sierrae-blancae Herbaceous Vegetation   Code: CEGL001982