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A.1114 | EcoArt 2002
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Name: A.1114
Reference: EcoArt 2002
Description: Vegetation in this alliance occurs in the alpine tundra in Colorado. The climate regime is continental, with long, cold winters and short summers with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Strong westerly winds are common in the winter and spring and distribute snow on the leeward side of the mountains. Large areas of late-lying snowpatches are located on the eastern slope. Stands are found between 3220 and 3580 m elevation on gentle- to moderate-gradient slopes. Stands are located in the lower alpine just above treeline in areas where snow accumulates in the winter and melts relatively late in the summer. The soils are poorly developed, may have a high organic matter content, and are classified as Inceptisols (Cryumbrepts or Cryochrepts). The soil profile has A and B horizons; the B horizon is moderately thick. The average surface pH is 5.0, indicating leached soils. The vegetation in the alliance is found in snowbed habitats, areas where snow accumulates in the winter and melts relatively late in the summer. ~Vaccinium caespitosum$ and ~Vaccinium scoparium$ dominate the dwarf-shrub canopy. A number of herbaceous species occur in the understory. ~Carex rossii (= Carex brevipes), Danthonia intermedia, Gentiana calycosa, Geum rossii, Hieracium gracile, Penstemon whippleanus, Poa reflexa$, and ~Viola adunca$ are the most common species. The cryptogam layer is dominated by lichens; ~Cladonia pyxidata$ and ~Catapyrenium cinereum (= Dermatocarpon cinereum)$ are the most common. 
Accession Code: VB.CC.887.A1114
Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
      Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization)
Perspective from: 26-Nov-1997 to: 17-Mar-2005
     
  • status: accepted
  • Community's Parent: IV.B.2.N.a
  • This Community's Level: Alliance
  • This Community's Children: [none]
Names:   Scientific: VACCINIUM (CAESPITOSUM, SCOPARIUM) DWARF-SHRUBLAND ALLIANCE
  Code: A.1114
  Common: (Dwarf Blueberry, Grouseberry) Dwarf-shrubland Alliance
(convergence) and Synonyms:
(undetermined) Vaccinium (caespitosum, myrtillus, scoparium) Dwarf-shrubland Alliance