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Populus tremuloides / Acer glabrum Forest | NatureServe Biotics 2019
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Name: Populus tremuloides / Acer glabrum Forest
Reference: NatureServe Biotics 2019
Description: This uncommon <i>Populus tremuloides</i> forest association is found in a mountainous region east of the Continental Divide in central Colorado. Stands may also occur in north-central New Mexico where, if present, the association is seral to conifer forests with <i>Acer glabrum</i>-dominated understories. This association commonly occurs on north- to northeast-facing, moist-wet slopes and alluvial terraces from 2500 to 2930 m (8200-9600 feet) elevation, but it is also reported from easterly to southerly slopes. Slopes are moderately steep (generally 5-13%) and undulating. Soils are saturated or poorly drained and range from silty clay loams to sandy loams, often with high organic matter content in the top 10 cm (4 inches) of the soil profile. Species richness is moderately high for aspen associations. This association is characterized by a nearly closed canopy of the broad-leaved deciduous tree <i>Populus tremuloides</i>. <i>Populus balsamifera</i> or <i>Populus angustifolia</i> may be present in some stands. The understory is very lush. Shrubs are primarily broad-leaved deciduous species, with <i>Acer glabrum</i> being characteristic and dominant, occasionally reaching tree stature. Other important tall shrubs include <i>Sambucus racemosa, Prunus virginiana</i>, and <i>Amelanchier alnifolia</i>. Short shrubs present include <i>Rosa woodsii, Ribes montigenum</i>, and <i>Mahonia repens</i>. Conifer species may be present in the understory but with low cover. The herbaceous layer is dominated by perennial forbs such as <i>Actaea rubra, Artemisia franserioides, Chamerion angustifolium, Erigeron eximius, Maianthemum stellatum, Osmorhiza depauperata, Oreochrysum parryi</i>, and <i>Thalictrum fendleri</i>. Common grasses are <i>Calamagrostis canadensis</i> and <i>Elymus</i> spp. Diagnostic of this forest association is the tree canopy dominated by <i>Populus tremuloides</i> with an <i>Acer glabrum</i>-dominated tall-shrub layer. 
Accession Code: urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:29472-{02BD16F9-2F15-4CC7-8DDE-B82DFAFB0646}
Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 3
      Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization)
Perspective from: 05-May-2005 to: ongoing
      Names:   UID: ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.687636 NatureServe ExplorerNatureServe Explorer logo
  Code: CEGL000563
  Translated: Quaking Aspen / Rocky Mountain Maple Forest
  Scientific: Populus tremuloides / Acer glabrum Forest
(convergence) and Synonyms:
(similar) Populus tremuloides / Acer glabrum Forest
(similar) Populus tremuloides / Acer glabrum Forest
(similar) CEGL000563