Name:
Acer glabrum Avalanche Chute Shrubland
Reference:
NatureServe Biotics 2019
Description:
This deciduous shrubland has been described from subalpine avalanche paths in the northern Rocky Mountains. Elevations range from 950 to 2306 m (3100-7600 feet). Stands are located in avalanche tracks and runout zones, on slopes ranging from 15-60%. These communities can occur on any aspect, but are more common where unstable snowpack conditions frequently occur. Soils are rapidly to well-drained loamy sands, sandy loams, or silt loams. They tend to be dark, weakly developed soils on colluvial and glacio-fluvial landforms with high gravel and rock content. Sites are often mesic because avalanche paths are often in stream gullies. Stands have a moderately dense woody canopy characterized by flexible, deciduous small trees and shrubs, dominated by <i>Acer glabrum</i>. Other common woody plants include <i>Paxistima myrsinites, Sorbus scopulina, Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata, Alnus incana, Rubus parviflorus, Prunus virginiana, Symphoricarpos albus, Symphoricarpos oreophilus, Salix planifolia, Salix scouleriana</i>, and <i>Crataegus douglasii</i>. In addition to shrub species, several trees are usually present, these rarely attaining heights above that of the shrubs due to the frequent disturbance. Tree species are those from the surrounding forested slopes and include <i>Picea engelmannii, Abies lasiocarpa, Populus tremuloides, Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa, Pseudotsuga menziesii</i>, and <i>Betula papyrifera</i>. The ground cover is moderately dense to dense and composed of many graminoids and forbs. <i>Chamerion angustifolium</i> and <i>Thalictrum occidentale</i> are common. Other species include <i>Lomatium dissectum, Heracleum maximum, Xerophyllum tenax, Carex geyeri, Castilleja</i> spp., <i>Agastache urticifolia, Eucephalus engelmannii, Erythronium grandiflorum, Myosotis asiatica, Veratrum viride</i>, and <i>Xerophyllum tenax</i>. Mosses and ferns are often present.
Accession Code:
urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:29970-{3AD4A406-E181-4D2E-B780-622FD10779C0}
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
10
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