Name:
Pseudotsuga menziesii / Symphoricarpos oreophilus Forest
Reference:
NatureServe Biotics 2019
Description:
This widespread forest association occurs in foothills, mountains and plateaus from southwestern Montana through Wyoming and Colorado to Trans-Pecos Texas, west to Arizona, Utah, and into eastern Oregon and Washington. Elevation ranges from 700-2900 m (2310-9500 feet). This broadly defined forest association occurs as both a non-obligate riparian community and as an upland community. In more arid regions stands occur along drainages along narrow riparian areas in ravines, canyons, and up steep draws. It continues upland on steep north-facing slopes in narrow canyons where dense shade and steepness preclude any significant shrub or herbaceous understory. Elsewhere at more northern latitudes, it occurs near lower treeline on warm, dry southern aspects with moderate to very steep mid- and upper slopes and ridges. Soils are variable and range from deep silt loam to shallow, rocky substrates. Most stands have abundant litter on the ground, and some have high rock cover. The vegetation is characterized by a relatively sparse to dense evergreen tree canopy dominated by <i>Pseudotsuga menziesii</i>, sometimes with scattered large <i>Pinus ponderosa, Pinus flexilis, Populus tremuloides, Juniperus scopulorum</i>, or <i>Juniperus occidentalis</i>, especially on drier sites. <i>Abies concolor</i> is typically not present. <i>Symphoricarpos oreophilus</i> dominates the sparse to moderately dense short-shrub layer. Shrub associates vary depending on range and habitat and may include <i>Acer glabrum, Amelanchier</i> spp., <i>Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana, Cercocarpus montanus, Holodiscus dumosus, Juniperus communis, Mahonia repens, Paxistima myrsinites, Prunus virginiana, Quercus gambelii, Ribes cereum, Ribes inerme, Rosa woodsii</i>, or <i>Shepherdia canadensis</i>. The generally sparse herbaceous layer is composed of mostly graminoids with scattered forbs.
Accession Code:
urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:29371-{EE93935A-90B5-445E-B9BD-CB96382FD621}
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
6
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