Name:
Pinus ponderosa / Rockland Woodland
Reference:
NatureServe Biotics 2019
Description:
This sparse <i>Pinus ponderosa</i> woodland occurs on extensive bedrock outcrop substrate in the southern Rocky Mountains from northern Colorado south to New Mexico and Arizona. It occurs over exposures of sandstone, basalt or granite on gentle to steep slopes (10-60%) with primarily south-facing aspects, although it can occur on other aspects provided the bedrock substrate is present. Elevation range for this association is from 2000 to 2760 m (6560-9040 feet). Soils are shallow (<10 cm) and restricted to joints in bedrock outcrops. The sparse canopy is dominated by <i>Pinus ponderosa</i> with up to 50% cover. Trees are often stunted and grow from rock fissures. <i>Pseudotsuga menziesii, Juniperus osteosperma, Juniperus scopulorum, Pinus edulis</i>, or <i>Pinus strobiformis</i> may be present as associates. Natural regeneration of canopy species tends to be very slow. Shrub and herb layers are variable and sparse. Shrubs tend to occur in scattered patches between boulders and bedrock. Species can include <i>Amelanchier</i> spp., <i>Quercus gambelii, Quercus grisea, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Cercocarpus montanus, Fallugia paradoxa, Jamesia americana, Juniperus communis, Purshia tridentata, Ribes cereum, Symphoricarpos oreophilus</i>, or <i>Yucca</i> spp. Herbaceous cover is likewise patchy. <i>Muhlenbergia montana</i> occurs with highest constancy. Additional graminoids include <i>Muhlenbergia straminea, Festuca arizonica, Elymus arizonicus, Calamagrostis purpurascens, Carex geophila, Bouteloua curtipendula, Blepharoneuron tricholepis, Poa fendleriana</i>, and <i>Schizachyrium scoparium</i>. Forbs are variable but can be diverse. In addition to the sparse <i>Pinus ponderosa</i> canopy, exposed bedrock is diagnostic for this association and can have from 50-90% cover. Lichen and moss growing on exposed bedrock can be extensive.
Accession Code:
urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:29786-{D0EDC549-45FD-467E-AEAC-02E056DCD9CC}
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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