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Tsuga mertensiana / Sparse Understory Forest | NatureServe Biotics 2019
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Name: Tsuga mertensiana / Sparse Understory Forest
Reference: NatureServe Biotics 2019
Description: Stands of this forest are found throughout the Sierra Nevada, however, predominantly north of the Kings River. This association is found at mid to high elevations (2255-2990 m [7400-9800 feet]) on gentle to somewhat steep (2-29%) slopes. Aspect varies but is often on northeast-facing slopes. Microrelief is usually broken and hummocky. Sites are found at lower to upper portions of slopes and rarely, are on ridgetops. Soils are typically from granitic parent material, however, some stands to the north are derived from volcanic or mixed lithology. These soils are typically greater that 63.5 cm (25 inches) and occasionally greater than 89 cm (35 inches). Very little bare soil is usually exposed. Soil depths range from 35-100 cm (14-40 inches). Soil textures range from sand to loam and are excessively drained to well drained. Stands form a dense forest with an open understory. The tree layer is dominated by <i>Tsuga mertensiana</i> mixed with <i>Abies magnifica</i>. <i>Pinus contorta var. murrayana</i> and <i>Pinus monticola</i> are also important overstory tree species. The understory layers are typically open. Occasional shrub species may include <i>Ribes roezlii</i> and <i>Ribes montigenum</i>. Herb species may include <i>Eucephalus breweri, Hieracium albiflorum, Poa bolanderi</i>, and <i>Carex rossii</i>. Conifer regeneration is high at this association and is dominated by <i>Abies magnifica</i> with significantly lower amounts of <i>Tsuga mertensiana</i>. 
Accession Code: urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:36724-{91215FAB-8421-4E09-AF1E-6B35F6E942A1}
Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
      Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization)
Perspective from: 06-May-2010 to: ongoing
      Names:   UID: ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.683520 NatureServe ExplorerNatureServe Explorer logo
  Code: CEGL008685
  Translated: Mountain Hemlock / Sparse Understory Forest
  Scientific: Tsuga mertensiana / Sparse Understory Forest
(convergence) and Synonyms:
(similar) Tsuga mertensiana / Sparse Understory Forest
(similar) Tsuga mertensiana / Sparse Understory Forest