Name:
Salix exigua - Salix irrorata Shrubland Alliance
Reference:
NatureServe Biotics 2019
Description:
Dominant species are <i>Salix exigua, Salix interior, Salix irrorata</i>, and/or <i>Salix melanopsis</i>. It is typically a monotypic stand with some herbaceous understory; however, other shrubs and trees can be present. The herbaceous stratum can have sparse to moderate cover, including a variety of pioneer species. Other codominants may include <i>Populus fremontii, Populus deltoides, Populus angustifolia</i>, and <i>Acer negundo</i>. Other shrubs within this alliance consist of <i>Alnus incana, Cornus sericea, Rosa</i> spp., <i>Rubus idaeus ssp. strigosus, Ribes aureum, Ribes inerme</i>, and other <i>Salix</i> species. Common herbaceous species include <i>Artemisia ludoviciana, Epilobium</i> spp., <i>Equisetum</i> spp., <i>Fragaria virginiana ssp. glauca, Geranium</i> spp., <i>Hackelia</i> spp., <i>Maianthemum stellatum, Mertensia ciliata, Osmorhiza occidentalis, Thalictrum fendleri</i>, and <i>Urtica dioica</i>. Non-native species can be abundant, such as <i>Poa pratensis, Bromus inermis, Taraxacum officinale</i>, and <i>Cirsium arvense</i>. Elevation ranges from 0 to 2950 m (0-9680 feet). These shrublands are found on open sand and gravel bars without tree canopy shading, on a wide variety of streams and rivers and even ditches. <i>Salix exigua</i> is one of the most common willows found throughout the western U.S. <i>Salix irrorata</i> has similar habitat, but a much more limited range of distribution. Stands are associated with annual flooding and inundation and will grow well into the active stream channel, where it is flooded, even in drier years. Even though flooding is frequent, surface water may not be present for much of the growing season, and the water table is well below the surface, especially in the warmer and hotter parts of the western U.S. Some stands form large, wide stands on mid-channel islands on larger rivers, or narrow stringer bands on small, rocky tributaries. Streams range widely from moderately sinuous and moderate-gradient reaches to broad, meandering rivers with wide floodplains or broad, braided channels. Many stands also occur within highly entrenched or eroding gullies.
Accession Code:
urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:39014-{81E4E504-3B37-4081-AC8B-729BD65A30B9}
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
|
