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Cercocarpus montanus / Muhlenbergia montana Shrubland | Western Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Cercocarpus montanus / Muhlenbergia montana Shrubland Reference: Western Ecology Working Group of... Description: This association is part of the lower montane-foothills shrubland ecosystem within the eastern slope of the southern Rocky Mountains between 2410 and 2623 m (7900-8600 feet) in elevation. This ecosystem may occur as a mosaic of two or three plant associations often surrounded by grasslands or woodlands. These slopes are typically oriented southerly, between approximately 125° and 190°, although a few ridges are more westerly trending. The slopes are steep, from 7-22%, and are rapidly drained. This shrubland occupies gravelly substrates and rocky sites on the dry, upper steep slopes (25-56%) of hills and ridges. The vegetation is characterized by an open to moderately dense short-shrub layer (&lt;2 m) dominated by <i>Cercocarpus montanus</i>, typically with a lush herbaceous layer dominated by <i>Muhlenbergia montana</i>. <i>Cercocarpus montanus</i> shrubs are scattered on these sites, e.g., the canopies rarely overlap, unlike very dense stands that grow at lower elevations in Colorado and nearby states. Along with <i>Cercocarpus montanus</i>, a few <i>Ribes cereum</i> or <i>Rhus trilobata</i> shrubs occur on most sites. Because this type occupies canopy breaks in foothill and montane woodlands or is occasionally invaded by <i>Pinus ponderosa</i> trees, it is not unusual to have some foliar cover provided by tree canopies. Total vegetation cover for <i>Cercocarpus montanus</i> stands was estimated at from 40-70%, depending on the amount of understory herbaceous growth. Dwarf-shrubs, typically <i>Yucca glauca, Artemisia frigida, Opuntia polyacantha</i>, and young <i>Cercocarpus montanus</i>, are present but often provide less than 5% foliar cover. The herbaceous layer is generally dominated by graminoids, particularly <i>Muhlenbergia montana, Festuca arizonica</i>, and <i>Bouteloua gracilis</i>.  Accession Code: VB.CC.33982.CEGL002914 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.2.684416 NatureServe Explorer   Translated: Alderleaf Mountain-mahogany / Mountain Muhly Shrubland   Code: CEGL002914   Scientific: Cercocarpus montanus / Muhlenbergia montana Shrubland