Name:
Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrubland
Reference:
Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This is a common, abundant and widespread montane to subalpine sagebrush community of the western U.S. It occurs from 1829 to 3048 m (6000-10,000 feet) elevation, on 10-59% slopes, usually on the upper part of the slope, or on ridgetops, with northeast- to south-facing aspects. Soils are generally deep Mollisols (average depth from one study was 104 cm). This association is dominated by <i>Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana</i>, with a conspicuous herbaceous undergrowth often dominated by <i>Pseudoroegneria spicata</i>. Other shrubs are usually present, but no one species consistently so, and all generally with low cover (<10%). Shrub species include <i>Chrysothamnus</i> spp., <i>Tetradymia canescens, Purshia tridentata</i>, and <i>Amelanchier alnifolia</i>. <i>Symphoricarpos oreophilus</i> may be present but not codominant. The herbaceous undergrowth is dominated by grasses, <i>Pseudoroegneria spicata</i> usually having the highest cover. In disturbed stands, the exotic <i>Bromus tectorum</i> can be more abundant. Other grass species include <i>Poa fendleriana, Poa secunda (= Poa sandbergii), Bouteloua gracilis, Elymus lanceolatus (= Agropyron dasystachyum), Koeleria macrantha, Hesperostipa comata (= Stipa comata)</i>, and <i>Elymus elymoides (= Sitanion hystrix)</i>. <i>Festuca idahoensis</i> is usually not present, but if so, then in very low amounts. Common forbs include <i>Eriogonum umbellatum, Lupinus sericeus, Lupinus caudatus, Comandra umbellata, Balsamorhiza sagittata, Lithospermum ruderale</i>, and <i>Achillea millefolium</i>. <i>Bromus tectorum</i> may be present to dominant in stands that have been severely disturbed.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.34288.CEGL001030
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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