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Carex rupestris - Potentilla ovina Alpine Fell-field | NatureServe Biotics 2019
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Name: Carex rupestris - Potentilla ovina Alpine Fell-field Reference: NatureServe Biotics 2019 Description: This association has been reported from only southwestern Montana on the Beaverhead, Madison, East Pioneer and Tendoy mountain ranges. Occurring mostly as small to infrequently large patches, this vegetation is strictly an alpine community (documented elevation range from 2900-3170 m [9500-10,400 feet]). Stands occupy the most exposed and wind-swept upper slopes, saddles and ridgetops, and sites are most probably blown snow-free in winter. This association has been found only on calcareous parent materials. Wind deflation often results in a gravelly pavement with sites having an average of more than 65% exposed substrate. Structurally, this association is predominantly an alpine cushion plant community that can grade to alpine turf community on more protected sites. Graminoid cover averages 11%; species with 50% or greater constancy include <i>Carex rupestris, Carex obtusata, Carex elynoides, Leucopoa kingii, Festuca brachyphylla</i>, and <i>Elymus scribneri</i>. Only the first two graminoid species noted are diagnostic for the type. Cushion plants form the dominant aspect for this community (29% canopy cover); primary among which are <i>Phlox pulvinata, Potentilla ovina, Minuartia obtusiloba, Oxytropis campestris, Erigeron compositus</i>, and <i>Eritrichium nanum</i> (only the first two species noted have been recognized as diagnostic for the type). A very stunted form of <i>Dasiphora fruticosa ssp. floribunda</i> was the only shrub, sporadically noted. Lichen and mosses constitute less than 2% canopy cover on average. This type is usually noted to grade to ~<i>Carex elynoides</i> Alpine Turf (CEGL001852)$$, a dry turf type, or ~<i>Carex scirpoidea - Potentilla diversifolia</i> Alpine Turf (CEGL001867)$$, a moist turf association, both of which occur on relatively more protected sites, ostensibly having a more favorable moisture regime.  Accession Code: urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:30771-{D9F35FEC-9400-4A2F-B53E-0B765232E2FD} Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
	Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization) Perspective from: 26-Nov-1997 to: ongoing
	status: accepted Community's Parent: Minuartia obtusiloba - Paronychia pulvinata - Silene acaulis Alpine Fell-field Alliance This Community's Level: Association This Community's Children: [none]		Names:   UID: ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.685897 NatureServe Explorer   Code: CEGL001862   Translated: Curly Sedge - Sheep Cinquefoil Alpine Fell-field   Scientific: Carex rupestris - Potentilla ovina Alpine Fell-field (convergence) and Synonyms: (similar) Carex rupestris - Potentilla ovina Herbaceous Vegetation (similar) Carex rupestris - Potentilla ovina Herbaceous Vegetation (similar) CEGL001862