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Muhlenbergia montana - Hesperostipa comata Herbaceous Vegetation | Western Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Muhlenbergia montana - Hesperostipa comata Herbaceous Vegetation Reference: Western Ecology Working Group of... Description: This association has been described from north-central and central Colorado, in the northeastern portion of the Roosevelt National Forest. The association also occurs in Rocky Mountain National Park in the Mummy Range, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, and extends east out onto the Palmer Divide. Sites where the association is found are typically xeric forest openings in the ponderosa pine zone, on south-facing slopes and ridgetops. Elevations range from 2286 to 2650 m (7500-8710 feet), and the slopes are moderately steep. Occasionally the association occupies rolling parklands. Strong westerly winds probably result in removal of snow cover from the open sites and increased desiccation of plants. Soils are moderately deep Mollisols, with high coarse-fragment content, sandy loam textures, and a distinct clay horizon. Bare soil, exposed gravels, and small rocks account for as much as 30% of the ground surface area. This typically moderately dense grassland is strongly dominated by the perennial bunchgrasses <i>Muhlenbergia montana</i> and <i>Hesperostipa comata (= Stipa comata)</i>. Several other graminoids are commonly present, including <i>Carex duriuscula (= Carex eleocharis), Pascopyrum smithii, Koeleria macrantha, Danthonia parryi, Muhlenbergia filiculmis</i>, and <i>Poa secunda</i>. Total graminoid cover averages 45%. Forb species are much less abundant. The most important include <i>Allium geyeri, Antennaria</i> spp., <i>Harbouria trachypleura, Mertensia lanceolata</i>, and <i>Penstemon secundiflorus</i>. Shrubs are absent or scarce, except for the suffrutescent <i>Artemisia frigida</i>, with 5% average cover. This association can be distinguished from <i>~Muhlenbergia montana</i> Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001646)$$ by the abundance to codominance of <i>Hesperostipa comata</i>.  Accession Code: VB.CC.33541.CEGL001647 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.2.687390 NatureServe Explorer   Translated: Mountain Muhly - Needle-and-Thread Herbaceous Vegetation   Scientific: Muhlenbergia montana - Hesperostipa comata Herbaceous Vegetation   Code: CEGL001647