INTERNATIONAL ECOLOGICAL\
CLASSIFICATION STANDARD:

**Terrestrial Ecological Classifications**

**Ecological Systems of the Craters of the Moon**

##### Vegetation Mapping and Classification Project Area 

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22 May 2006

by

NatureServe

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This subset of the International Ecological Classification Standard
covers ecological systens attributed to the Craters of the Moon Veg Map
Project Area . This classification has been developed in consultation
with many individuals and agencies and incorporates information from a
variety of publications and other classifications. Comments and
suggestions regarding the contents of this subset should be directed to
Mary J. Russo, Central Ecology Data Manager, Durham, NC
\<mary_russo@natureserve.org\> and Gwen Kittel, Regional Vegetation
Ecologist, Boulder, CO \<gwen_kittel@natureserve.org\>.

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Copyright © 2006 NatureServe, 1101 Wilson Blvd, 15^th^ floor\
Arlington, VA 22209, U.S.A. All Rights Reserved.

**Citations:**

*The following citation should be used in any published materials which
reference ecological system and/or International Vegetation
Classification (IVC hierarchy) and association data:*

NatureServe. 2006. International Ecological Classification Standard:
Terrestrial Ecological Classifications. NatureServe Central Databases.
Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Data current as of 22 May 2006.

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These data are extracted from:

NatureServe. 2006. International Ecological Classification Standard:
Terrestrial Ecological Classifications. NatureServe Central Databases.
Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Data current as of 22 May 2006.

This document may be generally cited as follows:

NatureServe^1^. 2006. International Ecological Classification Standard:
Terrestrial Ecological Classifications. Ecological Systems of the
Craters of the Moon Vegetation Mapping and Classification Project Area.
NatureServe Central Databases. Arlington, VA. Data current as of 22 May
2006.

^1^ NatureServe is an international organization including NatureServe
regional offices, a NatureServe central office, U.S. State Natural
Heritage Programs, and Conservation Data Centres (CDC) in Canada and
Latin America and the Caribbean. Ecologists from the following
organizations have contributed the development of the ecological systems
classification:

**United States**

Central NatureServe Office, Arlington, VA; Eastern Regional Office,
Boston, MA; Midwestern Regional Office, Minneapolis, MN; Southeastern
Regional Office, Durham, NC; Western Regional Office, Boulder, CO;
Alabama Natural Heritage Program, Montgomery AL; Alaska Natural Heritage
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Parkway, Asheville, NC; California Natural Heritage Program, Sacramento,
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Natural Diversity Database, Hartford, CT; Delaware Natural Heritage
Program, Smyrna, DE; District of Columbia Natural Heritage
Program/National Capital Region Conservation Data Center, Washington DC;
Florida Natural Areas Inventory, Tallahassee, FL; Georgia Natural
Heritage Program, Social Circle, GA; Great Smoky Mountains National
Park, Gatlinburg, TN; Gulf Islands National Seashore, Gulf Breeze, FL;
Hawaii Natural Heritage Program, Honolulu, Hawaii; Idaho Conservation
Data Center, Boise, ID; Illinois Natural Heritage Division/Illinois
Natural Heritage Database Program, Springfield, IL; Indiana Natural
Heritage Data Center, Indianapolis, IN; Iowa Natural Areas Inventory,
Des Moines, IA; Kansas Natural Heritage Inventory, Lawrence, KS;
Kentucky Natural Heritage Program, Frankfort, KY; Louisiana Natural
Heritage Program, Baton Rouge, LA; Maine Natural Areas Program, Augusta,
ME; Mammoth Cave National Park, Mammoth Cave, KY; Maryland Wildlife &
Heritage Division, Annapolis, MD; Massachusetts Natural Heritage &
Endangered Species Program, Westborough, MA; Michigan Natural Features
Inventory, Lansing, MI; Minnesota Natural Heritage & Nongame Research
and Minnesota County Biological Survey, St. Paul, MN; Mississippi
Natural Heritage Program, Jackson, MI; Missouri Natural Heritage
Database, Jefferson City, MO; Montana Natural Heritage Program, Helena,
MT; National Forest in North Carolina, Asheville, NC; National Forests
in Florida, Tallahassee, FL; National Park Service, Southeastern
Regional Office, Atlanta, GA; Navajo Natural Heritage Program, Window
Rock, AZ; Nebraska Natural Heritage Program, Lincoln, NE; Nevada Natural
Heritage Program, Carson City, NV; New Hampshire Natural Heritage
Inventory, Concord, NH; New Jersey Natural Heritage Program, Trenton,
NJ; New Mexico Natural Heritage Program, Albuquerque , NM; New York
Natural Heritage Program, Latham, NY; North Carolina Natural Heritage
Program, Raleigh, NC; North Dakota Natural Heritage Inventory, Bismarck,
ND; Ohio Natural Heritage Database, Columbus, OH; Oklahoma Natural
Heritage Inventory, Norman, OK; Oregon Natural Heritage Program,
Portland, OR; Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory, PA; Rhode Island
Natural Heritage Program, Providence, RI; South Carolina Heritage Trust,
Columbia, SC; South Dakota Natural Heritage Data Base, Pierre, SD;
Tennessee Division of Natural Heritage, Nashville, TN; Tennessee Valley
Authority Heritage Program, Norris, TN; Texas Conservation Data Center,
San Antonio, TX; Utah Natural Heritage Program, Salt Lake City, UT;
Vermont Nongame & Natural Heritage Program, Waterbury, VT; Virginia
Division of Natural Heritage, Richmond, VA; Washington Natural Heritage
Program, Olympia, WA; West Virginia Natural Heritage Program, Elkins,
WV; Wisconsin Natural Heritage Program, Madison, WI; Wyoming Natural
Diversity Database, Laramie, WY

**Canada**

Alberta Natural Heritage Information Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada;
Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre, Sackville, New Brunswick,
Canada; British Columbia Conservation Data Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada;
Manitoba Conservation Data Centre. Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Ontario Natural
Heritage Information Centre, Peterborough, ON, Canada; Quebec
Conservation Data Centre, Quebec, QC, Canada; Saskatchewan Conservation
Data Centre, Regina, SK, Canada; Yukon Conservation Data Centre, Yukon,
Canada

**Latin American and Caribbean**

Centro de Datos para la Conservacion de Bolivia, La Paz , Bolivia;
Centro de Datos para la Conservacion de Colombia, Cali,Valle, Columbia;
Centro de Datos para la Conservacion de Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador; Centro
de Datos para la Conservacion de Guatemala, Ciudad de Guatemala ,
Guatemala; Centro de Datos para la Conservacion de Panama, Querry
Heights , Panama; Centro de Datos para la Conservacion de Paraguay, San
Lorenzo , Paraguay; Centro de Datos para la Conservacion de Peru, Lima,
Peru; Centro de Datos para la Conservacion de Sonora, Hermosillo, Sonora
, Mexico; Netherlands Antilles Natural Heritage Program, Curacao ,
Netherlands Antilles; Puerto Rico-Departmento De Recursos Naturales Y
Ambientales, Puerto Rico; Virgin Islands Conservation Data Center, St.
Thomas, Virgin Islands.

NatureServe also has partnered with many International and United States
Federal and State organizations, which have also contributed
significantly to the development of the International Classification.
Partners include the following The Nature Conservancy; Provincial Forest
Ecosystem Classification Groups in Canada; Canadian Forest Service;
Parks Canada; United States Forest Service; National GAP Analysis
Program; United States National Park Service; United States Fish and
Wildlife Service; United States Geological Survey; United States
Department of Defense; Ecological Society of America; Environmental
Protection Agency; Natural Resource Conservation Services; United States
Department of Energy; and the Tennessee Valley Authority. Many
individual state organizations and people from academic institutions
have also contributed to the development of this classification.

Table of Contents

[**Forest and Woodland 2**](#forest-and-woodland)

[CES304.773 Great Basin Pinyon-Juniper Woodland
2](#ces304.773-great-basin-pinyon-juniper-woodland)

[CES304.772 Inter-Mountain Basins Mountain Mahogany Woodland and
Shrubland
2](#ces304.772-inter-mountain-basins-mountain-mahogany-woodland-and-shrubland)

[CES306.959 Middle Rocky Mountain Montane Douglas-fir Forest and
Woodland
2](#ces306.959-middle-rocky-mountain-montane-douglas-fir-forest-and-woodland)

[CES306.813 Rocky Mountain Aspen Forest and Woodland
2](#ces306.813-rocky-mountain-aspen-forest-and-woodland)

[CES306.828 Rocky Mountain Subalpine Dry-Mesic Spruce-Fir Forest and
Woodland
2](#ces306.828-rocky-mountain-subalpine-dry-mesic-spruce-fir-forest-and-woodland)

[CES306.823 Southern Rocky Mountain Dry-Mesic Montane Mixed Conifer
Forest and Woodland
2](#ces306.823-southern-rocky-mountain-dry-mesic-montane-mixed-conifer-forest-and-woodland)

[Shrubland 2](#shrubland)

[CES304.770 Columbia Plateau Scabland Shrubland
2](#ces304.770-columbia-plateau-scabland-shrubland)

[CES304.777 Inter-Mountain Basins Big Sagebrush Shrubland
2](#ces304.777-inter-mountain-basins-big-sagebrush-shrubland)

[CES304.784 Inter-Mountain Basins Mixed Salt Desert Scrub
2](#ces304.784-inter-mountain-basins-mixed-salt-desert-scrub)

[CES306.994 Northern Rocky Mountain Montane-Foothill Deciduous Shrubland
2](#ces306.994-northern-rocky-mountain-montane-foothill-deciduous-shrubland)

[Steppe/Savanna 2](#steppesavanna)

[CES304.080 Columbia Plateau Low Sagebrush Steppe
2](#ces304.080-columbia-plateau-low-sagebrush-steppe)

[CES304.778 Inter-Mountain Basins Big Sagebrush Steppe
2](#ces304.778-inter-mountain-basins-big-sagebrush-steppe)

[CES304.782 Inter-Mountain Basins Juniper Savanna
2](#ces304.782-inter-mountain-basins-juniper-savanna)

[CES304.785 Inter-Mountain Basins Montane Sagebrush Steppe
2](#ces304.785-inter-mountain-basins-montane-sagebrush-steppe)

[CES304.788 Inter-Mountain Basins Semi-Desert Shrub-Steppe
2](#ces304.788-inter-mountain-basins-semi-desert-shrub-steppe)

[Herbaceous 2](#herbaceous)

[CES304.993 Columbia Basin Foothill and Canyon Dry Grassland
2](#ces304.993-columbia-basin-foothill-and-canyon-dry-grassland)

[CES304.787 Inter-Mountain Basins Semi-Desert Grassland
2](#ces304.787-inter-mountain-basins-semi-desert-grassland)

[CES306.040 Northern Rocky Mountain Lower Montane, Foothill and Valley
Grassland
2](#ces306.040-northern-rocky-mountain-lower-montane-foothill-and-valley-grassland)

[Woody Wetland 2](#woody-wetland)

[CES304.768 Columbia Basin Foothill Riparian Woodland and Shrubland
2](#ces304.768-columbia-basin-foothill-riparian-woodland-and-shrubland)

[CES304.045 Great Basin Foothill and Lower Montane Riparian Woodland and
Shrubland
2](#ces304.045-great-basin-foothill-and-lower-montane-riparian-woodland-and-shrubland)

[CES306.821 Rocky Mountain Lower Montane Riparian Woodland and Shrubland
2](#ces306.821-rocky-mountain-lower-montane-riparian-woodland-and-shrubland)

[CES306.832 Rocky Mountain Subalpine-Montane Riparian Shrubland
2](#ces306.832-rocky-mountain-subalpine-montane-riparian-shrubland)

[CES306.833 Rocky Mountain Subalpine-Montane Riparian Woodland
2](#ces306.833-rocky-mountain-subalpine-montane-riparian-woodland)

[Herbaceous Wetland 2](#herbaceous-wetland)

[CES300.729 North American Arid West Emergent Marsh
2](#ces300.729-north-american-arid-west-emergent-marsh)

[CES306.812 Rocky Mountain Alpine-Montane Wet Meadow
2](#ces306.812-rocky-mountain-alpine-montane-wet-meadow)

[Mixed Upland and Wetland 2](#mixed-upland-and-wetland)

[CES304.780 Inter-Mountain Basins Greasewood Flat
2](#ces304.780-inter-mountain-basins-greasewood-flat)

[Barren 2](#barren)

[CES304.779 Inter-Mountain Basins Cliff and Canyon
2](#ces304.779-inter-mountain-basins-cliff-and-canyon)

[CES304.786 Inter-Mountain Basins Playa
2](#ces304.786-inter-mountain-basins-playa)

[CES304.791 Inter-Mountain Basins Volcanic Rock and Cinder Land
2](#ces304.791-inter-mountain-basins-volcanic-rock-and-cinder-land)

## Forest and Woodland

#### CES304.773 Great Basin Pinyon-Juniper Woodland 

**Primary Division:** Inter-Mountain Basins (304)

**Land Cover Class:** Forest and Woodland

**Spatial Scale & Pattern:** Matrix

**Required Classifiers:** Natural/Semi-natural; Vegetated (\>10% vasc.);
Upland

**Diagnostic Classifiers:** Montane \[Lower Montane\]; Lowland
\[Foothill\]; Forest and Woodland (Treed); Foothill(s); Piedmont;
Plateau; Ridge/Summit/Upper Slope; Aridic; Pinus monophylla, Juniperus
osteosperma

**Concept Summary:** This ecological system occurs on dry mountain
ranges of the Great Basin region and eastern foothills of the Sierra
Nevada. It is typically found at lower elevations ranging from 1600-2600
m. These woodlands occur on warm, dry sites on mountain slopes, mesas,
plateaus and ridges. Severe climatic events occurring during the growing
season, such as frosts and drought, are thought to limit the
distribution of pinyon-juniper woodlands to relatively narrow
altitudinal belts on mountainsides. Woodlands dominated by a mix of
*Pinus monophylla* and *Juniperus osteosperma*, pure or nearly pure
occurrences of *Pinus monophylla*, or woodlands dominated solely by
*Juniperus osteosperma* comprise this system. *Cercocarpus ledifolius*
is a common associate. On the east slope of the Sierras in California,
*Pinus jeffreyi* and *Juniperus occidentalis var. australis* may be
components of these woodlands. Understory layers are variable.
Associated species include shrubs such as *Arctostaphylos patula,
Artemisia arbuscula, Artemisia nova, Artemisia tridentata, Cercocarpus
ledifolius, Cercocarpus intricatus, Coleogyne ramosissima, Quercus
gambelii, Quercus turbinella*, and bunch grasses *Hesperostipa comata,
Festuca idahoensis, Pseudoroegneria spicata, Leymus cinereus (= Elymus
cinereus)*, and *Poa fendleriana*. This system occurs at lower
elevations than \~Colorado Plateau Pinyon-Juniper Woodland
(CES304.767)\$\$ where sympatric.

DISTRIBUTION

**Range:** This system occurs on dry mountain ranges of the Great Basin
region and eastern foothills of the Sierra Nevada, typically at lower
elevations ranging from 1600-2600 m.

**Divisions:** 206:C, 304:C

**TNC Ecoregions:** 6:C, 11:C, 12:C, 18:C

**Subnations:** CA, ID, NV, UT

CONCEPT

**Associations:**

-   *Juniperus osteosperma / Artemisia arbuscula* Woodland (CEGL002757,
    G5)

-   *Juniperus osteosperma / Artemisia nova* / Rock Woodland
    (CEGL000729, G5)

-   *Juniperus osteosperma / Artemisia nova* Woodland (CEGL000728, G5?)

-   *Juniperus osteosperma / Artemisia tridentata / Achnatherum
    hymenoides* Woodland (CEGL000731, G4G5)

-   *Juniperus osteosperma / Bromus tectorum* Semi-natural Woodland
    (CEGL002817, GNR)

-   *Juniperus osteosperma / Cercocarpus intricatus* Woodland
    (CEGL000733, GNR)

-   *Juniperus osteosperma / Pseudoroegneria spicata* Woodland
    (CEGL000738, G4)

-   *Juniperus osteosperma* / Sparse Understory Woodland (CEGL000732,
    GNRQ)

-   *Juniperus scopulorum* Temporarily Flooded Woodland \[Placeholder\]
    (CEGL002777, G1)

-   *Pinus edulis - Juniperus osteosperma / Atriplex* spp. Woodland
    \[Provisional\] (CEGL002366, GNR)

-   *Pinus edulis - Juniperus osteosperma / Bromus tectorum*
    Semi-natural Woodland (CEGL002367, GNR)

-   *Pinus edulis - Juniperus osteosperma* / Sparse Understory Woodland
    (CEGL002148, G5)

-   *Pinus monophylla - Juniperus osteosperma - Quercus gambelii /
    Artemisia tridentata* Woodland (CEGL000837, G4?)

-   *Pinus monophylla - Juniperus osteosperma / (Shepherdia
    rotundifolia, Amelanchier utahensis)* Woodland (CEGL002942, GNR)

-   *Pinus monophylla - Juniperus osteosperma / Artemisia arbuscula*
    Woodland (CEGL000830, G5)

-   *Pinus monophylla - Juniperus osteosperma / Artemisia nova* Woodland
    (CEGL000831, G5?)

-   *Pinus monophylla - Juniperus osteosperma / Artemisia tridentata*
    Woodland (CEGL000832, G5?)

-   *Pinus monophylla - Juniperus osteosperma / Artemisia tridentata*
    ssp. *vaseyana / Pseudoroegneria spicata* Woodland (CEGL000833, G1)

-   *Pinus monophylla - Juniperus osteosperma / Cercocarpus ledifolius /
    Pseudoroegneria spicata* Woodland (CEGL000834, G1)

-   *Pinus monophylla - Juniperus osteosperma / Cercocarpus montanus -
    Quercus gambelii* Woodland \[Provisional\] (CEGL002968, GNR)

-   *Pinus monophylla - Juniperus osteosperma / Coleogyne ramosissima*
    Woodland \[Provisional\] (CEGL002971, GNR)

-   *Pinus monophylla - Juniperus osteosperma / Gutierrezia sarothrae /
    Pleuraphis jamesii* Woodland \[Provisional\] (CEGL002970, GNR)

-   *Pinus monophylla - Juniperus osteosperma / Hesperostipa comata*
    Woodland (CEGL002969, GNR)

-   *Pinus monophylla - Juniperus osteosperma / Leymus cinereus* Wooded
    Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL000835, G1Q)

-   *Pinus monophylla - Juniperus osteosperma / Prunus virginiana*
    Woodland (CEGL000836, G1Q)

-   *Pinus monophylla - Juniperus osteosperma / Quercus turbinella*
    Woodland (CEGL002941, GNR)

-   *Pinus monophylla - Quercus gambelii / Artemisia tridentata*
    Woodland (CEGL000838, G4?)

-   *Pinus monophylla / Amelanchier alnifolia / Arctostaphylos patula*
    Woodland (CEGL000826, G3G4)

-   *Pinus monophylla / Artemisia tridentata / Elymus elymoides*
    Woodland \[Provisional\] (CEGL003154, GNR)

-   *Pinus monophylla / Artemisia tridentata* Woodland (CEGL000827, G5)

-   *Pinus monophylla / Cercocarpus ledifolius / Artemisia tridentata -
    Purshia tridentata* Woodland \[Provisional\] (CEGL003152, GNR)

-   *Pinus monophylla / Cercocarpus ledifolius* Woodland (CEGL000828,
    G5)

-   *Pinus monophylla / Ribes velutinum* Woodland \[Provisional\]
    (CEGL003153, GNR)

-   *Pinus monophylla / Symphoricarpos oreophilus - Artemisia
    tridentata* Woodland (CEGL000839, G5)

-   *Pinus monophylla* Woodland (CEGL000825, G5)

-   *Quercus turbinella - Juniperus osteosperma* Shrubland (CEGL000981,
    G4?)

**Alliances:**

-   *Juniperus osteosperma* Woodland Alliance (A.536)

-   *Juniperus scopulorum* Temporarily Flooded Woodland Alliance (A.563)

-   *Pinus edulis - (Juniperus* spp.) Woodland Alliance (A.516)

-   *Pinus monophylla - (Juniperus osteosperma)* Woodland Alliance
    (A.543)

-   *Pinus monophylla* Wooded Tall Herbaceous Alliance (A.1487)

-   *Quercus turbinella* Shrubland Alliance (A.793)

SPATIAL CHARACTERISTICS

SOURCES

**References:** Barbour and Major 1977, Comer et al. 2003, Eyre 1980,
Holland and Keil 1995, Shiflet 1994

**Version:** 07 Oct 2005 **Stakeholders:** West

**Concept Author:** NatureServe Western Ecology Team **LeadResp:** West

#### CES304.772 Inter-Mountain Basins Mountain Mahogany Woodland and Shrubland

**Primary Division:** Inter-Mountain Basins (304)

**Land Cover Class:** Forest and Woodland

**Spatial Scale & Pattern:** Large patch

**Required Classifiers:** Natural/Semi-natural; Vegetated (\>10% vasc.);
Upland

**Diagnostic Classifiers:** Montane \[Lower Montane\]; Lowland
\[Foothill\]; Aridic; Cercocarpus ledifolius

**Concept Summary:** This ecological system occurs in hills and mountain
ranges of the Intermountain basins from the eastern foothills of the
Sierra Nevada northeast to the foothills of the Big Horn Mountains. It
typically occurs from 600 m to over 2650 m in elevation on rocky
outcrops or escarpments and forms small- to large-patch stands in
forested areas. Most stands occur as shrublands on ridges and steep
rimrock slopes, but they may be composed of small trees in steppe areas.
Scattered junipers or pines may also occur. This system includes both
woodlands and shrublands dominated by *Cercocarpus ledifolius*.
*Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana, Purshia tridentata*, with species
of *Arctostaphylos, Ribes*, or *Symphoricarpos* are often present.
Undergrowth is often very sparse and dominated by bunch grasses, usually
*Pseudoroegneria spicata* and *Festuca idahoensis*. *Cercocarpus
ledifolius* is a slow-growing, drought-tolerant species that generally
does not resprout after burning and needs the protection from fire that
rocky sites provide.

DISTRIBUTION

**Range:** Occurs in hills and mountain ranges of the Intermountain
basins from the eastern foothills of the Sierra Nevada northeast to the
foothills of the Big Horn Mountains.

**Divisions:** 206:?, 304:C, 306:C

**TNC Ecoregions:** 6:P, 9:C, 10:P, 11:C, 12:C

**Subnations:** CA, CO, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WY

CONCEPT

**Associations:**

-   *Artemisia arbuscula - Cercocarpus ledifolius / Pseudoroegneria
    spicata - Poa secunda* Shrubland (CEGL001487, G4Q)

-   *Cercocarpus ledifolius / Artemisia tridentata* Woodland
    (CEGL000960, G3G4)

-   *Cercocarpus ledifolius / Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana*
    Woodland (CEGL001022, G3)

-   *Cercocarpus ledifolius / Calamagrostis rubescens* Woodland
    (CEGL000961, G2)

-   *Cercocarpus ledifolius / Festuca idahoensis* Woodland (CEGL000962,
    G3)

-   *Cercocarpus ledifolius / Holodiscus dumosus* Woodland (CEGL000963,
    G1G2)

-   *Cercocarpus ledifolius / Leymus salinus* ssp. *salmonis* Woodland
    (CEGL000964, G2Q)

-   *Cercocarpus ledifolius / Mahonia repens* Shrubland (CEGL000965,
    GNR)

-   *Cercocarpus ledifolius / Prunus virginiana* Shrubland (CEGL000966,
    G4)

-   *Cercocarpus ledifolius / Pseudoroegneria spicata - Festuca
    idahoensis* Woodland (CEGL000968, G3G4)

-   *Cercocarpus ledifolius / Pseudoroegneria spicata* Shrubland
    (CEGL000967, G4Q)

-   *Cercocarpus ledifolius / Symphoricarpos longiflorus* Shrubland
    (CEGL000969, G4)

-   *Cercocarpus ledifolius / Symphoricarpos oreophilus* Woodland
    (CEGL000970, G2)

-   *Cercocarpus ledifolius* Woodland \[Placeholder\] (CEGL003038, G4?)

**Alliances:**

-   *Cercocarpus ledifolius* Shrubland Alliance (A.828)

-   *Cercocarpus ledifolius* Woodland Alliance (A.586)

SPATIAL CHARACTERISTICS

SOURCES

**References:** Comer et al. 2003, Dealy 1975, Dealy 1978, Knight 1994,
Knight et al. 1987, Lewis 1975b, Mueggler and Stewart 1980, Shiflet 1994

**Version:** 31 Aug 2005 **Stakeholders:** West

**Concept Author:** NatureServe Western Ecology Team **LeadResp:** West

#### CES306.959 Middle Rocky Mountain Montane Douglas-fir Forest and Woodland

**Primary Division:** Rocky Mountain (306)

**Land Cover Class:** Forest and Woodland

**Spatial Scale & Pattern:** Matrix

**Required Classifiers:** Natural/Semi-natural; Vegetated (\>10% vasc.);
Upland

**Diagnostic Classifiers:** Montane \[Montane, Lower Montane\]; Forest
and Woodland (Treed); Aridic; Intermediate Disturbance Interval;
F-Patch/Medium Intensity; F-Landscape/Medium Intensity; Needle-Leaved
Tree; RM Montane Mesic Mixed Conifer; Moderate (100-500 yrs) Persistence

**Concept Summary:** This ecological system occurs throughout the middle
Rocky Mountains of central and southern Idaho (Lemhi, Beaverhead and
Lost River ranges) south and east into the greater Yellowstone region
and south into the Wind River and Gros Ventre ranges of Wyoming. It
extends north into Montana on the east side of the Continental Divide
north to about the McDonald Pass area, and also into the Rocky Mountain
Front region of Montana. This is a *Pseudotsuga menziesii*-dominated
system without the maritime floristic composition; these are forests and
woodlands occurring in the central Rockies where the southern monsoon
influence is less and maritime climate regime is not important. This
system includes extensive *Pseudotsuga menziesii* forests, occasionally
with *Pinus flexilis* on calcareous substrates, and *Pinus contorta* at
higher elevations. True firs, such as *Abies concolor, Abies grandis*,
and *Abies lasiocarpa*, are absent in these occurrences. Understory
components include shrubs such as *Physocarpus malvaceus, Juniperus
communis, Symphoricarpos oreophilus*, and *Mahonia repens*, and
graminoids such as *Calamagrostis rubescens, Carex rossii*, and
*Leucopoa kingii*. The fire regime is of mixed severity with moderate
frequency. This system often occurs at the lower treeline immediately
above valley grasslands, or sagebrush steppe and shrublands. Sometimes
there may be a \"bath-tub ring\" of *Pinus ponderosa* at lower
elevations or *Pinus flexilis* between the valley non-forested and the
solid *Pseudotsuga menziesii* forest. In the Wyoming Basins, this system
occurs as isolated stands of *Pseudotsuga menziesii*, with *Artemisia
tridentata, Pseudoroegneria spicata, Leucopoa kingii*, and *Carex
rossii*.

DISTRIBUTION

**Range:** This system occurs throughout the middle Rocky Mountains of
central and southern Idaho (Lemhi, Beaverhead and Lost River ranges)
south and east into the greater Yellowstone region and south into the
Wind River and Gros Ventre ranges of Wyoming. It extends north into
Montana on the east side of the Continental Divide to the Rocky Mountain
Front and includes all of the Beaverhead Mountains Section (M332E)
(Bailey et al. 1994). It may also occur in scattered patches in
southeastern Oregon.

**Divisions:** 304:C, 306:C

**TNC Ecoregions:** 6:P, 7:?, 8:C, 9:C, 10:C

**Subnations:** ID, MT, OR?, WY

CONCEPT

**Associations:**

-   *Pinus ponderosa - Pseudotsuga menziesii / Calamagrostis rubescens*
    Woodland (CEGL000210, G2Q)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii - Pinus flexilis / Leucopoa kingii* Woodland
    (CEGL000906, G4Q)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Calamagrostis rubescens* Woodland
    (CEGL000429, G5)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Carex rossii* Forest (CEGL000431, G2?)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Juniperus communis* Forest (CEGL000439, G4)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Leucopoa kingii* Woodland (CEGL000904,
    G3G4)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Linnaea borealis* Forest (CEGL000441, G4)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Mahonia repens* Forest (CEGL000442, G5)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Physocarpus malvaceus - Linnaea borealis*
    Forest (CEGL000448, G4)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Physocarpus malvaceus* Forest (CEGL000447,
    G5)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Pseudoroegneria spicata* Woodland
    (CEGL000908, G4)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Spiraea betulifolia* Forest (CEGL000457,
    G5)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Symphoricarpos albus* Forest (CEGL000459,
    G5)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Symphoricarpos oreophilus* Forest
    (CEGL000462, G5)

**Alliances:**

-   *Pinus ponderosa - Pseudotsuga menziesii* Woodland Alliance (A.533)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii* Forest Alliance (A.157)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii* Woodland Alliance (A.552)

SPATIAL CHARACTERISTICS

SOURCES

**References:** Bailey et al. 1994, Eyre 1980, Western Ecology Working
Group n.d.

**Version:** 23 Jan 2006 **Stakeholders:** West

**Concept Author:** M.S. Reid **LeadResp:** West

#### CES306.813 Rocky Mountain Aspen Forest and Woodland

**Primary Division:** Rocky Mountain (306)

**Land Cover Class:** Forest and Woodland

**Spatial Scale & Pattern:** Large patch

**Required Classifiers:** Natural/Semi-natural; Vegetated (\>10% vasc.);
Upland

**Diagnostic Classifiers:** Forest and Woodland (Treed); Long
Disturbance Interval; F-Patch/Medium Intensity; F-Landscape/Medium
Intensity; Broad-Leaved Deciduous Tree; Populus tremuloides

**Concept Summary:** This widespread ecological system is more common in
the southern and central Rocky Mountains but occurs in the montane and
subalpine zones throughout much of the western U.S. and north into
Canada. An eastern extension occurs along the Rocky Mountains foothill
front and in mountain \"islands\" in Montana (Big Snowy and Highwood
mountains), and the Black Hills of South Dakota. In California, this
system is only found on the east side of the Sierra Nevada adjacent to
the Great Basin. Large stands are found in the Inyo and White mountains,
while small stands occur on the Modoc Plateau. Elevations generally
range from 1525 to 3050 m (5000-10,000 feet), but occurrences can be
found at lower elevations in some regions. Distribution of this
ecological system is primarily limited by adequate soil moisture
required to meet its high evapotranspiration demand. Secondarily, it is
limited by the length of the growing season or low temperatures. These
are upland forests and woodlands dominated by *Populus tremuloides*
without a significant conifer component (\<25% relative tree cover). The
understory structure may be complex with multiple shrub and herbaceous
layers, or simple with just an herbaceous layer. The herbaceous layer
may be dense or sparse, dominated by graminoids or forbs. In California,
*Symphyotrichum spathulatum (= Aster occidentalis)* is a common forb.
Associated shrub species include *Symphoricarpos* spp., *Rubus
parviflorus, Amelanchier alnifolia*, and *Arctostaphylos uva-ursi*.
Occurrences of this system originate and are maintained by
stand-replacing disturbances such as avalanches, crown fire, insect
outbreak, disease and windthrow, or clearcutting by man or beaver,
within the matrix of conifer forests. It differs from \~Northwestern
Great Plains Aspen Forest and Parkland (CES303.681)\$\$, which is
limited to plains environments.

DISTRIBUTION

**Range:** This system is more common in the southern and central Rocky
Mountains, but it does occur in the montane and subalpine zones
throughout much of the western U.S. and north into Canada, as well as
west into California. Elevations generally range from 1525 to 3050 m
(5000-10,000 feet), but occurrences can be found at lower elevations in
some regions.

**Divisions:** 204:C, 206:P, 304:C, 306:C

**TNC Ecoregions:** 1:P, 3:C, 4:P, 5:P, 7:C, 8:C, 9:C, 11:C, 12:P, 18:C,
19:C, 20:C, 21:P, 25:C, 26:C, 81:P

**Subnations:** AB, AZ, BC, CA, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY

CONCEPT

**Associations:**

-   *Populus tremuloides* - Conifer / *Spiraea betulifolia -
    Symphoricarpos albus* Forest (CEGL005911, G3?)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Acer glabrum* Forest (CEGL000563, G1G2)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Amelanchier alnifolia - Symphoricarpos
    oreophilus / Bromus carinatus* Forest (CEGL000566, G3G5)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Amelanchier alnifolia - Symphoricarpos
    oreophilus / Calamagrostis rubescens* Forest (CEGL000567, G4)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Amelanchier alnifolia - Symphoricarpos
    oreophilus* / Mixed Graminoid Forest (CEGL002816, GNR)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Amelanchier alnifolia - Symphoricarpos
    oreophilus* / Tall Forbs Forest (CEGL000568, G5)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Amelanchier alnifolia - Symphoricarpos
    oreophilus / Thalictrum fendleri* Forest (CEGL000569, G5)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Amelanchier alnifolia / Pteridium aquilinum*
    Forest (CEGL000565, G2G3)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Amelanchier alnifolia* / Tall Forbs Forest
    (CEGL000570, G3G5)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Amelanchier alnifolia / Thalictrum fendleri*
    Forest (CEGL000571, G3G4)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Amelanchier alnifolia* Forest (CEGL000564,
    G4)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Artemisia tridentata / Monardella
    odoratissima - Kelloggia galioides* Forest (CEGL003146, GNR)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Artemisia tridentata* Forest (CEGL000572,
    G3G4)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Bromus carinatus* Forest (CEGL000573, G5)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Calamagrostis rubescens* Forest (CEGL000575,
    G5?)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Carex geyeri* Forest (CEGL000579, G4)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Carex rossii* Forest (CEGL000580, G5)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Carex siccata* Forest (CEGL000578, G4)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Ceanothus velutinus* Forest (CEGL000581, G2)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Corylus cornuta* Forest (CEGL000583, G3)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Festuca thurberi* Forest (CEGL000585, G4)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Heracleum maximum* Forest (CEGL000595, G3)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Heracleum sphondylium* Forest (CEGL000586,
    G4Q)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Hesperostipa comata* Forest (CEGL000608,
    G2G4)

-   *Populus tremuloides* / Invasive Perennial Grasses Forest
    (CEGL003748, GNR)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Juniperus communis / Carex geyeri* Forest
    (CEGL000588, G4G5)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Juniperus communis / Lupinus argenteus*
    Forest (CEGL000589, G3G4)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Juniperus communis* Forest (CEGL000587, G4)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Ligusticum filicinum* Forest (CEGL000591,
    G4Q)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Lonicera involucrata* Forest (CEGL000592, G3)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Lupinus argenteus* Forest (CEGL000593, GNR)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Mahonia repens* Forest (CEGL000594, G3)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Monardella odoratissima* Forest (CEGL003145,
    G3)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Prunus virginiana* Forest (CEGL000596, G3G4)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Pteridium aquilinum* Forest (CEGL000597, G4)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Quercus gambelii / Symphoricarpos oreophilus*
    Forest (CEGL000598, GNR)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Ribes montigenum* Forest (CEGL000600, G2)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Rosa woodsii* Forest (CEGL003149, GNR)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Rubus parviflorus* Forest (CEGL000602, G2)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Rudbeckia occidentalis* Forest (CEGL000603,
    GNRQ)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Salix scouleriana* Forest (CEGL000604, G4)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Sambucus racemosa* Forest (CEGL000605, G2G3)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Shepherdia canadensis* Forest (CEGL000606,
    G3G4)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Spiraea betulifolia* Forest (CEGL000607, G4Q)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Symphoricarpos albus / Elymus glaucus*
    Woodland (CEGL000946, G3)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Symphoricarpos albus* Forest (CEGL000609,
    G3?)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Symphoricarpos occidentalis* Forest
    \[Provisional\] (CEGL005848, GNR)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Symphoricarpos oreophilus / Bromus carinatus*
    Forest (CEGL000611, G5)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Symphoricarpos oreophilus / Calamagrostis
    rubescens* Forest (CEGL000612, G3G5)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Symphoricarpos oreophilus / Carex rossii*
    Forest (CEGL000613, G3G4)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Symphoricarpos oreophilus / Festuca thurberi*
    Forest (CEGL000614, G3?)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Symphoricarpos oreophilus* / Tall Forbs
    Forest (CEGL000615, G3G5)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Symphoricarpos oreophilus / Thalictrum
    fendleri* Forest (CEGL000616, G5)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Symphoricarpos oreophilus / Wyethia
    amplexicaulis* Forest (CEGL000617, G4Q)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Symphoricarpos oreophilus* Forest
    (CEGL000610, G5)

-   *Populus tremuloides* / Tall Forbs Forest (CEGL000618, G5)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Thalictrum fendleri* Forest (CEGL000619, G5)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Urtica dioica* Forest \[Provisional\]
    (CEGL005849, G2G3)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Vaccinium myrtillus* Forest (CEGL000620, G3)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Wyethia amplexicaulis* Forest (CEGL000622,
    G3)

**Alliances:**

-   *Populus tremuloides* Forest Alliance (A.274)

-   *Populus tremuloides* Temporarily Flooded Forest Alliance (A.300)

-   *Populus tremuloides* Woodland Alliance (A.610)

**Environment:** Climate is temperate with a relatively long growing
season, typically cold winters and deep snow. Mean annual precipitation
is greater than 15 inches and typically greater than 20 inches, except
in semi-arid environments where occurrences are restricted to mesic
microsites such as seeps or large snow drifts. Distribution of this
ecological system is primarily limited by adequate soil moisture
required to meet its high evapotranspiration demand (Mueggler 1988).
Secondarily, its range is limited by the length of the growing season or
low temperatures (Mueggler 1988). Topography is variable, sites range
from level to steep slopes. Aspect varies according to the limiting
factors. Occurrences at high elevations are restricted by cold
temperatures and are found on warmer southern aspects. At lower
elevations occurrences are restricted by lack of moisture and are found
on cooler north aspects and mesic microsites. The soils are typically
deep and well developed with rock often absent from the soil. Soil
texture ranges from sandy loam to clay loams. Parent materials are
variable and may include sedimentary, metamorphic or igneous rocks, but
it appears to grow best on limestone, basalt, and calcareous or neutral
shales (Mueggler 1988).

**Vegetation:** Occurrences have a somewhat closed canopy of trees of
5-20 m tall that is dominated by the cold-deciduous, broad-leaved tree
*Populus tremuloides*. Conifers that may be present but never codominant
include *Abies concolor, Abies lasiocarpa, Picea engelmannii, Picea
pungens, Pinus ponderosa*, and *Pseudotsuga menziesii*. Conifer species
may contribute up to 15% of the tree canopy before the occurrence is
reclassified as a mixed occurrence. Because of the open growth form of
*Populus tremuloides*, enough light can penetrate for lush understory
development. Depending on available soil moisture and other factors like
disturbance, the understory structure may be complex with multiple shrub
and herbaceous layers, or simple with just an herbaceous layer. The
herbaceous layer may be dense or sparse, dominated by graminoids or
forbs.

Common shrubs include *Acer glabrum, Amelanchier alnifolia, Artemisia
tridentata, Juniperus communis, Prunus virginiana, Rosa woodsii,
Shepherdia canadensis, Symphoricarpos oreophilus*, and the dwarf-shrubs
*Mahonia repens* and *Vaccinium* spp. The herbaceous layers may be lush
and diverse. Common graminoids may include *Bromus carinatus,
Calamagrostis rubescens, Carex siccata (= Carex foenea), Carex geyeri,
Carex rossii, Elymus glaucus, Elymus trachycaulus, Festuca thurberi*,
and *Hesperostipa comata*. Associated forbs may include *Achillea
millefolium, Eucephalus engelmannii (= Aster engelmannii), Delphinium*
spp., *Geranium viscosissimum, Heracleum sphondylium, Ligusticum
filicinum, Lupinus argenteus, Osmorhiza berteroi (= Osmorhiza
chilensis), Pteridium aquilinum, Rudbeckia occidentalis, Thalictrum
fendleri, Valeriana occidentalis, Wyethia amplexicaulis*, and many
others. Exotic grasses such as the perennials *Poa pratensis* and
*Bromus inermis* and the annual *Bromus tectorum* are often common in
occurrences disturbed by grazing.

**Dynamics:** Occurrences in this ecological system often originate, and
are likely maintained, by stand-replacing disturbances such as crown
fire, disease and windthrow, or clearcutting by man or beaver. The stems
of these thin-barked, clonal trees are easily killed by ground fires,
but they can quickly and vigorously resprout in densities of up to
30,000 stems per hectare (Knight 1993). The stems are relatively
short-lived (100-150 years), and the occurrence will succeed to
longer-lived conifer forest if undisturbed. Occurrences are favored by
fire in the conifer zone (Mueggler 1988). With adequate disturbance a
clone may live many centuries. Although *Populus tremuloides* produces
abundant seeds, seedling survival is rare because of the long moist
conditions required to establish are rare in the habitats that it occurs
in. Superficial soil drying will kill seedlings (Knight 1993).

SPATIAL CHARACTERISTICS

**Size:** This system is not actually very extensive in the Oregon
Cascades and probably non-existent in the Coast Ranges. It is not very
extensive in western Washington either. Most patches may be too small to
map. Many may be relict stands from another climate, just barely hanging
on. In the Cascades this system occurs as a small-patch type, not
large-patch.

SOURCES

**References:** Bartos 1979, Bartos and Cambell 1998, Bartos and
Mueggler 1979, Canadian Rockies Ecoregional Plan 2002, Comer et al.
2002, Comer et al. 2003, DeByle and Winokur 1985, DeVelice et al. 1986,
Eyre 1980, Henderson et al. 1977, Hess and Wasser 1982, Johnston and
Hendzel 1985, Keammerer 1974a, Mueggler 1988, Neely et al. 2001, Powell
1988a, Shiflet 1994, Tuhy et al. 2002, Youngblood and Mauk 1985

**Version:** 20 Apr 2006 **Stakeholders:** Canada, Midwest, West

**Concept Author:** NatureServe Western Ecology Team **LeadResp:** West

#### CES306.828 Rocky Mountain Subalpine Dry-Mesic Spruce-Fir Forest and Woodland

**Primary Division:** Rocky Mountain (306)

**Land Cover Class:** Forest and Woodland

**Spatial Scale & Pattern:** Matrix

**Required Classifiers:** Natural/Semi-natural; Vegetated (\>10% vasc.);
Upland

**Diagnostic Classifiers:** Montane \[Upper Montane\]; Forest and
Woodland (Treed); Acidic Soil; Ustic; Very Long Disturbance Interval
\[Seasonality/Summer Disturbance\]; F-Patch/High Intensity;
F-Landscape/High Intensity; Needle-Leaved Tree; Abies lasiocarpa - Picea
engelmannii; RM Subalpine Mesic Spruce-Fir; Long (\>500 yrs) Persistence

**Concept Summary:** Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir forests comprise
a substantial part of the subalpine forests of the Cascades and Rocky
Mountains from southern British Columbia east into Alberta, south into
New Mexico and the Intermountain region. They also occur on mountain
\"islands\" of north-central Montana. They are the matrix forests of the
subalpine zone, with elevations ranging from 1275 m in its northern
distribution to 3355 m in the south (4100-11,000 feet). They often
represent the highest elevation forests in an area. Sites within this
system are cold year-round, and precipitation is predominantly in the
form of snow, which may persist until late summer. Snowpacks are deep
and late-lying, and summers are cool. Frost is possible almost all
summer and may be common in restricted topographic basins and benches.
Despite their wide distribution, the tree canopy characteristics are
remarkably similar, with *Picea engelmannii* and *Abies lasiocarpa*
dominating either mixed or alone. *Pseudotsuga menziesii* may persist in
occurrences of this system for long periods without regeneration. *Pinus
contorta* is common in many occurrences, and patches of pure *Pinus
contorta* are not uncommon, as well as mixed conifer/*Populus
tremuloides* stands. In some areas, such as Wyoming, *Picea
engelmannii*-dominated forests are on limestone or dolomite, while
nearby codominated spruce-fir forests are on granitic or volcanic rocks.
Upper elevation examples may have more woodland physiognomy, and *Pinus
albicaulis* can be a seral component. Xeric species may include
*Juniperus communis, Linnaea borealis, Mahonia repens*, or *Vaccinium
scoparium*. More northern occurrences often have taller, more mesic
shrub and herbaceous species, such as *Empetrum nigrum, Rhododendron
albiflorum*, and *Vaccinium membranaceum*. Disturbance includes
occasional blowdown, insect outbreaks and stand-replacing fire. Mean
return interval for stand-replacing fire is 222 years as estimated in
southeastern British Columbia.

DISTRIBUTION

**Range:** This system is found in the Cascades and Rocky Mountains from
southern interior British Columbia east into Alberta, south into New
Mexico and the Intermountain region. This type tends to be very limited
in the northern Oregon Cascades.

**Divisions:** 304:C, 306:C

**TNC Ecoregions:** 4:C, 7:C, 8:C, 9:C, 11:C, 20:C, 21:C, 26:C, 68:C

**Subnations:** AB, AZ, BC, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY

CONCEPT

**Associations:**

-   *Abies lasiocarpa - Picea engelmannii / Arnica cordifolia* Forest
    (CEGL000298, G5)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa - Picea engelmannii / Arnica latifolia* Forest
    (CEGL000299, G4)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa - Picea engelmannii / Calamagrostis rubescens*
    Forest (CEGL000301, G4G5)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa - Picea engelmannii / Carex geyeri* Forest
    (CEGL000304, G5)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa - Picea engelmannii / Galium triflorum* Forest
    (CEGL000311, G4)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa - Picea engelmannii / Juniperus communis* Woodland
    (CEGL000919, G4G5)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa - Picea engelmannii / Linnaea borealis* Forest
    (CEGL000315, G5)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa - Picea engelmannii / Menziesia ferruginea* Forest
    (CEGL000319, G5)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa - Picea engelmannii* / Moss Forest (CEGL000321,
    G4)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa - Picea engelmannii / Polemonium pulcherrimum*
    Forest (CEGL000373, G5)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa - Picea engelmannii / Symphoricarpos albus* Forest
    (CEGL000337, G3)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa - Picea engelmannii / Thalictrum occidentale*
    Forest (CEGL000338, G4)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa - Picea engelmannii / Vaccinium caespitosum*
    Forest (CEGL000340, G5)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa - Picea engelmannii / Vaccinium membranaceum*
    Rocky Mountain Forest (CEGL000341, G5)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa - Picea engelmannii / Vaccinium myrtillus* Forest
    (CEGL000343, G5)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa - Picea engelmannii / Vaccinium scoparium* Forest
    (CEGL000344, G5)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa - Picea engelmannii* Krummholz Shrubland
    (CEGL000985, G4)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa - Picea engelmannii* Tree Island Forest
    (CEGL000329, GUQ)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa / Carex rossii* Forest (CEGL000305, G4G5)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa / Carex siccata* Forest (CEGL000303, G2)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa / Jamesia americana* Forest (CEGL000312, G1)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa / Lathyrus lanszwertii* var. *leucanthus* Forest
    (CEGL000313, G3G4)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa / Mahonia repens* Forest (CEGL000318, G5)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa / Osmorhiza berteroi* Forest (CEGL000323, G4)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa / Packera sanguisorboides* Forest (CEGL000333, G3)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa / Paxistima myrsinites* Woodland (CEGL000324, G4)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa / Pedicularis racemosa* Forest (CEGL000325, G5)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa / Physocarpus malvaceus* Forest (CEGL000326, G3)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa / Saxifraga bronchialis* Scree Woodland
    (CEGL000924, G4)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa / Spiraea betulifolia* Forest (CEGL000335, G4)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa / Xerophyllum tenax* Forest (CEGL000346, G5)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa* Scree Woodland (CEGL000925, G5?)

-   *Chamerion angustifolium* Rocky Mountain Herbaceous Vegetation
    \[Provisional\] (CEGL005856, G4G5)

-   *Picea (engelmannii X glauca, engelmannii) / Clintonia uniflora*
    Forest (CEGL000406, G4)

-   *Picea engelmannii / Arnica cordifolia* Forest (CEGL000355, G3G4)

-   *Picea engelmannii / Clintonia uniflora* Forest (CEGL000360, G3)

-   *Picea engelmannii / Erigeron eximius* Forest (CEGL000364, G5)

-   *Picea engelmannii / Galium triflorum* Forest (CEGL002174, G4)

-   *Picea engelmannii / Geum rossii* Forest (CEGL000366, G3?)

-   *Picea engelmannii / Hypnum revolutum* Forest (CEGL000368, G3)

-   *Picea engelmannii / Juniperus communis* Forest (CEGL005925, G3)

-   *Picea engelmannii / Leymus triticoides* Forest (CEGL000362, G3)

-   *Picea engelmannii / Linnaea borealis* Forest (CEGL002689, G4)

-   *Picea engelmannii / Trifolium dasyphyllum* Forest (CEGL000377, G2?)

-   *Picea engelmannii / Vaccinium myrtillus* Forest (CEGL000379, G4Q)

-   *Picea engelmannii / Vaccinium scoparium* Forest (CEGL000381, G3G5)

**Alliances:**

-   *Abies lasiocarpa - Picea engelmannii - Pinus flexilis* Krummholz
    Shrubland Alliance (A.811)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa - Picea engelmannii* Forest Alliance (A.168)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa* Woodland Alliance (A.559)

-   *Chamerion angustifolium* Herbaceous Alliance (A.3535)

-   *Picea engelmannii* Forest Alliance (A.164)

**Dynamics:** *Picea engelmannii* can be very long-lived, reaching 500
years of age. *Abies lasiocarpa* decreases in importance relative to
*Picea engelmannii* with increasing distance from the region of Montana
and Idaho where maritime air masses influence the climate. Fire is an
important disturbance factor, but fire regimes have a long return
interval and so are often stand-replacing. *Picea engelmannii* can
rapidly recolonize and dominate burned sites, or can succeed other
species such as *Pinus contorta* or *Populus tremuloides*. Due to great
longevity, *Pseudotsuga menziesii* may persist in occurrences of this
system for long periods without regeneration. Old-growth characteristics
in *Picea engelmannii* forests will include treefall and windthrow gaps
in the canopy, with large downed logs, rotting woody material, tree
seedling establishment on logs or on mineral soils unearthed in root
balls, and snags. Landfire VDDT models: #RSPFI.

SPATIAL CHARACTERISTICS

SOURCES

**References:** Alexander and Ronco 1987, Alexander et al. 1984a,
Alexander et al. 1987, Anderson 1999a, Brand et al. 1976, Canadian
Rockies Ecoregional Plan 2002, Clagg 1975, Comer et al. 2002, Comer et
al. 2003, Cooper et al. 1987, Daubenmire and Daubenmire 1968, DeVelice
et al. 1986, Ecosystems Working Group 1998, Eyre 1980, Fitzgerald et al.
1994, Fitzhugh et al. 1987, Graybosch and Buchanan 1983, Hess and
Alexander 1986, Hess and Wasser 1982, Hoffman and Alexander 1976,
Hoffman and Alexander 1980, Hoffman and Alexander 1983, Hopkins 1979a,
Hopkins 1979b, Johnson and Clausnitzer 1992, Johnson and Simon 1987,
Komarkova et al. 1988b, Lillybridge et al. 1995, Major et al. 1981, Mauk
and Henderson 1984, Mehl 1992, Meidinger and Pojar 1991, Muldavin et al.
1992, Nachlinger et al. 2001, Neely et al. 2001, Peet 1978a, Peet 1981,
Pfister 1972, Pfister et al. 1977, Romme 1982, Schaupp et al. 1999,
Steele and Geier-Hayes 1995, Steele et al. 1981, Tuhy et al. 2002,
Veblen 1986, Whipple and Dix 1979, Williams and Lillybridge 1983,
Williams et al. 1995, Wong and Iverson 2004, Wong et al. 2003,
Youngblood and Mauk 1985

**Version:** 20 Apr 2006 **Stakeholders:** Canada, Midwest, West

**Concept Author:** NatureServe Western Ecology Team **LeadResp:** West

#### CES306.823 Southern Rocky Mountain Dry-Mesic Montane Mixed Conifer Forest and Woodland

**Primary Division:** Rocky Mountain (306)

**Land Cover Class:** Forest and Woodland

**Spatial Scale & Pattern:** Matrix

**Required Classifiers:** Natural/Semi-natural; Vegetated (\>10% vasc.);
Upland

**Diagnostic Classifiers:** Montane \[Montane, Lower Montane\]; Forest
and Woodland (Treed); Aridic; Intermediate Disturbance Interval;
F-Patch/Medium Intensity; F-Landscape/Medium Intensity; Needle-Leaved
Tree; RM Montane Mesic Mixed Conifer; Moderate (100-500 yrs) Persistence

**Concept Summary:** This is a highly variable ecological system of the
montane zone of the Rocky Mountains. It occurs throughout the southern
Rockies, north and west into Utah, Nevada, western Wyoming and Idaho.
These are mixed-conifer forests occurring on all aspects at elevations
ranging from 1200 to 3300 m. Rainfall averages less than 75 cm per year
(40-60 cm) with summer \"monsoons\" during the growing season
contributing substantial moisture. The composition and structure of
overstory is dependent upon the temperature and moisture relationships
of the site, and the successional status of the occurrence. *Pseudotsuga
menziesii* and *Abies concolor* are most frequent, but *Pinus ponderosa*
may be present to codominant. *Pinus flexilis* is common in Nevada.
*Pseudotsuga menziesii* forests occupy drier sites, and *Pinus
ponderosa* is a common codominant. *Abies concolor*-dominated forests
occupy cooler sites, such as upper slopes at higher elevations, canyon
sideslopes, ridgetops, and north- and east-facing slopes which burn
somewhat infrequently. *Picea pungens* is most often found in cool,
moist locations, often occurring as smaller patches within a matrix of
other associations. As many as seven conifers can be found growing in
the same occurrence, and there are a number of cold-deciduous shrub and
graminoid species common, including *Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Mahonia
repens, Paxistima myrsinites, Symphoricarpos oreophilus, Jamesia
americana, Quercus gambelii*, and *Festuca arizonica*. This system was
undoubtedly characterized by a mixed severity fire regime in its
\"natural condition,\" characterized by a high degree of variability in
lethality and return interval.

DISTRIBUTION

**Range:** This system occurs throughout the southern Rockies, north and
west into Utah, Nevada, western Wyoming and Idaho. Although not common,
it does occur in southeastern Oregon, but does not extend further west
into the Cascades.

**Divisions:** 304:C, 306:C

**TNC Ecoregions:** 6:?, 7:?, 8:?, 9:C, 11:C, 18:C, 19:C, 20:C, 21:C,
26:C

**Subnations:** AZ, CO, ID, NV, OR, UT, WY

CONCEPT

**Associations:**

-   *Abies concolor - Pinus ponderosa / Carex inops* ssp. *inops* Forest
    (CEGL000257, G3)

-   *Abies concolor - Pinus ponderosa / Cercocarpus ledifolius* Forest
    (CEGL002732, G4?)

-   *Abies concolor - Pinus ponderosa / Symphoricarpos* spp. Forest
    (CEGL000018, G3)

-   *Abies concolor - Pseudotsuga menziesii / Acer glabrum* Forest
    (CEGL000240, G4)

-   *Abies concolor - Pseudotsuga menziesii / Erigeron eximius* Forest
    (CEGL000247, G5)

-   *Abies concolor - Pseudotsuga menziesii / Lathyrus lanszwertii* var.
    *leucanthus* Forest (CEGL000250, G3)

-   *Abies concolor - Pseudotsuga menziesii / Vaccinium myrtillus*
    Forest (CEGL000265, G5)

-   *Abies concolor / Arctostaphylos patula* Forest (CEGL000242, G5)

-   *Abies concolor / Arctostaphylos uva-ursi* Forest (CEGL000243, G5)

-   *Abies concolor / Carex siccata* Forest (CEGL000244, G2)

-   *Abies concolor / Cercocarpus ledifolius* Woodland (CEGL000885, G4)

-   *Abies concolor / Festuca arizonica* Woodland (CEGL000887, G4)

-   *Abies concolor / Galium triflorum* Woodland (CEGL000888, GU)

-   *Abies concolor / Juniperus communis* Forest (CEGL000249, G4?)

-   *Abies concolor / Leymus triticoides* Woodland (CEGL000886, G3)

-   *Abies concolor / Mahonia repens* Forest (CEGL000251, G5)

-   *Abies concolor / Muhlenbergia virescens* Forest (CEGL000252, G5)

-   *Abies concolor / Osmorhiza berteroi* Forest (CEGL000253, G4G5)

-   *Abies concolor / Physocarpus malvaceus* Forest (CEGL000254, G4G5)

-   *Abies concolor / Quercus gambelii* Forest (CEGL000261, G5)

-   *Abies concolor / Robinia neomexicana* Woodland (CEGL000891, G4Q)

-   *Abies concolor / Symphoricarpos oreophilus* Forest (CEGL000263, G5)

-   *Picea pungens / Arctostaphylos uva-ursi* Forest (CEGL000385, G4)

-   *Picea pungens / Festuca arizonica* Woodland (CEGL000895, G5)

-   *Pinus ponderosa - Pseudotsuga menziesii / Arctostaphylos
    nevadensis* Woodland (CEGL000208, G2)

-   *Pinus ponderosa - Pseudotsuga menziesii / Arctostaphylos patula*
    Woodland (CEGL000209, G3)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Amelanchier alnifolia* Forest (CEGL000420,
    G2Q)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Arctostaphylos patula* Forest (CEGL000423,
    G4)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Arctostaphylos uva-ursi - Purshia
    tridentata* Forest (CEGL000426, G3?)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Arctostaphylos uva-ursi* Forest
    (CEGL000424, G4)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Arnica cordifolia* Forest (CEGL000427, G4)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Bromus ciliatus* Forest (CEGL000428, G4)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Carex geyeri* Forest (CEGL000430, G4?)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Cercocarpus ledifolius* Woodland
    (CEGL000897, G3G4)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Cercocarpus montanus* Woodland (CEGL000898,
    G4?)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Festuca arizonica* Forest (CEGL000433, G5)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Festuca campestris* Woodland (CEGL000901,
    G4)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Festuca idahoensis* Woodland (CEGL000900,
    G4)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Holodiscus dumosus* Scree Woodland
    (CEGL000902, G3G4)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Jamesia americana* Forest (CEGL000438,
    G3G4)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Juniperus osteosperma* Forest (CEGL000440,
    G2?)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Juniperus scopulorum* Woodland (CEGL000903,
    G3)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Leucopoa kingii* Woodland (CEGL000904,
    G3G4)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Linnaea borealis* Forest (CEGL000441, G4)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Muhlenbergia montana* Forest (CEGL000443,
    G4)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Muhlenbergia virescens* Forest (CEGL000444,
    G4)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Osmorhiza berteroi* Forest (CEGL000445,
    G4G5)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Paxistima myrsinites* Forest (CEGL000446,
    G2G3)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Physocarpus malvaceus - Linnaea borealis*
    Forest (CEGL000448, G4)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Physocarpus monogynus* Forest (CEGL000449,
    G4)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Pseudoroegneria spicata* Woodland
    (CEGL000908, G4)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Purshia tridentata* Woodland (CEGL000909,
    G3Q)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Quercus X pauciloba* Forest (CEGL000455,
    GU)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Quercus arizonica* Forest (CEGL000451, G3?)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Quercus gambelii* Forest (CEGL000452, G5)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Quercus hypoleucoides* Forest (CEGL000453,
    G3)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Quercus rugosa* Forest (CEGL000454, G2)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Spiraea betulifolia* Forest (CEGL000457,
    G5)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Symphoricarpos occidentalis* Forest
    (CEGL000461, G3?)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Symphoricarpos oreophilus* Forest
    (CEGL000462, G5)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Vaccinium* spp. Forest (CEGL000464, G4Q)

**Alliances:**

-   *Abies concolor* Forest Alliance (A.152)

-   *Abies concolor* Woodland Alliance (A.553)

-   *Picea pungens* Forest Alliance (A.165)

-   *Picea pungens* Woodland Alliance (A.557)

-   *Pinus ponderosa - Pseudotsuga menziesii* Woodland Alliance (A.533)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii* Forest Alliance (A.157)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii* Woodland Alliance (A.552)

**Vegetation:** This highly variable ecological system is comprised of
mixed conifer forests at montane elevations throughout the Intermountain
West region. The four main alliances in this system are found on
slightly different, but intermingled, biophysical environments: *Abies
concolor* dominates at higher, colder locations; *Picea pungens*
represents mesic conditions; and *Pseudotsuga menziesii* dominates
intermediate zones. As many as seven conifers can be found growing in
the same occurrence, with the successful reproduction of the diagnostic
species determining the association type. Common conifers include *Pinus
ponderosa, Pinus flexilis, Abies lasiocarpa var. lasiocarpa, Abies
lasiocarpa var. arizonica, Juniperus scopulorum*, and *Picea
engelmannii*. *Populus tremuloides* is often present as intermingled
individuals in remnant aspen clones or in adjacent patches. The
composition and structure of overstory are dependent upon the
temperature and moisture relationships of the site and the successional
status of the occurrence (DeVelice et al. 1986, Muldavin et al. 1996).

A number of cold-deciduous shrub and graminoid species are found in many
occurrences (e.g., *Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Mahonia repens, Paxistima
myrsinites, Symphoricarpos oreophilus, Jamesia americana, Quercus
gambelii*, and *Festuca arizonica*). Other important species include
*Acer glabrum, Acer grandidentatum, Amelanchier alnifolia,
Arctostaphylos patula, Holodiscus dumosus, Jamesia americana, Juniperus
communis, Physocarpus monogynus, Quercus arizonica, Quercus rugosa,
Quercus X pauciloba, Quercus hypoleucoides, Robinia neomexicana, Rubus
parviflorus*, and *Vaccinium myrtillus*. Where soil moisture is
favorable, the herbaceous layer may be quite diverse, including
graminoids *Bromus ciliatus (= Bromus canadensis), Calamagrostis
rubescens, Carex geyeri, Carex rossii, Carex siccata (= Carex foenea),
Festuca occidentalis, Koeleria macrantha, Muhlenbergia montana,
Muhlenbergia virescens, Poa fendleriana, Pseudoroegneria spicata*, and
forbs *Achillea millefolium, Arnica cordifolia, Erigeron eximius,
Fragaria virginiana, Linnaea borealis, Luzula parviflora, Osmorhiza
berteroi, Packera cardamine (= Senecio cardamine), Thalictrum
occidentale, Thalictrum fendleri, Thermopsis rhombifolia, Viola adunca*,
and species of many other genera, including *Lathyrus, Penstemon,
Lupinus, Vicia, Arenaria, Galium*, and others.

**Dynamics:** Forests in this ecological system represent the gamut of
fire tolerance. Formerly, *Abies concolor* in the Utah High Plateaus
were restricted to rather moist or less fire-prone areas by frequent
ground fires. These areas experienced mixed fire severities, with
patches of crowning in which all trees are killed, intermingled with
patches of underburn in which larger *Abies concolor* survived
(www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/). With fire suppression, *Abies concolor*
has vigorously colonized many sites formerly occupied by open *Pinus
ponderosa* woodlands. These invasions have dramatically changed the fuel
load and potential behavior of fire in these forests. In particular, the
potential for high-intensity crown fires on drier sites now codominated
by *Pinus ponderosa* and *Abies concolor* has increased. Increased
landscape connectivity, in terms of fuel loadings and crown closure, has
also increased the potential size of crown fires.

*Pseudotsuga menziesii* forests are the only true \'fire-tolerant\'
occurrences in this ecological system. *Pseudotsuga menziesii* forests
were probably subject to a moderate-severity fire regime in
presettlement times, with fire-return intervals of 30-100 years. Many of
the important tree species in these forests are fire-adapted (*Populus
tremuloides, Pinus ponderosa, Pinus contorta*) (Pfister et al. 1977),
and fire-induced reproduction of *Pinus ponderosa* can result in its
continued codominance in *Pseudotsuga menziesii* forests (Steele et al.
1981). Seeds of the shrub *Ceanothus velutinus* can remain dormant in
forest occurrences for 200 years (Steele et al. 1981) and germinate
abundantly after fire, competitively suppressing conifer seedlings.
Successional relationships in this system are complex. *Pseudotsuga
menziesii* is less shade-tolerant than many northern or montane trees
such as *Tsuga heterophylla, Abies concolor, Picea engelmannii*, and
seedlings compete poorly in deep shade. At drier locales, seedlings may
be favored by moderate shading, such as by a canopy of *Pinus
ponderosa*, which helps to minimize drought stress. In some locations,
much of these forests have been logged or burned during European
settlement, and present-day occurrences are second-growth forests dating
from fire, logging, or other occurrence-replacing disturbances (Mauk and
Henderson 1984, Chappell et al. 1997).

*Picea pungens* is a slow-growing, long-lived tree which regenerates
from seed (Burns and Honkala 1990a). Seedlings are shallow-rooted and
require perennially moist soils for establishment and optimal growth.
*Picea pungens* is intermediate in shade tolerance, being somewhat more
tolerant than *Pinus ponderosa* or *Pseudotsuga menziesii*, and less
tolerant than *Abies lasiocarpa* or *Picea engelmannii*. It forms
late-seral occurrences in the subhumid regions of the Utah High
Plateaus. It is common for these forests to be heavily disturbed by
grazing or fire.

In general, fire suppression has lead to the encroachment of more
shade-tolerant, less fire-tolerant species (e.g., climax) into
occurrences and an attendant increase in landscape homogeneity and
connectivity (from a fuels perspective). This has increased the
lethality and potential size of fires.

SPATIAL CHARACTERISTICS

SOURCES

**References:** Alexander et al. 1984b, Alexander et al. 1987, Boyce
1977, Bunin 1975c, Burns and Honkala 1990a, Chappell et al. 1997, Comer
et al. 2002, Comer et al. 2003, DeVelice et al. 1986, Eyre 1980,
Fitzhugh et al. 1987, Giese 1975, Heinze et al. 1962, Hess 1981, Hess
and Alexander 1986, Hess and Wasser 1982, Hoffman and Alexander 1980,
Hoffman and Alexander 1983, Komarkova et al. 1988b, Mauk and Henderson
1984, Muldavin et al. 1996, Nachlinger et al. 2001, Neely et al. 2001,
Steele et al. 1983, Tuhy et al. 2002, Youngblood and Mauk 1985

**Version:** 01 Sep 2005 **Stakeholders:** West

**Concept Author:** NatureServe Western Ecology Team **LeadResp:** West

## Shrubland

#### CES304.770 Columbia Plateau Scabland Shrubland

**Primary Division:** Inter-Mountain Basins (304)

**Land Cover Class:** Shrubland

**Spatial Scale & Pattern:** Matrix

**Required Classifiers:** Natural/Semi-natural; Vegetated (\>10% vasc.);
Upland

**Diagnostic Classifiers:** Lowland \[Lowland\]; Shrubland
(Shrub-dominated); Basalt; Shallow Soil

**Concept Summary:** This ecological system is found in the Columbia
Plateau region and forms extensive low shrublands. These xeric
shrublands occur under relatively extreme soil-moisture conditions.
Substrates are typically shallow lithic soils with limited water-holding
capacity over fractured basalt. Because of poor drainage through basalt,
these soils are often saturated from fall to spring by winter
precipitation but typically dry out completely to bedrock by midsummer.
Total vegetation cover is typically low, generally less than 50% and
often much less than that. Vegetation is characterized by an open
dwarf-shrub canopy dominated by *Artemisia rigida* along with other
shrub and dwarf-shrub species, particularly *Eriogonum* spp. Other
shrubs are uncommon in this system; mixes of *Artemisia rigida* and
other *Artemisia* species typically belong to different ecological
systems than this. Low cover of perennial bunch grasses, such as
*Danthonia unispicata, Elymus elymoides, Festuca idahoensis*, or
primarily *Poa secunda*, as well as scattered forbs, including species
of *Allium, Antennaria, Balsamorhiza, Lomatium, Phlox*, and *Sedum*,
characterize these sites. Individual sites can be dominated by grasses
and semi-woody forbs, such as *Stenotus stenophyllus*. Annuals may be
seasonally abundant, and cover of moss and lichen is often high in
undisturbed areas (1-60% cover).

DISTRIBUTION

**Range:** This system occurs in the Columbia Plateau region of southern
Idaho, eastern Oregon and eastern Washington, and extreme northern
Nevada.

**Divisions:** 304:C

**TNC Ecoregions:** 6:C, 7:C, 68:C

**Subnations:** CA?, ID, NV, OR, UT?, WA

CONCEPT

**Associations:**

-   *Artemisia rigida / Festuca idahoensis* Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL002995, G2)

-   *Artemisia rigida / Poa secunda* Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001528, G4)

-   *Artemisia rigida / Pseudoroegneria spicata* Shrub Herbaceous
    Vegetation (CEGL001529, G3)

-   *Danthonia californica - Festuca idahoensis* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001607, G1Q)

-   *Danthonia unispicata - Poa secunda* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001783, G3)

-   *Eriogonum compositum / Poa secunda* Dwarf-shrub Herbaceous
    Vegetation (CEGL001784, G2)

-   *Eriogonum douglasii / Poa secunda* Dwarf-shrub Herbaceous
    Vegetation (CEGL001785, G4)

-   *Eriogonum microthecum - Physaria oregona* Dwarf-shrubland
    (CEGL001737, G2)

-   *Eriogonum niveum / Poa secunda* Dwarf-shrub Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001786, G3)

-   *Eriogonum sphaerocephalum / Poa secunda* Dwarf-shrub Herbaceous
    Vegetation (CEGL001448, G3)

-   *Eriogonum strictum / Poa secunda* Dwarf-shrub Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001788, G3)

-   *Eriogonum thymoides / Poa secunda* Dwarf-shrub Herbaceous
    Vegetation (CEGL001449, G3)

-   *Lomatium cous - Poa secunda* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001790, G4)

**Alliances:**

-   *Artemisia rigida* Shrub Herbaceous Alliance (A.1574)

-   *Danthonia californica* Herbaceous Alliance (A.1254)

-   *Eriogonum microthecum* Dwarf-shrubland Alliance (A.1107)

-   *Poa secunda* Dwarf-shrub Herbaceous Alliance (A.1568)

-   *Poa secunda* Herbaceous Alliance (A.1291)

SPATIAL CHARACTERISTICS

SOURCES

**References:** Comer et al. 2003, Copeland 1980a, Daubenmire 1970,
Ganskopp 1979, Hall 1973, Johnson and Simon 1985, Poulton 1955, Shiflet
1994

**Version:** 25 Apr 2006 **Stakeholders:** West

**Concept Author:** J. Kagan **LeadResp:** West

#### CES304.777 Inter-Mountain Basins Big Sagebrush Shrubland

**Primary Division:** Inter-Mountain Basins (304)

**Land Cover Class:** Shrubland

**Spatial Scale & Pattern:** Matrix

**Required Classifiers:** Natural/Semi-natural; Vegetated (\>10% vasc.);
Upland

**Diagnostic Classifiers:** Lowland \[Lowland\]; Shrubland
(Shrub-dominated); Toeslope/Valley Bottom; Deep Soil; Aridic; Artemisia
tridentata ssp. tridentata

**Concept Summary:** This ecological system occurs throughout much of
the western U.S., typically in broad basins between mountain ranges,
plains and foothills between 1500 and 2300 m elevation. Soils are
typically deep, well-drained and non-saline. These shrublands are
dominated by *Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata* and/or *Artemisia
tridentata ssp. wyomingensis*. Scattered *Juniperus* spp., *Sarcobatus
vermiculatus*, and *Atriplex* spp. may be present in some stands.
*Ericameria nauseosa, Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus, Purshia tridentata*,
or *Symphoricarpos oreophilus* may codominate disturbed stands.
Perennial herbaceous components typically contribute less than 25%
vegetative cover. Common graminoid species include *Achnatherum
hymenoides, Bouteloua gracilis, Elymus lanceolatus, Festuca idahoensis,
Hesperostipa comata, Leymus cinereus, Pleuraphis jamesii, Pascopyrum
smithii, Poa secunda*, or *Pseudoroegneria spicata*. Some semi-natural
communities are included that often originate on abandoned agricultural
land or on other disturbed sites. In these locations, *Bromus tectorum*
or other annual bromes and invasive weeds can be abundant.

DISTRIBUTION

**Range:** This system occurs throughout much of the western U.S.,
typically in broad basins between mountain ranges, plains and foothills
between 1500-2300 m elevation. It occurs as far east as central and
eastern Montana, although much of the sagebrush in this region is more
steppe in physiognomy.

**Divisions:** 303:C, 304:C, 306:C

**TNC Ecoregions:** 4:C, 6:C, 8:C, 9:C, 10:C, 11:C, 18:C, 19:C, 20:C,
26:C, 27:C

**Subnations:** CA, CO, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY

CONCEPT

**Associations:**

-   *Artemisia tridentata (*ssp. *tridentata,* ssp. *xericensis) /
    Pseudoroegneria spicata - Poa secunda* Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001019, G1)

-   *Artemisia tridentata (*ssp. *tridentata,* ssp. *xericensis) /
    Pseudoroegneria spicata* Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001018,
    G2G4)

-   *Artemisia tridentata - (Ericameria nauseosa) / Bromus tectorum*
    Semi-natural Shrubland (CEGL002699, GNR)

-   *Artemisia tridentata - Atriplex canescens - Sarcobatus vermiculatus
    / (Achnatherum hymenoides)* Shrubland (CEGL001355, G1)

-   *Artemisia tridentata - Ephedra nevadensis* Shrubland (CEGL001002,
    G5)

-   *Artemisia tridentata - Ephedra viridis* Shrubland (CEGL001003, G5)

-   *Artemisia tridentata / Achnatherum hymenoides* Shrubland
    (CEGL001006, G3G5)

-   *Artemisia tridentata / Achnatherum lettermanii* Shrubland
    (CEGL001011, G5)

-   *Artemisia tridentata / Bouteloua gracilis - Pascopyrum smithii*
    Shrubland (CEGL000997, G5)

-   *Artemisia tridentata / Bouteloua gracilis - Pleuraphis jamesii*
    Shrubland (CEGL000996, G5)

-   *Artemisia tridentata / Bouteloua gracilis* Shrubland (CEGL000995,
    G4)

-   *Artemisia tridentata / Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus / Poa secunda*
    Shrubland (CEGL000999, G5)

-   *Artemisia tridentata / Elymus elymoides* Shrubland (CEGL001001,
    G5?)

-   *Artemisia tridentata / Ericameria nauseosa* Shrubland (CEGL000998,
    G5)

-   *Artemisia tridentata / Festuca idahoensis* Shrub Herbaceous
    Vegetation (CEGL001530, G4Q)

-   *Artemisia tridentata / Leymus cinereus* Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001458, G2G4)

-   *Artemisia tridentata / Pleuraphis jamesii* Shrubland (CEGL001005,
    G5)

-   *Artemisia tridentata / Symphoricarpos longiflorus* Shrubland
    (CEGL001012, G5)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* Shrubland (CEGL000991, G5?)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* Upperzone Community Shrubland (CEGL001013,
    G5?)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *tridentata - Grayia spinosa* Shrubland
    (CEGL001004, G5)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *tridentata / Distichlis spicata*
    Shrubland (CEGL001000, G5)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *tridentata / Festuca idahoensis*
    Shrubland (CEGL001014, G4?)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *tridentata / Hesperostipa comata*
    Shrubland (CEGL002966, G4?)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *tridentata / Leymus cinereus* Shrubland
    (CEGL001016, G2)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *tridentata / Pascopyrum smithii -
    (Elymus lanceolatus)* Shrubland (CEGL001017, G3?)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *tridentata / Pleuraphis jamesii*
    Shrubland (CEGL001015, G2G4)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *tridentata / Poa secunda* Shrubland
    (CEGL001008, G3G5)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *tridentata / Sporobolus airoides*
    Shrubland (CEGL002200, GNR)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana / Pascopyrum smithii*
    Shrubland (CEGL001028, G3?)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *wyomingensis - Atriplex confertifolia*
    Shrubland (CEGL001040, G3G5)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *wyomingensis - Peraphyllum ramosissimum
    / Festuca idahoensis* Shrubland (CEGL001048, G2)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *wyomingensis - Purshia tridentata /
    Pseudoroegneria spicata* Shrubland (CEGL001050, G3Q)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *wyomingensis / (Agropyron cristatum,
    Psathyrostachys juncea)* Seeded Grasses Semi-natural Shrubland
    (CEGL002185, GNR)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *wyomingensis / Achnatherum hymenoides*
    Shrubland (CEGL001046, G5)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *wyomingensis / Achnatherum
    thurberianum* Shrubland (CEGL001052, G3)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *wyomingensis / Balsamorhiza sagittata*
    Shrubland (CEGL000994, G5)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *wyomingensis / Carex filifolia*
    Shrubland (CEGL001042, G1Q)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *wyomingensis* / Disturbed Understory
    Semi-natural Shrubland (CEGL002083, GNA)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *wyomingensis / Elymus albicans*
    Shrubland (CEGL001044, G4)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *wyomingensis / Elymus elymoides*
    Shrubland (CEGL001043, G4G5)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *wyomingensis / Hesperostipa comata*
    Colorado Plateau Shrubland (CEGL002761, GNR)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *wyomingensis / Hesperostipa comata*
    Shrubland (CEGL001051, G2)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *wyomingensis / Leymus ambiguus*
    Shrubland (CEGL001045, G2)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *wyomingensis / Leymus salinus*
    Shrubland (CEGL002813, GNR)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *wyomingensis* / Mixed Grasses Shrub
    Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001534, G5)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *wyomingensis / Pascopyrum smithii*
    Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001047, G4)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *wyomingensis / Pleuraphis jamesii*
    Shrubland (CEGL002084, GNR)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *wyomingensis / Poa fendleriana*
    Shrubland (CEGL002775, GNR)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *wyomingensis / Poa secunda* Shrubland
    (CEGL001049, G4)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *wyomingensis / Pseudoroegneria spicata*
    Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001535, G4)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *wyomingensis / Pseudoroegneria spicata*
    Shrubland (CEGL001009, G5?)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *wyomingensis* / Sparse Understory
    Shrubland (CEGL002768, GNR)

-   *Ericameria nauseosa* Shrubland (CEGL002713, G5)

-   *Grayia spinosa / Achnatherum hymenoides* Shrubland (CEGL001350, G4)

**Alliances:**

-   *Artemisia tridentata* (ssp. *tridentata*, ssp. *xericensis*) Shrub
    Herbaceous Alliance (A.1522)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* (ssp. *tridentata*, ssp. *xericensis*)
    Shrubland Alliance (A.830)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* Shrub Herbaceous Alliance (A.1521)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* Shrubland Alliance (A.829)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana* Shrubland Alliance (A.831)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *wyomingensis* Shrub Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1527)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *wyomingensis* Shrubland Alliance
    (A.832)

-   *Atriplex canescens* Shrubland Alliance (A.869)

-   *Ephedra nevadensis* Shrubland Alliance (A.857)

-   *Ephedra viridis* Shrubland Alliance (A.858)

-   *Ericameria nauseosa* Shrubland Alliance (A.835)

-   *Grayia spinosa* Shrubland Alliance (A.1038)

SPATIAL CHARACTERISTICS

SOURCES

**References:** Barbour and Billings 1988, Barbour and Major 1977, Comer
et al. 2003, Holland and Keil 1995, Shiflet 1994, West 1983a

**Version:** 23 Jan 2006 **Stakeholders:** Midwest, West

**Concept Author:** NatureServe Western Ecology Team **LeadResp:** West

#### CES304.784 Inter-Mountain Basins Mixed Salt Desert Scrub

**Primary Division:** Inter-Mountain Basins (304)

**Land Cover Class:** Shrubland

**Spatial Scale & Pattern:** Large patch

**Required Classifiers:** Natural/Semi-natural; Vegetated (\>10% vasc.);
Upland

**Diagnostic Classifiers:** Lowland \[Lowland\]; Shrubland
(Shrub-dominated); Alluvial flat; Alluvial plain; Plain; Alkaline Soil;
Saline Substrate Chemistry; Calcareous; Silt Soil Texture; Clay Soil
Texture; Xeromorphic Shrub; Dwarf-Shrub; Atriplex spp.

**Concept Summary:** This extensive ecological system includes
open-canopied shrublands of typically saline basins, alluvial slopes and
plains across the Intermountain western U.S. This type also extends in
limited distribution into the southern Great Plains. Substrates are
often saline and calcareous, medium- to fine-textured, alkaline soils,
but include some coarser-textured soils. The vegetation is characterized
by a typically open to moderately dense shrubland composed of one or
more *Atriplex* species, such as *Atriplex confertifolia, Atriplex
canescens, Atriplex polycarpa*, or *Atriplex spinifera*. Northern
occurrences lack *Atriplex* species and are typically dominated by
*Grayia spinosa, Krascheninnikovia lanata*, and/or *Artemisia
tridentata*. Other shrubs present to codominate may include *Artemisia
tridentata ssp. wyomingensis, Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus, Ericameria
nauseosa, Ephedra nevadensis, Grayia spinosa, Krascheninnikovia lanata,
Lycium* spp., *Picrothamnus desertorum*, or *Tetradymia* spp.
*Sarcobatus vermiculatus* is generally absent, but if present does not
codominate. The herbaceous layer varies from sparse to moderately dense
and is dominated by perennial graminoids such as *Achnatherum
hymenoides, Bouteloua gracilis, Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus,
Pascopyrum smithii, Pleuraphis jamesii, Pleuraphis rigida, Poa secunda*,
or *Sporobolus airoides*. Various forbs are also present.

DISTRIBUTION

**Range:** Intermountain western U.S., extending in limited distribution
into the southern Great Plains.

**Divisions:** 303:C, 304:C, 306:C

**TNC Ecoregions:** 4:?, 6:C, 8:?, 9:C, 10:C, 11:C, 18:C, 19:C, 20:C,
21:C, 26:C, 27:C, 28:C

**Subnations:** AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY

CONCEPT

**Associations:**

-   *Atriplex (lentiformis, polycarpa)* Shrubland \[Placeholder\]
    (CEGL003016, G3)

-   *Atriplex canescens - Artemisia tridentata* Shrubland (CEGL001282,
    G4)

-   *Atriplex canescens - Ephedra viridis* Talus Shrubland (CEGL001287,
    G4)

-   *Atriplex canescens - Krascheninnikovia lanata* Shrubland
    (CEGL001285, G5)

-   *Atriplex canescens / Achnatherum hymenoides* Shrubland (CEGL001289,
    G3G5)

-   *Atriplex canescens / Bouteloua gracilis* Shrubland (CEGL001283, G3)

-   *Atriplex canescens / Calycoseris parryi* Shrubland (CEGL001284, G2)

-   *Atriplex canescens / Parthenium confertum* Shrubland (CEGL001290,
    GNRQ)

-   *Atriplex canescens / Pleuraphis jamesii* Shrubland (CEGL001288,
    G3G4)

-   *Atriplex canescens / Purshia stansburiana* Shrubland (CEGL001286,
    GUQ)

-   *Atriplex canescens / Sporobolus airoides* Shrubland (CEGL001291,
    G5?)

-   *Atriplex canescens / Sporobolus wrightii* Shrubland (CEGL001292,
    GNRQ)

-   *Atriplex canescens* Shrubland (CEGL001281, G5)

-   *Atriplex confertifolia - Ephedra nevadensis* Shrubland (CEGL001303,
    G5)

-   *Atriplex confertifolia - Krascheninnikovia lanata* Shrubland
    (CEGL001301, G3G5)

-   *Atriplex confertifolia - Lycium andersonii* Shrubland (CEGL001308,
    G3)

-   *Atriplex confertifolia - Lycium pallidum / Mirabilis pudica*
    Shrubland (CEGL001309, G3G4Q)

-   *Atriplex confertifolia - Lycium shockleyi* Shrubland (CEGL001310,
    G4)

-   *Atriplex confertifolia - Picrothamnus desertorum / Achnatherum
    hymenoides* Shrubland (CEGL001297, G5?)

-   *Atriplex confertifolia - Picrothamnus desertorum /
    Krascheninnikovia lanata* Shrubland (CEGL001296, G5?)

-   *Atriplex confertifolia - Picrothamnus desertorum / Sarcobatus
    vermiculatus* Shrubland (CEGL001298, G5?)

-   *Atriplex confertifolia - Picrothamnus desertorum* Shrubland
    (CEGL001295, G5)

-   *Atriplex confertifolia - Sarcobatus vermiculatus* Shrubland
    (CEGL001313, G5)

-   *Atriplex confertifolia / Achnatherum hymenoides* Shrubland
    (CEGL001311, G3)

-   *Atriplex confertifolia / Elymus elymoides* Shrubland (CEGL001302,
    G3G5)

-   *Atriplex confertifolia / Ericameria nauseosa* Shrubland
    (CEGL001300, G3Q)

-   *Atriplex confertifolia / Hesperostipa comata* Shrubland
    (CEGL001314, G2)

-   *Atriplex confertifolia / Kochia americana* Shrubland (CEGL001305,
    G3G5)

-   *Atriplex confertifolia / Leymus salinus* Shrubland (CEGL001307,
    G3G5)

-   *Atriplex confertifolia / Leymus salinus* ssp. *salmonis* Shrubland
    (CEGL001306, G2Q)

-   *Atriplex confertifolia / Pleuraphis jamesii* Shrubland (CEGL001304,
    G3G5)

-   *Atriplex confertifolia / Pseudoroegneria spicata* Shrubland
    (CEGL001312, G3)

-   *Atriplex confertifolia / Tetradymia glabrata* Shrubland
    (CEGL001315, G3G5)

-   *Atriplex confertifolia* Great Basin Shrubland (CEGL001294, G5)

-   *Atriplex confertifolia* Wyoming Basins Shrubland (CEGL001293, G5)

-   *Atriplex obovata / Sporobolus airoides - Pleuraphis jamesii* Shrub
    Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001775, GU)

-   *Atriplex obovata / Sporobolus airoides - Sporobolus cryptandrus*
    Dwarf-shrubland (CEGL001447, G1Q)

-   *Atriplex obovata / Tidestromia carnosa* Dwarf-shrubland
    (CEGL004575, G2?)

-   *Atriplex parryi* Shrubland \[Placeholder\] (CEGL002711, G3)

-   *Atriplex polycarpa / Pleuraphis mutica* Shrubland (CEGL001319, GU)

-   *Atriplex polycarpa* Shrubland (CEGL001318, G5)

-   *Atriplex spinifera* Shrubland \[Placeholder\] (CEGL003015, G3?)

-   *Krascheninnikovia lanata / Achnatherum hymenoides* Dwarf-shrubland
    (CEGL001323, G4)

-   *Krascheninnikovia lanata / Hesperostipa comata* Dwarf-shrubland
    (CEGL001327, G3)

-   *Krascheninnikovia lanata* Dwarf-shrubland \[Provisional\]
    (CEGL001320, G5?)

-   *Picrothamnus desertorum / Elymus elymoides* Shrubland
    \[Provisional\] (CEGL002992, GNR)

-   *Picrothamnus desertorum* Shrubland (CEGL001452, G3G4)

**Alliances:**

-   *Atriplex (lentiformis, polycarpa)* Shrubland Alliance (A.864)

-   *Atriplex canescens* Shrubland Alliance (A.869)

-   *Atriplex confertifolia* Shrubland Alliance (A.870)

-   *Atriplex obovata* Dwarf-shrubland Alliance (A.1108)

-   *Atriplex parryi* Shrubland Alliance (A.2507)

-   *Atriplex polycarpa* Shrubland Alliance (A.873)

-   *Atriplex spinifera* Shrubland Alliance (A.865)

-   *Krascheninnikovia lanata* Dwarf-shrubland Alliance (A.1104)

-   *Picrothamnus desertorum* Shrubland Alliance (A.1128)

-   *Sporobolus airoides - (Pleuraphis jamesii)* Shrub Herbaceous
    Alliance (A.1532)

**Environment:** This salt-desert shrubland system is a matrix system in
the Intermountain West. This system is comprised of arid to semi-arid
shrublands on lowland and upland sites usually at elevations between
1520 and 2200 m (4987-7218 feet). Sites can be found on all aspects and
include valley bottoms, alluvial and alkaline flats, mesas and plateaus,
playas, drainage terraces, washes and interdune basins, bluffs, and
gentle to moderately steep sandy or rocky slopes. Slopes are typically
gentle to moderately steep but are sometimes unstable and prone to
surface movement. Many areas within this system are degraded due to
erosion and may resemble \"badlands.\" Soil surface is often very barren
in occurrences of this system. The interspaces between the
characteristic plant clusters are commonly covered by a microphytic
crust (West 1982).

This is typically a system of extreme climatic conditions, with warm to
hot summers and freezing winters. Annual precipitation ranges from
approximately 13-33 cm. In much of the ecological system, the period of
greatest moisture will be mid- to late summer, although in the more
northern areas a moist period is to be expected in the cold part of the
year. However, plotted seasonality of occurrence is probably of less
importance on this desert system than in other ecosystems because desert
precipitation comes with an extreme irregularity that does not appear in
graphs of long-term seasonal or monthly averages (Blaisdell and Holmgren
1984). Soils are shallow to moderately deep, poorly developed, and a
product of an arid climate and little precipitation. Soils are often
alkaline or saline. Vegetation within this system is tolerant of these
soil conditions but not restricted to it. The shallow soils of much of
the area are poorly developed Entisols. Vegetation within this system
can occur on level pediment remnants where coarse-textured and
well-developed soil profiles have been derived from sandstone gravel and
are alkaline, or on Mancos shale badlands, where soil profiles are
typically fine-textured and non-alkaline throughout (West and Ibrahim
1968). They can also occur in alluvial basins where parent materials
from the other habitats have been deposited over Mancos shale and the
soils are heavy-textured and saline-alkaline throughout the profile
(West and Ibrahim 1968).

**Vegetation:** Occurrences of this ecological system vary from almost
pure occurrences of single species to fairly complex mixtures. The
characteristic mix of low shrubs and grasses is sparse, with large open
spaces between the plants (Blaisdell and Holmgren 1984). Occurrences
have a sparse to moderately dense cover of woody species that is
dominated by *Atriplex canescens* (may codominate with *Artemisia
tridentata*), *Atriplex confertifolia* (may codominate with *Lycium
andersonii*), *Atriplex obovata, Picrothamnus desertorum*, or
*Krascheninnikovia lanata*. Other shrubs that may occur within these
occurrences include *Purshia stansburiana, Psorothamnus polydenius,
Ephedra* spp., *Acacia greggii, Encelia frutescens, Tiquilia latior,
Parthenium confertum, Atriplex polycarpa, Atriplex lentiformis, Atriplex
spinifera, Picrothamnus desertorum (= Artemisia spinescens), Frankenia
salina, Artemisia frigida, Chrysothamnus* spp., *Lycium* ssp., *Suaeda*
spp., *Yucca glauca*, and *Tetradymia spinosa*. Dwarf-shrubs include
*Gutierrezia sarothrae* and *Eriogonum* spp. Warm-season medium-tall and
short perennial grasses dominate in the sparse to moderately dense
graminoid layer. The species present depend on the geographic range of
the grasses, alkalinity/salinity and past land use. Species may include
*Pleuraphis jamesii, Bouteloua gracilis, Sporobolus airoides, Sporobolus
cryptandrus, Achnatherum hymenoides, Elymus elymoides, Distichlis
spicata, Leymus salinus, Pascopyrum smithii, Hesperostipa comata,
Pseudoroegneria spicata, Poa secunda, Leymus ambiguus*, and
*Muhlenbergia torreyi*. A number of annual species may also grow in
association with the shrubs and grasses of this system, although they
are usually rare and confined to areas of recent disturbance (Blaisdell
and Holmgren 1984). Forb cover is generally sparse. Perennial forbs that
might occur include *Sphaeralcea coccinea, Chaetopappa ericoides,
Xylorhiza venusta, Descurainia sophia*, and *Mentzelia* species. Annual
natives include *Plantago* spp., *Vulpia octoflora*, or *Monolepis
nuttalliana*. Associated halophytic annuals include *Salicornia rubra,
Salicornia bigelovii*, and *Suaeda* species. Exotic annuals that may
occur include *Salsola kali, Bromus rubens*, and *Bromus tectorum*.
Cacti like *Opuntia* spp. and *Echinocereus* spp. may be present in some
occurrences. Trees are not usually present but some scattered
*Juniperus* spp. may be found.

**Dynamics:** West (1982) stated that \"salt desert shrub vegetation
occurs mostly in two kinds of situations that promote soil salinity,
alkalinity, or both. These are either at the bottom of drainages in
enclosed basins or where marine shales outcrop.\" However, salt-desert
shrub vegetation may be an indication of climatically dry as well as
physiologically dry soils (Blaisdell and Holmgren 1984). Not all
salt-desert shrub soils are salty, and their hydrologic characteristics
may often be responsible for the associated vegetation (Naphan 1966).
Species of the salt-desert shrub complex have different degrees of
tolerance to salinity and aridity, and they tend to sort themselves out
along a moisture/salinity gradient (West 1982). Species and communities
are apparently sorted out along physical, chemical, moisture, and
topographic gradients through complex relations that are not understood
and are in need of further study (Blaisdell and Holmgren 1984).

The winter months within this system are a good time for soil moisture
accumulation and storage. There is generally at least one good snow
storm per season that will provide sufficient moisture to the
vegetation. The winter moisture accumulation amounts will affect spring
plant growth. Plants may grow as little as a few inches to 1 m. Unless
more rains come in the spring, the soil moisture will be depleted in a
few weeks, growth will slow and ultimately cease, and the perennial
plants will assume their various forms of dormancy (Blaisdell and
Holmgren 1984). If effective rain comes later in the warm season, some
of the species will renew their growth from the stage at which it had
stopped. Others, having died back, will start over as if emerging from
winter dormancy (Blaisdell and Holmgren 1984). *Atriplex confertifolia*
shrubs often develop large leaves in the spring, which increase the rate
of photosynthesis. As soil moisture decreases, the leaves are lost, and
the plant takes on a dead appearance. During late fall, very small
overwintering leaves appear which provide some photosynthetic capability
through the remainder of the year (IVC 1999). Other communities are
maintained by intra- or inter-annual cycles of flooding followed by
extended drought, which favor accumulation of transported salts. The
moisture supporting these intermittently flooded wetlands is usually
derived off-site, and they are dependent upon natural watershed function
for persistence (Reid et al. 1999).

In summary, desert communities of perennial plants are dynamic and
changing. The composition within this system may change dramatically and
may be both cyclic and unidirectional. Superimposed on the compositional
change is great variation from year to year in growth of all the
vegetation, the sum of varying growth responses of individual species to
specific conditions of different years (Blaisdell and Holmgren 1984).
Desert plants grow when temperature is satisfactory, but only if soil
moisture is available at the same time. Because amount of moisture is
variable from year to year and because different species flourish under
different seasons of soil moisture, seldom do all components of the
vegetation thrive in the same year (Blaisdell and Holmgren 1984).

SPATIAL CHARACTERISTICS

SOURCES

**References:** Barbour and Major 1988, Blaisdell and Holmgren 1984,
Branson et al. 1967, Branson et al. 1976, Brown 1982, Campbell 1977,
Comer et al. 2003, Francis 1986, Holland and Keil 1995, Reid et al.
1999, Shiflet 1994, West 1979, West 1982, West 1983b, West and Ibrahim
1968

**Version:** 23 Jan 2006 **Stakeholders:** Midwest, West

**Concept Author:** NatureServe Western Ecology Team **LeadResp:** West

#### CES306.994 Northern Rocky Mountain Montane-Foothill Deciduous Shrubland

**Primary Division:** Rocky Mountain (306)

**Land Cover Class:** Shrubland

**Spatial Scale & Pattern:** Large patch

**Required Classifiers:** Natural/Semi-natural; Vegetated (\>10% vasc.);
Upland

**Diagnostic Classifiers:** Montane \[Lower Montane\]; Lowland
\[Foothill\]; Shrubland (Shrub-dominated); Very Shallow Soil;
Broad-Leaved Deciduous Shrub; Moderate (100-500 yrs) Persistence

**Concept Summary:** This shrubland ecological system is found in the
lower montane and foothill regions around the Columbia Basin, and north
and east into the northern Rockies. These shrublands typically occur
below treeline, within the matrix of surrounding low-elevation
grasslands and sagebrush shrublands. They also occur in the ponderosa
pine and Douglas-fir zones, but rarely up into the subalpine zone (on
dry sites). The shrublands are usually found on steep slopes of canyons
and in areas with some soil development, either loess deposits or
volcanic clays; they occur on all aspects. Fire, flooding and erosion
all impact these shrublands, but they typically will persist on sites
for long periods. These communities develop near talus slopes as
garlands, at the heads of dry drainages, and toeslopes in the moist
shrub-steppe and steppe zones. *Physocarpus malvaceus, Prunus
emarginata, Prunus virginiana, Rosa* spp., *Rhus glabra, Acer glabrum,
Amelanchier alnifolia, Symphoricarpos albus*, and *Holodiscus discolor*
are the most common dominant shrubs, occurring alone or any combination.
*Rubus parviflorus* and *Ceanothus velutinus* are other important shrubs
in this system, being more common in montane occurrences than in
subalpine situations. In moist areas *Crataegus douglasii* can be
common. *Shepherdia canadensis* and *Spiraea betulifolia* can be
abundant in some cases, but also occur in Northern Rocky Mountain
Subalpine Deciduous Shrubland (CES306.961). *Festuca idahoensis, Festuca
campestris, Calamagrostis rubescens, Carex geyeri, Koeleria macrantha,
Pseudoroegneria spicata*, and *Poa secunda* are the most important
grasses. *Achnatherum thurberianum* and *Leymus cinereus* can be locally
important. *Poa pratensis* and *Phleum pratense* are common introduced
grasses. *Geum triflorum, Potentilla gracilis, Lomatium triternatum,
Balsamorhiza sagittata*, and species of *Eriogonum, Phlox*, and
*Erigeron* are important forbs. These occur in the zone of
\"rattlesnakes not grizzly bears.\"

**Comments:** Seral shrub fields of comparable composition that
typically will develop into a seral stage with trees (within 50 years)
are excluded from this shrub system and are included in their
appropriate forest system.

DISTRIBUTION

**Range:** This system is found in the lower montane and foothill
regions around the Columbia Basin, and north and east into the northern
Rockies, including east into central Montana around the \"Sky Island\"
ranges.

**Divisions:** 304:C, 306:C

**TNC Ecoregions:** 6:C, 7:C, 8:C, 26:C, 68:C

**Subnations:** AB, BC, ID, MT, OR, WA

CONCEPT

**Associations:**

-   *Amelanchier alnifolia* / (Mixed Grass, Forb) Shrubland (CEGL005885,
    GNR)

-   *Crataegus douglasii / Rosa woodsii* Shrubland (CEGL001095, G2)

-   *Holodiscus discolor* Shrubland \[Placeholder\] (CEGL003053, G4?)

-   *Physocarpus malvaceus - Symphoricarpos albus* Shrubland
    (CEGL001171, G3)

-   *Prunus virginiana - (Prunus americana)* Shrubland (CEGL001108, G4Q)

-   *Rhamnus alnifolia* Shrubland (CEGL001132, G3)

-   *Rhus glabra / Aristida purpurea* var. *longiseta* Shrub Herbaceous
    Vegetation (CEGL001507, G1)

-   *Rhus glabra / Pseudoroegneria spicata* Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001122, G2)

-   *Ribes lacustre / Chamerion angustifolium* Shrubland \[Provisional\]
    (CEGL005889, G2?)

-   *Rosa woodsii* Shrubland (CEGL001126, G5)

-   *Spiraea betulifolia* Shrubland (CEGL005835, G3?)

-   *Spiraea douglasii* Shrubland (CEGL001129, G5)

-   *Symphoricarpos albus - Rosa nutkana* Shrubland (CEGL001130, G3)

-   *Symphoricarpos albus* Shrubland (CEGL005890, G4?)

**Alliances:**

-   *Amelanchier alnifolia* Shrubland Alliance (A.913)

-   *Crataegus douglasii* Shrubland Alliance (A.917)

-   *Holodiscus discolor* Shrubland Alliance (A.901)

-   *Physocarpus malvaceus* Shrubland Alliance (A.928)

-   *Prunus virginiana* Shrubland Alliance (A.919)

-   *Rhamnus alnifolia* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.962)

-   *Rhus glabra* Shrub Herbaceous Alliance (A.1536)

-   *Ribes lacustre* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.970)

-   *Rosa woodsii* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.959)

-   *Spiraea betulifolia* Shrubland Alliance (A.2636)

-   *Spiraea douglasii* Seasonally Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.997)

-   *Symphoricarpos albus* Shrubland Alliance (A.925)

SPATIAL CHARACTERISTICS

SOURCES

**References:** Comer et al. 2003, Ecosystems Working Group 1998,
Franklin and Dyrness 1973, Hall 1973, Johnson and Clausnitzer 1992,
Johnson and Simon 1987, Poulton 1955, Shiflet 1994, Tisdale 1986

**Version:** 23 Jan 2006 **Stakeholders:** Canada, West

**Concept Author:** M. Reid, J. Kagan **LeadResp:** West

## Steppe/Savanna

#### CES304.080 Columbia Plateau Low Sagebrush Steppe

**Primary Division:** Inter-Mountain Basins (304)

**Land Cover Class:** Steppe/Savanna

**Spatial Scale & Pattern:** Large patch

**Required Classifiers:** Natural/Semi-natural; Vegetated (\>10% vasc.);
Upland

**Diagnostic Classifiers:** Lowland \[Foothill, Lowland\]; Shrubland
(Shrub-dominated); Ridge/Summit/Upper Slope; Sideslope; Shallow Soil;
Silt Soil Texture; Clay Soil Texture; Aridic; W-Landscape/High
Intensity; Low Artemisia spp.

**Concept Summary:** This matrix ecological system is composed of
sagebrush dwarf-shrub-steppe that occurs in a variety of shallow-soil
habitats throughout eastern Oregon, northern Nevada and southern Idaho.
*Artemisia arbuscula ssp. arbuscula* and close relatives (*Artemisia
arbuscula ssp. longiloba* and occasionally *Artemisia nova*) form stands
that typically occur on mountain ridges and flanks and broad terraces,
ranging from 1000 to 3000 m in elevation. Substrates are shallow,
fine-textured soils, poorly drained clays, shallow-soiled areas, almost
always very stony, characterized by recent rhyolite or basalt. Other
shrubs and dwarf-shrubs present may include *Purshia tridentata,
Eriogonum* spp., and other species of *Artemisia*. Common graminoids
include *Festuca idahoensis, Koeleria macrantha, Pseudoroegneria
spicata*, and *Poa secunda*. Many forbs also occur and may dominate the
herbaceous vegetation, especially at the higher elevations. Isolated
individuals of *Juniperus occidentalis* (western juniper) and
*Cercocarpus ledifolius* (mountain-mahogany) can often be found in this
system.

DISTRIBUTION

**Range:** This system is found throughout the basins of eastern Oregon
and southern Idaho, south into northern Nevada and northeastern
California.

**Divisions:** 304:C

**TNC Ecoregions:** 6:C, 11:C

**Subnations:** CA, ID, MT?, NV, OR, WY?

CONCEPT

**Associations:**

-   *Artemisia arbuscula* ssp. *arbuscula - Artemisia tridentata* ssp.
    *vaseyana / Festuca idahoensis* Shrubland \[Provisional\]
    (CEGL002982, GNR)

-   *Artemisia arbuscula* ssp. *arbuscula - Purshia tridentata /
    Pseudoroegneria spicata - Festuca idahoensis* Shrub Herbaceous
    Vegetation (CEGL001518, G2G3)

-   *Artemisia arbuscula* ssp. *arbuscula / Achnatherum thurberianum*
    Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001413, G4G5)

-   *Artemisia arbuscula* ssp. *arbuscula / Festuca idahoensis* Shrub
    Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001409, G5)

-   *Artemisia arbuscula* ssp. *arbuscula / Leymus salinus* ssp.
    *salmonis* Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001410, G1G2Q)

-   *Artemisia arbuscula* ssp. *arbuscula / Poa secunda* Shrub
    Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001411, G5)

-   *Artemisia arbuscula* ssp. *arbuscula / Pseudoroegneria spicata*
    Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001412, G5)

-   *Artemisia arbuscula* ssp. *longiloba / Festuca idahoensis* Shrub
    Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001522, G3)

-   *Artemisia arbuscula* ssp. *longiloba / Pascopyrum smithii* Shrub
    Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001415, GU)

-   *Artemisia arbuscula* ssp. *longiloba / Poa secunda* Shrub
    Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001523, G3Q)

-   *Artemisia arbuscula* ssp. *longiloba / Pseudoroegneria spicata*
    Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001416, GNR)

-   *Artemisia arbuscula* ssp. *longiloba* Shrubland (CEGL001414, G4G5)

**Alliances:**

-   *Artemisia arbuscula* ssp. *arbuscula* Shrub Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1566)

-   *Artemisia arbuscula* ssp. *arbuscula* Shrubland Alliance (A.2547)

-   *Artemisia arbuscula* ssp. *longiloba* Shrub Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.2552)

-   *Artemisia arbuscula* ssp. *longiloba* Shrubland Alliance (A.2549)

SPATIAL CHARACTERISTICS

SOURCES

**References:** Shiflet 1994, West 1983a, Western Ecology Working Group
n.d.

**Version:** 08 Sep 2004 **Stakeholders:** West

**Concept Author:** J. Kagan **LeadResp:** West

#### CES304.778 Inter-Mountain Basins Big Sagebrush Steppe

**Primary Division:** Inter-Mountain Basins (304)

**Land Cover Class:** Steppe/Savanna

**Spatial Scale & Pattern:** Large patch

**Required Classifiers:** Natural/Semi-natural; Vegetated (\>10% vasc.);
Upland

**Diagnostic Classifiers:** Lowland \[Lowland\]; Deep Soil; Aridic;
Xeromorphic Shrub; Bunch grasses; Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata

**Concept Summary:** This widespread matrix-forming ecological system
occurs throughout much of the Columbia Plateau and northern Great Basin
and Wyoming and north and east onto the western fringe of the Great
Plains in Montana and South Dakota. It is found at slightly higher
elevations farther south. In central Montana, this system differs
slightly with more summer rain than winter precipitation, more
precipitation annually, and it occurs on glaciated landscapes. Soils are
typically deep and non-saline, often with a microphytic crust. This
shrub-steppe is dominated by perennial grasses and forbs (\>25% cover)
with *Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata, Artemisia tridentata ssp.
xericensis, Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis, Artemisia tripartita
ssp. tripartita, Artemisia cana ssp cana*, and/or *Purshia tridentata*
dominating or codominating the open to moderately dense (10-40% cover)
shrub layer. *Atriplex confertifolia, Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus,
Ericameria nauseosa, Sarcobatus vermiculatus, Tetradymia* spp., or
*Artemisia frigida* may be common especially in disturbed stands. In
Montana and Wyoming, stands are more mesic, with more biomass of grass,
have less shrub diversity than stands farther west, and 50 to 90% of the
occurrences are dominated by *Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis*
with *Pascopyrum smithii*. In addition, *Bromus japonicus* and *Bromus
tectorum* are indicators of disturbance, and *Bromus tectorum* is never
as abundant as in the Intermountain West, primarily due to a colder
climate. Associated graminoids include *Achnatherum hymenoides,
Calamagrostis montanensis, Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus, Festuca
idahoensis, Festuca campestris* (in Montana there is an absence of
*Festuca*, except *Vulpia octoflora*), *Koeleria macrantha, Poa secunda,
Pascopyrum smithii, Hesperostipa comata, Nassella viridula, Bouteloua
gracilis*, and *Pseudoroegneria spicata*. Common forbs are *Phlox
hoodii, Arenaria* spp., *Opuntia* spp., *Sphaeralcea coccinea, Dalea
purpurea, Liatris punctata*, and *Astragalus* spp. Areas with deeper
soils more commonly support *Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata* but
have largely been converted for other land uses. The natural fire regime
of this ecological system likely maintains a patchy distribution of
shrubs, so the general aspect of the vegetation is a grassland. Shrubs
may increase following heavy grazing and/or with fire suppression,
particularly in moist portions of the northern Columbia Plateau where it
forms a landscape mosaic pattern with shallow-soil scabland shrublands.
Where fire frequency has allowed for shifts to a native grassland
condition, maintained without significant shrub invasion over a 50- to
70-year interval, the area would be considered Columbia Basin Foothill
and Canyon Dry Grassland (CES304.993).

DISTRIBUTION

**Range:** This system occurs throughout much of the Columbia Plateau,
the northern Great Basin and Wyoming, and is found at slightly higher
elevations farther south.

**Divisions:** 304:C, 306:C

**TNC Ecoregions:** 4:C, 6:C, 8:C, 9:C, 10:C, 11:C, 20:C, 26:C

**Subnations:** BC, CA, CO, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY

CONCEPT

**Associations:**

-   *Artemisia cana* ssp. *cana / Pascopyrum smithii* Shrub Herbaceous
    Vegetation (CEGL001556, G4)

-   *Artemisia tridentata (*ssp. *tridentata,* ssp. *xericensis) /
    Pseudoroegneria spicata - Poa secunda* Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001019, G1)

-   *Artemisia tridentata (*ssp. *tridentata,* ssp. *xericensis) /
    Pseudoroegneria spicata* Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001018,
    G2G4)

-   *Artemisia tridentata / Festuca idahoensis* Shrub Herbaceous
    Vegetation (CEGL001530, G4Q)

-   *Artemisia tridentata / Leymus cinereus* Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001458, G2G4)

-   *Artemisia tridentata / Sporobolus cryptandrus - Achnatherum
    hymenoides* Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001545, G2?)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *tridentata - Grayia spinosa* Shrubland
    (CEGL001004, G5)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *tridentata / Distichlis spicata*
    Shrubland (CEGL001000, G5)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *tridentata / Festuca idahoensis*
    Shrubland (CEGL001014, G4?)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *tridentata / Hesperostipa comata*
    Shrubland (CEGL002966, G4?)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *tridentata / Leymus cinereus* Shrubland
    (CEGL001016, G2)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *tridentata / Pascopyrum smithii -
    (Elymus lanceolatus)* Shrubland (CEGL001017, G3?)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *tridentata / Pleuraphis jamesii*
    Shrubland (CEGL001015, G2G4)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *tridentata / Poa secunda* Shrubland
    (CEGL001008, G3G5)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *wyomingensis* / Mixed Grasses Shrub
    Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001534, G5)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *wyomingensis / Pascopyrum smithii*
    Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001047, G4)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *wyomingensis / Pseudoroegneria spicata*
    Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001535, G4)

-   *Artemisia tripartita* ssp. *tripartita / Festuca campestris* Shrub
    Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001537, G2?)

-   *Artemisia tripartita* ssp. *tripartita / Festuca idahoensis* Shrub
    Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001536, G3)

-   *Artemisia tripartita* ssp. *tripartita / Hesperostipa comata* Shrub
    Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001539, G1)

-   *Artemisia tripartita* ssp. *tripartita / Leymus cinereus* Shrub
    Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL002994, GU)

-   *Artemisia tripartita* ssp. *tripartita / Pseudoroegneria spicata*
    Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001538, G2G3)

-   *Purshia tridentata / Festuca campestris* Shrub Herbaceous
    Vegetation (CEGL001494, G2?)

-   *Purshia tridentata / Festuca idahoensis* Shrub Herbaceous
    Vegetation (CEGL002674, G3G5)

-   *Purshia tridentata / Hesperostipa comata* Shrub Herbaceous
    Vegetation (CEGL001498, G2)

-   *Purshia tridentata / Poa secunda* Shrubland (CEGL001059, G1?Q)

-   *Purshia tridentata / Pseudoroegneria spicata* Shrub Herbaceous
    Vegetation (CEGL001495, G3)

**Alliances:**

-   *Artemisia cana* ssp. *cana* Shrub Herbaceous Alliance (A.2554)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* (ssp. *tridentata*, ssp. *xericensis*) Shrub
    Herbaceous Alliance (A.1522)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* (ssp. *tridentata*, ssp. *xericensis*)
    Shrubland Alliance (A.830)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* Shrub Herbaceous Alliance (A.1521)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *wyomingensis* Shrub Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1527)

-   *Artemisia tripartita* ssp. *tripartita* Shrub Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1528)

-   *Purshia tridentata* Shrub Herbaceous Alliance (A.1523)

-   *Purshia tridentata* Shrubland Alliance (A.825)

-   *Sporobolus cryptandrus* Shrub Herbaceous Alliance (A.1525)

**Dynamics:** The natural fire regime of this ecological system likely
maintains patchy distribution of shrubs, so the general aspect of the
vegetation is a grassland. Shrubs may increase following heavy grazing
and/or with fire suppression, particularly in moist portions of the
northern Columbia Plateau where it forms a landscape mosaic pattern with
shallow-soil scabland shrublands. Response to grazing can be variable
depending on the type of grazer and the season in which grazing occurs.
*Hesperostipa comata* can increase in abundance in response to either
grazing or fire. In central and eastern Montana (and possibly
elsewhere), complexes of prairie dog towns are common in this ecological
system. Microphytic crust is very important in this ecological system.

SPATIAL CHARACTERISTICS

SOURCES

**References:** Barbour and Major 1977, Barbour and Major 1988, Comer et
al. 2003, Daubenmire 1970, Ecosystems Working Group 1998, Knight 1994,
Mueggler and Stewart 1980, Shiflet 1994, West 1983c

**Version:** 20 Apr 2006 **Stakeholders:** Canada, Midwest, West

**Concept Author:** NatureServe Western Ecology Team **LeadResp:** West

#### CES304.782 Inter-Mountain Basins Juniper Savanna

**Primary Division:** Inter-Mountain Basins (304)

**Land Cover Class:** Steppe/Savanna

**Spatial Scale & Pattern:** Large patch

**Required Classifiers:** Natural/Semi-natural; Vegetated (\>10% vasc.);
Upland

**Diagnostic Classifiers:** Temperate \[Temperate Continental\];
Intermediate Disturbance Interval; F-Landscape/Medium Intensity;
Evergreen Sclerophyllous Tree; Graminoid

**Concept Summary:** This widespread ecological system occupies dry
foothills and sandsheets of western Colorado, northwestern New Mexico,
northern Arizona, Utah, west into the Great Basin of Nevada and southern
Idaho. It is typically found at lower elevations ranging from 1500-2300
m. This system is generally found at lower elevations and more xeric
sites than Great Basin Pinyon-Juniper Woodland (CES304.773) or Colorado
Plateau Pinyon-Juniper Woodland (CES304.767). These occurrences are
found on lower mountain slopes, hills, plateaus, basins and flats often
where juniper is expanding into semi-desert grasslands and steppe. The
vegetation is typically open savanna, although there may be inclusions
of more dense juniper woodlands. This savanna is typically dominated by
*Juniperus osteosperma* trees with high cover of perennial bunch grasses
and forbs, with *Bouteloua gracilis, Hesperostipa comata*, and
*Pleuraphis jamesii* being most common. In the southern Colorado
Plateau, *Juniperus monosperma* or juniper hybrids may dominate the tree
layer. Pinyon trees are typically not present because sites are outside
the ecological or geographic range of *Pinus edulis* and *Pinus
monophylla*.

DISTRIBUTION

**Range:** This juniper savanna occurs from northwestern New Mexico,
northern Arizona, western Colorado, Utah, west into the Great Basin of
Nevada and southern Idaho.

**Divisions:** 304:C, 306:C

**TNC Ecoregions:** 6:C, 9:C, 10:C, 11:C, 18:C, 19:C, 20:C, 21:C

**Subnations:** AZ, CA, CO, ID, NM, NV, OR, UT, WY

CONCEPT

**Associations:**

-   *Juniperus monosperma / Andropogon hallii* Woodland (CEGL000704,
    G3?)

-   *Juniperus monosperma / Bouteloua curtipendula* Woodland
    (CEGL000708, G5)

-   *Juniperus monosperma / Bouteloua eriopoda* Woodland (CEGL000709,
    GNR)

-   *Juniperus monosperma / Bouteloua gracilis* Woodland (CEGL000710,
    G5)

-   *Juniperus monosperma / Cercocarpus montanus - Ribes cereum*
    Woodland (CEGL000714, GU)

-   *Juniperus monosperma / Cercocarpus montanus* Woodland (CEGL000713,
    GNR)

-   *Juniperus monosperma / Hesperostipa neomexicana* Woodland
    (CEGL000722, G4)

-   *Juniperus osteosperma / Hesperostipa comata* Wooded Herbaceous
    Vegetation (CEGL001489, G1Q)

-   *Juniperus osteosperma / Hesperostipa neomexicana* Woodland
    (CEGL000740, GUQ)

-   *Juniperus osteosperma / Leymus salinus* ssp. *salmonis* Wooded
    Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001488, G1Q)

-   *Juniperus osteosperma / Pleuraphis mutica* Woodland (CEGL000736,
    G2)

-   *Juniperus osteosperma / Pseudoroegneria spicata* Woodland
    (CEGL000738, G4)

-   *Juniperus osteosperma / Symphoricarpos oreophilus* Woodland
    (CEGL000741, GU)

-   *Juniperus scopulorum / Pseudoroegneria spicata* Woodland
    (CEGL000748, G4)

-   *Juniperus scopulorum / Schizachyrium scoparium* Woodland
    (CEGL000750, G2)

**Alliances:**

-   *Juniperus monosperma* Woodland Alliance (A.504)

-   *Juniperus osteosperma* Wooded Herbaceous Alliance (A.1502)

-   *Juniperus osteosperma* Woodland Alliance (A.536)

-   *Juniperus scopulorum* Woodland Alliance (A.506)

SPATIAL CHARACTERISTICS

SOURCES

**References:** Bassett et al. 1987, Blackburn and Tueller 1970, Comer
et al. 2003, Eyre 1980, Fitzhugh et al. 1987, Francis 1986, Knight 1994,
Larson and Moir 1986, Larson and Moir 1987, Shiflet 1994, Tuhy et al.
2002

**Version:** 05 Oct 2004 **Stakeholders:** West

**Concept Author:** NatureServe Western Ecology Team **LeadResp:** West

#### CES304.785 Inter-Mountain Basins Montane Sagebrush Steppe

**Primary Division:** Inter-Mountain Basins (304)

**Land Cover Class:** Steppe/Savanna

**Spatial Scale & Pattern:** Matrix

**Required Classifiers:** Natural/Semi-natural; Vegetated (\>10% vasc.);
Upland

**Diagnostic Classifiers:** Montane \[Upper Montane, Montane, Lower
Montane\]; Woody-Herbaceous

**Concept Summary:** This ecological system includes sagebrush
communities occurring at montane and subalpine elevations across the
western U.S. from 1000 m in eastern Oregon and Washington to over 3000 m
in the southern Rockies. In Montana, it occurs on mountain \"islands\"
in the north-central portion of the state and possibly along the Boulder
River south of Absarokee and at higher elevations. In British Columbia,
it occurs between 450 and 1650 m in the southern Fraser Plateau and the
Thompson and Okanagan basins. Climate is cool, semi-arid to subhumid.
This system primarily occurs on deep-soiled to stony flats, ridges,
nearly flat ridgetops, and mountain slopes. In general, this system
shows an affinity for mild topography, fine soils, and some source of
subsurface moisture. Across its range of distribution, this is a
compositionally diverse system. It is composed primarily of *Artemisia
tridentata ssp. vaseyana, Artemisia cana ssp. viscidula*, and related
taxa such as *Artemisia tridentata ssp. spiciformis (= Artemisia
spiciformis)*. *Purshia tridentata* may codominate or even dominate some
stands. *Artemisia arbuscula ssp. arbuscula*-dominated shrublands
commonly occur within this system. Other common shrubs include
*Symphoricarpos* spp., *Amelanchier* spp., *Ericameria nauseosa,
Peraphyllum ramosissimum, Ribes cereum*, and *Chrysothamnus
viscidiflorus*. Most stands have an abundant perennial herbaceous layer
(over 25% cover), but this system also includes *Artemisia tridentata
ssp. vaseyana* shrublands. Common graminoids include *Festuca arizonica,
Festuca idahoensis, Hesperostipa comata, Poa fendleriana, Elymus
trachycaulus, Bromus carinatus, Poa secunda, Leucopoa kingii,
Deschampsia caespitosa, Calamagrostis rubescens*, and *Pseudoroegneria
spicata*. In many areas, frequent wildfires maintain an open
herbaceous-rich steppe condition, although at most sites, shrub cover
can be unusually high for a steppe system (\>40%), with the moisture
providing equally high grass and forb cover.

DISTRIBUTION

**Range:** This system is found at montane and subalpine elevations
across the western U.S. from 1000 m in eastern Oregon and Washington to
over 3000 m in the southern Rockies. In British Columbia, it occurs in
the southern Fraser Plateau and the Thompson and Okanagan basins. This
system occurs in mapzone 20 on the Rocky Mountain island ranges and on
the western edge with mapzone 19.

**Divisions:** 304:C, 306:C

**TNC Ecoregions:** 6:C, 7:C, 8:C, 9:C, 12:C, 18:C, 19:C, 20:C, 26:C,
68:C

**Subnations:** AZ?, BC, CA, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY

CONCEPT

**Associations:**

-   *Artemisia arbuscula* ssp. *arbuscula - Artemisia tridentata* ssp.
    *vaseyana / Festuca idahoensis* Shrubland \[Provisional\]
    (CEGL002982, GNR)

-   *Artemisia arbuscula* ssp. *arbuscula - Purshia tridentata /
    Pseudoroegneria spicata - Festuca idahoensis* Shrub Herbaceous
    Vegetation (CEGL001518, G2G3)

-   *Artemisia arbuscula* ssp. *arbuscula / Achnatherum thurberianum*
    Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001413, G4G5)

-   *Artemisia arbuscula* ssp. *arbuscula / Eriogonum microthecum*
    Shrubland (CEGL003483, G2G3)

-   *Artemisia arbuscula* ssp. *arbuscula / Festuca idahoensis* Shrub
    Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001409, G5)

-   *Artemisia arbuscula* ssp. *arbuscula / Leptodactylon pungens*
    Shrubland (CEGL003482, G4?)

-   *Artemisia arbuscula* ssp. *arbuscula / Leymus salinus* ssp.
    *salmonis* Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001410, G1G2Q)

-   *Artemisia arbuscula* ssp. *arbuscula / Poa secunda* Shrub
    Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001411, G5)

-   *Artemisia arbuscula* ssp. *arbuscula / Pseudoroegneria spicata*
    Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001412, G5)

-   *Artemisia arbuscula* ssp. *thermopola / Festuca idahoensis* Shrub
    Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001519, G2)

-   *Artemisia rothrockii / Monardella odoratissima* Shrubland
    (CEGL008652, G3?)

-   *Artemisia rothrockii* Shrubland \[Provisional\] (CEGL003014, G3?)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* (ssp. *vaseyana*, ssp. *wyomingensis*) -
    *Amelanchier utahensis* Shrubland (CEGL002820, GNR)

-   *Artemisia tridentata / Festuca idahoensis* Shrub Herbaceous
    Vegetation (CEGL001530, G4Q)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* Upperzone Community Shrubland (CEGL001013,
    G5?)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *spiciformis / Bromus carinatus*
    Shrubland (CEGL002989, GNR)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *spiciformis / Carex geyeri* Shrubland
    (CEGL002990, GNR)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *spiciformis* Shrub Herbaceous
    Vegetation \[Provisional\] (CEGL002993, GNR)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana - Purshia tridentata /
    Pseudoroegneria spicata* Shrubland (CEGL001032, G5?)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana - Symphoricarpos oreophilus /
    Bromus carinatus* Shrubland (CEGL001035, G4Q)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana - Symphoricarpos oreophilus /
    Elymus trachycaulus* ssp. *trachycaulus* Shrubland (CEGL001034,
    G3G4)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana - Symphoricarpos oreophilus /
    Festuca idahoensis* Shrubland (CEGL001036, G4)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana - Symphoricarpos oreophilus /
    Hesperostipa comata* Shrubland (CEGL001039, G3?)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana - Symphoricarpos oreophilus /
    Poa secunda* Shrubland (CEGL001037, G5?)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana - Symphoricarpos oreophilus /
    Pseudoroegneria spicata* Shrubland (CEGL001038, G5?)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana / Achnatherum lettermanii*
    Shrubland (CEGL002811, GNR)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana / Achnatherum occidentale*
    Shrubland (CEGL001033, G2)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana / Balsamorhiza sagittata*
    Shrubland (CEGL001020, GNR)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana / Bromus carinatus* Shrubland
    (CEGL001021, G4?)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana / Carex exserta* Shrubland
    (CEGL008651, GNR)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana / Carex geyeri* Shrub
    Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001532, G3)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana / Festuca campestris* Shrub
    Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001531, G3Q)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana / Festuca idahoensis - Bromus
    carinatus* Shrubland (CEGL001023, G4Q)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana / Festuca idahoensis* Shrub
    Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001533, G5)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana / Festuca thurberi* Shrubland
    (CEGL001024, G3G4)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana / Hesperostipa comata*
    Shrubland (CEGL002931, GNR)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana / Leucopoa kingii - Koeleria
    macrantha* Shrubland (CEGL001026, G4)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana / Leucopoa kingii* Shrubland
    (CEGL001025, G3)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana / Leymus cinereus* Shrubland
    (CEGL001027, G4?)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana / Monardella odoratissima*
    Shrubland (CEGL003476, GNR)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana / Pascopyrum smithii*
    Shrubland (CEGL001028, G3?)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana / Phlox condensata* Shrubland
    (CEGL002770, GNR)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana / Poa fendleriana* Shrubland
    (CEGL002812, GNR)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana / Poa secunda* Shrubland
    (CEGL001029, G3)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana / Pseudoroegneria spicata -
    Poa fendleriana* Shrubland (CEGL001031, G5)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana / Pseudoroegneria spicata*
    Shrubland (CEGL001030, G5)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *wyomingensis - Peraphyllum ramosissimum
    / Festuca idahoensis* Shrubland (CEGL001048, G2)

**Alliances:**

-   *Artemisia arbuscula* ssp. *arbuscula* Shrub Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1566)

-   *Artemisia arbuscula* ssp. *arbuscula* Shrubland Alliance (A.2547)

-   *Artemisia arbuscula* ssp. *thermopola* Shrub Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.2553)

-   *Artemisia rothrockii* Shrubland Alliance (A.1098)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* Shrub Herbaceous Alliance (A.1521)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* Shrubland Alliance (A.829)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *spiciformis* Shrub Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.2555)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *spiciformis* Shrubland Alliance
    (A.2550)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana* Shrub Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1526)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana* Shrubland Alliance (A.831)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *wyomingensis* Shrubland Alliance
    (A.832)

**Environment:** This ecological system occurs in many of the western
United States, usually at middle elevations (1000-2500 m). The climate
regime is cool, semi-arid to subhumid, with yearly precipitation ranging
from 25 to 90 cm/year. Much of this precipitation falls as snow.
Temperatures are continental with large annual and diurnal variation. In
general this system shows an affinity for mild topography, fine soils,
and some source of subsurface moisture. Soils generally are moderately
deep to deep, well-drained, and of loam, sandy loam, clay loam, or
gravelly loam textural classes; soils often have a substantial volume of
coarse fragments, and are derived from a variety of parent materials.
This system primarily occurs on deep-soiled to stony flats, ridges,
nearly flat ridgetops, and mountain slopes. All aspects are represented,
but the higher elevation occurrences may be restricted to south- or
west-facing slopes.

**Vegetation:** Vegetation types within this ecological system are
usually less than 1.5 m tall and dominated by *Artemisia tridentata ssp.
vaseyana, Artemisia cana ssp. viscidula*, or *Artemisia tridentata ssp.
spiciformis*. A variety of other shrubs can be found in some
occurrences, but these are seldom dominant. They include *Artemisia
rigida, Artemisia arbuscula, Ericameria nauseosa, Chrysothamnus
viscidiflorus, Symphoricarpos oreophilus, Purshia tridentata,
Peraphyllum ramosissimum, Ribes cereum, Rosa woodsii, Ceanothus
velutinus*, and *Amelanchier alnifolia*. The canopy cover is usually
between 20-80%. The herbaceous layer is usually well represented, but
bare ground may be common in particularly arid or disturbed occurrences.
Graminoids that can be abundant include *Festuca idahoensis, Festuca
thurberi, Festuca ovina, Elymus elymoides, Deschampsia caespitosa,
Danthonia intermedia, Danthonia parryi, Stipa* spp., *Pascopyrum
smithii, Bromus carinatus, Elymus trachycaulus, Koeleria macrantha,
Pseudoroegneria spicata, Poa fendleriana*, or *Poa secunda*, and *Carex*
spp. Forbs are often numerous and an important indicator of health. Forb
species may include *Castilleja, Potentilla, Erigeron, Phlox,
Astragalus, Geum, Lupinus*, and *Eriogonum, Balsamorhiza sagittata,
Achillea millefolium, Antennaria rosea*, and *Eriogonum umbellatum,
Fragaria virginiana, Artemisia ludoviciana, Hymenoxys hoopesii (=
Helenium hoopesii)*, etc.

**Dynamics:** Healthy sagebrush shrublands are very productive, are
often grazed by domestic livestock, and are strongly preferred during
the growing season (Padgett et al. 1989). Prolonged livestock use can
cause a decrease in the abundance of native bunch grasses and increase
in the cover of shrubs and non-native grass species, such as *Poa
pratensis*. *Artemisia cana* resprouts vigorously following spring fire,
and prescribed burning may increase shrub cover. Conversely, fire in the
fall may decrease shrub abundance (Hansen et al. 1995). *Artemisia
tridentata* is generally killed by fires and may take over ten years to
form occurrences of some 20% cover or more. The condition of most
sagebrush steppe has been degraded due to fire suppression and heavy
livestock grazing. It is unclear how long restoration will take to
restore degraded occurrences.

SPATIAL CHARACTERISTICS

SOURCES

**References:** Comer et al. 2003, Ecosystems Working Group 1998, Hansen
et al. 1995, Hironaka et al. 1983, Johnston 2001, Mueggler and Stewart
1980, Neely et al. 2001, Padgett et al. 1989, Shiflet 1994, West 1983c

**Version:** 25 Apr 2006 **Stakeholders:** Canada, Midwest, West

**Concept Author:** NatureServe Western Ecology Team **LeadResp:** West

#### CES304.788 Inter-Mountain Basins Semi-Desert Shrub-Steppe

**Primary Division:** Inter-Mountain Basins (304)

**Land Cover Class:** Steppe/Savanna

**Spatial Scale & Pattern:** Large patch

**Required Classifiers:** Natural/Semi-natural; Vegetated (\>10% vasc.);
Upland

**Diagnostic Classifiers:** Lowland \[Foothill, Lowland\];
Woody-Herbaceous; Temperate \[Temperate Xeric\]; Alkaline Soil; Aridic;
Very Short Disturbance Interval; G-Landscape/High Intensity; Graminoid

**Concept Summary:** This ecological system occurs throughout the
intermountain western U.S., typically at lower elevations on alluvial
fans and flats with moderate to deep soils, and extends into
south-central Montana between the Pryor and Beartooth ranges where a
distinct rainshadow effect occurs. This semi-arid shrub-steppe is
typically dominated by graminoids (\>25% cover) with an open shrub
layer. The most widespread (but not dominant) species is
*Pseudoroegneria spicata*, which occurs from the Columbia Basin to the
northern Rockies. Characteristic grasses include *Achnatherum
hymenoides, Bouteloua gracilis, Distichlis spicata, Poa secunda, Poa
fendleriana, Sporobolus airoides , Hesperostipa comata, Pleuraphis
jamesii*, and *Leymus salinus*. The woody layer is often a mixture of
shrubs and dwarf-shrubs. Characteristic species include *Atriplex
canescens, Artemisia tridentata, Chrysothamnus greenei Chrysothamnus
viscidiflorus, Ephedra* spp., *Ericameria nauseosa, Gutierrezia
sarothrae*, and *Krascheninnikovia lanata*. *Artemisia tridentata* may
be present but does not dominate. Annual grasses, especially the exotics
*Bromus japonicus* and *Bromus tectorum*, may be present to abundant.
Forbs are generally of low importance and are highly variable across the
range but may be diverse in some occurrences. The general aspect of
occurrences may be either open shrubland with patchy grasses or patchy
open herbaceous layer. Disturbance may be important in maintaining the
woody component. Microphytic crust is very important in some stands.

DISTRIBUTION

**Range:** This system occurs throughout the intermountain western U.S.,
typically at lower elevations, and extends into Wyoming and Montana
across the Great Divide Basin. It barely gets as far north into
north-central Montana (mapzone 20) but is unlikely to be mapped.

**Divisions:** 304:C

**TNC Ecoregions:** 4:C, 6:C, 8:C, 9:C, 10:C, 11:C, 18:C, 19:C, 20:C,
21:C

**Subnations:** AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WY

CONCEPT

**Associations:**

-   *Achnatherum speciosum* Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation \[Placeholder\]
    (CEGL003113, G1Q)

-   *Artemisia bigelovii / Bouteloua gracilis* Dwarf-shrub Herbaceous
    Vegetation (CEGL001742, GNR)

-   *Artemisia tridentata - (Ericameria nauseosa) / Bromus tectorum*
    Semi-natural Shrubland (CEGL002699, GNR)

-   *Artemisia tridentata - Atriplex confertifolia* Shrubland
    (CEGL000993, G4)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *wyomingensis / Leymus salinus*
    Shrubland (CEGL002813, GNR)

-   *Atriplex obovata / Sporobolus airoides - Pleuraphis jamesii* Shrub
    Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001775, GU)

-   *Bouteloua eriopoda* Coconino Plateau Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL002787, GNR)

-   *Bouteloua gracilis - Hesperostipa comata* Herbaceous Vegetation
    \[Provisional\] (CEGL002932, GNR)

-   *Bouteloua gracilis* Dwarf-shrub Herbaceous Vegetation
    \[Placeholder\] (CEGL005810, GNR)

-   *Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus - Ericameria parryi* Shrub Herbaceous
    Vegetation \[Provisional\] (CEGL002781, GNR)

-   *Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus / Hesperostipa comata* Shrubland
    (CEGL002799, GNR)

-   *Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus / Leymus salinus* ssp. *salinus* Shrub
    Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001501, G2G4)

-   *Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus / Poa pratensis* Semi-Natural Shrub
    Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL002933, GNR)

-   *Ephedra nevadensis* Basalt Shrubland \[Provisional\] (CEGL002936,
    GNR)

-   *Ephedra torreyana - Artemisia bigelovii* Sparse Vegetation
    (CEGL002350, GNR)

-   *Ephedra torreyana / Achnatherum hymenoides - Pleuraphis jamesii*
    Shrubland (CEGL002352, GNR)

-   *Ephedra viridis / Achnatherum hymenoides - Bouteloua gracilis*
    Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001648, G2G4)

-   *Ephedra viridis / Achnatherum hymenoides - Sporobolus cryptandrus*
    Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001649, G2G4)

-   *Ericameria nauseosa / Bouteloua gracilis* Shrub Herbaceous
    Vegetation (CEGL003495, GNR)

-   *Ericameria nauseosa / Bromus tectorum* Semi-natural Shrubland
    (CEGL002937, GNR)

-   *Ericameria nauseosa / Muhlenbergia pungens - Achnatherum
    hymenoides* Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL002921, GNR)

-   *Ericameria nauseosa / Pleuraphis jamesii - (Hesperostipa comata)*
    Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL002996, GNR)

-   *Ericameria parryi / Achnatherum hymenoides* Shrubland (CEGL003751,
    GNR)

-   *Ericameria parryi / Pleuraphis jamesii - Bouteloua gracilis*
    Shrubland (CEGL001331, GUQ)

-   *Gutierrezia sarothrae* - (*Opuntia* spp.) / *Pleuraphis jamesii*
    Dwarf-shrubland (CEGL002690, GNR)

-   *Gutierrezia sarothrae - Krascheninnikovia lanata - Atriplex
    canescens / Bouteloua eriopoda* Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001733, G2)

-   *Gutierrezia sarothrae / Pleuraphis rigida* Shrub Herbaceous
    Vegetation (CEGL001543, G2Q)

-   *Gutierrezia sarothrae / Sporobolus airoides - Pleuraphis jamesii*
    Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001776, GU)

-   *Krascheninnikovia lanata / Bouteloua gracilis* Dwarf-shrub
    Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001321, G4)

-   *Krascheninnikovia lanata / Pascopyrum smithii - Bouteloua gracilis*
    Dwarf-shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001324, G4)

-   *Krascheninnikovia lanata / Pleuraphis jamesii* Dwarf-shrubland
    (CEGL001322, G3G4)

-   *Krascheninnikovia lanata / Poa secunda* Dwarf-shrubland
    (CEGL001326, G3)

-   *Opuntia polyacantha / Pleuraphis jamesii* Shrubland (CEGL002299,
    GNR)

-   *Poliomintha incana / (Pleuraphis jamesii)* Shrubland (CEGL002930,
    GNR)

**Alliances:**

-   *Achnatherum hymenoides* Shrub Herbaceous Alliance (A.1543)

-   *Achnatherum speciosum* Shrub Herbaceous Alliance (A.1549)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* Shrubland Alliance (A.829)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *wyomingensis* Shrubland Alliance
    (A.832)

-   *Bouteloua eriopoda* Microphyllous Evergreen Shrub Herbaceous
    Alliance (A.1545)

-   *Bouteloua eriopoda* Xeromorphic Shrub Herbaceous Alliance (A.1553)

-   *Bouteloua gracilis* Dwarf-shrub Herbaceous Alliance (A.1571)

-   *Bouteloua gracilis* Herbaceous Alliance (A.1282)

-   *Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus* Shrubland Alliance (A.2651)

-   *Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus* Shrub Herbaceous Alliance (A.1524)

-   *Ephedra nevadensis* Shrubland Alliance (A.857)

-   *Ephedra torreyana* Shrubland Alliance (A.2572)

-   *Ephedra torreyana* Sparsely Vegetated Alliance (A.2571)

-   *Ericameria nauseosa* Shrub Short Herbaceous Alliance (A.1546)

-   *Ericameria nauseosa* Shrubland Alliance (A.835)

-   *Ericameria parryi* Shrubland Alliance (A.818)

-   *Gutierrezia sarothrae* Dwarf-shrubland Alliance (A.2528)

-   *Krascheninnikovia lanata* Dwarf-shrub Herbaceous Alliance (A.1565)

-   *Krascheninnikovia lanata* Dwarf-shrubland Alliance (A.1104)

-   *Opuntia* spp. Shrubland Alliance (A.2650)

-   *Pleuraphis rigida / Gutierrezia sarothrae* Shrub Herbaceous
    Alliance (A.1529)

-   *Poliomintha incana* Shrubland Alliance (A.862)

-   *Sporobolus airoides - (Pleuraphis jamesii)* Shrub Herbaceous
    Alliance (A.1532)

**Environment:** This ecological system occurs throughout the
Intermountain West from the western Great Basin to the northern Rocky
Mountains and Colorado Plateau at elevations ranging from 300 m up to
2500 m. The climate where this system occurs is generally hot in summers
and cold in winters with low annual precipitation, ranging from 18-40 cm
and high inter-annual variation. Much of the precipitation falls as
snow, and growing-season drought is characteristic. Temperatures are
continental with large annual and diurnal variations. Sites are
generally alluvial fans and flats with moderate to deep soils. Some
sites can be flat, poorly drained and intermittently flooded with a
shallow or perched water table often within 1 m depth (West 1983).
Substrates are generally shallow, calcareous, fine-textured soils (clays
to silt-loams), derived from alluvium; or deep, fine to medium-textured
alluvial soils with some source of subirrigation during the summer
season. Soils may be alkaline and typically moderately saline (West
1983). Some occurrences occur on deep, sandy soils, or soils that are
highly calcareous (Hironaka et al. 1983).

**Vegetation:** The plant associations in this system are characterized
by a somewhat sparse to moderately dense (10-70% cover) shrub layer of
*Artemisia filifolia, Ephedra cutleri, Ephedra nevadensis, Ephedra
torreyana, Ephedra viridis, Ericameria nauseosa, Chrysothamnus
viscidiflorus, Gutierrezia sarothrae, Sarcobatus vermiculatus*, or
*Atriplex canescens*. Other shrubs occasionally present include *Purshia
tridentata* and *Tetradymia canescens*. *Artemisia tridentata* may be
present but does not dominate. Trees are very rarely present in this
system, but some individuals of *Pinus ponderosa, Juniperus scopulorum,
Juniperus occidentalis*, or *Cercocarpus ledifolius* may occur. The
herbaceous layer is dominated by bunch grasses which occupy patches in
the shrub matrix. The most widespread species is *Pseudoroegneria
spicata*, which occurs from the Columbia Basin to the northern Rockies.
Other locally dominant or important species include *Sporobolus
airoides, Leymus cinereus, Festuca idahoensis, Pascopyrum smithii,
Bouteloua gracilis, Distichlis spicata, Pleuraphis jamesii, Elymus
lanceolatus, Elymus elymoides, Koeleria macrantha, Muhlenbergia
richardsonis, Hesperostipa comata*, and *Poa secunda*. Annual grasses,
especially the exotics *Bromus japonicus* and *Bromus tectorum*, may be
present to abundant. Forbs are generally of low importance and are
highly variable across the range, but may be diverse in some
occurrences. Species that often occur are *Symphyotrichum ascendens (=
Aster adscendens), Collinsia parviflora, Penstemon caespitosus, Achillea
millefolium, Erigeron compositus, Senecio* spp, and *Taraxacum
officinale*. Other important genera include *Astragalus, Oenothera,
Eriogonum*, and *Balsamorhiza*. Mosses and lichens may be important
ground cover. Forbs are common on disturbed weedy sites. Weedy annual
forbs may include the exotics *Descurainia* spp., *Helianthus annuus,
Halogeton glomeratus, Lactuca serriola*, and *Lepidium perfoliatum*.

SPATIAL CHARACTERISTICS

SOURCES

**References:** Branson et al. 1976, Comer et al. 2003, Hanson 1929,
Hironaka et al. 1983, Shiflet 1994, Tuhy et al. 2002, West 1983e

**Version:** 20 Apr 2006 **Stakeholders:** West

**Concept Author:** NatureServe Western Ecology Team **LeadResp:** West

## Herbaceous

#### CES304.993 Columbia Basin Foothill and Canyon Dry Grassland

**Primary Division:** Inter-Mountain Basins (304)

**Land Cover Class:** Herbaceous

**Spatial Scale & Pattern:** Large patch

**Required Classifiers:** Natural/Semi-natural; Vegetated (\>10% vasc.);
Upland

**Diagnostic Classifiers:** Lowland \[Foothill, Lowland\]; Sideslope;
Very Shallow Soil; Landslide; Graminoid

**Concept Summary:** These grasslands are similar floristically to
Columbia Basin Palouse Prairie (CES304.792) but are distinguished by
landform, soil, and process characteristics. They occur in the canyons
and valleys of the Columbia Basin, particularly along the Snake River
canyon, the lower foothill slopes of the Blue Mountains, and along the
main stem of the Columbia River in eastern Washington. Occurrences are
found on steep open slopes, from 90 to 1525 m (300-5000 feet) elevation.
Annual precipitation is low, ranging from 4 to 10 cm. Settings are
primarily long, steep slopes of 100 m to well over 400 m, with soils
derived from residuum and having patchy, thin, wind-blown surface
deposits. Slope failures are a common process. Fire frequency is
presumed to be less than 20 years. The vegetation is dominated by patchy
graminoid cover, cacti, and some forbs. *Pseudoroegneria spicata,
Festuca idahoensis*, and *Opuntia polyacantha* are common species.
Deciduous shrubs *Symphoricarpos* spp., *Physocarpus malvaceus,
Holodiscus discolor*, and *Ribes* spp. are infrequent native species
that may increase with fire exclusion.

DISTRIBUTION

**Range:** Occurs in the canyons and valleys of the Columbia Basin,
particularly along the Snake River canyon, the lower foothill slopes of
the Blue Mountains, and along the main stem of the Columbia River in
eastern Washington, on steep open slopes, from 90 to 1525 m (300-5000
feet) elevation.

**Divisions:** 304:C, 306:C

**TNC Ecoregions:** 6:C, 8:C, 68:P

**Subnations:** ID, OR, WA

CONCEPT

**Associations:**

-   *Aristida purpurea* var. *longiseta - Poa secunda* Herbaceous
    Vegetation (CEGL001781, G3)

-   *Aristida purpurea* var. *longiseta - Pseudoroegneria spicata -
    Sporobolus cryptandrus* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001589, G2)

-   *Aristida purpurea* var. *longiseta - Sporobolus cryptandrus*
    Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001515, G1)

-   *Pseudoroegneria spicata - Festuca idahoensis* Canyon Herbaceous
    Vegetation (CEGL001669, G3)

-   *Pseudoroegneria spicata - Opuntia polyacantha - (Poa secunda)*
    Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001673, G3)

-   *Sporobolus cryptandrus - Poa secunda* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001516, G2)

**Alliances:**

-   *Poa secunda* Herbaceous Alliance (A.1291)

-   *Pseudoroegneria spicata* Herbaceous Alliance (A.1265)

-   *Sporobolus cryptandrus* Herbaceous Alliance (A.1252)

SPATIAL CHARACTERISTICS

SOURCES

**References:** Comer et al. 2003, Hall 1973, Johnson and Clausnitzer
1992, Johnson and Simon 1985, Shiflet 1994, Tisdale 1986, Tisdale and
Bramble-Brodahl 1983

**Version:** 08 Sep 2004 **Stakeholders:** West

**Concept Author:** R. Crawford, J. Kagan, M. Reid **LeadResp:** West

#### CES304.787 Inter-Mountain Basins Semi-Desert Grassland 

**Primary Division:** Inter-Mountain Basins (304)

**Land Cover Class:** Herbaceous

**Spatial Scale & Pattern:** Large patch

**Required Classifiers:** Natural/Semi-natural; Vegetated (\>10% vasc.);
Upland

**Diagnostic Classifiers:** Lowland \[Foothill, Lowland\]; Herbaceous;
Temperate \[Temperate Xeric\]; Alkaline Soil; Aridic; Graminoid

**Concept Summary:** This widespread ecological system occurs throughout
the Intermountain western U.S. on dry plains and mesas, at approximately
1450 to 2320 m (4750-7610 feet) elevation. These grasslands occur in
lowland and upland areas and may occupy swales, playas, mesatops,
plateau parks, alluvial flats, and plains, but sites are typically
xeric. Substrates are often well-drained sandy or loamy-textured soils
derived from sedimentary parent materials but are quite variable and may
include fine-textured soils derived from igneous and metamorphic rocks.
When they occur near foothill grasslands they will be at lower
elevations. The dominant perennial bunch grasses and shrubs within this
system are all very drought-resistant plants. These grasslands are
typically dominated or codominated by *Achnatherum hymenoides, Aristida*
spp., *Bouteloua gracilis, Hesperostipa comata, Muhlenbergia* spp., or
*Pleuraphis jamesii* and may include scattered shrubs and dwarf-shrubs
of species of *Artemisia, Atriplex, Coleogyne, Ephedra, Gutierrezia*, or
*Krascheninnikovia lanata*.

DISTRIBUTION

**Range:** This system occurs throughout the Intermountain western U.S.
on dry plains and mesas, at approximately 1450 to 2320 m (4750-7610
feet) in elevation.

**Divisions:** 304:C, 306:C

**TNC Ecoregions:** 4:C, 6:C, 8:C, 9:C, 10:C, 11:C, 18:C, 19:C, 20:C,
21:C

**Subnations:** AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT?, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY

CONCEPT

**Associations:**

-   *Achnatherum hymenoides - Sporobolus contractus* Herbaceous
    Vegetation (CEGL001652, G2G4)

-   *Achnatherum hymenoides* Colorado Plateau Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL002343, GNR)

-   *Achnatherum lettermanii - Oxytropis oreophila* Herbaceous
    Vegetation (CEGL002734, G2?)

-   *Achnatherum nelsonii - Koeleria macrantha* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001707, GNR)

-   *Achnatherum speciosum* Herbaceous Vegetation \[Placeholder\]
    (CEGL003112, G1Q)

-   *Aristida purpurea* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL005800, GNR)

-   *Aristida purpurea* var. *longiseta - Poa secunda* Herbaceous
    Vegetation (CEGL001781, G3)

-   *Aristida purpurea* var. *longiseta - Pseudoroegneria spicata -
    Sporobolus cryptandrus* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001589, G2)

-   *Aristida purpurea* var. *longiseta - Sporobolus cryptandrus*
    Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001515, G1)

-   *Atriplex obovata / Sporobolus airoides - Pleuraphis jamesii* Shrub
    Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001775, GU)

-   *Bouteloua eriopoda - Hesperostipa neomexicana* Herbaceous
    Vegetation (CEGL001753, GNRQ)

-   *Bouteloua eriopoda - Pleuraphis jamesii* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001751, G3)

-   *Bouteloua eriopoda* Semi-desert Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001752,
    G2Q)

-   *Bouteloua gracilis - Bouteloua curtipendula* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001754, G5)

-   *Bouteloua gracilis - Bouteloua hirsuta* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001755, G3G4)

-   *Bouteloua gracilis - Hesperostipa comata* Herbaceous Vegetation
    \[Provisional\] (CEGL002932, GNR)

-   *Bouteloua gracilis - Pleuraphis jamesii* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001759, G2G4)

-   *Bouteloua gracilis* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001760, G4Q)

-   *Bouteloua hirsuta - Bouteloua radicosa* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001765, G2)

-   *Bromus inermis - (Pascopyrum smithii)* Semi-natural Herbaceous
    Vegetation (CEGL005264, GNA)

-   *Bromus tectorum* Semi-natural Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL003019,
    GNA)

-   *Elymus lanceolatus* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL002588, GNR)

-   *Ericameria nauseosa / Bouteloua gracilis* Shrub Herbaceous
    Vegetation (CEGL003495, GNR)

-   *Gutierrezia sarothrae - Krascheninnikovia lanata - Atriplex
    canescens / Bouteloua eriopoda* Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001733, G2)

-   *Hesperostipa comata - (Bouteloua eriopoda, Pleuraphis jamesii)*
    Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL002997, GNR)

-   *Hesperostipa comata - Achnatherum hymenoides* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001703, G2?)

-   *Hesperostipa comata* Great Basin Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001705,
    G2G4)

-   *Hesperostipa neomexicana* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001708, G3)

-   *Muhlenbergia asperifolia* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001779, GU)

-   *Muhlenbergia pungens* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL002363, GNR)

-   *Pleuraphis jamesii* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001777, G2G4)

-   *Pleuraphis rigida* Herbaceous Vegetation \[Placeholder\]
    (CEGL003051, G3G4)

-   *Pleuraphis rigida* Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation \[Placeholder\]
    (CEGL003052, G3G4)

-   *Poa cusickii* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001655, G2)

-   *Poa secunda - Muhlenbergia richardsonis* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL002755, GNR)

-   *Poa secunda* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001657, G4?)

-   *Pseudoroegneria spicata - Achnatherum hymenoides* Herbaceous
    Vegetation (CEGL001674, G3G4)

-   *Pseudoroegneria spicata* ssp. *inermis* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001661, GNR)

-   *Sporobolus airoides - Bouteloua gracilis* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001686, GNRQ)

-   *Sporobolus airoides* Monotype Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001688,
    GUQ)

-   *Sporobolus airoides* Sod Herbaceous Vegetation \[Placeholder\]
    (CEGL001791, GNR)

-   *Sporobolus cryptandrus - Poa secunda* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001516, G2)

-   *Sporobolus cryptandrus* Great Basin Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL002691, GNR)

-   *Sporobolus cryptandrus* Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001514,
    G2)

-   *Thinopyrum intermedium* Semi-natural Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL002935, GNA)

**Alliances:**

-   *Achnatherum hymenoides* Herbaceous Alliance (A.1262)

-   *Achnatherum lettermanii* Herbaceous Alliance (A.2524)

-   *Achnatherum nelsonii* Herbaceous Alliance (A.1271)

-   *Achnatherum speciosum* Herbaceous Alliance (A.1290)

-   *Aristida purpurea* Herbaceous Alliance (A.2570)

-   *Bouteloua eriopoda* Herbaceous Alliance (A.1284)

-   *Bouteloua eriopoda* Microphyllous Evergreen Shrub Herbaceous
    Alliance (A.1545)

-   *Bouteloua gracilis* Herbaceous Alliance (A.1282)

-   *Bouteloua hirsuta* Herbaceous Alliance (A.1285)

-   *Bromus inermis* Semi-natural Herbaceous Alliance (A.3561)

-   *Bromus tectorum* Semi-natural Herbaceous Alliance (A.1814)

-   *Elymus lanceolatus* Herbaceous Alliance (A.1242)

-   *Ericameria nauseosa* Shrub Short Herbaceous Alliance (A.1546)

-   *Hesperostipa comata* Bunch Herbaceous Alliance (A.1270)

-   *Hesperostipa neomexicana* Herbaceous Alliance (A.1272)

-   *Muhlenbergia asperifolia* Intermittently Flooded Herbaceous
    Alliance (A.1334)

-   *Muhlenbergia pungens* Herbaceous Alliance (A.2652)

-   *Pleuraphis jamesii* Herbaceous Alliance (A.1287)

-   *Pleuraphis rigida* Herbaceous Alliance (A.1246)

-   *Pleuraphis rigida* Shrub Herbaceous Alliance (A.1539)

-   *Poa cusickii* Herbaceous Alliance (A.1263)

-   *Poa secunda* Herbaceous Alliance (A.1291)

-   *Poa secunda* Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Alliance (A.1410)

-   *Pseudoroegneria spicata* Herbaceous Alliance (A.1265)

-   *Sporobolus airoides - (Pleuraphis jamesii)* Shrub Herbaceous
    Alliance (A.1532)

-   *Sporobolus airoides* Herbaceous Alliance (A.1267)

-   *Sporobolus airoides* Sod Herbaceous Alliance (A.1241)

-   *Sporobolus cryptandrus* Herbaceous Alliance (A.1252)

-   *Sporobolus cryptandrus* Shrub Herbaceous Alliance (A.1525)

-   *Thinopyrum intermedium* Semi-natural Herbaceous Alliance (A.2529)

**Environment:** Low-elevation grasslands in the Intermountain West
region occur in semi-arid to arid climates at approximately 1450 to 2320
m (4750-7610 feet) in elevation. Grasslands within this system are
typically characterized by a sparse to moderately dense herbaceous layer
dominated by medium-tall and short bunch grasses, often in a sod-forming
growth. These grasslands occur in lowland and upland areas and may
occupy swales, playas, mesa tops, plateau parks, alluvial flats, and
plains. These grasslands typically occur on xeric sites. This system
experiences cold temperate conditions. Hot summers and cold winters with
freezing temperatures and snow are common. Annual precipitation is
usually from 20-40 cm (7.9-15.7 inches). A significant portion of the
precipitation falls in July through October during the summer monsoon
storms, with the rest falling as snow during the winter and early spring
months.

These grasslands occur on a variety of aspects and slopes. Sites may
range from flat to moderately steep. Soils supporting this system also
vary from deep to shallow, and from sandy to finer-textured. The
substrate is typically sand- or shale-derived. Some sandy soil
occurrences have a high cover of cryptogams on the soil. These
cryptogamic species would tend to increase the stability of the highly
erodible sandy soils of these grasslands during torrential summer rains
and heavy wind storms (Kleiner and Harper 1977).
*Muhlenbergia*-dominated grasslands which flood temporarily, combined
with high evaporation rates in this dry system, can have accumulations
of soluble salts in the soil. Soil salinity depends on the amount and
timing of precipitation and flooding.

**Dynamics:** This system is maintained by frequent fires and sometimes
associated with specific soils, often well-drained clay soils. A
combination of precipitation, temperature, and soils limits this system
to the lower elevations within the region. The dominant perennial bunch
grasses and shrubs within this system are all very drought-resistant
plants. Grasses that dominate semi-arid grasslands develop a dense
network of roots concentrated in the upper parts of the soil where
rainfall penetrates most frequently (Blydenstein 1966, Cable 1969, Sala
and Lauenroth 1985, as cited by McClaran and Van Devender 1995).
*Bouteloua gracilis* is also very grazing-tolerant and generally forms a
short sod. *Pleuraphis jamesii* is only moderately palatable to
livestock, but decreases when heavily grazed during drought and in the
more arid portions of its range where it is the dominant grass (West
1972). This grass reproduces extensively from scaly rhizomes. These
rhizomes make the plant resistant to trampling by livestock and have
good soil-binding properties (Weaver and Albertson 1956, West 1972).
*Achnatherum hymenoides* is one of the most drought-tolerant grasses in
the western U.S. (USDA 1937). It is also a valuable forage grass in arid
and semi-arid regions. Improperly managed livestock grazing could
increase soil erosion, decrease cover of this palatable plant species
and increase weedy species (USDA 1937). *Muhlenbergia asperifolia* with
its flooding regime combined with high evaporation rate in these dry
climates causes accumulations of soluble salts in the soil. Total
vegetation cover (density and height), species composition and soil
salinity depend on the amount and timing of precipitation and flooding.
Growth-inhibiting salt concentrations are diluted when the soil is
saturated allowing the growth of less salt-tolerant species. As the
saturated soils dry, the salt concentrates until it precipitates out on
the soil surface (Dodd and Coupland 1966, Ungar 1968). *Hesperostipa
comata* is a deep-rooted grass that uses soil moisture below 0.5 m
during the dry summers.

SPATIAL CHARACTERISTICS

SOURCES

**References:** Cable 1967, Cable 1969, Cable 1975, Comer et al. 2003,
Dodd and Coupland 1966, Kleiner and Harper 1977, Mast et al. 1997, Mast
et al. 1998, McClaran and Van Devender 1995, Shiflet 1994, Tuhy et al.
2002, Ungar 1968, Weaver and Albertson 1956, West 1983e

**Version:** 20 Feb 2003 **Stakeholders:** West

**Concept Author:** NatureServe Western Ecology Team **LeadResp:** West

#### CES306.040 Northern Rocky Mountain Lower Montane, Foothill and Valley Grassland

**Primary Division:** Rocky Mountain (306)

**Land Cover Class:** Herbaceous

**Spatial Scale & Pattern:** Large patch

**Required Classifiers:** Natural/Semi-natural; Vegetated (\>10% vasc.);
Upland

**Diagnostic Classifiers:** Lowland \[Foothill, Lowland\]; Herbaceous;
Sideslope; Very Shallow Soil; Loam Soil Texture; Silt Soil Texture;
Ustic; Landslide; Graminoid; Cool-season bunch grasses

**Concept Summary:** This ecological system of the northern Rocky
Mountains is found at lower montane to foothill elevations in the
mountains and large valleys of northeastern Wyoming and western Montana,
west through Idaho into the Blue Mountains of Oregon, and north into the
Okanagan and Fraser plateaus of British Columbia and the Canadian
Rockies. They also occur to the east in the central Montana mountain
\"islands,\" foothills, as well as the Rocky Mountain Front and Big and
Little Belt ranges. These grasslands are floristically similar to
Inter-Mountain Basins Big Sagebrush Steppe (CES304.778), Columbia Basin
Foothill and Canyon Dry Grassland (CES304.993), and Columbia Basin
Palouse Prairie (CES304.792), but are defined by shorter summers, colder
winters, and young soils derived from recent glacial and alluvial
material. These northern lower montane and valley grasslands represent a
shift in the precipitation regime from summer monsoons and cold snowy
winters found in the southern Rockies to predominantly dry summers and
winter precipitation. In the eastern portion of its range in Montana,
winter precipitation is replaced by a huge spring peak in precipitation.
They are found at elevations from 300 to 1650 m, ranging from small
meadows to large open parks surrounded by conifers in the lower montane,
to extensive foothill and valley grasslands below the lower treeline.
Many of these valleys may have been primarily sage-steppe with patches
of grassland in the past, but because of land-use history
post-settlement (herbicide, grazing, fire suppression, pasturing, etc.),
they have been converted to grassland-dominated areas. Soils are
relatively deep, fine-textured, often with coarse fragments, and
non-saline, often with a microphytic crust. The most important species
are cool-season perennial bunch grasses and forbs (\>25% cover),
sometimes with a sparse (\<10% cover) shrub layer. *Pseudoroegneria
spicata, Festuca campestris, Festuca idahoensis*, or *Hesperostipa
comata* commonly dominate sites on all aspects of level to moderate
slopes and on certain steep slopes with a variety of other grasses, such
as *Achnatherum hymenoides, Achnatherum richardsonii, Hesperostipa
curtiseta, Koeleria macrantha, Leymus cinereus, Elymus trachycaulus,
Bromus inermis ssp. pumpellianus (= Bromus pumpellianus), Achnatherum
occidentale (= Stipa occidentalis), Pascopyrum smithii*, and other
graminoids such as *Carex filifolia* and *Danthonia intermedia*. Other
grassland species include *Opuntia fragilis, Artemisia frigida, Carex
petasata, Antennaria* spp., and *Selaginella densa*. Important exotic
grasses include *Phleum pratense, Bromus inermis*, and *Poa pratensis*.
Shrub species may be scattered, including *Amelanchier alnifolia, Rosa*
spp., *Symphoricarpos* spp., *Juniperus communis, Artemisia tridentata*,
and in Wyoming *Artemisia tripartita ssp. rupicola*. Common associated
forbs include *Geum triflorum, Galium boreale, Campanula rotundifolia,
Antennaria microphylla, Geranium viscosissimum*, and *Potentilla
gracilis*. A soil crust of lichen covers almost all open soil between
clumps of grasses; *Cladonia* and *Peltigera* are the most common
lichens. Unvegetated mineral soil is commonly found between clumps of
grass and the lichen cover. The fire regime of this ecological system
maintains a grassland due to rapid fire return that retards shrub
invasion or landscape isolation and fragmentation that limits seed
dispersal of native shrub species. Fire frequency is presumed to be less
than 20 years. These are extensive grasslands, not grass-dominated
patches within the sagebrush shrub steppe ecological system. *Festuca
campestris* is easily eliminated by grazing and does not occur in all
areas of this system.

**Comments:** This is the same as the Interior Plateau Grassland also
called \"Northern Plateau Grassland\" of the Okanagan Ecoregional Plan.

DISTRIBUTION

**Range:** This lower montane, foothill and valley grassland system
occurs throughout the southern interior and southern portion of the
Fraser Plateau, as well as the valleys around the Fraser River in the
Pavilion Ranges, the Nicola River and the Similkameen River in British
Columbia. It also occurs in the mountains and large valleys of
northeastern Wyoming and western Montana, east to central Montana rocky
mountain front and mountain \"island\" ranges, west through Idaho into
the Blue Mountains of Oregon. In northern Idaho it has been nearly
eliminated by conversion to agriculture, and many occurrences in other
portions of its range have been similarly converted or heavily managed,
grazed, or pastured.

**Divisions:** 207:C, 306:C

**TNC Ecoregions:** 6:P, 7:C, 8:C, 9:P, 26:C, 68:C

**Subnations:** BC, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY

CONCEPT

**Associations:**

-   *Achnatherum nelsonii - Lupinus sericeus* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL005860, G2G3)

-   *Bromus marginatus - Pseudoroegneria spicata* Herbaceous Vegetation
    \[Provisional\] (CEGL005861, G2?)

-   *Calamagrostis rubescens* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL005862, G3G4?)

-   *Elymus repens* Semi-natural Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL005868, GNA)

-   *Festuca campestris - (Festuca idahoensis) - Achnatherum
    richardsonii* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL005869, G2G3?)

-   *Festuca campestris - Festuca idahoensis - Geranium viscosissimum*
    Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL005870, G3?)

-   *Festuca campestris - Festuca idahoensis* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL005875, G3)

-   *Festuca campestris - Pseudoroegneria spicata* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001629, G4)

-   *Festuca idahoensis - Achnatherum richardsonii* Herbaceous
    Vegetation (CEGL001625, G3)

-   *Festuca idahoensis - Carex filifolia* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001898, G3)

-   *Festuca idahoensis - Carex hoodii* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001609, G3G4)

-   *Festuca idahoensis - Eriogonum heracleoides* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001616, G2)

-   *Festuca idahoensis - Koeleria macrantha* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001620, G3Q)

-   *Festuca idahoensis - Leucopoa kingii* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001901, G2?)

-   *Festuca idahoensis - Pascopyrum smithii* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001621, G4)

-   *Festuca idahoensis - Pseudoroegneria spicata* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001624, G4)

-   *Festuca idahoensis* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001897, G3Q)

-   *Leymus salinus* ssp. *salmonis - Enceliopsis nudicaulis* Sparse
    Vegetation (CEGL001642, G2Q)

-   *Leymus salinus* ssp. *salmonis - Lupinus argenteus* Sparse
    Vegetation (CEGL001643, G2Q)

-   *Phleum pratense - Poa pratensis - Bromus inermis* Semi-natural
    Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL005874, GNA)

-   *Pseudoroegneria spicata - Carex filifolia* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001665, G4)

-   *Pseudoroegneria spicata - Eriogonum heracleoides* Herbaceous
    Vegetation (CEGL001668, G2Q)

**Alliances:**

-   *Achnatherum nelsonii* Herbaceous Alliance (A.1271)

-   *Calamagrostis rubescens* Herbaceous Alliance (A.2637)

-   *Elymus repens* Herbaceous Alliance (A.2658)

-   *Festuca campestris* Herbaceous Alliance (A.1255)

-   *Festuca idahoensis* Alpine Herbaceous Alliance (A.1313)

-   *Festuca idahoensis* Herbaceous Alliance (A.1251)

-   *Leymus salinus* Sparsely Vegetated Alliance (A.1258)

-   *Poa pratensis* Semi-natural Herbaceous Alliance (A.3562)

-   *Pseudoroegneria spicata* Herbaceous Alliance (A.1265)

**Dynamics:** The natural fire regime of this ecological system likely
maintains patchy distribution of shrubs, so the general aspect of the
vegetation is a grassland. Shrubs may increase following heavy grazing
and/or with fire suppression. Microphytic crust is very important in
this ecological system. *Festuca campestris* is highly palatable
throughout the grazing season. Summer overgrazing for 2 to 3 years can
result in the loss of *Festuca campestris* in the stand. Although a
light stocking rate for 32 years did not affect range condition, a
modest increase in stocking rate led to a marked decline in range
condition. The major change was a measurable reduction in basal area of
*Festuca campestris*. Long-term heavy grazing on moister sites can
result in a shift to a *Poa pratensis - Phleum pratense* (Kentucky
bluegrass - timothy) type. *Pseudoroegneria spicata* shows an
inconsistent reaction to grazing, increasing on some grazed sites while
decreasing on others. It seems to recover more quickly from overgrazing
than *Festuca campestris*. It tolerates dormant-period grazing well but
is sensitive to defoliation during the growing season. Light spring use
or fall grazing can help retain plant vigor. It is particularly
sensitive to defoliation in late spring. Exotic species threatening this
ecological system through invasion and potential complete replacement of
native species include *Bromus japonicus, Potentilla recta, Euphorbia
esula*, and all manner of knapweed, especially *Centaurea biebersteinii
(= Centaurea maculosa)*.

SPATIAL CHARACTERISTICS

SOURCES

**References:** BCCDC unpubl. data, Ecosystems Working Group 1998,
Shiflet 1994, Western Ecology Working Group n.d.

**Version:** 20 Apr 2006 **Stakeholders:** Canada, West

**Concept Author:** R. Crawford **LeadResp:** West

## Woody Wetland

#### CES304.768 Columbia Basin Foothill Riparian Woodland and Shrubland

**Primary Division:** Inter-Mountain Basins (304)

**Land Cover Class:** Woody Wetland

**Spatial Scale & Pattern:** Linear

**Required Classifiers:** Natural/Semi-natural; Vegetated (\>10% vasc.)

**Diagnostic Classifiers:** Montane \[Lower Montane\]; Lowland
\[Foothill\]; Riverine / Alluvial; Short (\<5 yrs) Flooding Interval;
Short (50-100 yrs) Persistence

**Concept Summary:** This is a low-elevation riparian system found on
the periphery of the mountains surrounding the Columbia River Basin,
along major tributaries and the main stem of the Columbia at relatively
low elevations. This is the riparian system associated with all streams
at and below lower treeline, including permanent, intermittent and
ephemeral streams with woody riparian vegetation. These forests and
woodlands require flooding and some gravels for reestablishment. They
are found in low-elevation canyons and draws, on floodplains, or in
steep-sided canyons, or narrow V-shaped valleys with rocky substrates.
Sites are subject to temporary flooding during spring runoff. Underlying
gravels may keep the water table just below the ground surface and are
favored substrates for cottonwood. Large bottomlands may have large
occurrences, but most have been cut over or cleared for agriculture.
Rafted ice and logs in freshets may cause considerable damage to tree
boles. Beavers crop younger cottonwood and willows and frequently dam
side channels occurring in these stands. In steep-sided canyons, streams
typically have perennial flow on mid to high gradients. Important and
diagnostic trees include *Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa, Alnus
rhombifolia, Populus tremuloides, Celtis laevigata var. reticulata,
Betula occidentalis*, or *Pinus ponderosa*. Important shrubs include
*Crataegus douglasii, Philadelphus lewisii, Cornus sericea, Salix lucida
ssp. lasiandra, Salix eriocephala, Rosa nutkana, Rosa woodsii,
Amelanchier alnifolia, Prunus virginiana*, and *Symphoricarpos albus*.
Grazing is a major influence in altering structure, composition, and
function of the community.

DISTRIBUTION

**Range:** Found on the periphery of the northern Rockies in the
Columbia River Basin, along major tributaries and the main stem of the
Columbia at relatively low elevations.

**Divisions:** 304:C, 306:C

**TNC Ecoregions:** 6:C, 7:C, 68:C

**Subnations:** BC, CA, ID, MT?, NV, OR, UT, WA

CONCEPT

**Associations:**

-   *(Populus tremuloides) / Crataegus douglasii / Heracleum maximum*
    Shrubland (CEGL001094, G1)

-   *(Populus tremuloides) / Crataegus douglasii / Symphoricarpos albus*
    Shrubland (CEGL001096, G3)

-   *Alnus rhombifolia - Abies grandis* Forest (CEGL000630, G2?)

-   *Alnus rhombifolia / Amelanchier alnifolia* Forest (CEGL000631, G3)

-   *Alnus rhombifolia / Betula occidentalis* Forest (CEGL000632, G1)

-   *Alnus rhombifolia / Celtis laevigata* var. *reticulata* Forest
    (CEGL000633, G1?)

-   *Alnus rhombifolia / Philadelphus lewisii* Forest (CEGL000634, G1)

-   *Alnus rhombifolia / Prunus virginiana* Forest (CEGL000635, G1?)

-   *Alnus rhombifolia / Rosa woodsii* Forest (CEGL000636, G1)

-   *Alnus rhombifolia / Sambucus nigra* ssp. *caerulea* Forest
    (CEGL000637, G2?)

-   *Alnus rhombifolia* Forest \[Placeholder\] (CEGL000629, G2Q)

-   *Alnus rubra / Adiantum pedatum* Forest (CEGL002600, G1)

-   *Alnus rubra / Athyrium filix-femina - Asarum caudatum* Forest
    (CEGL000008, G1)

-   *Alnus rubra / Physocarpus capitatus - Philadelphus lewisii* Forest
    (CEGL000002, G1)

-   *Alnus viridis* ssp. *sinuata* / Mesic Forbs Shrubland (CEGL002633,
    G3G4)

-   *Alnus viridis* ssp. *sinuata / Rubus (lasiococcus, parviflorus)*
    Shrubland (CEGL002602, G4)

-   *Betula occidentalis - Celtis laevigata* var. *reticulata* Shrubland
    (CEGL003450, G2)

-   *Betula occidentalis / Crataegus douglasii* Shrubland (CEGL001081,
    G1)

-   *Betula occidentalis / Philadelphus lewisii - Symphoricarpos albus*
    Shrubland (CEGL000489, G1G2)

-   *Betula occidentalis / Philadelphus lewisii* Shrubland (CEGL002668,
    G2)

-   *Betula occidentalis* Shrubland (CEGL001080, G3G4)

-   *Celtis laevigata* var. *reticulata / Philadelphus lewisii* Woodland
    (CEGL000792, G1)

-   *Celtis laevigata* var. *reticulata / Pseudoroegneria spicata*
    Woodland (CEGL001085, G2G3)

-   *Celtis laevigata* var. *reticulata / Toxicodendron rydbergii*
    Woodland (CEGL003451, G2)

-   *Cornus sericea / Heracleum maximum* Shrubland (CEGL001167, G3)

-   *Crataegus douglasii / Rosa woodsii* Shrubland (CEGL001095, G2)

-   *Philadelphus lewisii / Symphoricarpos albus* Shrubland (CEGL000875,
    G1G2)

-   *Philadelphus lewisii* Intermittently Flooded Shrubland (CEGL001170,
    G2)

-   *Pinus monticola / Deschampsia caespitosa* Forest (CEGL003441, G1)

-   *Pinus ponderosa / Symphoricarpos albus* Temporarily Flooded
    Woodland (CEGL000866, G2)

-   *Populus balsamifera* (ssp. *trichocarpa*, ssp. *balsamifera*) /
    *Symphoricarpos (albus, oreophilus, occidentalis)* Forest
    (CEGL000677, G2)

-   *Populus balsamifera* ssp. *trichocarpa / Alnus incana* Forest
    (CEGL000667, G3)

-   *Populus balsamifera* ssp. *trichocarpa / Cicuta douglasii* Forest
    (CEGL000671, G1)

-   *Populus balsamifera* ssp. *trichocarpa / Cornus sericea* Forest
    (CEGL000672, G3G4)

-   *Populus balsamifera* ssp. *trichocarpa / Crataegus douglasii*
    Forest (CEGL000673, G1)

-   *Populus balsamifera* ssp. *trichocarpa* / Mixed Herbs Forest
    (CEGL000675, G3?)

-   *Populus balsamifera* ssp. *trichocarpa / Salix exigua* Forest
    (CEGL000676, G1)

-   *Populus balsamifera* ssp. *trichocarpa / Salix lucida* ssp.
    *caudata* Woodland (CEGL003431, G2)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Alnus incana / Betula nana - Ribes* spp.
    Forest (CEGL001149, G1)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Carex pellita* Forest (CEGL000577, G2)

-   *Salix amygdaloides / Salix exigua* Woodland (CEGL000948, G1Q)

**Alliances:**

-   *Abies grandis - Alnus rhombifolia* Forest Alliance (A.429)

-   *Alnus rhombifolia* Temporarily Flooded Forest Alliance (A.306)

-   *Alnus rubra* Temporarily Flooded Forest Alliance (A.305)

-   *Alnus viridis* ssp. *sinuata* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland
    Alliance (A.966)

-   *Betula occidentalis* Intermittently Flooded Shrubland Alliance
    (A.936)

-   *Betula occidentalis* Seasonally Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.996)

-   *Celtis laevigata* var. *reticulata* Woodland Alliance (A.632)

-   *Cornus sericea* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.968)

-   *Crataegus douglasii* Intermittently Flooded Shrubland Alliance
    (A.937)

-   *Crataegus douglasii* Shrubland Alliance (A.917)

-   *Philadelphus lewisii* Intermittently Flooded Shrubland Alliance
    (A.939)

-   *Pinus monticola* Seasonally Flooded Forest Alliance (A.2590)

-   *Pinus ponderosa* Temporarily Flooded Woodland Alliance (A.565)

-   *Populus balsamifera* ssp. *trichocarpa* Temporarily Flooded Forest
    Alliance (A.311)

-   *Populus balsamifera* ssp. *trichocarpa* Temporarily Flooded
    Woodland Alliance (A.635)

-   *Populus tremuloides* Temporarily Flooded Forest Alliance (A.300)

-   *Salix amygdaloides* Temporarily Flooded Woodland Alliance (A.645)

SPATIAL CHARACTERISTICS

SOURCES

**References:** Comer et al. 2003, Ecosystems Working Group 1998, Eyre
1980, Johnson and Simon 1985

**Version:** 09 Feb 2005 **Stakeholders:** Canada, West

**Concept Author:** NatureServe Western Ecology Team **LeadResp:** West

#### CES304.045 Great Basin Foothill and Lower Montane Riparian Woodland and Shrubland

**Primary Division:** Inter-Mountain Basins (304)

**Land Cover Class:** Woody Wetland

**Spatial Scale & Pattern:** Linear

**Required Classifiers:** Natural/Semi-natural; Vegetated (\>10% vasc.)

**Diagnostic Classifiers:** Forest and Woodland (Treed); Riverine /
Alluvial; Short (\<5 yrs) Flooding Interval; Riparian Mosaic

**Concept Summary:** This system occurs in mountain ranges of the Great
Basin and along the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada within a broad
elevation range from about 1220 m (4000 feet) to over 2135 m (7000
feet). This system often occurs as a mosaic of multiple communities that
are tree-dominated with a diverse shrub component. The variety of plant
associations connected to this system reflects elevation, stream
gradient, floodplain width, and flooding events. Dominant trees may
include *Abies concolor, Alnus incana, Betula occidentalis, Populus
angustifolia, Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa, Populus fremontii,
Salix laevigata, Salix gooddingii*, and *Pseudotsuga menziesii*.
Dominant shrubs include *Artemisia cana, Cornus sericea, Salix exigua,
Salix lasiolepis, Salix lemmonii*, or *Salix lutea*. Herbaceous layers
are often dominated by species of *Carex* and *Juncus*, and perennial
grasses and mesic forbs such *Deschampsia caespitosa, Elymus
trachycaulus, Glyceria striata, Iris missouriensis, Maianthemum
stellatum*, or *Thalictrum fendleri*. Introduced forage species such as
*Agrostis stolonifera, Poa pratensis, Phleum pratense*, and the weedy
annual *Bromus tectorum* are often present in disturbed stands. These
are disturbance-driven systems that require flooding, scour and
deposition for germination and maintenance. Livestock grazing is a major
influence in altering structure, composition, and function of the
community.

DISTRIBUTION

**Range:** Occurs in mountain ranges of the Great Basin and along the
eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada within a broad elevation range from
about 1220 m (4000 feet) to over 2135 m (7000 feet).

**Divisions:** 304:C

**TNC Ecoregions:** 6:P, 11:C, 12:C

**Subnations:** CA, NV, OR, UT

CONCEPT

**Associations:**

-   *Alnus incana / Cornus sericea* Shrubland (CEGL001145, G3G4)

-   *Artemisia cana (*ssp. *bolanderi,* ssp. *viscidula) / Leymus
    cinereus* Shrubland (CEGL001460, G1)

-   *Artemisia cana* ssp. *viscidula / Deschampsia caespitosa* Shrubland
    (CEGL001074, G2G3)

-   *Artemisia nova - Ericameria nana* Shrubland (CEGL002773, G3)

-   *Betula occidentalis / Cornus sericea* Shrubland (CEGL001161, G3)

-   *Betula occidentalis / Maianthemum stellatum* Shrubland (CEGL001162,
    G4?)

-   *Betula occidentalis* / Mesic Graminoids Shrubland (CEGL002654, G3)

-   *Cornus sericea* Shrubland (CEGL001165, G4Q)

-   *Populus angustifolia / Betula occidentalis* Woodland (CEGL000648,
    G3)

-   *Populus angustifolia / Rhus trilobata* Woodland (CEGL000652, G3)

-   *Populus balsamifera* ssp. *trichocarpa / Alnus incana* Forest
    (CEGL000667, G3)

-   *Populus balsamifera* ssp. *trichocarpa* / Mixed Herbs Forest
    (CEGL000675, G3?)

-   *Populus fremontii / Leymus triticoides* Woodland (CEGL002756, GNR)

-   *Populus fremontii* / Mesic Forbs Woodland (CEGL002470, GNR)

-   *Populus fremontii* / Mesic Graminoids Woodland (CEGL002473, GNR)

-   *Populus fremontii / Salix exigua* Forest (CEGL000666, GNR)

-   *Populus fremontii / Salix geyeriana* Woodland (CEGL000943, G3?)

-   *Salix lasiolepis / Rosa woodsii* / Mixed Herbs Shrubland
    (CEGL001217, G3Q)

-   *Salix lemmonii* / Mesic-Tall Forbs Shrubland (CEGL002771, G3?)

-   *Salix lemmonii / Rosa woodsii* Shrubland (CEGL002772, G3)

-   *Salix lutea / Carex utriculata* Shrubland (CEGL001220, G4)

-   *Salix lutea* / Mesic Forbs Shrubland (CEGL002774, G3?)

**Alliances:**

-   *Alnus incana* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.950)

-   *Artemisia cana* (ssp. *bolanderi*, ssp. *viscidula*) Shrubland
    Alliance (A.2557)

-   *Artemisia nova* Shrubland Alliance (A.1105)

-   *Betula occidentalis* Seasonally Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.996)

-   *Betula occidentalis* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.967)

-   *Cornus sericea* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.968)

-   *Populus angustifolia* Temporarily Flooded Woodland Alliance (A.641)

-   *Populus balsamifera* ssp. *trichocarpa* Temporarily Flooded Forest
    Alliance (A.311)

-   *Populus fremontii* Seasonally Flooded Woodland Alliance (A.654)

-   *Populus fremontii* Temporarily Flooded Forest Alliance (A.313)

-   *Populus fremontii* Temporarily Flooded Woodland Alliance (A.644)

-   *Salix lasiolepis* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.977)

-   *Salix lemmonii* Seasonally Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.2523)

-   *Salix lutea* Seasonally Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.1007)

-   *Salix lutea* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.980)

SPATIAL CHARACTERISTICS

SOURCES

**References:** Barbour and Billings 1988, Barbour and Major 1977, Comer
et al. 2003, Eyre 1980, Manning and Padgett 1989, Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf
1995, Shiflet 1994

**Version:** 16 Apr 2003 **Stakeholders:** West

**Concept Author:** J. Nachlinger and K. Schulz **LeadResp:** West

#### CES306.821 Rocky Mountain Lower Montane Riparian Woodland and Shrubland 

**Primary Division:** Rocky Mountain (306)

**Land Cover Class:** Woody Wetland

**Spatial Scale & Pattern:** Linear

**Required Classifiers:** Natural/Semi-natural; Vegetated (\>10% vasc.)

**Diagnostic Classifiers:** Montane \[Lower Montane\]; Riverine /
Alluvial; Mineral: W/ A-Horizon \<10 cm; Unconsolidated; Short (\<5 yrs)
Flooding Interval; Short (50-100 yrs) Persistence

**Concept Summary:** This system is found throughout the Rocky Mountain
and Colorado Plateau regions within a broad elevation range from
approximately 900 to 2800 m. This system often occurs as a mosaic of
multiple communities that are tree-dominated with a diverse shrub
component. This system is dependent on a natural hydrologic regime,
especially annual to episodic flooding. Occurrences are found within the
flood zone of rivers, on islands, sand or cobble bars, and immediate
streambanks. They can form large, wide occurrences on mid-channel
islands in larger rivers or narrow bands on small, rocky canyon
tributaries and well-drained benches. It is also typically found in
backwater channels and other perennially wet but less scoured sites,
such as floodplains swales and irrigation ditches. Dominant trees may
include *Acer negundo, Populus angustifolia, Populus balsamifera,
Populus deltoides, Populus fremontii, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Picea
pungens, Salix amygdaloides*, or *Juniperus scopulorum*. Dominant shrubs
include *Acer glabrum, Alnus incana, Betula occidentalis, Cornus
sericea, Crataegus rivularis, Forestiera pubescens, Prunus virginiana,
Rhus trilobata, Salix monticola, Salix drummondiana, Salix exigua, Salix
irrorata, Salix lucida, Shepherdia argentea*, or *Symphoricarpos* spp.
Exotic trees of *Elaeagnus angustifolia* and *Tamarix* spp. are common
in some stands. Generally, the upland vegetation surrounding this
riparian system is different and ranges from grasslands to forests.

DISTRIBUTION

**Range:** This system is found throughout the Rocky Mountain and
Colorado Plateau regions within a broad elevation range from
approximately 900 to 2800 m. It is also found in the island mountain
ranges of central and eastern Montana.

**Divisions:** 304:C, 306:C

**TNC Ecoregions:** 6:P, 8:C, 9:C, 11:C, 18:C, 19:C, 20:C, 21:C, 25:C,
26:C

**Subnations:** AZ, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, SD, UT, WY

CONCEPT

**Associations:**

-   *Acer negundo - Celtis laevigata* var. *reticulata* Woodland
    (CEGL002599, GNR)

-   *Acer negundo - Populus angustifolia / Cornus sericea* Forest
    (CEGL000627, G2)

-   *Acer negundo / Betula occidentalis* Woodland (CEGL000936, G1G2)

-   *Acer negundo / Brickellia grandiflora* Woodland \[Provisional\]
    (CEGL002692, GNR)

-   *Acer negundo / Cornus sericea* Forest (CEGL000625, G3?)

-   *Acer negundo* / Disturbed Understory Woodland (CEGL002693, GNR)

-   *Acer negundo / Equisetum arvense* Forest (CEGL000626, G2?)

-   *Acer negundo / Prunus virginiana* Forest (CEGL000628, G3)

-   *Betula occidentalis / Purshia tridentata / Hesperostipa comata*
    Shrubland (CEGL001084, G1)

-   *Betula papyrifera / Corylus cornuta* Forest (CEGL002079, G2G3)

-   *Elaeagnus angustifolia* Semi-natural Woodland (CEGL005269, GNA)

-   *Equisetum (arvense, variegatum)* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL005148,
    GNR)

-   *Equisetum hyemale* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL002760, GNR)

-   *Equisetum laevigatum* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL002241, GNR)

-   *Forestiera pubescens* Shrubland (CEGL001168, G1G2)

-   *Fraxinus anomala* Woodland (CEGL002752, GUQ)

-   *Juniperus scopulorum / Cornus sericea* Woodland (CEGL000746, G4)

-   *Juniperus scopulorum* Temporarily Flooded Woodland \[Placeholder\]
    (CEGL002777, G1)

-   *Juniperus scopulorum* Woodland (CEGL003550, GNR)

-   *Pinus ponderosa / Alnus incana* Woodland (CEGL002638, G2)

-   *Pinus ponderosa / Cornus sericea* Woodland (CEGL000853, G3)

-   *Pinus ponderosa / Crataegus douglasii* Woodland (CEGL000855, G1)

-   *Pinus ponderosa / Juglans major* Woodland (CEGL000858, G2)

-   *Pinus ponderosa* Temporarily Flooded Woodland \[Provisional\]
    (CEGL002766, G3)

-   *Poa pratensis* Semi-natural Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous
    Vegetation \[Placeholder\] (CEGL003081, GNA)

-   *Populus angustifolia - Juniperus scopulorum* Woodland (CEGL002640,
    G2G3)

-   *Populus angustifolia - Picea pungens / Alnus incana* Woodland
    (CEGL000934, G3)

-   *Populus angustifolia - Pinus ponderosa* Woodland (CEGL000935, G4Q)

-   *Populus angustifolia - Populus deltoides - Salix amygdaloides*
    Forest (CEGL000656, GUQ)

-   *Populus angustifolia - Pseudotsuga menziesii* Woodland (CEGL002641,
    G3)

-   *Populus angustifolia / Acer grandidentatum* Forest (CEGL000646,
    G2G3)

-   *Populus angustifolia / Alnus incana* Woodland (CEGL002642, G3)

-   *Populus angustifolia / Betula occidentalis* Woodland (CEGL000648,
    G3)

-   *Populus angustifolia / Cornus sericea* Woodland (CEGL002664, G4)

-   *Populus angustifolia / Crataegus rivularis* Woodland (CEGL002644,
    G2?)

-   *Populus angustifolia / Lonicera involucrata* Forest (CEGL000650,
    GUQ)

-   *Populus angustifolia / Prunus virginiana* Woodland (CEGL000651,
    G2Q)

-   *Populus angustifolia / Rhus trilobata* Woodland (CEGL000652, G3)

-   *Populus angustifolia / Rosa woodsii* Forest (CEGL000653, G2G3)

-   *Populus angustifolia / Salix (monticola, drummondiana, lucida)*
    Woodland (CEGL002645, G3)

-   *Populus angustifolia / Salix drummondiana - Acer glabrum* Woodland
    (CEGL002646, G2?)

-   *Populus angustifolia / Salix exigua* Woodland (CEGL000654, G4)

-   *Populus angustifolia / Salix irrorata* Woodland (CEGL002647, G2)

-   *Populus angustifolia / Salix ligulifolia - Shepherdia argentea*
    Woodland (CEGL000655, G1)

-   *Populus angustifolia / Symphoricarpos (albus, occidentalis,
    oreophilus)* Woodland (CEGL002648, G2Q)

-   *Populus angustifolia* Sand Dune Forest (CEGL002643, G1)

-   *Populus deltoides* (ssp. *wislizeni*, ssp. *monilifera) / Artemisia
    tridentata* Woodland (CEGL005966, G2G3)

-   *Populus deltoides* (ssp. *wislizeni*, ssp. *monilifera*) / *Salix
    exigua* Woodland (CEGL002685, G3)

-   *Populus deltoides - (Salix amygdaloides) / Salix (exigua,
    interior)* Woodland (CEGL000659, G3G4)

-   *Populus deltoides / Symphoricarpos occidentalis* Woodland
    (CEGL000660, G2G3)

-   *Populus deltoides* ssp. *wislizeni / Rhus trilobata* Woodland
    (CEGL000940, G2)

-   *Populus fremontii / Betula occidentalis* Wooded Shrubland
    (CEGL002981, GNR)

-   *Populus fremontii / Ericameria nauseosa* Woodland (CEGL002465, GNR)

-   *Populus fremontii / Leymus triticoides* Woodland (CEGL002756, GNR)

-   *Populus fremontii* / Mesic Forbs Woodland (CEGL002470, GNR)

-   *Populus fremontii* / Mesic Graminoids Woodland (CEGL002473, GNR)

-   *Populus fremontii / Salix exigua* Forest (CEGL000666, GNR)

-   *Populus fremontii / Salix geyeriana* Woodland (CEGL000943, G3?)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Betula occidentalis* Woodland (CEGL002639,
    G3?)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii / Cornus sericea* Woodland (CEGL000899, G4)

-   *Rhus trilobata* Intermittently Flooded Shrubland (CEGL001121, G3)

-   *Salix amygdaloides* Woodland (CEGL000947, G3)

-   *Salix eastwoodiae / Carex aquatilis* Shrubland (CEGL001195, G2)

-   *Salix eastwoodiae / Carex utriculata* Shrubland (CEGL001196, G2?)

-   *Salix eastwoodiae* Shrubland (CEGL001194, G2Q)

-   *Salix exigua - Salix ligulifolia* Shrubland (CEGL002655, G2G3)

-   *Salix exigua - Salix lucida* ssp. *caudata* Shrubland (CEGL001204,
    G2)

-   *Salix exigua / Agrostis stolonifera* Shrubland (CEGL001199, GNA)

-   *Salix exigua* / Barren Shrubland (CEGL001200, G5)

-   *Salix exigua / Elymus X pseudorepens* Shrubland (CEGL001198, G3)

-   *Salix exigua / Equisetum arvense* Shrubland (CEGL001201, G3?)

-   *Salix exigua* / Mesic Forbs Shrubland (CEGL001202, G2)

-   *Salix exigua* / Mesic Graminoids Shrubland (CEGL001203, G5)

-   *Salix exigua* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland (CEGL001197, G5)

-   *Salix irrorata* Shrubland (CEGL001214, GNR)

-   *Salix lasiolepis - Cornus sericea / Rosa woodsii* Shrubland
    (CEGL003453, G2G3)

-   *Salix lasiolepis* / Barren Ground Shrubland (CEGL001216, G3?)

-   *Salix lasiolepis / Rosa woodsii* / Mixed Herbs Shrubland
    (CEGL001217, G3Q)

-   *Shepherdia argentea* Shrubland (CEGL001128, G3G4)

**Alliances:**

-   *Acer negundo* Seasonally Flooded Forest Alliance (A.341)

-   *Acer negundo* Temporarily Flooded Forest Alliance (A.278)

-   *Acer negundo* Temporarily Flooded Woodland Alliance (A.642)

-   *Betula occidentalis* Intermittently Flooded Shrubland Alliance
    (A.936)

-   *Betula occidentalis* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.967)

-   *Betula papyrifera* Forest Alliance (A.267)

-   *Elaeagnus angustifolia* Semi-natural Woodland Alliance (A.3566)

-   *Equisetum (arvense, variegatum, hyemale)* Semipermanently Flooded
    Herbaceous Alliance (A.3539)

-   *Equisetum laevigatum* Semipermanently Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.2648)

-   *Forestiera pubescens* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland Alliance
    (A.969)

-   *Fraxinus anomala* Temporarily Flooded Woodland Alliance (A.2511)

-   *Juniperus scopulorum* Temporarily Flooded Woodland Alliance (A.563)

-   *Juniperus scopulorum* Woodland Alliance (A.506)

-   *Pinus ponderosa* Temporarily Flooded Woodland Alliance (A.565)

-   *Poa pratensis* Semi-natural Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1382)

-   *Populus angustifolia* Temporarily Flooded Forest Alliance (A.310)

-   *Populus angustifolia* Temporarily Flooded Woodland Alliance (A.641)

-   *Populus deltoides* Temporarily Flooded Woodland Alliance (A.636)

-   *Populus fremontii* Seasonally Flooded Woodland Alliance (A.654)

-   *Populus fremontii* Temporarily Flooded Forest Alliance (A.313)

-   *Populus fremontii* Temporarily Flooded Woodland Alliance (A.644)

-   *Pseudotsuga menziesii* Temporarily Flooded Woodland Alliance
    (A.568)

-   *Rhus trilobata* Intermittently Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.938)

-   *Salix (exigua, interior)* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland Alliance
    (A.947)

-   *Salix amygdaloides* Temporarily Flooded Woodland Alliance (A.645)

-   *Salix eastwoodiae* Seasonally Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.1005)

-   *Salix irrorata* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.976)

-   *Salix lasiolepis* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.977)

-   *Shepherdia argentea* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.960)

**Environment:** This system is dependent on a natural hydrologic
regime, especially annual to episodic flooding. It is found within the
flood zone of rivers, on islands, sand or cobble bars, and immediate
streambanks. It can form large, wide occurrences on mid-channel islands
in larger rivers or narrow bands on small, rocky canyon tributaries and
well-drained benches. It is also typically found in backwater channels
and other perennially wet but less scoured sites, such as floodplains
swales and irrigation ditches. It may also occur in upland areas of
mesic swales and hillslopes below seeps and springs.

The climate of this system is continental with typically cold winters
and hot summers. Surface water is generally high for variable periods.
Soils are typically alluvial deposits of sand, clays, silts and cobbles
that are highly stratified with depth due to flood scour and deposition.
Highly stratified profiles consist of alternating layers of clay loam
and organic material with coarser sand or thin layers of sandy loam over
very coarse alluvium. Soils are fine-textured with organic material over
coarser alluvium. Some soils are more developed due to a slightly more
stable environment and greater input of organic matter.

**Dynamics:** This ecological system contains early-, mid- and
late-seral riparian plant associations. It also contains non-obligate
riparian species. Cottonwood communities are early-, mid- or late-seral,
depending on the age class of the trees and the associated species of
the occurrence (Kittel et al. 1999b). Cottonwoods, however, do not reach
a climax stage as defined by Daubenmire (1952). Mature cottonwood
occurrences do not regenerate in place, but regenerate by \"moving\" up
and down a river reach. Over time a healthy riparian area supports all
stages of cottonwood communities (Kittel et al. 1999b).

SPATIAL CHARACTERISTICS

SOURCES

**References:** Baker 1988, Baker 1989a, Baker 1989b, Baker 1990, Comer
et al. 2002, Comer et al. 2003, Crowe and Clausnitzer 1997, Daubenmire
1952, Eyre 1980, Kittel et al. 1999b, Kovalchik 1987, Kovalchik 1992,
Manning and Padgett 1995, Muldavin et al. 2000a, Nachlinger et al. 2001,
Neely et al. 2001, Padgett et al. 1989, Shiflet 1994, Szaro 1989, Tuhy
et al. 2002, Walford 1996, Walford et al. 1997, Walford et al. 2001

**Version:** 20 Feb 2003 **Stakeholders:** Canada, Midwest, West

**Concept Author:** NatureServe Western Ecology Team **LeadResp:** West

#### CES306.832 Rocky Mountain Subalpine-Montane Riparian Shrubland

**Primary Division:** Rocky Mountain (306)

**Land Cover Class:** Woody Wetland

**Spatial Scale & Pattern:** Linear

**Required Classifiers:** Natural/Semi-natural; Vegetated (\>10% vasc.)

**Diagnostic Classifiers:** Montane \[Upper Montane, Montane\];
Shrubland (Shrub-dominated); Riverine / Alluvial; Broad-Leaved Deciduous
Shrub; Short (\<5 yrs) Flooding Interval; RM Subalpine/Montane Riparian
Woodland; Short (50-100 yrs) Persistence

**Concept Summary:** This system is found throughout the Rocky Mountain
cordillera from New Mexico north into Montana, and also occurs in
mountainous areas of the Intermountain region and Colorado Plateau.
These are montane to subalpine riparian shrublands occurring as narrow
bands of shrubs lining streambanks and alluvial terraces in narrow to
wide, low-gradient valley bottoms and floodplains with sinuous stream
channels. Generally it is found at higher elevations, but can be found
anywhere from 1700-3475 m. Occurrences can also be found around seeps,
fens, and isolated springs on hillslopes away from valley bottoms. Many
of the plant associations found within this system are associated with
beaver activity. This system often occurs as a mosaic of multiple
communities that are shrub- and herb-dominated and includes
above-treeline, willow-dominated, snowmelt-fed basins that feed into
streams. The dominant shrubs reflect the large elevational gradient and
include *Alnus incana, Betula nana, Betula occidentalis, Cornus sericea,
Salix bebbiana, Salix boothii, Salix brachycarpa, Salix drummondiana,
Salix eriocephala, Salix geyeriana, Salix monticola, Salix planifolia*,
and *Salix wolfii*. Generally the upland vegetation surrounding these
riparian systems are of either conifer or aspen forests.

DISTRIBUTION

**Range:** This system is found throughout the Rocky Mountain cordillera
from New Mexico north into Montana (including the isolated island
mountain ranges of central and eastern Montana), and also occurs in
mountainous areas of the Intermountain West and Colorado Plateau.

**Divisions:** 304:C, 306:C

**TNC Ecoregions:** 6:P, 7:C, 8:C, 9:C, 11:C, 18:C, 19:C, 20:C, 21:C,
25:C, 26:C, 68:C

**Subnations:** AB, AZ, BC, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY

CONCEPT

**Associations:**

-   *Acer glabrum* Drainage Bottom Shrubland (CEGL001062, G4?)

-   *Alnus incana - Betula occidentalis* Shrubland (CEGL001142, G2G3)

-   *Alnus incana - Salix (monticola, lucida, ligulifolia)* Shrubland
    (CEGL002651, G3)

-   *Alnus incana - Salix drummondiana* Shrubland (CEGL002652, G3)

-   *Alnus incana / Athyrium filix-femina* Shrubland (CEGL002628, G3)

-   *Alnus incana / Calamagrostis canadensis* Shrubland (CEGL001143,
    G3Q)

-   *Alnus incana / Carex (aquatilis, deweyana, lenticularis, luzulina,
    pellita)* Shrubland (CEGL001144, G3)

-   *Alnus incana / Carex scopulorum* var. *prionophylla* Shrubland
    (CEGL000122, G1)

-   *Alnus incana / Cornus sericea* Shrubland (CEGL001145, G3G4)

-   *Alnus incana / Equisetum arvense* Shrubland (CEGL001146, G3)

-   *Alnus incana / Glyceria striata* Shrubland (CEGL000228, G3)

-   *Alnus incana / Lysichiton americanus* Shrubland (CEGL002629, G3)

-   *Alnus incana* / Mesic Forbs Shrubland (CEGL001147, G3)

-   *Alnus incana* / Mesic Graminoids Shrubland (CEGL001148, G3)

-   *Alnus incana / Ribes (inerme, hudsonianum, lacustre)* Shrubland
    (CEGL001151, G3)

-   *Alnus incana / Scirpus microcarpus* Shrubland (CEGL000481, G2G3)

-   *Alnus incana / Spiraea douglasii* Shrubland (CEGL001152, G3)

-   *Alnus incana / Symphoricarpos albus* Shrubland (CEGL001153, G3G4)

-   *Alnus incana* Shrubland (CEGL001141, GNRQ)

-   *Alnus incana* ssp. *tenuifolia - Salix irrorata* Shrubland
    (CEGL002687, G3)

-   *Alnus oblongifolia / Symphoricarpos oreophilus* Forest (CEGL001063,
    GU)

-   *Alnus viridis* ssp. *sinuata / Athyrium filix-femina - Cinna
    latifolia* Shrubland (CEGL001156, G4)

-   *Alnus viridis* ssp. *sinuata* Shrubland \[Placeholder\]
    (CEGL001154, GNRQ)

-   *Betula nana* / Mesic Forbs - Mesic Graminoids Shrubland
    (CEGL002653, G3G4)

-   *Betula occidentalis - Dasiphora fruticosa* ssp. *floribunda*
    Shrubland (CEGL001083, G2Q)

-   *Betula occidentalis / Cornus sericea* Shrubland (CEGL001161, G3)

-   *Betula occidentalis / Maianthemum stellatum* Shrubland (CEGL001162,
    G4?)

-   *Betula occidentalis* / Mesic Graminoids Shrubland (CEGL002654, G3)

-   *Betula occidentalis* Shrubland (CEGL001080, G3G4)

-   *Cornus sericea / Galium triflorum* Shrubland (CEGL001166, G3?)

-   *Cornus sericea / Heracleum maximum* Shrubland (CEGL001167, G3)

-   *Cornus sericea* Shrubland (CEGL001165, G4Q)

-   *Corylus cornuta* Shrubland \[Provisional\] (CEGL002903, G3)

-   *Dasiphora fruticosa* ssp. *floribunda / Deschampsia caespitosa*
    Shrubland (CEGL001107, G4)

-   *Fraxinus anomala* Woodland (CEGL002752, GUQ)

-   *Ribes lacustre - Ribes hudsonianum / Cinna latifolia* Shrubland
    (CEGL003445, G2)

-   *Ribes lacustre - Ribes hudsonianum / Glyceria striata* Shrubland
    (CEGL003446, G2G3)

-   *Ribes lacustre / Mertensia ciliata* Shrubland (CEGL001172, G1G2Q)

-   *Salix (boothii, geyeriana) / Carex aquatilis* Shrubland
    (CEGL001176, G3)

-   *Salix bebbiana* / Mesic Graminoids Shrubland (CEGL001174, G3)

-   *Salix bebbiana* Shrubland (CEGL001173, G3?)

-   *Salix boothii - Salix eastwoodiae / Carex nigricans* Shrubland
    (CEGL002607, G3)

-   *Salix boothii - Salix geyeriana / Carex angustata* Shrubland
    (CEGL001185, G2)

-   *Salix boothii - Salix geyeriana* Shrubland (CEGL001184, GU)

-   *Salix boothii - Salix lemmonii* Shrubland (CEGL001186, G3)

-   *Salix boothii / Calamagrostis canadensis* Shrubland (CEGL001175,
    G3G4Q)

-   *Salix boothii / Carex nebrascensis* Shrubland (CEGL001177, G4G5)

-   *Salix boothii / Carex utriculata* Shrubland (CEGL001178, G4)

-   *Salix boothii / Deschampsia caespitosa - Geum rossii* Shrubland
    (CEGL002904, G4)

-   *Salix boothii / Equisetum arvense* Shrubland (CEGL002671, G3)

-   *Salix boothii / Maianthemum stellatum* Shrubland (CEGL001187, G3Q)

-   *Salix boothii* / Mesic Forbs Shrubland (CEGL001180, G3)

-   *Salix boothii* / Mesic Graminoids Shrubland (CEGL001181, G3?)

-   *Salix boothii / Poa palustris* Shrubland (CEGL001183, GNA)

-   *Salix brachycarpa / Carex aquatilis* Shrubland (CEGL001244, G2G3)

-   *Salix brachycarpa* / Mesic Forbs Shrubland (CEGL001135, G4)

-   *Salix candida / Carex utriculata* Shrubland (CEGL001188, G2)

-   *Salix commutata / Carex scopulorum* Shrubland (CEGL001189, G3)

-   *Salix commutata* / Mesic Graminoid Shrubland (CEGL003497, GNR)

-   *Salix drummondiana / Calamagrostis canadensis* Shrubland
    (CEGL002667, G3)

-   *Salix drummondiana / Carex scopulorum* var. *prionophylla*
    Shrubland (CEGL001584, G2G3)

-   *Salix drummondiana / Carex utriculata* Shrubland (CEGL002631, G4)

-   *Salix drummondiana* / Mesic Forbs Shrubland (CEGL001192, G4)

-   *Salix drummondiana* Shrubland \[Placeholder\] (CEGL001190, G3Q)

-   *Salix eriocephala / Ribes aureum - Rosa woodsii* Shrubland
    (CEGL001233, G3)

-   *Salix geyeriana - Salix eriocephala* Shrubland (CEGL001213, GU)

-   *Salix geyeriana - Salix lemmonii / Carex aquatilis* var. *dives*
    Shrubland (CEGL001212, G3)

-   *Salix geyeriana - Salix monticola / Calamagrostis canadensis*
    Shrubland (CEGL001247, G3)

-   *Salix geyeriana - Salix monticola* / Mesic Forbs Shrubland
    (CEGL001223, G3)

-   *Salix geyeriana / Calamagrostis canadensis* Shrubland (CEGL001205,
    G5)

-   *Salix geyeriana / Carex aquatilis* Shrubland (CEGL001206, G3)

-   *Salix geyeriana / Carex utriculata* Shrubland (CEGL001207, G5)

-   *Salix geyeriana / Deschampsia caespitosa* Shrubland (CEGL001208,
    G4)

-   *Salix geyeriana* / Mesic Forbs Shrubland (CEGL002666, G3)

-   *Salix geyeriana* / Mesic Graminoids Shrubland (CEGL001210, G3?)

-   *Salix geyeriana / Poa palustris* Shrubland (CEGL001211, GNA)

-   *Salix glauca / Deschampsia caespitosa* Shrubland (CEGL001137, G4)

-   *Salix lemmonii* / Mesic-Tall Forbs Shrubland (CEGL002771, G3?)

-   *Salix lemmonii / Rosa woodsii* Shrubland (CEGL002772, G3)

-   *Salix ligulifolia / Carex utriculata* Shrubland \[Provisional\]
    (CEGL002975, GNR)

-   *Salix ligulifolia* Shrubland (CEGL001218, G2G3)

-   *Salix lucida* ssp. *caudata / Rosa woodsii* Shrubland (CEGL002621,
    G3)

-   *Salix lucida* ssp. *caudata* Shrubland \[Provisional\] (CEGL001215,
    G3Q)

-   *Salix lutea / Calamagrostis canadensis* Shrubland (CEGL001219, G3?)

-   *Salix lutea / Carex utriculata* Shrubland (CEGL001220, G4)

-   *Salix lutea* / Mesic Forbs Shrubland (CEGL002774, G3?)

-   *Salix lutea / Rosa woodsii* Shrubland (CEGL002624, G3)

-   *Salix monticola / Angelica ampla* Shrubland (CEGL001221, GNR)

-   *Salix monticola / Calamagrostis canadensis* Shrubland (CEGL001222,
    G3)

-   *Salix monticola / Carex aquatilis* Shrubland (CEGL002656, G3)

-   *Salix monticola / Carex utriculata* Shrubland (CEGL002657, G3)

-   *Salix monticola* / Mesic Forbs Shrubland (CEGL002658, G4)

-   *Salix monticola* / Mesic Graminoids Shrubland (CEGL002659, G3)

-   *Salix monticola* Thicket Shrubland (CEGL001139, G2Q)

-   *Salix planifolia / Calamagrostis canadensis* Shrubland (CEGL001225,
    G4)

-   *Salix planifolia / Caltha leptosepala* Shrubland (CEGL002665, G4)

-   *Salix planifolia / Carex aquatilis* Shrubland (CEGL001227, G5)

-   *Salix planifolia / Carex scopulorum* Shrubland (CEGL001229, G4)

-   *Salix planifolia / Deschampsia caespitosa* Shrubland (CEGL001230,
    G2G3)

-   *Salix planifolia* / Mesic Forbs Shrubland (CEGL002893, G4)

-   *Salix planifolia* Shrubland (CEGL001224, G4)

-   *Salix wolfii / Carex aquatilis* Shrubland (CEGL001234, G4)

-   *Salix wolfii / Carex microptera* Shrubland (CEGL001235, G3Q)

-   *Salix wolfii / Carex nebrascensis* Shrubland (CEGL001236, G3Q)

-   *Salix wolfii / Carex utriculata* Shrubland (CEGL001237, G4)

-   *Salix wolfii / Deschampsia caespitosa* Shrubland (CEGL001238, G3)

-   *Salix wolfii / Fragaria virginiana* Shrubland (CEGL001239, G4?)

-   *Salix wolfii* / Mesic Forbs Shrubland (CEGL001240, G3)

-   *Salix wolfii / Poa palustris* Shrubland (CEGL001241, GNA)

-   *Salix wolfii / Swertia perennis - Pedicularis groenlandica*
    Shrubland (CEGL001242, G2)

**Alliances:**

-   *Acer glabrum* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.952)

-   *Alnus incana* Seasonally Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.986)

-   *Alnus incana* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.950)

-   *Alnus oblongifolia* Temporarily Flooded Forest Alliance (A.953)

-   *Alnus viridis* ssp. *sinuata* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland
    Alliance (A.966)

-   *Betula nana* Seasonally Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.995)

-   *Betula occidentalis* Seasonally Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.996)

-   *Betula occidentalis* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.967)

-   *Cornus sericea* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.968)

-   *Corylus cornuta* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.2596)

-   *Dasiphora fruticosa* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.958)

-   *Fraxinus anomala* Temporarily Flooded Woodland Alliance (A.2511)

-   *Ribes lacustre* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.970)

-   *Salix bebbiana* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.971)

-   *Salix boothii* Seasonally Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.1001)

-   *Salix boothii* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.972)

-   *Salix brachycarpa* Seasonally Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.998)

-   *Salix candida* Seasonally Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.1002)

-   *Salix commutata* Seasonally Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.1003)

-   *Salix drummondiana* Seasonally Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.1004)

-   *Salix drummondiana* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.973)

-   *Salix eriocephala* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.974)

-   *Salix geyeriana* Seasonally Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.1006)

-   *Salix geyeriana* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.975)

-   *Salix glauca* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.963)

-   *Salix lemmonii* Seasonally Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.2523)

-   *Salix ligulifolia* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.978)

-   *Salix lucida* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.979)

-   *Salix lutea* Seasonally Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.1007)

-   *Salix lutea* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.980)

-   *Salix monticola* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.981)

-   *Salix planifolia* Seasonally Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.1008)

-   *Salix planifolia* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.982)

-   *Salix wolfii* Seasonally Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.1009)

-   *Salix wolfii* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.983)

SPATIAL CHARACTERISTICS

SOURCES

**References:** Baker 1988, Baker 1989a, Baker 1989b, Baker 1990,
Canadian Rockies Ecoregional Plan 2002, Comer et al. 2002, Comer et al.
2003, Crowe and Clausnitzer 1997, Kittel 1993, Kittel 1994, Kittel et
al. 1996, Kittel et al. 1999a, Kittel et al. 1999b, Kovalchik 1987,
Kovalchik 1993, Kovalchik 2001, Manning and Padgett 1995, Muldavin et
al. 2000a, Nachlinger et al. 2001, Neely et al. 2001, Padgett 1982,
Padgett et al. 1988a, Padgett et al. 1988b, Rondeau 2001, Shiflet 1994,
Szaro 1989, Tuhy et al. 2002, Walford 1996

**Version:** 20 Feb 2003 **Stakeholders:** Canada, Midwest, West

**Concept Author:** NatureServe Western Ecology Team **LeadResp:** West

#### CES306.833 Rocky Mountain Subalpine-Montane Riparian Woodland

**Primary Division:** Rocky Mountain (306)

**Land Cover Class:** Woody Wetland

**Spatial Scale & Pattern:** Linear

**Required Classifiers:** Natural/Semi-natural; Vegetated (\>10% vasc.)

**Diagnostic Classifiers:** Montane \[Upper Montane, Montane\]; Forest
and Woodland (Treed); Riverine / Alluvial; Short (\<5 yrs) Flooding
Interval; RM Subalpine/Montane Riparian Shrubland

**Concept Summary:** This riparian woodland system is comprised of
seasonally flooded forests and woodlands found at montane to subalpine
elevations of the Rocky Mountain cordillera, from southern New Mexico
north into Montana, and west into the Intermountain region and the
Colorado Plateau. It occurs throughout the interior of British Columbia
and the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains. This system contains
the conifer and aspen woodlands that line montane streams. These are
communities tolerant of periodic flooding and high water tables.
Snowmelt moisture in this system may create shallow water tables or
seeps for a portion of the growing season. Stands typically occur at
elevations between 1500 and 3300 m (4920-10,830 feet), farther north
elevation ranges between 900 and 2000 m. This is confined to specific
riparian environments occurring on floodplains or terraces of rivers and
streams, in V-shaped, narrow valleys and canyons (where there is
cold-air drainage). Less frequently, occurrences are found in
moderate-wide valley bottoms on large floodplains along broad,
meandering rivers, and on pond or lake margins. Dominant tree species
vary across the latitudinal range, although it usually includes *Abies
lasiocarpa* and/or *Picea engelmannii*; other important species include
*Pseudotsuga menziesii, Picea pungens, Picea engelmannii X glauca,
Populus tremuloides*, and *Juniperus scopulorum*. Other trees possibly
present but not usually dominant include *Alnus incana, Abies concolor,
Abies grandis, Pinus contorta, Populus angustifolia, Populus balsamifera
ssp. trichocarpa*, and *Juniperus osteosperma*.

DISTRIBUTION

**Range:** This system is found at montane to subalpine elevations of
the Rocky Mountain cordillera, from southern New Mexico north into
Montana, Alberta and British Columbia, and west into the Intermountain
region and the Colorado Plateau.

**Divisions:** 204:P, 304:C, 306:C

**TNC Ecoregions:** 4:P, 6:P, 7:C, 8:C, 9:C, 11:C, 18:C, 19:C, 20:C,
21:C, 25:C, 68:C

**Subnations:** AB, AZ, BC, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY

CONCEPT

**Associations:**

-   *Abies concolor - Picea pungens - Populus angustifolia / Acer
    glabrum* Forest (CEGL000255, G2)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa - Picea engelmannii / Alnus incana* Forest
    (CEGL000296, G5)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa - Picea engelmannii / Alnus viridis* ssp.
    *sinuata* Forest (CEGL000297, G4)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa - Picea engelmannii / Mertensia ciliata* Forest
    (CEGL002663, G5)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa - Picea engelmannii / Oplopanax horridus* Forest
    (CEGL000322, G3)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa - Picea engelmannii / Salix drummondiana* Forest
    (CEGL000327, G5)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa - Picea engelmannii / Streptopus amplexifolius*
    Forest (CEGL000336, G4)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa / Carex aquatilis* Forest (CEGL002636, G4)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa / Trautvetteria caroliniensis* Forest (CEGL000339,
    G3)

-   *Picea engelmannii - Populus angustifolia / Heracleum maximum*
    Forest (CEGL000367, G3G4)

-   *Picea engelmannii / Caltha leptosepala* Forest (CEGL000357, G3?)

-   *Picea engelmannii / Carex angustata* Forest (CEGL000359, G3)

-   *Picea engelmannii / Carex scopulorum* var. *prionophylla* Woodland
    (CEGL002630, G3)

-   *Picea engelmannii / Cornus sericea* Woodland (CEGL002677, G3)

-   *Picea engelmannii / Eleocharis quinqueflora* Woodland (CEGL000361,
    G3)

-   *Picea engelmannii / Salix drummondiana* Woodland \[Provisional\]
    (CEGL005843, G2G3)

-   *Picea engelmannii / Senecio triangularis* Forest (CEGL000376, G3Q)

-   *Picea glauca* Alluvial Black Hills Forest (CEGL002057, G2G3)

-   *Picea pungens / Alnus incana* Woodland (CEGL000894, G3)

-   *Picea pungens / Betula occidentalis* Woodland (CEGL002637, G2)

-   *Picea pungens / Cornus sericea* Woodland (CEGL000388, G4)

-   *Picea pungens / Dasiphora fruticosa* ssp. *floribunda* Woodland
    (CEGL000396, G2G3)

-   *Picea pungens / Equisetum arvense* Woodland (CEGL000389, G3?)

-   *Pinus contorta / Calamagrostis canadensis* Forest (CEGL000138, G5)

-   *Pinus contorta / Carex (aquatilis, angustata)* Woodland
    (CEGL000140, G4Q)

-   *Pinus contorta / Cornus sericea* Woodland (CEGL005929, G2G3)

-   *Pinus contorta / Deschampsia caespitosa* Forest (CEGL000147, G3)

-   *Populus balsamifera* ssp. *trichocarpa* - Conifer / *Cornus
    sericea* Forest (CEGL005905, G2G3)

-   *Populus balsamifera* ssp. *trichocarpa - Picea engelmannii /
    Equisetum arvense* Forest (CEGL005907, G2?)

-   *Populus tremuloides - Abies lasiocarpa - Picea engelmannii /
    Calamagrostis canadensis* Forest \[Provisional\] (CEGL005909, G2?)

-   *Populus tremuloides - Abies lasiocarpa - Picea engelmannii /
    Streptopus amplexifolius* Forest (CEGL005908, G2G3)

-   *Populus tremuloides* - Conifer / *Heracleum maximum* Forest
    (CEGL005910, G2?)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Alnus incana - Salix* spp. Forest
    (CEGL001082, G4)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Alnus incana / Betula nana - Ribes* spp.
    Forest (CEGL001149, G1)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Alnus incana* Forest (CEGL001150, G3)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Betula occidentalis* Forest (CEGL002650, G3)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Calamagrostis canadensis* Forest (CEGL000574,
    G3)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Carex aquatilis* var. *aquatilis* Forest
    (CEGL003442, G1?)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Carex obnupta* Forest (CEGL003371, G2)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Carex pellita* Forest (CEGL000577, G2)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Cornus sericea* Forest (CEGL000582, G4)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Corylus cornuta* Forest (CEGL000583, G3)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Equisetum arvense* Forest (CEGL000584, G4)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Quercus gambelii / Symphoricarpos oreophilus*
    Forest (CEGL000598, GNR)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Ranunculus alismifolius* Forest (CEGL000599,
    G2?)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Ribes montigenum* Forest (CEGL000600, G2)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Salix drummondiana* Forest (CEGL002902, G3G4)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Senecio bigelovii* var. *bigelovii* Forest
    (CEGL000590, G1?)

-   *Populus tremuloides / Veratrum californicum* Forest (CEGL000621,
    G3?)

-   *Populus tremuloides* Canyon Formation Forest (CEGL000576, GUQ)

**Alliances:**

-   *Abies concolor* Forest Alliance (A.152)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa - Populus tremuloides* Forest Alliance (A.422)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa* Seasonally Flooded Forest Alliance (A.190)

-   *Abies lasiocarpa* Temporarily Flooded Forest Alliance (A.177)

-   *Picea engelmannii* Seasonally Flooded Forest Alliance (A.191)

-   *Picea engelmannii* Seasonally Flooded Woodland Alliance (A.572)

-   *Picea engelmannii* Temporarily Flooded Forest Alliance (A.179)

-   *Picea engelmannii* Temporarily Flooded Woodland Alliance (A.566)

-   *Picea glauca* Temporarily Flooded Forest Alliance (A.172)

-   *Picea pungens* Temporarily Flooded Woodland Alliance (A.567)

-   *Pinus contorta* Seasonally Flooded Forest Alliance (A.188)

-   *Pinus contorta* Temporarily Flooded Forest Alliance (A.175)

-   *Pinus contorta* Temporarily Flooded Woodland Alliance (A.562)

-   *Pinus contorta* Woodland Alliance (A.512)

-   *Populus balsamifera* ssp. *trichocarpa* Temporarily Flooded Forest
    Alliance (A.311)

-   *Populus tremuloides* Forest Alliance (A.274)

-   *Populus tremuloides* Seasonally Flooded Forest Alliance (A.340)

-   *Populus tremuloides* Temporarily Flooded Forest Alliance (A.300)

SPATIAL CHARACTERISTICS

SOURCES

**References:** Baker 1988, Baker 1989a, Baker 1989b, Baker 1990,
Canadian Rockies Ecoregional Plan 2002, Comer et al. 2002, Comer et al.
2003, Crowe and Clausnitzer 1997, Ecosystems Working Group 1998, Eyre
1980, Kittel 1993, Kittel et al. 1994, Kittel et al. 1995, Kittel et al.
1999a, Kittel et al. 1999b, Kovalchik 1987, Kovalchik 1993, Kovalchik
2001, Manning and Padgett 1995, Muldavin et al. 2000a, Nachlinger et al.
2001, Neely et al. 2001, Padgett 1982, Padgett et al. 1988a, Padgett et
al. 1988b, Rondeau 2001, Shiflet 1994, Tuhy et al. 2002

**Version:** 09 Feb 2005 **Stakeholders:** Canada, Midwest, West

**Concept Author:** NatureServe Western Ecology Team **LeadResp:** West

## Herbaceous Wetland

#### CES300.729 North American Arid West Emergent Marsh

**Primary Division:**

**Land Cover Class:** Herbaceous Wetland

**Spatial Scale & Pattern:** Small patch

**Required Classifiers:** Natural/Semi-natural; Vegetated (\>10% vasc.)

**Diagnostic Classifiers:** Herbaceous; Depressional \[Lakeshore,
Pond\]; Mineral: W/ A-Horizon \>10 cm; Aquatic Herb; Graminoid; Deep
(\>15 cm) Water; Saturated Soil

**Concept Summary:** This widespread ecological system occurs throughout
much of the arid and semi-arid regions of western North America,
typically surrounded by savanna, shrub steppe, steppe, or desert
vegetation. Natural marshes may occur in depressions in the landscape
(ponds, kettle ponds), as fringes around lakes, and along slow-flowing
streams and rivers (such riparian marshes are also referred to as
sloughs). Marshes are frequently or continually inundated, with water
depths up to 2 m. Water levels may be stable, or may fluctuate 1 m or
more over the course of the growing season. Water chemistry may include
some alkaline or semi-alkaline situations, but the alkalinity is highly
variable even within the same complex of wetlands. Marshes have
distinctive soils that are typically mineral, but can also accumulate
organic material. Soils have characteristics that result from long
periods of anaerobic conditions in the soils (e.g., gleyed soils, high
organic content, redoximorphic features). The vegetation is
characterized by herbaceous plants that are adapted to saturated soil
conditions. Common emergent and floating vegetation includes species of
*Scirpus* and/or *Schoenoplectus, Typha, Juncus, Potamogeton, Polygonum,
Nuphar*, and *Phalaris*. This system may also include areas of
relatively deep water with floating-leaved plants (*Lemna, Potamogeton*,
and *Brasenia*) and submergent and floating plants (*Myriophyllum,
Ceratophyllum*, and *Elodea*).

**Comments:** This ecological system occurs in the arid and semi-arid
regions of western North America, where semipermanently flooded habitats
are found as small patches in the matrix of a relatively dry landscape.

DISTRIBUTION

**Range:** Occurs throughout much of the arid and semi-arid regions of
western North America.

**Divisions:** 301:C, 302:C, 303:C, 304:C, 305:C, 306:C

**TNC Ecoregions:** 6:C, 7:C, 8:C, 9:C, 11:C, 17:C, 18:C, 19:C, 20:C,
21:C, 23:C, 24:C, 26:C, 27:C, 28:C, 29:?, 30:C, 68:C

**Subnations:** AB, AZ, BC, CA, CO, ID, MT, MXBC, MXCH, MXSO, ND, NE,
NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WY

CONCEPT

**Associations:**

-   *Calamagrostis canadensis* Western Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001559, G4)

-   *Carex nebrascensis* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001813, G4)

-   *Carex utriculata* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001562, G5)

-   *Carex vesicaria* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL002661, G4Q)

-   *Distichlis spicata - (Scirpus nevadensis)* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001773, G4)

-   *Eleocharis (montevidensis, palustris, quinqueflora)* Seasonally
    Flooded Herbaceous Vegetation \[Placeholder\] (CEGL003050, G5)

-   *Glyceria borealis* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001569, G4)

-   *Juncus balticus - Carex rossii* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001839,
    G2G4)

-   *Juncus balticus* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001838, G5)

-   *Lemna* spp. Permanently Flooded Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL003059,
    G3?)

-   *Myriophyllum sibiricum* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL002000, GUQ)

-   *Nuphar lutea* ssp. *polysepala* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL002001,
    G5)

-   *Phalaris arundinacea* Western Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001474,
    G5)

-   *Phragmites australis* Western North America Temperate Semi-natural
    Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001475, G5)

-   *Potamogeton diversifolius* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL002007, G1?)

-   *Potamogeton foliosus* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL002742, G3?)

-   *Potamogeton natans* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL002925, G5?)

-   *Ranunculus aquatilis - Callitriche palustris* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001984, GU)

-   *Ruppia (cirrhosa, maritima)* Permanently Flooded Herbaceous
    Vegetation \[Placeholder\] (CEGL003119, G1G3)

-   *Salicornia rubra* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001999, G2G3)

-   *Schoenoplectus acutus - Typha latifolia - (Schoenoplectus
    tabernaemontani)* Sandhills Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL002030, G4)

-   *Schoenoplectus acutus* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001840, G5)

-   *Schoenoplectus americanus - Carex* spp. Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL004144, GNR)

-   *Schoenoplectus americanus - Eleocharis palustris* Herbaceous
    Vegetation (CEGL001585, G4)

-   *Schoenoplectus americanus - Eleocharis* spp. Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001586, GNR)

-   *Schoenoplectus americanus - Flaveria chlorifolia - (Helianthus
    paradoxus)* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL004592, G1)

-   *Schoenoplectus americanus* Western Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001841, G3Q)

-   *Schoenoplectus maritimus* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001843, G4)

-   *Schoenoplectus pungens* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001587, G3G4)

-   *Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani* Temperate Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL002623, G5)

-   *Sparganium angustifolium* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001990, G4)

-   *Sparganium eurycarpum* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL003323, G4)

-   *Spartina gracilis* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001588, GU)

-   *Spartina pectinata* Western Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001476, G3?)

-   *Stuckenia filiformis* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL002008, GU)

-   *Triglochin maritima* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001995, GU)

-   *Typha (latifolia, angustifolia)* Western Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL002010, G5)

-   *Typha domingensis* Western Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001845, G5?)

**Alliances:**

-   *(Potamogeton diversifolius, Stuckenia filiformis)* Permanently
    Flooded Herbaceous Alliance (A.1763)

-   *Calamagrostis canadensis* Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1400)

-   *Carex (rostrata, utriculata)* Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous
    Alliance (A.1403)

-   *Carex nebrascensis* Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Alliance (A.1417)

-   *Carex vesicaria* Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Alliance (A.2501)

-   *Distichlis spicata* Intermittently Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1332)

-   *Eleocharis (montevidensis, palustris, quinqueflora)* Seasonally
    Flooded Herbaceous Alliance (A.1371)

-   *Glyceria borealis* Semipermanently Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1445)

-   *Juncus balticus* Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Alliance (A.1374)

-   *Lemna* spp. Permanently Flooded Herbaceous Alliance (A.1747)

-   *Myriophyllum sibiricum* Permanently Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1761)

-   *Nymphaea odorata - Nuphar* spp. Permanently Flooded Temperate
    Herbaceous Alliance (A.1984)

-   *Phalaris arundinacea* Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1381)

-   *Phragmites australis* Semipermanently Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1431)

-   *Potamogeton foliosus* Permanently Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.2518)

-   *Potamogeton* spp. - *Ceratophyllum* spp. - *Elodea* spp.
    Permanently Flooded Herbaceous Alliance (A.1754)

-   *Ranunculus aquatilis* Semipermanently Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1679)

-   *Ruppia (cirrhosa, maritima)* Permanently Flooded Herbaceous
    Alliance (A.1755)

-   *Salicornia rubra* Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Alliance (A.1818)

-   *Schoenoplectus acutus - (Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani)*
    Semipermanently Flooded Herbaceous Alliance (A.1443)

-   *Schoenoplectus americanus* Semipermanently Flooded Herbaceous
    Alliance (A.1432)

-   *Schoenoplectus maritimus* Semipermanently Flooded Herbaceous
    Alliance (A.1444)

-   *Schoenoplectus pungens* Semipermanently Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1433)

-   *Sparganium angustifolium* Permanently Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1760)

-   *Sparganium eurycarpum* Permanently Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.2598)

-   *Spartina gracilis* Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Alliance (A.1407)

-   *Spartina pectinata* Temporarily Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1347)

-   *Triglochin maritima* Semipermanently Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1681)

-   *Typha (angustifolia, latifolia) - (Schoenoplectus* spp.)
    Semipermanently Flooded Herbaceous Alliance (A.1436)

-   *Typha domingensis* Seasonally Flooded Temperate Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1392)

**High-ranked species:** Agelaius tricolor (G2G3), Bufo exsul (G1Q),
Cyprinodon macularius (G1), Cyprinodon radiosus (G1), Cyprinodon salinus
(G1Q), Sidalcea neomexicana ssp. thurberi (G4?T3T4)

SPATIAL CHARACTERISTICS

SOURCES

**References:** Brown 1982, Comer et al. 2003, Cooper 1986b, Dick-Peddie
1993, Faber-Langendoen et al. 1997, Hansen et al. 1995, Kittel et al.
1994, Neely et al. 2001, Padgett et al. 1989, Rondeau 2001, Szaro 1989,
Ungar 1965, Ungar 1972

**Version:** 14 Dec 2004 **Stakeholders:** Canada, Latin America,
Midwest, Southeast, West

**Concept Author:** NatureServe Western Ecology Team **LeadResp:** West

#### CES306.812 Rocky Mountain Alpine-Montane Wet Meadow

**Primary Division:** Rocky Mountain (306)

**Land Cover Class:** Herbaceous Wetland

**Spatial Scale & Pattern:** Small patch

**Required Classifiers:** Natural/Semi-natural; Vegetated (\>10% vasc.)

**Diagnostic Classifiers:** Alpine/AltiAndino \[Alpine/AltiAndino\];
Montane \[Upper Montane\]; Herbaceous; Seepage-Fed Sloping \[Mineral\];
Depressional \[Lakeshore, Pond\]; Graminoid

**Concept Summary:** These are high-elevation communities found
throughout the Rocky Mountains and Intermountain regions, dominated by
herbaceous species found on wetter sites with very low-velocity surface
and subsurface flows. They range in elevation from montane to alpine
(1000-3600 m). These types occur as large meadows in montane or
subalpine valleys, as narrow strips bordering ponds, lakes, and streams,
and along toeslope seeps. They are typically found on flat areas or
gentle slopes, but may also occur on sub-irrigated sites with slopes up
to 10%. In alpine regions, sites typically are small depressions located
below late-melting snow patches or on snowbeds. Soils of this system may
be mineral or organic. In either case, soils show typical hydric soil
characteristics, including high organic content and/or low chroma and
redoximorphic features. This system often occurs as a mosaic of several
plant associations, often dominated by graminoids, including
*Calamagrostis stricta, Caltha leptosepala, Cardamine cordifolia, Carex
illota, Carex microptera, Carex nigricans, Carex scopulorum, Carex
utriculata, Carex vernacula, Deschampsia caespitosa, Eleocharis
quinqueflora, Juncus drummondii, Phippsia algida, Rorippa alpina,
Senecio triangularis, Trifolium parryi*, and *Trollius laxus*. Often
alpine dwarf-shrublands, especially those dominated by *Salix*, are
immediately adjacent to the wet meadows. Wet meadows are tightly
associated with snowmelt and typically not subjected to high disturbance
events such as flooding.

**Comments:** Similar systems to this one include Temperate Pacific
Subalpine-Montane Wet Meadow (CES200.998) and Boreal Wet Meadow
(CES103.873). Rocky Mountain Alpine-Montane Wet Meadow (CES306.812)
occurs to the east of the coastal and Sierran mountains, in the
semi-arid interior regions of western North America. Boreal wet meadow
systems occur farther north and east in boreal regions where the
climatic regime is generally colder than that of the Rockies or Pacific
Northwest regions. Floristics of these three systems are somewhat
similar, but there are differences related to biogeographic affinities
of the species composing the vegetation.

DISTRIBUTION

**Range:** Found throughout the Rocky Mountains and Intermountain
regions, ranging in elevation from montane to alpine (1000-3600 m).

**Divisions:** 304:C, 306:C

**TNC Ecoregions:** 7:C, 8:C, 9:C, 11:C, 18:C, 19:C, 20:C, 21:C, 22:P,
25:C, 68:C

**Subnations:** AB, AZ, BC, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY

CONCEPT

**Associations:**

-   *Betula nana / Carex* spp. Shrubland (CEGL005887, GNR)

-   *Betula nana / Carex utriculata* Shrubland (CEGL001079, G4?)

-   *Betula nana* / Mesic Forbs - Mesic Graminoids Shrubland
    (CEGL002653, G3G4)

-   *Calamagrostis canadensis - Carex scopulorum - Mertensia ciliata*
    Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001560, GUQ)

-   *Calamagrostis canadensis - Senecio triangularis* Herbaceous
    Vegetation (CEGL001561, G2Q)

-   *Calamagrostis canadensis* Western Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001559, G4)

-   *Calamagrostis stricta* Herbaceous Vegetation \[Provisional\]
    (CEGL002891, GU)

-   *Caltha leptosepala - Polygonum bistortoides* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001956, G2Q)

-   *Caltha leptosepala - Rhodiola rhodantha* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001957, GNRQ)

-   *Caltha leptosepala* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001954, G4)

-   *Camassia cusickii* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL003440, G2)

-   *Cardamine cordifolia - Caltha leptosepala* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001958, GU)

-   *Cardamine cordifolia - Mertensia ciliata - Senecio triangularis*
    Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL002662, G4)

-   *Carex amplifolia* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL003427, G3)

-   *Carex aperta* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001801, G1?)

-   *Carex aquatilis - Carex utriculata* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001803, G4)

-   *Carex aquatilis - Pedicularis groenlandica* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001804, GU)

-   *Carex aquatilis* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001802, G5)

-   *Carex aquatilis* var. *dives* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001826,
    G4)

-   *Carex capillaris - Polygonum viviparum* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001872, GU)

-   *Carex duriuscula* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001874, GUQ)

-   *Carex illota* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001876, GUQ)

-   *Carex lachenalii* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001871, GU)

-   *Carex microglochin* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001877, GU)

-   *Carex microptera* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001792, G4)

-   *Carex nebrascensis - Carex microptera* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001815, G3G4)

-   *Carex nebrascensis - Catabrosa aquatica* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001814, G1?)

-   *Carex nebrascensis* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001813, G4)

-   *Carex nebrascensis* Slope Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL002890, GU)

-   *Carex nigricans - Juncus drummondii* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001818, GU)

-   *Carex nigricans - Sibbaldia procumbens* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL005824, G4G5)

-   *Carex nigricans* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001816, G4)

-   *Carex pellita* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001809, G3)

-   *Carex praegracilis - Carex aquatilis* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001821, G3)

-   *Carex praegracilis* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL002660, G3G4)

-   *Carex pyrenaica* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001860, GU)

-   *Carex saxatilis* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001769, G3)

-   *Carex scirpoidea* ssp. *pseudoscirpoidea* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001865, G3?)

-   *Carex scopulorum - Caltha leptosepala* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001823, G4)

-   *Carex scopulorum - Elymus trachycaulus* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001824, GU)

-   *Carex scopulorum* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001822, G5)

-   *Carex simulata* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001825, G4)

-   *Carex spectabilis - Arnica X diversifolia* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL005867, G3G4)

-   *Carex straminiformis* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001793, G3?)

-   *Carex utriculata* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001562, G5)

-   *Carex vernacula - Poa fendleriana* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001869, G2G3)

-   *Carex vesicaria* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL002661, G4Q)

-   *Dasiphora fruticosa* ssp. *floribunda / Carex* spp. Shrubland
    (CEGL001106, G3?)

-   *Dasiphora fruticosa* ssp. *floribunda / Deschampsia caespitosa*
    Shrubland (CEGL001107, G4)

-   *Dasiphora fruticosa* ssp. *floribunda* Shrubland \[Provisional\]
    (CEGL001105, G5?)

-   *Deschampsia caespitosa - Achillea millefolium* var. *occidentalis*
    Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001880, G5)

-   *Deschampsia caespitosa - Caltha leptosepala* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001882, G4)

-   *Deschampsia caespitosa - Carex douglasii* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001602, G2)

-   *Deschampsia caespitosa - Carex microptera* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001883, G2G3)

-   *Deschampsia caespitosa - Carex nebrascensis* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001601, G3?Q)

-   *Deschampsia caespitosa - Carex* spp. Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001603, G4Q)

-   *Deschampsia caespitosa - Geum rossii* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001884, G5)

-   *Deschampsia caespitosa - Ligusticum tenuifolium* Herbaceous
    Vegetation (CEGL001885, GU)

-   *Deschampsia caespitosa - Luzula multiflora* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001886, G2Q)

-   *Deschampsia caespitosa - Mertensia ciliata* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001887, GU)

-   *Deschampsia caespitosa - Phleum alpinum* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001888, G3Q)

-   *Deschampsia caespitosa - Potentilla diversifolia* Herbaceous
    Vegetation (CEGL001889, G5)

-   *Deschampsia caespitosa - Symphyotrichum foliaceum* Herbaceous
    Vegetation (CEGL001881, G2Q)

-   *Deschampsia caespitosa* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001599, G4)

-   *Eleocharis acicularis* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001832, G4?)

-   *Eleocharis palustris - Distichlis spicata* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001834, G2G4)

-   *Eleocharis palustris - Juncus balticus* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001835, G2G4)

-   *Eleocharis palustris* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001833, G5)

-   *Eleocharis quinqueflora - Carex scopulorum* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001837, G3G4)

-   *Eleocharis quinqueflora* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001836, G4)

-   *Eleocharis rostellata* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL003428, G3)

-   *Equisetum arvense* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL003314, G5)

-   *Equisetum fluviatile* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL002746, G4)

-   *Equisetum laevigatum* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL002241, GNR)

-   *Geum rossii - Polygonum bistortoides* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001967, G4G5)

-   *Geum rossii - Sibbaldia procumbens* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001969, GU)

-   *Glyceria borealis* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001569, G4)

-   *Glyceria grandis* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL003429, G2?)

-   *Glyceria striata* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL000219, G3)

-   *Heracleum maximum - Rudbeckia occidentalis* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001940, G4)

-   *Heracleum maximum* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL005857, G3G4)

-   *Juncus balticus - Carex rossii* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001839,
    G2G4)

-   *Juncus balticus* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001838, G5)

-   *Juncus drummondii - Antennaria lanata* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001904, G3?)

-   *Juncus drummondii - Carex* spp. Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001905,
    G4)

-   *Juncus parryi - Erigeron ursinus* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001906, G2?)

-   *Juncus parryi / Sibbaldia procumbens* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL005871, G3G4)

-   *Phippsia algida* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL002892, GU)

-   *Phleum alpinum - Carex aquatilis* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001921, G2Q)

-   *Phleum alpinum - Carex microptera* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001922, G2Q)

-   *Poa glauca* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001926, GU)

-   *Poa palustris* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001659, GNA)

-   *Primula parryi* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001983, GNR)

-   *Rhodiola rhodantha* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001931, GU)

-   *Rorippa alpina* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL002009, GU)

-   *Saxifraga odontoloma* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001985, GU)

-   *Senecio triangularis - Mimulus guttatus* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001988, G3?)

-   *Senecio triangularis - Veratrum californicum* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001989, G4)

-   *Senecio triangularis* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001987, G5?)

-   *Trichophorum caespitosum - Carex livida* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001842, G1)

-   *Trollius laxus - Parnassia fimbriata* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL005858, G3?)

-   *Valeriana sitchensis - Veratrum viride* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001998, G4)

**Alliances:**

-   *Betula nana* Seasonally Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.995)

-   *Calamagrostis canadensis* Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1400)

-   *Calamagrostis stricta* Temporarily Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.2594)

-   *Caltha leptosepala* Saturated Herbaceous Alliance (A.1698)

-   *Camassia (cusickii, quamash)* Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous
    Alliance (A.2587)

-   *Cardamine cordifolia* Saturated Herbaceous Alliance (A.1699)

-   *Carex (lachenalii, capillaris, illota)* Seasonally Flooded
    Herbaceous Alliance (A.1424)

-   *Carex (rostrata, utriculata)* Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous
    Alliance (A.1403)

-   *Carex amplifolia* Saturated Herbaceous Alliance (A.2584)

-   *Carex aperta* Saturated Herbaceous Alliance (A.1468)

-   *Carex aquatilis* Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Alliance (A.1404)

-   *Carex aquatilis* var. *dives* Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous
    Alliance (A.1412)

-   *Carex duriuscula* Herbaceous Alliance (A.1283)

-   *Carex microglochin* Saturated Herbaceous Alliance (A.1470)

-   *Carex microptera* Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Alliance (A.1411)

-   *Carex nebrascensis* Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Alliance (A.1417)

-   *Carex nigricans* Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Alliance (A.1418)

-   *Carex pellita* Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Alliance (A.1414)

-   *Carex praegracilis* Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Alliance (A.1419)

-   *Carex pyrenaica* Herbaceous Alliance (A.1320)

-   *Carex saxatilis* Temporarily Flooded Herbaceous Alliance (A.1357)

-   *Carex scirpoidea* ssp. *pseudoscirpoidea* Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1306)

-   *Carex scopulorum* Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Alliance (A.1420)

-   *Carex simulata* Saturated Herbaceous Alliance (A.1469)

-   *Carex spectabilis* Herbaceous Alliance (A.1300)

-   *Carex straminiformis* Herbaceous Alliance (A.1314)

-   *Carex vernacula* Herbaceous Alliance (A.1309)

-   *Carex vesicaria* Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Alliance (A.2501)

-   *Dasiphora fruticosa* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.958)

-   *Deschampsia caespitosa* Saturated Herbaceous Alliance (A.1456)

-   *Deschampsia caespitosa* Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1408)

-   *Deschampsia caespitosa* Temporarily Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1355)

-   *Eleocharis (quinqueflora, rostellata)* Saturated Herbaceous
    Alliance (A.1423)

-   *Eleocharis acicularis* Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1421)

-   *Eleocharis palustris* Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1422)

-   *Equisetum (arvense, variegatum, hyemale)* Semipermanently Flooded
    Herbaceous Alliance (A.3539)

-   *Equisetum fluviatile* Semipermanently Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1678)

-   *Equisetum laevigatum* Semipermanently Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.2648)

-   *Geum rossii* Herbaceous Alliance (A.1645)

-   *Glyceria (grandis, striata)* Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.2578)

-   *Glyceria borealis* Semipermanently Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1445)

-   *Heracleum maximum* Temporarily Flooded Herbaceous Alliance (A.1661)

-   *Juncus balticus* Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Alliance (A.1374)

-   *Juncus drummondii* Herbaceous Alliance (A.1324)

-   *Juncus parryi* Herbaceous Alliance (A.1325)

-   *Phippsia algida* Saturated Herbaceous Alliance (A.2595)

-   *Phleum alpinum* Temporarily Flooded Herbaceous Alliance (A.1360)

-   *Poa glauca* Temporarily Flooded Herbaceous Alliance (A.1361)

-   *Poa palustris* Semi-natural Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1409)

-   *Primula parryi* Temporarily Flooded Herbaceous Alliance (A.1665)

-   *Rhodiola rhodantha* Temporarily Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1659)

-   *Rorippa alpina* Saturated Herbaceous Alliance (A.1700)

-   *Saxifraga odontoloma* Temporarily Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1666)

-   *Senecio triangularis* Semipermanently Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1680)

-   *Senecio triangularis* Temporarily Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1667)

-   *Trichophorum caespitosum* Semipermanently Flooded Herbaceous
    Alliance (A.1446)

-   *Trollius laxus* Saturated Herbaceous Alliance (A.2631)

-   *Valeriana sitchensis* Herbaceous Alliance (A.1611)

**High-ranked species:** Ptilagrostis kingii (G3?), Rana pretiosa (G2),
Speyeria nokomis (G3)

**Environment:** Moisture for these wet meadow community types is
acquired from groundwater, stream discharge, overland flow, overbank
flow, and on-site precipitation. Salinity and alkalinity are generally
low due to the frequent flushing of moisture through the meadow.
Depending on the slope, topography, hydrology, soils and substrate,
intermittent, ephemeral, or permanent pools may be present. These areas
may support species more representative of purely aquatic environments.
Standing water may be present during some or all of the growing season,
with water tables typically remaining at or near the soil surface.
Fluctuations of the water table throughout the growing season are not
uncommon, however. On drier sites supporting the less mesic types, the
late-season water table may be one meter or more below the surface.

Soils typically possess a high proportion of organic matter, but this
may vary considerably depending on the frequency and magnitude of
alluvial deposition (Kittel et. al. 1998). Organic composition of the
soil may include a thin layer near the soil surface or accumulations of
highly sapric material of up to 120 cm thick. Soils may exhibit gleying
and/or mottling throughout the profile.

Wet meadow ecological systems provide important water filtration, flow
attenuation, and wildlife habitat functions.

**Dynamics:** Associations in this ecological system are adapted to
soils that may be flooded or saturated throughout the growing season.
They may also occur on areas with soils that are only saturated early in
the growing season, or intermittently. Typically these associations are
tolerant of moderate-intensity ground fires and late-season livestock
grazing (Kovalchik 1987). Most appear to be relatively stable types,
although in some areas these may be impacted by intensive livestock
grazing.

SPATIAL CHARACTERISTICS

SOURCES

**References:** Canadian Rockies Ecoregional Plan 2002, Comer et al.
2002, Comer et al. 2003, Cooper 1986b, Crowe and Clausnitzer 1997,
Kittel et al. 1999b, Komarkova 1976, Komarkova 1986, Kovalchik 1987,
Kovalchik 1993, Manning and Padgett 1995, Meidinger and Pojar 1991,
Nachlinger 1985, Nachlinger et al. 2001, Neely et al. 2001, Padgett et
al. 1988a, Reed 1988, Sanderson and Kettler 1996, Shiflet 1994, Tuhy et
al. 2002

**Version:** 14 Dec 2004 **Stakeholders:** Canada, Midwest, West

**Concept Author:** NatureServe Western Ecology Team **LeadResp:** West

## Mixed Upland and Wetland

#### CES304.780 Inter-Mountain Basins Greasewood Flat

**Primary Division:** Inter-Mountain Basins (304)

**Land Cover Class:** Mixed Upland and Wetland

**Spatial Scale & Pattern:** Large patch

**Required Classifiers:** Natural/Semi-natural; Vegetated (\>10% vasc.);
Upland; Wetland

**Diagnostic Classifiers:** Lowland \[Lowland\]; Shrubland
(Shrub-dominated); Toeslope/Valley Bottom; Alkaline Soil; Deep Soil;
Xeromorphic Shrub

**Concept Summary:** This ecological system occurs throughout much of
the western U.S. in Intermountain basins and extends onto the western
Great Plains and into central Montana. It typically occurs near
drainages on stream terraces and flats or may form rings around more
sparsely vegetated playas. Sites typically have saline soils, a shallow
water table and flood intermittently, but remain dry for most growing
seasons. The water table remains high enough to maintain vegetation,
despite salt accumulations. This system usually occurs as a mosaic of
multiple communities, with open to moderately dense shrublands dominated
or codominated by *Sarcobatus vermiculatus*. Other shrubs that may be
present to codominant in some occurrences include *Atriplex canescens,
Atriplex confertifolia, Atriplex gardneri, Artemisia cana ssp. cana*, or
*Krascheninnikovia lanata*. Occurrences are often surrounded by mixed
salt desert scrub or big sagebrush shrublands. The herbaceous layer, if
present, is usually dominated by graminoids. There may be inclusions of
*Sporobolus airoides, Pascopyrum smithii, Distichlis spicata* (where
water remains ponded the longest), *Calamovilfa longifolia, Poa
pratensis*, or *Eleocharis palustris* herbaceous types.

DISTRIBUTION

**Range:** This system occurs throughout much of the western U.S. in
Intermountain basins and extends onto the western Great Plains.

**Divisions:** 303:C, 304:C

**TNC Ecoregions:** 4:C, 6:C, 8:C, 9:C, 10:C, 11:C, 19:C, 20:C, 26:C

**Subnations:** AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY

CONCEPT

**Associations:**

-   *Distichlis spicata - (Scirpus nevadensis)* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001773, G4)

-   *Distichlis spicata - Lepidium perfoliatum* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001772, GNA)

-   *Distichlis spicata* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001770, G5)

-   *Distichlis spicata* Mixed Herb Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001771,
    G3G5)

-   *Eleocharis palustris* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001833, G5)

-   *Ericameria nauseosa / Sporobolus airoides* Shrubland (CEGL002918,
    G3Q)

-   *Leymus cinereus - Distichlis spicata* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001481, G3)

-   *Leymus cinereus* Bottomland Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001480, G1)

-   *Leymus cinereus* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001479, G2G3Q)

-   *Puccinellia nuttalliana* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001799, G3?)

-   *Salicornia rubra* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001999, G2G3)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus - Atriplex parryi / Distichlis spicata*
    Shrubland (CEGL002764, GNR)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus - Psorothamnus polydenius* Shrubland
    (CEGL002763, GNR)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus / Achnatherum hymenoides* Shrubland
    (CEGL001373, G4)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus / Artemisia tridentata* Shrubland
    (CEGL001359, G4)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus / Atriplex confertifolia - (Picrothamnus
    desertorum, Suaeda moquinii)* Shrubland (CEGL001371, G5?)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus / Atriplex gardneri* Shrubland (CEGL001360,
    G4?)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus / Bouteloua gracilis* Shrubland
    (CEGL001361, G1Q)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus / Distichlis spicata* Shrubland
    (CEGL001363, G4)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus / Elymus elymoides - Pascopyrum smithii*
    Shrubland (CEGL001365, G2?)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus / Elymus elymoides* Shrubland (CEGL001372,
    G4)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus / Juncus balticus* Sparse Vegetation
    (CEGL002919, G3?)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus / Leymus cinereus* Shrubland (CEGL001366,
    G3)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus / Nitrophila occidentalis - Suaeda
    moquinii* Shrubland (CEGL001369, G5?)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus / Pascopyrum smithii - (Elymus
    lanceolatus)* Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001508, G4)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus / Pseudoroegneria spicata* Shrubland
    (CEGL001367, G3)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus / Sporobolus airoides* Sparse Vegetation
    (CEGL001368, G3?)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus / Suaeda moquinii* Shrubland (CEGL001370,
    GUQ)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus* Disturbed Shrubland (CEGL001357, G5)

-   *Sporobolus airoides - Distichlis spicata* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001687, G4?)

-   *Sporobolus airoides* Southern Plains Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001685, G3Q)

**Alliances:**

-   *Distichlis spicata* Intermittently Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1332)

-   *Eleocharis palustris* Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1422)

-   *Ericameria nauseosa* Shrubland Alliance (A.835)

-   *Leymus cinereus* Herbaceous Alliance (A.1204)

-   *Leymus cinereus* Intermittently Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1329)

-   *Puccinellia nuttalliana* Intermittently Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1335)

-   *Salicornia rubra* Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Alliance (A.1818)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus* Intermittently Flooded Shrub Herbaceous
    Alliance (A.1554)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus* Intermittently Flooded Shrubland Alliance
    (A.1046)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus* Intermittently Flooded Sparsely Vegetated
    Alliance (A.1877)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus* Shrubland Alliance (A.1041)

-   *Sporobolus airoides* Herbaceous Alliance (A.1267)

-   *Sporobolus airoides* Intermittently Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1331)

**High-ranked species:** Astragalus pterocarpus (G3), Atriplex
bonnevillensis (G2G3Q), Phacelia parishii (G2G3), Pseudocopaeodes eunus
(G3G4), Puccinellia simplex (G3G4)

SPATIAL CHARACTERISTICS

**Other Comments:** Carmen says this is NOT in Okanagan in BC. She put
their DISSTR in to playas.

SOURCES

**References:** Comer et al. 2003, Knight 1994, Shiflet 1994, West 1983b

**Version:** 23 Jan 2006 **Stakeholders:** Midwest, West

**Concept Author:** NatureServe Western Ecology Team **LeadResp:** West

## Barren

#### CES304.779 Inter-Mountain Basins Cliff and Canyon 

**Primary Division:** Inter-Mountain Basins (304)

**Land Cover Class:** Barren

**Spatial Scale & Pattern:** Large patch

**Required Classifiers:** Natural/Semi-natural; Unvegetated (\<10%
vasc.); Upland

**Diagnostic Classifiers:** Cliff (Landform); Rock
Outcrops/Barrens/Glades

**Concept Summary:** This ecological system is found from foothill to
subalpine elevations and includes barren and sparsely vegetated
landscapes (generally \<10% plant cover) of steep cliff faces, narrow
canyons, and smaller rock outcrops of various igneous, sedimentary, and
metamorphic bedrock types. Also included is vegetation of unstable scree
and talus slopes that typically occurs below cliff faces. Widely
scattered trees and shrubs may include *Abies concolor, Pinus edulis,
Pinus flexilis, Pinus monophylla, Juniperus* spp., *Artemisia
tridentata, Purshia tridentata, Cercocarpus ledifolius, Ephedra* spp.,
*Holodiscus discolor*, and other species often common in adjacent plant
communities.

DISTRIBUTION

**Divisions:** 304:C

**TNC Ecoregions:** 4:?, 6:C, 11:C, 18:C

**Subnations:** CA, ID, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY

CONCEPT

**Associations:**

-   *Cercocarpus intricatus* Montane Shrubland (CEGL002587, GNR)

-   *Cercocarpus intricatus* Slickrock Sparse Vegetation (CEGL002977,
    GNR)

-   *Cercocarpus montanus* Rock Pavement Sparse Vegetation (CEGL002978,
    GNR)

-   *Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus* Talus Shrubland (CEGL002347, GNR)

-   *Crataegus rivularis* Shrubland (CEGL002889, G2Q)

-   *Glossopetalon spinescens* var. *aridum / Pseudoroegneria spicata*
    Shrubland (CEGL001100, G4)

-   *Juniperus osteosperma / Cercocarpus intricatus* Woodland
    (CEGL000733, GNR)

-   *Leymus salinus* Shale Sparse Vegetation (CEGL002745, GNR)

-   *Pinus monophylla - Juniperus osteosperma* / Sparse Understory
    Woodland (CEGL000829, G5)

-   *Pinus ponderosa* Slickrock Sparse Vegetation (CEGL002972, GNR)

**Alliances:**

-   *Cercocarpus intricatus* Shrubland Alliance (A.2659)

-   *Cercocarpus intricatus* Sparsely Vegetated Alliance (A.2543)

-   *Cercocarpus montanus* Sparsely Vegetated Alliance (A.2544)

-   *Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus* Shrubland Alliance (A.2651)

-   *Crataegus rivularis* Temporarily Flooded Shrubland Alliance
    (A.2597)

-   *Glossopetalon spinescens* Shrubland Alliance (A.1032)

-   *Juniperus osteosperma* Woodland Alliance (A.536)

-   *Leymus salinus* Sparsely Vegetated Alliance (A.1258)

-   *Pinus monophylla - (Juniperus osteosperma)* Woodland Alliance
    (A.543)

-   Wooded Bedrock Sparsely Vegetated Alliance (A.2546)

SPATIAL CHARACTERISTICS

SOURCES

**References:** Comer et al. 2003, Knight 1994

**Version:** 20 Feb 2003 **Stakeholders:** Midwest, West

**Concept Author:** NatureServe Western Ecology Team **LeadResp:** West

#### CES304.786 Inter-Mountain Basins Playa

**Primary Division:** Inter-Mountain Basins (304)

**Land Cover Class:** Barren

**Spatial Scale & Pattern:** Large patch

**Required Classifiers:** Natural/Semi-natural; Unvegetated (\<10%
vasc.); Upland; Wetland

**Diagnostic Classifiers:** Lowland \[Lowland\]; Playa; Temperate
\[Temperate Xeric\]; Depressional; Alkaline Soil; Saline Substrate
Chemistry; Aridic; Alkaline Water; Saline Water Chemistry; Caliche
Layer; Impermeable Layer; Intermittent Flooding

**Concept Summary:** This ecological system is composed of barren and
sparsely vegetated playas (generally \<10% plant cover) found in the
intermountain western U.S. Salt crusts are common throughout, with small
saltgrass beds in depressions and sparse shrubs around the margins.
These systems are intermittently flooded. The water is prevented from
percolating through the soil by an impermeable soil subhorizon and is
left to evaporate. Soil salinity varies greatly with soil moisture and
greatly affects species composition. Characteristic species may include
*Allenrolfea occidentalis, Sarcobatus vermiculatus, Grayia spinosa,
Puccinellia lemmonii, Leymus cinereus, Distichlis spicata*, and/or
*Atriplex* spp.

**Comments:** Bjork (1997) refers to these as vernal lakes in
Washington; his one example was ditched and may be artificial. There
might have been these in Grand Coulee prior to Columbia Basin irrigation
project.

DISTRIBUTION

**Range:** This system occurs throughout the Intermountain western U.S.,
extending east into the southwestern Great Plains.

**Divisions:** 304:C

**TNC Ecoregions:** 6:C, 10:C, 11:C, 19:C

**Subnations:** CA, CO, ID, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA?, WY

CONCEPT

**Associations:**

-   *(Sarcocornia utahensis) - (Arthrocnemum subterminale)* Seasonally
    Flooded Herbaceous Vegetation \[Placeholder\] (CEGL003120, GNR)

-   *Allenrolfea occidentalis / Atriplex gardneri* Shrubland
    (CEGL000989, G4?)

-   *Allenrolfea occidentalis* Shrubland (CEGL000988, G3)

-   *Artemisia papposa / Danthonia californica - Festuca idahoensis*
    Shrubland (CEGL002991, GNR)

-   *Atriplex spinifera* Shrubland \[Placeholder\] (CEGL003015, G3?)

-   *Chrysothamnus albidus / Puccinellia nuttalliana* Shrubland
    (CEGL001328, G3)

-   *Distichlis spicata - (Scirpus nevadensis)* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001773, G4)

-   *Distichlis spicata - Lepidium perfoliatum* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001772, GNA)

-   *Distichlis spicata* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001770, G5)

-   *Distichlis spicata* Mixed Herb Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001771,
    G3G5)

-   *Hordeum jubatum* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001798, G4)

-   *Krascheninnikovia lanata / Poa secunda* Dwarf-shrubland
    (CEGL001326, G3)

-   *Leymus cinereus - Distichlis spicata* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001481, G3)

-   *Leymus cinereus - Pascopyrum smithii* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001483, G3Q)

-   *Leymus cinereus* Bottomland Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001480, G1)

-   *Leymus triticoides - Carex* spp. Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001571,
    G4?)

-   *Leymus triticoides - Poa secunda* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001572, G2)

-   *Pluchea sericea* Seasonally Flooded Shrubland \[Placeholder\]
    (CEGL003080, G3?)

-   *Poa secunda - Muhlenbergia richardsonis* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL002755, GNR)

-   *Puccinellia lemmonii - Poa secunda* Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous
    Vegetation (CEGL001658, G1)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus - Atriplex parryi / Distichlis spicata*
    Shrubland (CEGL002764, GNR)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus - Psorothamnus polydenius* Shrubland
    (CEGL002763, GNR)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus / Achnatherum hymenoides* Shrubland
    (CEGL001373, G4)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus / Artemisia tridentata* Shrubland
    (CEGL001359, G4)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus / Atriplex confertifolia - (Picrothamnus
    desertorum, Suaeda moquinii)* Shrubland (CEGL001371, G5?)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus / Distichlis spicata* Shrubland
    (CEGL001363, G4)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus / Elymus elymoides - Pascopyrum smithii*
    Shrubland (CEGL001365, G2?)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus / Elymus elymoides* Shrubland (CEGL001372,
    G4)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus / Ericameria nauseosa* Shrubland
    (CEGL001362, G5)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus / Leymus cinereus* Shrubland (CEGL001366,
    G3)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus / Nitrophila occidentalis - Suaeda
    moquinii* Shrubland (CEGL001369, G5?)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus / Pascopyrum smithii - (Elymus
    lanceolatus)* Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001508, G4)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus / Sporobolus airoides* Sparse Vegetation
    (CEGL001368, G3?)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus* Disturbed Shrubland (CEGL001357, G5)

-   *Spartina gracilis* Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001588, GU)

-   *Sporobolus airoides - Distichlis spicata* Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL001687, G4?)

-   *Suaeda moquinii* Shrubland (CEGL001991, G5)

**Alliances:**

-   *(Sarcocornia utahensis) - (Arthrocnemum subterminale)*
    Semipermanently Flooded Herbaceous Alliance (A.1676)

-   *Allenrolfea occidentalis* Shrubland Alliance (A.866)

-   *Artemisia papposa* Shrubland Alliance (A.2551)

-   *Atriplex spinifera* Shrubland Alliance (A.865)

-   *Chrysothamnus albidus* Shrubland Alliance (A.834)

-   *Distichlis spicata* Intermittently Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1332)

-   *Hordeum jubatum* Temporarily Flooded Herbaceous Alliance (A.1358)

-   *Krascheninnikovia lanata* Dwarf-shrubland Alliance (A.1104)

-   *Leymus cinereus* Herbaceous Alliance (A.1204)

-   *Leymus cinereus* Intermittently Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1329)

-   *Leymus triticoides* Temporarily Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1353)

-   *Pluchea sericea* Seasonally Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.798)

-   *Poa secunda* Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Alliance (A.1410)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus* Intermittently Flooded Shrub Herbaceous
    Alliance (A.1554)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus* Intermittently Flooded Shrubland Alliance
    (A.1046)

-   *Sarcobatus vermiculatus* Intermittently Flooded Sparsely Vegetated
    Alliance (A.1877)

-   *Spartina gracilis* Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Alliance (A.1407)

-   *Sporobolus airoides* Intermittently Flooded Herbaceous Alliance
    (A.1331)

-   *Suaeda moquinii* Intermittently Flooded Shrubland Alliance (A.941)

**High-ranked species:** Atriplex spinifera (G3?), Gratiola heterosepala
(G3), Lepidium davisii (G3), Phacelia inundata (G2), Phacelia parishii
(G2G3), Pseudocopaeodes eunus (G3G4), Rorippa calycina (G3), Sidalcea
covillei (G3), Sisyrinchium funereum (G2G3)

SPATIAL CHARACTERISTICS

SOURCES

**References:** Bjork 1997, Comer et al. 2003, Knight 1994, Nachlinger
et al. 2001

**Version:** 14 Dec 2004 **Stakeholders:** West

**Concept Author:** NatureServe Western Ecology Team **LeadResp:** West

#### CES304.791 Inter-Mountain Basins Volcanic Rock and Cinder Land

**Primary Division:** Inter-Mountain Basins (304)

**Land Cover Class:** Barren

**Spatial Scale & Pattern:** Large patch

**Required Classifiers:** Natural/Semi-natural; Unvegetated (\<10%
vasc.); Upland

**Diagnostic Classifiers:** Cinder cone; Lava flow (undifferentiated);
Lava; Cinder; Basalt; Temperate \[Temperate Continental\]

**Concept Summary:** This ecological system occurs in the intermountain
western U.S. and is limited to barren and sparsely vegetated volcanic
substrates (generally \<10% plant cover) such as basalt lava (malpais),
basalt dikes with associated colluvium, basalt cliff faces and uplifted
\"backbones,\" tuff, cinder cones or cinder fields. It may occur as
large-patch, small-patch and linear (dikes) spatial patterns. Vegetation
is variable and includes a variety of species depending on local
environmental conditions, e.g., elevation, age and type of substrate. At
montane and foothill elevations scattered *Pinus ponderosa, Pinus
flexilis*, or *Juniperus* spp. trees may be present. Shrubs such as
*Ephedra* spp., *Atriplex canescens, Eriogonum corymbosum, Eriogonum
ovalifolium*, and *Fallugia paradoxa* are often present on some lava
flows and cinder fields. Species typical of sand dunes such as
*Andropogon hallii* and *Artemisia filifolia* may be present on cinder
substrates.

DISTRIBUTION

**Range:** This system occurs in the Intermountain western U.S. and is
limited to barren and sparsely vegetated volcanic substrates. It occurs
in Montana along the Rocky Mountain Front (east of the Continental
Divide).

**Divisions:** 304:C

**TNC Ecoregions:** 4:C, 6:C, 8:C, 9:C, 11:C, 18:C, 19:C, 20:C, 21:C

**Subnations:** AZ, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT

CONCEPT

**Associations:**

-   *Andropogon hallii* Colorado Plateau Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL002785, GNR)

-   *Artemisia filifolia - Ephedra (torreyana, viridis)* Shrubland
    (CEGL002786, GNR)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana / Poa secunda* Shrubland
    (CEGL001029, G3)

-   *Ephedra nevadensis* Basalt Shrubland \[Provisional\] (CEGL002936,
    GNR)

-   *Eriogonum corymbosum* Cinder Sparse Vegetation (CEGL005803, GNR)

-   *Eriogonum fasciculatum* Rock Outcrop Shrubland (CEGL001260, G5?)

-   *Eriogonum ovalifolium* var. *depressum* Dwarf-shrubland
    (CEGL001401, G1)

-   *Fallugia paradoxa - (Atriplex canescens, Ephedra torreyana)* Cinder
    Shrubland (CEGL005806, GNR)

-   *Juniperus monosperma* Cinder Wooded Herbaceous Vegetation
    (CEGL005807, GNR)

-   *Pinus flexilis / Purshia tridentata* Woodland (CEGL000814, G1?)

-   *Pinus ponderosa - (Populus tremuloides) / Fallugia paradoxa -
    (Holodiscus dumosus)* Lava Bed Sparse Vegetation (CEGL002929, GNR)

-   *Pinus ponderosa / Andropogon hallii* Woodland (CEGL005808, GNR)

-   *Pinus ponderosa* / Cinder Woodland (CEGL002998, GNR)

-   *Purshia tridentata / Pseudoroegneria spicata - Leymus cinereus*
    Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001497, G1?)

-   *Tiquilia latior / Sporobolus airoides* Dwarf-shrubland
    \[Provisional\] (CEGL005809, GNR)

**Alliances:**

-   *Andropogon hallii* Herbaceous Alliance (A.1193)

-   *Artemisia filifolia* Shrubland Alliance (A.816)

-   *Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana* Shrubland Alliance (A.831)

-   *Ephedra nevadensis* Shrubland Alliance (A.857)

-   *Eriogonum corymbosum* Sparsely Vegetated Alliance (A.2573)

-   *Eriogonum fasciculatum* Shrubland Alliance (A.868)

-   *Eriogonum ovalifolium* var. *depressum* Dwarf-shrubland Alliance
    (A.1082)

-   *Fallugia paradoxa* Shrubland Alliance (A.2575)

-   *Juniperus monosperma* Wooded Herbaceous Alliance (A.2576)

-   *Pinus flexilis* Woodland Alliance (A.540)

-   *Pinus ponderosa* Woodland Alliance (A.530)

-   *Purshia tridentata* Shrub Tall Herbaceous Alliance (A.1517)

-   *Tiquilia hispidissima* Dwarf-shrubland Alliance (A.1101)

-   Aa Lava Bed Sparsely Vegetated Alliance (A.2569)

**Dynamics:** This ecological system is relatively young (geologically
speaking). Lichens are the primary erosion process in this system, and
therefore, soil buildup is a slow process. Lichens are susceptible to
changes in air quality (Brodo et. al. 2001) and are considered a good
indicator of air quality.

SPATIAL CHARACTERISTICS

SOURCES

**References:** Barbour and Billings 2000, Brodo et al. 2001, Comer et
al. 2003, Day and Wright 1985, Hansen et al. 2004c, Tisdale et al. 1965

**Version:** 23 Jan 2006 **Stakeholders:** West

**Concept Author:** NatureServe Western Ecology Team **LeadResp:** West

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