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Festuca viridula - Lupinus latifolius Herbaceous Vegetation | Western Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Festuca viridula - Lupinus latifolius Herbaceous Vegetation Reference: Western Ecology Working Group of... Description: The association occurs in the subalpine and lower alpine zones of a mountainous region in the Pacific Northwest. The climate of the region is temperate maritime, with relatively mild temperatures for a mountainous region, and high annual precipitation. Most of the precipitation falls during October through March, primarily as snow at the higher elevations. The eastern slope of the Cascades, where this association occurs, is within a rainshadow of the Cascades crest and has a steep gradient of less precipitation as elevation becomes lower. Geologically, the region has been strongly influenced by volcanic activity, with layers of pumice and ash deposited over large areas. These deposits are of varying age, but often show little soil development or have three or four buried soil horizon sequences. This association occupies openings within subalpine forests, and as a mosaic with patches of forest and other herbaceous meadows (parklands) at the ecotone between forest and true alpine. This ecotonal mosaic is well-developed in the Cascades, and extends over an elevational band of 300-400 m. Elevations of <i>Festuca viridula</i>-dominated communities are typically over 1830 m (6000 feet). Sites where they occur are too dry for tree establishment and may have a frequent fire-return cycle which also contributes to the lack of tree regeneration. Soils are probably developed in pumice deposits and vary in depth, but are usually less than 16 cm deep. Pocket gophers are a significant influence in the loose, friable soil. This herbaceous association is dominated by the perennial bunchgrass <i>Festuca viridula</i>, with the perennial forb <i>Lupinus latifolius</i> always present and usually codominant. Both species are typically 0.5-1 m in height. Associated species are predominantly perennial forbs. <i>Pulsatilla occidentalis (= Anemone occidentalis), Potentilla flabellifolia, Eucephalus ledophyllus (= Aster ledophyllus)</i>, and <i>Phlox diffusa</i> are usually present, in addition to the common species listed above. In the spring, shortly after snowmelt, <i>Potentilla flabellifolia, Symphyotrichum spathulatum var. spathulatum (= Aster occidentalis), Ranunculus eschscholtzii</i>, and <i>Claytonia lanceolata</i> are prominent before the other species begin growth.  Accession Code: VB.CC.34147.CEGL001635 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.2.686159 NatureServe Explorer   Translated: Greenleaf Fescue - Broadleaf Lupine Herbaceous Vegetation   Scientific: Festuca viridula - Lupinus latifolius Herbaceous Vegetation   Code: CEGL001635