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Populus tremuloides - Picea pungens Forest | Western Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Populus tremuloides - Picea pungens Forest
Reference: Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description: This successional, mixed aspen-conifer forest occurs in the montane forest zone in Colorado and Utah from 2260 to 2775 m (7400-9100 feet) in elevation. This association represents the successional stage where <i>Picea pungens</i> has converted the formerly deciduous canopy dominated by <i>Populus tremuloides</i> to a mixed conifer-deciduous canopy. This forest association occurs on moderately steep mid and low slopes on various aspects and soils. The tree canopy of this association is codominated by <i>Populus tremuloides</i> with at least 10% cover of <i>Picea pungens</i>. Other conifer trees may be present in canopy, but mixed stands must have at least 25% relative tree cover of both aspen (deciduous) and conifers. Understory growth (both shrub and herb layers) tends to be sparse. The most frequently occurring shrub species are <i>Juniperus communis</i> and <i>Symphoricarpos oreophilus</i>. <i>Rosa woodsii</i> and <i>Lonicera involucrata</i> occasionally occur. Low-growing herbs are most common and include <i>Bromus anomalus, Fragaria vesca, Achillea millefolium, Thermopsis divaricarpa</i>, and <i>Galium boreale</i>. <i>Poa pratensis</i> and <i>Taraxacum officinale</i> are also common. The diagnostic characteristic of this association is the mixed <i>Populus tremuloides - Picea pungens</i> tree canopy. 
Accession Code: VB.CC.33308.CEGL000535
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.2.684604 NatureServe ExplorerNatureServe Explorer logo
  Translated: Quaking Aspen - Blue Spruce Forest
  Scientific: Populus tremuloides - Picea pungens Forest
  Code: CEGL000535