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Athyrium americanum - Cryptogramma acrostichoides Alpine Sparse Vegetation | NatureServe Biotics 2019
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Name: Athyrium americanum - Cryptogramma acrostichoides Alpine Sparse Vegetation Reference: NatureServe Biotics 2019 Description: This is a high-elevation forb-dominated association found in northwestern Montana, in Glacier National Park. This community, typifying the gaps of subalpine and alpine (inventoried elevations 2000 to 2200 m [6560-7215 feet]) boulderfields, is often obscured by the very size of the boulders, which are much larger than the rock component of other talus communities, ranging from a couple of decimeters to more than 5 m. The interstices accumulate a fine soil substrate necessary for the establishment of vascular plants. It generally occurs on steep (&gt;55%) slopes with southerly exposures, though it can occur on footslopes with low to moderate slopes. European literature establishes that boulder slopes generate a unique microclimate by impeding and retaining cold air draining downslope within the boulder interstices, where the azonal vegetation typical of colder climates is found. These microsite gaps are buffered from both drying winds and direct solar radiation, thus plants typical of mesic to hygric sites can predominate. The protection afforded by these sites also promotes late snowmelt making them similar to snowbed sites. Rock cover ranges upward from 75% and litter is generally less than 5%. Fine soil occurs in small pockets comprising less than 5% of the surface. Vascular plant diversity is low, and cover ranges between 5% and 25% across the slope, with many of the sites qualifying as sparse vegetation. The pockets of vegetation are dominated by <i>Athyrium americanum</i> and <i>Cryptogramma acrostichoides</i>, which together may comprise 75% or more cover in the patch. The only dwarf-shrub present, <i>Penstemon ellipticus</i>, is highly constant, linking these sites with other fell-field types. <i>Carex phaeocephala, Juncus parryi</i>, and <i>Epilobium anagallidifolium</i> are also highly constant and indicative of the late-persisting snow cover, as are the most abundant bryophytes <i>Polytrichum piliferum</i> and <i>Bryum</i> spp.  Accession Code: urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:34553-{8E1E9149-823D-49F9-B0B9-3D0BF6F4F0CA} Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
	Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization) Perspective from: 21-Jan-2004 to: ongoing
	status: accepted Community's Parent: Rocky Mountain Alpine Sparse Herb Bedrock & Scree Alliance This Community's Level: Association This Community's Children: [none]		Names:   UID: ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.728743 NatureServe Explorer   Code: CEGL005900   Translated: Alpine Ladyfern - American Rockbrake Alpine Sparse Vegetation   Scientific: Athyrium americanum - Cryptogramma acrostichoides Alpine Sparse Vegetation (convergence) and Synonyms: (similar) Athyrium americanum - Cryptogramma acrostichoides Sparse Vegetation (similar) Athyrium americanum - Cryptogramma acrostichoides Sparse Vegetation