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Abies lasiocarpa / Caltha leptosepala ssp. howellii Forest | Western Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Abies lasiocarpa / Caltha leptosepala ssp. howellii Forest
Reference: Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description: This forest association is known only from the Boise and Salmon River mountains of central Idaho. The association occurs on wet, gently to moderately sloping terrain in the middle to upper portion of the subalpine zone, at 1890 to 2530 m (6200-8300 feet) elevation. Sites include lakeshores, sloping seeps and springs, margins of sloped flow-through peatlands, and low order headwater streams. Soils are often a deep organic horizon overlying loamy or sandy loam mineral horizons. Stands are codominated by mixed-aged <i>Abies lasiocarpa</i> and <i>Picea engelmannii</i>. <i>Abies lasiocarpa</i> is increasingly abundant with succession, though large-diameter <i>Picea engelmannii</i> may persist on productive sites. Conifer cover is low on extremely wet sites. <i>Caltha leptosepala ssp. howellii</i> is an important diagnostic species of these wet habitats, often the most abundant understory species with high cover. Mesic graminoid diversity and cover are typically low. A variety of other mesic forbs are present, sometimes with moderate to high cover. Common and characteristic forbs include <i>Pedicularis bracteosa</i> and <i>Dodecatheon jeffreyi</i>. Shrubs such as <i>Vaccinium scoparium</i> and <i>Lonicera involucrata</i> may occur with a patchy distribution on raised hummocks. Moss is often abundant on the wet soil; important species include <i>Aulacomnium palustre, Bryum weigelii</i>, and <i>Campylium stellatum</i>. Stands of the association are important for elk in summer and fall, and abundant lush forbs and proximity to water give rise to important feeding areas. Wet depressions provide excellent elk wallow habitats. 
Accession Code: VB.CC.34342.CEGL000302
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.2.686502 NatureServe ExplorerNatureServe Explorer logo
  Translated: Subalpine Fir / Howell's Marsh-marigold Forest
  Scientific: Abies lasiocarpa / Caltha leptosepala ssp. howellii Forest
  Code: CEGL000302