1

FIELD GUIDE

for

FORESTED PLANT

ASSOCIATIONS

of the

WENATCHEE NATIONAL FOREST

Terry R. Lillybridge, Bernard L. Kovalchik,

Clinton K. Williams, Bradley G. Smith

United States

Department of

Agriculture

Forest Service

Pacific Northwest

Research Station

General Technical

Report

PNW-GTR-359

October 1995
FIELD GUIDE

for

FORESTED PLANT

ASSOCIATIONS

of the

WENATCHEE NATIONAL FOREST

Terry R. Lillybridge

Bernard L. Kovalchik

Clinton K. Williams

Bradley G. Smith

United States Department of Agriculture

Forest Service

Pacific Northwest Research Station

Portland, Oregon

PNW-GTR-359

October 1995

In cooperation with:

Pacific Northwest Region

Wenatchee National Forest
AUTHORS

TERRY R. LILLYBRIDGE is Forest Ecologist and Botanist on the Wenatchee National Forest

(215 Melody Lane, Wenatchee, WA 98801) and with Clint Williams did much of the

plot sampling for this classification. He also was primary analyst and author of the grand

fir, western hemlock, Pacific silver fir and mountain hemlock series.

BERNARD L. KOVALCHIK (Bud) is Area Ecologist in Area II (Wenatchee, Okanogan, and

Colville National Forests) and is stationed on the Colville National Forest (765 S. Main,

Colville, WA 99114). He was the primary analyst and author of the Oregon white oak,

ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, subalpine fir, whitebark pine and subalpine larch series.

CLINTON K. WILLIAMS is currently Assistant Regional Ecologist in Ogden, Utah (Fed.

Bldg., 324 25th St., Ogden, UT 84401). Until 1992 he was Area Ecologist for Area II.

He and Lillybridge did much of the plot sampling for this plant association classification

and Williams wrote much of the original introduction. He and Smith were primary

analysts and authors of the draft classification of 1991.

BRADLEY G. SMITH is currently the Quantitative Ecologist working for both the Pacific

Northwest Region and Pacific Northwest Research Station and is stationed at the Bend

Silviculture Lab. (1027 Trenton Ave., Bend, OR 97701). Until 1994 he was an Associate

Area Ecologist in Area II and also served as Acting Area Ecologist. He and Williams

were primary analysts and authors of the 1991 draft classification.

ABSTRACT

Lillybridge, T.R.; Kovalchik, B.L.; Williams C.K.; Smith, B.G. 1995. Field guide for forested

plant associations of the Wenatchee National Forest. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR359. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest

Research Station. 335 p. In cooperation with: Pacific Northwest Region, Wenatchee

National Forest.

A classification of forest vegetation is presented for the Wenatchee National Forest (NF). It is

based on potential vegetation, with the plant association as the basic unit. The sample includes

about 570 intensive plots and 840 reconnaissance plots distributed across the Wenatchee National

Forest and the southwest portion of the Okanogan National Forest from 1975 through 1994.

The hierarchical classification includes 10 forest series and 104 types (plant association or

community type). Diagnostic keys and descriptions are presented for each tree series and type.

Detailed descriptions are given for each type having at least five sample stands in the Wenatchee

NF. Those descriptions include information about plant species occurrences, type distribution,

environment and soils, potential timber productivity, management considerations, and

relationships to other classifications. Brief descriptions are presented for miscellaneous types

(those having fewer than five plots in the Wenatchee NF).

Keywords: Vegetation classification, plant community—climax, plant association, vegetation

series, forest ecology, forest environment, Cascade Range, community type, Eastern Washington.
Contents (Click on the section)

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 1

OBJECTIVES AND CONSTRAINTS ....................................................................................... 1

CLASSIFICATION CONCEPTS AND DEFINITIONS................................................................... 2

METHODS ...................................................................................................................... 3

Field Methods ................................................................................................................. 3

Office Methods ................................................................................................................ 4

VEGETATION OVERVIEW ............................................................................................ 5

Plant Succession ............................................................................................................. 8

USING THIS GUIDE.................................................................................................... 10

Naming Conventions and Plant Identification .................................................................... 10

Series and Association Descriptions ................................................................................. 11

Productivity Information .................................................................................................. 12

Management Interpretations ........................................................................................... 13

USING THE KEYS ....................................................................................................... 14

Determining Type for Early Seral, Disturbed or Overstocked Stands ..................................... 16

Series Identification ....................................................................................................... 16

Association Identification ................................................................................................ 17

SERIES KEYS.............................................................................................................. 19

OPTIONAL KEY ............................................................................................................... 20

OREGON WHITE OAK SERIES ................................................................................ 25

Keys to Plant Associations of the Oregon White Oak Series ................................................ 28

QUGA/AGSP ASSOCIATION HOG111 ........................................................................... 30

QUGA/CARU-CAGE ASSOCIATION HOG211.................................................................. 32

QUGA/COCO2-SYAL ASSOCIATION HOG311 ................................................................ 34

PONDEROSA PINE SERIES ..................................................................................... 37

Keys to Plant Associations of the Ponderosa Pine Series .................................................... 40

PIPO/AGSP WEN ASSOCIATION CPG141 ....................................................................... 42

PIPO/CARU-AGSP ASSOCIATION CPG231 ................................................................... 44

PIPO/PUTR/AGSP ASSOCIATION CPS241 .................................................................... 46

PIPO/AGSP-ASDE (misc.) CPG142 .............................................................................. 48

DOUGLAS-FIR SERIES ............................................................................................. 49

Keys to Plant Associations of the Douglas-fir Series ........................................................... 54

PSME/AGSP WEN ASSOCIATION CDG322 ..................................................................... 58

PSME/CAGE WEN ASSOCIATION CDG132 ..................................................................... 60

PSME/CARU O&C ASSOCIATION CDG131 .................................................................... 62

PSME/CARU-AGSP ASSOCIATION CDG134 ................................................................. 64

PSME/PUTR/AGSP ASSOCIATION CDS674 .................................................................. 66

PSME/PUTR/CARU ASSOCIATION CDS675 .................................................................. 68

PSME/SPBEL/CARU ASSOCIATION CDS639 ................................................................ 70

PSME/SYAL WEN ASSOCIATION CDS636 ...................................................................... 72

PSME/SYAL/AGSP ASSOCIATION CDS637 ................................................................... 74

PSME/SYAL/CARU ASSOCIATION CDS638 ................................................................... 76

PSME/SYOR O&C ASSOCIATION CDS632 ..................................................................... 78

PSME/AGSP-ASDE (misc.) CDG323 ........................................................................... 80

PSME/ARUV WEN (misc.) CDS653 ............................................................................... 80

PSME/ARUV/CARU (misc.) CDS655 ........................................................................... 80

PSME/ARUV-PUTR (misc.) CDS654 ............................................................................ 81

PSME/PAMY (misc.) CDS411 .................................................................................... 81

PSME/PAMY/CARU (misc.) CDS412 ........................................................................... 81

PSME/PEFR3 (misc.) CDF411 ................................................................................... 82

PSME/PUTR (misc.) CDS673 ..................................................................................... 82

PSME/SPBEL (misc.) CDS640 ................................................................................... 82

PSME/VACA (misc.) CDS831 ..................................................................................... 82

PSME/VAMY WEN (misc.) CDS832 .............................................................................. 83

PSME/VAMY/CARU (misc.) CDS833 ........................................................................... 83
GRAND FIR SERIES .................................................................................................. 85

Keys to Plant Associations of the Grand Fir Series ............................................................. 90

ABGR/ACCI WEN COMMUNITY TYPE CWS551 ............................................................... 94

ABGR/ACCI-CHUM COMMUNITY TYPE CWS552 ........................................................... 96

ABGR/ACCI/CLUN COMMUNITY TYPE CWS553 ............................................................ 98

ABGR/ACTR WEN ASSOCIATION CWS524 ................................................................... 100

ABGR/ARCO ASSOCIATION CWF444 ......................................................................... 102

ABGR/ARNE ASSOCIATION CWS338 ........................................................................ 104

ABGR/BENE ASSOCIATION CWS225 ........................................................................ 106

ABGR/BENE/CARU WEN ASSOCIATION CWS226 .......................................................... 108

ABGR/CARU WEN ASSOCIATION CWG124 .................................................................. 110

ABGR/CARU-LUPIN COMMUNITY TYPE CWG125 ........................................................ 112

ABGR/HODI/CARU COMMUNITY TYPE CWS554 ......................................................... 114

ABGR/SPBEL/PTAQ COMMUNITY TYPE CWS335 ........................................................ 116

ABGR/SYAL/CARU ASSOCIATION CWS336 ................................................................ 118

ABGR/SYOR ASSOCIATION CWS337......................................................................... 120

WESTERN HEMLOCK SERIES............................................................................... 123

Keys to Plant Associations of the Western Hemlock Series ............................................... 127

THPL/OPHO ASSOCIATION CCS211 .......................................................................... 130

TSHE/ACCI/ACTR WEN ASSOCIATION CHS225 ............................................................. 132

TSHE/ACCI/ASCA3 ASSOCIATION CHS226 ................................................................ 134

TSHE/ACCI/CLUN ASSOCIATION CHS227 .................................................................. 136

TSHE/ACTR WEN ASSOCIATION CHF223 ..................................................................... 138

TSHE/ARNE COMMUNITY TYPE CHS144 ................................................................... 140

TSHE/ASCA3 ASSOCIATION CHF313 ........................................................................ 142

TSHE/BENE WEN ASSOCIATION CHS142 .................................................................... 144

TSHE/LYAM (misc.) CHM121 .................................................................................... 148

TSHE/PAMY/CLUN ASSOCIATION CHS143 ................................................................. 146

SILVER FIR SERIES ................................................................................................. 149

Keys to Plant Associations of the Pacific Silver Fir Series .................................................. 153

ABAM/ACCI ASSOCIATION CFS621 .......................................................................... 156

ABAM/ACTR WEN ASSOCIATION CFF254 .................................................................... 158

ABAM/MEFE WEN ASSOCIATION CFS542 ................................................................... 160

ABAM/OPHO ASSOCIATION CFS351 ......................................................................... 162

ABAM/RHAL-VAME WEN ASSOCIATION CFS556 ........................................................... 164

ABAM/RULA WEN COMMUNITY TYPE CFS413 ............................................................. 166

ABAM/TITRU ASSOCIATION CFF162 ......................................................................... 168

ABAM/VAAL WEN ASSOCIATION CFS232 .................................................................... 170

ABAM/VAME/CLUN WEN ASSOCIATION CFS233 .......................................................... 172

ABAM/VAME-PYSE ASSOCIATION CFS234 ................................................................ 174

MOUNTAIN HEMLOCK SERIES ............................................................................. 177

Keys to Plant Associations of the Mountain Hemlock Series ............................................. 181

TSME/LUHI ASSOCIATION CMG221 .......................................................................... 184

TSME/MEFE-VAAL ASSOCIATION CMS256 ................................................................ 186

TSME/MEFE-VAME ASSOCIATION CMS257 ............................................................... 188

TSME/PHEM-VADE ASSOCIATION CMS354 ............................................................... 190

TSME/RHAL-VAME ASSOCIATION CMS356 ................................................................ 192

TSME/RULA COMMUNITY TYPE CMS122 .................................................................. 194

TSME/VAAL WEN ASSOCIATION CMS258 .................................................................... 196

TSME/VAME WEN ASSOCIATION CMS259 .................................................................. 198

TSME/VASC/LUHI ASSOCIATION CMS121 ................................................................. 200

TSME/XETE-VAMY ASSOCIATION CMF131 ................................................................. 202

TSME/RHAL-VAAL (misc.) CMS355 ........................................................................... 204
SUBALPINE FIR SERIES ........................................................................................ 205

Keys to Plant Associations of the Subalpine Fir Series ..................................................... 210

ABLA2/ARLA-POPU ASSOCIATION CEF424 ................................................................ 214

ABLA2/CARU ASSOCIATION CEG311 ........................................................................ 216

ABLA2/LUHI WEN ASSOCIATION CEG121 .................................................................... 218

ABLA2/RHAL ASSOCIATION CES211......................................................................... 220

ABLA2/RHAL/LUHI ASSOCIATION CES213 ................................................................. 222

ABLA2/RULA ASSOCIATION CES423 ......................................................................... 224

ABLA2/VADE ASSOCIATION CES341......................................................................... 226

ABLA2/VASC WEN ASSOCIATION CES426 ................................................................... 228

ABLA2/VASC/ARLA ASSOCIATION CES424 ................................................................ 230

ABLA2/VASC/LUHI ASSOCIATION CES425 ................................................................. 232

ABLA2/LIBOL WEN (misc.) CEF222 ............................................................................ 234

ABLA2/PAMY WEN (misc.) CES113 ............................................................................ 234

ABLA2/PAMY/CARU (misc.) CES112 ......................................................................... 235

ABLA2/TRCA3 (misc.) CEF422 ................................................................................. 235

ABLA2/VACA (misc.) CES422 .................................................................................. 235

ABLA2/VAME WEN (misc.) CES342 ............................................................................ 235

ABLA2/VASC/CARU (misc.) CES413 ......................................................................... 236

PIEN/EQUIS (misc.) CEM211 ................................................................................... 236

WHITEBARK PINE SERIES..................................................................................... 237

Keys to Plant Associations of the Whitebark Pine Series ................................................... 240

PIAL/CARU ASSOCIATION CAG112 ........................................................................... 242

PIAL/FEVI ASSOCIATION CAG221 ............................................................................. 244

PIAL/JUCO4 ASSOCIATION CAS421 .......................................................................... 246

PIAL/VASC/LUHI ASSOCIATION CAS311 .................................................................... 248

PIAL/CAME-LUPE (misc.) CAS221 ............................................................................ 250

PIAL/DROC (misc.) CAF321 ..................................................................................... 250

SUBALPINE LARCH SERIES ................................................................................. 251

Keys to Plant Associations of the Subalpine Larch Series ................................................. 255

LALY/CAME-LUPE ASSOCIATION CAC111 .................................................................. 256

LALY/VADE-CAME ASSOCIATION CAC114 .................................................................. 258

LALY/VASC/LUHI ASSOCIATION CAC115 .................................................................... 260

LALY/DROC (misc.) CAC112 .................................................................................... 262

LALY/JUCO4 (misc.) CAC113 ................................................................................... 262

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ............................................................................................ 262

REFERENCES ........................................................................................................... 263

GLOSSARY ................................................................................................................ 269

APPENDIX A .............................................................................................................. 275

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS OF SCIENTIFIC AND COMMON NAMES OF TREES,

SHRUBS, SUBSHRUBS AND HERBS

APPENDIX B .............................................................................................................. 283

MEAN COVER AND CONSTANCY OF IMPORTANT SPECIES BY TYPE

APPENDIX C.............................................................................................................. 325

C1 - AVERAGE PRODUCTIVITY ESTIMATES

C2 - SITE INDEX, GROWTH BASAL AREA, GBA VOLUME ESTIMATES

APPENDIX D ............................................................................................................. 334

SERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SELECTED SPECIES AFTER FIRE

APPENDIX E .............................................................................................................. 335

FIELD FORM
1

INTRODUCTION

In 1967, F.C. Hall noted that “management of non-arable lands (forest and rangelands) is

primarily concerned with deriving products from the natural vegetation.” These products may

be wood for pulp and lumber, but they may also be recreation in the form of a campsite setting,

forage for livestock, or clean water. In 1978, C.K. Williams wrote, “Management of natural

resources on range and forested lands has become increasingly critical as a result of greater

resource needs and increased public awareness. Nowhere is this more evident than in the

management of public lands.” This is still true. Hall also pointed out in 1967, “as resource

management intensifies, knowledge about vegetation must increase.”

This Guide is a tool for one overriding purpose: to better conserve and manage the land

and resources for which the USDA Forest Service is the responsible public agency. Crucial to

this efficient management is making the forest vegetative continuum comprehensible by taking

an innumerable number of stands and classifying them into a relatively few plant communities,

designated by forest cover (trees and shrubs), but characterized by environmental conditions

important for vegetation establishment and growth. While some forest cover type and site

classifications presented over the years have been found inadequate to answer many questions

being asked by resource managers today, we think the system this Guide uses to classify forest

lands works well to provide a means to better understand and manage the Forest’s ecosystems.

It will help in both long-term planning and shorter-term implementation of large and small

projects.

In physical terms, the Guide presents defined, observable types in a classification for the

whole Forest, data supporting the classification, and a systematic procedure for identifying the

types. Using it allows us to:

(1) Plan management strategies - evaluate resource conditions and

productivity and anticipate responses to change;

(2) Communicate - provide a common description of forest conditions for

various disciplines and record successes or failures of management actions;

and,

(3) Apply research - organize research and data and provide a direct link

between research results and practical land management.

The Guide addresses the issues that concerned Hall in 1967 and Williams in 1978, and

others besides them: the necessary management of public lands and the need, in order to sensibly

do that, for better understanding of the complex ecosystems that make up our National Forests.

OBJECTIVES AND CONSTRAINTS

The recurrence of similar plant assemblages across a forest can be used to classify the

landscape (Daubenmire 1976; Pfister and others 1977). We classify a complex, continuous

landscape by organizing it into a few discrete vegetation classes in order to reduce that complexity

to a manageable system. [Whether plant associations actually occur as discrete entities has been

a subject of considerable debate (Daubenmire 1966; Cottam & Mcintosh 1966). In this Guide

the approach has been adopted that even if a vegetation continuum exists, it must still be divided

to make it comprehensible.]

The Guide is the result of many years of field and office work, of collection, analysis and

interpretation of data about the Forest. The objectives were to:

(1) develop an upland forest vegetation classification based on relatively stable

plant communities (associations);

(2) collect adequate data to characterize the physical attributes of each plant

association, including soils, slope, aspect, microrelief and landform;
2

(3) determine and present estimates of site productivity for each association;

and,

(4) document the effects of disturbance where possible, and make management

recommendations for each association.

Time, monies and staffing dictated that initial work be concentrated on commercial forest

lands where management impacts are the greatest. Little work was done in non-commercial

forest lands, non-forest, riparian, or roadless areas. This does not mean these other areas were

not of concern. They will be classified later. Tree productivity estimates by plant association

were needed, and this was to be an important part in the classification development process.

Some additional conditions are worth noting. The types in this classification (i.e.,

Associations or Community Types) may not fully reflect sites and conditions on elevations

below those normally included in National Forest lands. Also, one important constraint on

producing the classification and Guide was that classification units must be identifiable by field

personnel with a minimum of training.

CLASSIFICATION CONCEPTS AND DEFINITIONS

Development of classes involves abstraction in that any mixture of attributes or features

could be chosen as distinctive for them, or for their members, and members can be grouped in

many different classes. This is especially true when classifying something continuous, such as

landscapes, vegetation or weather. Also, as the purpose of a classification changes, so may its

composition. Classification can be even less exact when dealing with multiple features whose

occurrences overlap.

However, a well-designed, meaningful classification is an efficient tool. Defining types

provides “pigeon holes” where new members and information about the types and their members

can be placed. This makes a classification system both an information storage and retrieval

system. New information is put where it belongs and stored information can be found. In

addition, a classification forms a framework connecting its types. Ideally, this framework shows

relationships of types to the whole and to each other. Thus, new information is generated.

The plant community classification in this Guide groups many stands in the Forest into a

relatively few types, based on their climax species. The types are characterized by the

environmental factors vegetation responds to on a site. Plant communities having stable

composition after a relatively long period free of disturbance have manifested their ability to

compete. These communities represent the “climax” plant community (Tansley 1935) and are

termed plant Associations. As defined, each of them is a conceptual abstraction, but on a

practical level each is a useful reference point for plant succession on a site and is an indicator of

a particular environment. Whether this climax community will ever develop is immaterial.

What is important is that the Association provides a conceptual end-point and gives an indication

of the direction of succession in a closed stand.

Though not all questions about a piece of land can be answered by a plant community

classification (Hemstrom and others 1982), vegetation, soils and other physical characteristics

of an area can usefully indicate its future species composition, its productivity potential, and its

probable responses to management actions.

The concept of a climax dominant tree series is normally used in the same sense as

Daubenmire (1968), where all Associations capable of supporting a given climax tree species

form a Series.

Series are taxonomic units (Henderson and others 1992). A series is typically named for

the most shade-tolerant tree species capable of reproducing itself. The series concept is useful

even though it may be difficult to apply in some instances. For instance, it is meaningful to

discuss the Subalpine Fir Series as distinct from the Douglas-fir Series because of important

differences in environments and plant associations each contains. A single species name is used
3

to name each series, but be aware that single species dominance in a series may be an exception

rather than a rule. Also, current stand dominants, particularly in younger stands, are often of

minor value in determining the series.

Community Type is applied to plant communities where climax status is unknown or

cannot be reasonably inferred. Both plant associations and community types as defined above

fall within the more general term “potential natural vegetation.” The term “type” is used for

either Association or Community Type.

Another term used in the guide is “vegetation zone,” sometimes as if it were synonymous

with “series.” “The vegetation zone is a similar concept [to series], except that it refers to the

land area where a particular series occurs.” (Henderson and others 1992) Daubenmire (1968)

used “association” as the climax plant community and “habitat type” as the land area that supports

or may support a particular plant association. This terminology has been employed in many

parts of the west. (See Pfister and others 1977; Cooper and others 1991; Steele and others 1981;

Clausnitzer and Zamora 1987; Hoffman and Alexander 1976.) This would be acceptable except

that biologists often use “habitat type” to mean types of habitat used by wildlife. To avoid this

confusion around the terms, this Guide uses, as stated above, Plant Association (e.g., QUGA/

AGSP Association) for the climax or assumed climax plant community, and the land area it

occupies the habitat or site, and habitat type is then used as defined by Daubenmire.

For additional terms used in this Guide, refer to the Glossary that precedes the Appendices.

METHODS

Field Methods

Reconnaissance sampling of the Wenatchee National Forest (NF) took place in 1977-

1979, intensive sampling in 1984-1986. A total of 705 reconnaissance and 523 intensive plots

form the main database for this report, but of these only 619 reconnaissance and 499 intensive

plots were actually classified. Continued sampling has occurred in recent years as part of the

efforts to develop non-forest and riparian classifications and a Potential Natural Vegetation

(PNV) model. Although these PNV, non-forest, and riparian data were generally not ready for

analysis, 98 plots from their data sets were gleaned and used to augment plant associations,

primarily at high elevations. The present classification incorporates some 85 intensive and 123

reconnaissance samples from the Methow Valley that were originally used to develop an

Okanogan NF classification. Thus, the data for the classification presented in this Field Guide

derive from 1424 plots from all sources.

The Wenatchee NF administers approximately 2,657,000 acres. Sampling intensity therefore

is about 1 plot for every 1,900 acres. In comparison, the Daubenmires’ (1968) sampling intensity,

as reported by Cooper and others (1987), was about 1 plot for every 128,000 acres. The Forest

estimates are based on the total administered acres with no deductions for non-forested lands.

The northern third of the Wenatchee NF (the Entiat and Chelan Districts), and wilderness

and other roadless areas, were sampled lightly, if at all. Much of the roaded portions of these

districts burned in the 1970s, so mature stands were largely unavailable for sampling. This left

large gaps in our data, which were filled somewhat by using Okanogan NF plots mentioned

above and further described under Office Methods, following.

Because of the large size of the Forest, it was first sampled with a reconnaissance technique.

This developed familiarity with vegetation patterns and variability, and was used to develop

preliminary plant community groups in order to plan intensive sampling. Reconnaissance

sampling methods were were adapted from Franklin and others (1970), Pfister and others (1977),

and Williams (1978). Sample sites were 375-square-meter circular plots, following Pfister and

others. Plots were selected “subjectively without preconceived bias” (Mueller-Dombois and

Ellenberg 1974) because random or systematic sampling techniques were rejected as too time
4

consuming and inefficient. Plots were within homogeneous stands with uniform undergrowth

and apparent lack of recent disturbance. To reduce travel time, most of them were near roads.

All were marked with aluminum tags to aid finding them again. Reconnaissance data included

information on slope, aspect, elevation, slope position, slope shape, notes about the sample plot,

and a geographic location narrative. Slope positions were recorded as: ridgetop or saddle;

upper, middle or lower third of slope; bench, narrow flat; toe of slope; canyon bottom; edge of or

in a basin or wetland; or, draw, intermittent stream bottom. Slope shapes were noted as convex,

flat, concave or undulating. In order to estimate surface soil coarse fragments, a shallow soil pit

was excavated on all but the first one hundred samples.

A list of all vascular plants was made within the circular plot, and a value for foliar cover or

a cover dominance rating was estimated for herbs, shrubs, tree understory and tree overstory, by

species. For understory plants, a dominance rating was used for values under 10%, but for

values above 10%, actual foliar cover was estimated to the nearest 5%. In these samples, “trace”

amounts were not used: the minimum cover recorded was 1% whether a species actually had 1%

cover or not. Cover by species in a vegetation layer (tree overstory, tree understory, shrubs, and

herbs) was estimated independently. Tree coverage information was subdivided into mature

and decadent categories in the tree overstory, and in the understory by pole size (>12 feet in

height) and young trees.

Intensive plot data for the most part included everything taken on reconnaissance plots,

plus additional tree and stand measurements. Individual tree measurements for five individuals

of each tree species, if available in the stand, included: tree height; diameter and age at breast

height; basal area around each tree; sapwood thickness; and, diameter growth rate. Average

stand basal areas were determined by averaging prism counts at several points in the plot, and

herbage production by using a double sampling technique. Data on snags and logs were recorded,

including height or length, species, diameter, and decay class. Observations on fire scars, wildlife

and general stand conditions were also made. Approximately the first 20% of the intensive

plots (mainly on the Cle Elum District) had a complete soil description drawn from a sample

pit at the plot center, but surface soil coarse fragment estimates were not made in all these, as

was done in the reconnaissance sampling.

Floristic, snag and log data were taken using the same size plot as the reconnaissance plot

(375 square meters), but tree data were taken with dimensionless (prism) plot techniques.

Sampled trees could be outside the floristic plot, but all had to be within the plant community

the sample was designed to characterize.

All intensive plots were marked with tags: two on a tree near plot center and two on a tree

at the road edge nearest the plot, with one tag at the base and one at breast height. Additionally,

all trees sampled for tree growth information were tagged at the base so that the tag faced plot

center. A cedar stake was put at plot center of intensive samples. Reconnaissance plots were

marked at breast height with one tag on the nearest tree to plot center and one tag on a tree at

the nearest road. All tags were 4-inch-square aluminum.

Office Methods

Data were entered into a computer at the end of each field season and analyzed. Computer

programs used in data analysis included synthesis tables, similarity index, cluster analysis,

discriminant analysis (Volland and Connelly 1978), two-way indicator species analysis

[TWINSPAN] (Hill 1979b), de-trended correspondence analysis [DECORANA] (HILL

1979a), and ZPLOT (Brad Smith personal communication). Synthesis tables and DECORANA

were used most.

Initial groups were segregated using climax tree series. Secondary subdivisions were made

within each tree series by identifying shrubs and herbs which by their presence or dominance
5

suggested meaningful vegetation patterns. These floristic units were examined for consistency

in environmental characteristics and productivity estimates. If the floristic pattern appeared

related to consistent environmental and productivity characteristics, then the type (association

or community type) was described.

The following indices were determined from the intensive data: Site Index to estimate height

growth; Growth Basal Area [GBA] (Hall 1983) to estimate stockability; and, Stand Density

Index [SDI] (Reineke 1933) to estimate stand densities. Cubic feet per year productivity estimates

were calculated using a combination of Site Index and Growth Basal Area (Hall, personal

communication). Clipped herbage was air-dried and weighed to estimate herbage production in

pounds per acre. All these techniques have limitations, but because they were applied consistently

to each plot, they provide a reasonable means of comparing plots or associations. They are, however,

not directly comparable to estimates based on other methods or indices.

Many, if not all, site index curves appear to poorly fit stands here. The site curves used

were selected with care in 1988 as the best available for the area. They are noted in the

“Productivity Information” section to follow. Others may prefer tables and equations different

from those we employed, so the intensive plot data from all 523 intensive plots are available as

a computer file. This file includes individual tree measurements by species, snag and log. It is

available from the Area II Ecologist or the Wenatchee Forest Ecologist. A computer program

is also available that summarizes site index, GBA and radial increment by species, and SDI,

total basal area, snags per acre and downed woody material by tons per acre.

The Wenatchee Draft field classification was distributed for use and review in 1991. More

recent analysis in 1995 has led to a revision of the classification and to this 1995 version of the

Field Guide. To provide a reasonable classification for the largely unsampled Entiat and Chelan

Districts, the gaps in data mentioned in the Field Methods section, Okanogan NF data from

the vicinity of its Twisp District have been added to the WNF database for analysis and revision

of the Ponderosa Pine, Douglas-fir and Subalpine Fir Series. In addition, more recent data

from high-elevation forest of the Okanogan Cascades and from the Naches and Lake Wenatchee

Districts were used to supplement earlier meager upper elevation Wenatchee NF data. This

significantly increased plot numbers and has resulted in a more extensive list of plant associations

for the timberline zone (see the Subalpine Larch, Whitebark Pine, Subalpine Fir and Mountain

Hemlock Series).

VEGETATION OVERVIEW

Vegetation patterns on the Wenatchee National Forest differ from elsewhere in Eastern

Washington. Table 1 illustrates the difference in occurrence of major coniferous tree zones on

the three National Forests in Eastern Washington.

The crest of the Cascade Mountains is a major ecological border that is apparent to even

the most casual observer. The east to west transition from intense rain shadow to moist maritime

conditions is a major influence on plant species and community distribution. The rain shadow

effects cause a great variation in the amount of precipitation across the Forest (Fig. 1) and also

result in rapid climatic changes in relatively short distances. For example, mean annual

precipitation is under 10 inches in Wenatchee while only 40 miles away at Stevens Pass it is

about 80 inches. As a result, the vegetation around Wenatchee is largely shrub-steppe while

Stevens Pass lies in mountain hemlock and silver fir zones. Distance east of the Cascade Crest

and the relative height and width of the mountains also greatly influence climatic patterns, and

hence influence distribution in the Forest of some of the major tree species, such as Pacific silver

fir, mountain hemlock, western hemlock and western redcedar. The geology of the Forest is

complex as well, and this also greatly influences the pattern of plant community development.

David Alt and Donald Hyndman present non-technical descriptions of state geology in Roadside
6

Geology of Washington (1984). Furthermore, Not only is there considerable east-west variation

in climate, geology and vegetation, there is also noticeable change north to south.

Based on geology and climate patterns, the Wenatchee NF is divided into three major

ecological regions. One includes the area north of Entiat that Alt and Hyndman term “Chelan

Terrain.” From the Entiat fault it extends to the Methow Valley. Part of the ancient North

Cascades subcontinent, the mountains are generally higher and wider here than they are farther

south. A combination of both continental and mountain glaciation helped shape the landcape,

so slopes are often steeper and mountain summits more jagged and angular. Volcanic ash deposits

are variable and somewhat more coarse than those found to the east. Granitic and metamorphic

rocks predominate.

This northern area has steep climatic gradients within the Cascade’s strong rain shadow.

Summers are notable for extended periods without rain. Relatively xeric and cold forest types

predominate, with Douglas-fir, subalpine fir and ponderosa pine as major climax species. Both

subalpine larch and whitebark pine form extensive zones as forests approach timberline. Silver fir

and mountain hemlock are restricted to a narrow maritime zone that lies close to the Crest and

extends only a few miles eastward along major east-west ridges and drainages. Other important

species here include lodgepole pine and Engelmann spruce. Mesic species such as western hemlock,

western redcedar, western larch and grand fir are minor forest components or are absent.

Much of the Lake Wenatchee District is within what is known as the Chiwaukum Graben.

(A graben is a long sunken area between two parallel geologic faults.) Its vegetation patterns are

different from most of the rest of the area north of Entiat.

A second region extends south of the Entiat fault to a line formed approximately by the

Yakima River to Ellensburg. This area is typified by complex geologic parent materials ranging

from highly acidic granitic rock types to ultrabasic serpentine materials. Extensive areas have

marine sandstones. Mountain glaciation was extensive, but most of the region is outside the

area covered by the continental ice sheet. Consequently, slopes are often steep and long.

Ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, grand fir and subalpine fir form major forest zones on the drier

east side of this area, whereas Pacific silver fir, mountain hemlock, western hemlock and western

redcedar form prominent forest zones in the maritime areas to the west. Again, subalpine larch

and whitebark pine form prominent zones as forests approach timberline. Other locally important

species include lodgepole pine, western larch and Engelmann spruce. This area was also part of

the old North Cascades subcontinent, but here the Cascades are lower in average elevation and

narrower in average width than in the area to the north, so the rain shadow effect, though still

important, is less intense. Relatively mesic forests of Pacific silver fir, western hemlock or grand

fir are more extensive than to the north.

The last region extends from the Ellensburg area south to the Yakima Indian Reservation.

It is typified by steep climatic gradients and extensive areas of complex extrusive volcanic deposits.

Mountain glaciation was extensive and continental glaciation absent. Vegetation patterns respond

to climate in a manner similar to the adjacent area to the north, although maritime zones are

less extensive here because there are fewer low mountain pass corridors. Ponderosa pine, Douglasfir, grand fir and subalpine fir form major forest zones on the drier east side of this area, whereas

Pacific silver fir, mountain hemlock, Alaska yellow cedar, western hemlock and western redcedar

form prominent forest zones in the maritime areas to the west. Although subalpine larch is

absent, whitebark pine forms a prominent zone as forests approach timberline. Other species

important locally include lodgepole pine and Engelmann spruce. The Cascades are relatively

low in total elevation here (excluding the major volcanos) and even narrower in total width

than areas farther north. Therefore, mesic forests extend relatively far east of the Crest.

Basalt and andesite flows are common, resulting in long, gently sloping ridges with steep,

dissected side slopes.
7

Figure 1: Mean annual precipitation for the Wenatchee National Forest (approximate).
8

Plant Succession

A simple definition of plant succession is the natural replacement in an area of one species

or community by another over time. It is generally a somewhat orderly and predictable process

for a specific location. However, it can and does vary according to a multitude of factors, including

soils, climate, previous vegetation, adjoining vegetation, type and magnitude of disturbance,

and history of use. Traditionally, succession has been termed “primary” or “secondary.” Primary

succession deals with the development of vegetation on sites that have not previously supported

plants and have no soil. Examples are strip mine spoils and bare rock. Managers commonly

deal with secondary succession, development of vegetation on sites that already have supported

plants and where soils already exist.

TABLE 1. Importance of eleven upland forest tree zones in three National Forests in

Eastern Washington.

 NATIONAL FOREST

ZONE1 Colville Wenatchee Okanogan

Oregon white oak — minor —

Ponderosa pine minor2 MAJOR2 minor

Douglas-fir MAJOR MAJOR MAJOR

Grand fir minor MAJOR —

Western redcedar MAJOR minor minor

Western hemlock MAJOR MAJOR minor

Pacific silver fir — MAJOR minor

Mountain hemlock — MAJOR minor

Subalpine fir MAJOR MAJOR MAJOR

Whitebark pine minor MAJOR MAJOR

Subalpine larch — MAJOR MAJOR

1 A zone is the area in which a single tree species is potentially dominant (Franklin and Dyrness

1973).

2 “MAJOR” and “minor” refer to importance in terms of occurrence of the zone in the Forest.

Much of secondary succession concerns the interaction of plants between and among

themselves. Tolerance to shade, competition, and various forms of disturbance are major

considerations. Table 2 ranks 14 trees according to their shade and fire tolerance, from highest

to lowest, e.g., western hemlock is judged to be slightly more shade tolerant than is Pacific silver

fir and so forth. Rank in Table 2 is approximate but the general order is correct.

Species more tolerant of shade will normally out-compete intolerant species in closed

stands. Tolerant species often require more favorable site conditions in terms of soils and

climate than do intolerant species. In part, intolerant species are favored by conditions in early

succession, where rapid establishment and early growth are important survival mechanisms.

Tolerant species are better at competing with other plants for light, moisture and nutrients than

are intolerant species. Fire tolerant species are those with adaptations that make them more

likely to survive fire (such as thick bark or flame-resistant foliage).
9

TABLE 2. Comparative autecological characteristics of selected Wenatchee National Forest

conifers. Data are compiled from various literature sources (mainly Minore

1979) and field observations.

Snow

Species Shade Frost Drought Damage Fire Root Rot Seed Seed Crop

Tolerance1 Tolerance2 Tolerance2 Resistance2 Resistance2 Resistance2 Weight2 Frequency2

ABAM VT M L M L L M M

ABGR T M M M M L M M

ABLA2 T M L H L L M M

ABPR I M L H L M M M

CHNO T L L H L M L L

LAOC VIT M M M H M L L

LALY VIT H L H L U L L

QUGA IT L H L H H H M

PIEN T H L H L M L M

PIAL VIT H H H L U H M

PICO IT H M M L M M H

PIMO I H M M M M M H

PIPO IT L H L H H H L

PSME I L M L H L M M

TSHE VT L L H L M L M

TSME T H L H L M L L

THPL VT L L M L L L H

1 VT - Very Tolerant; T - Tolerant; I - Intermediate; IT - Intolerant; VIT - Very Intolerant

2 H - High; M - Moderate; L - Low; U - Unknown.

“Ecological amplitude defines a species’ ability to compete and grow in the variety of

environments and plant communities in which it can reproduce” (Hall and Martinez 1995).

This is an important concept in succession because the success of a species is dependent on its

ability to compete. Since we are identifying series by their climax species, environmental

amplitude is important to consider in classifying development on a site. For example, accidental

species are often at the “critical” end of their amplitude and will not be successful over time.

Also, when determining a tree series, competitive ability of the tree appearing most tolerant on

a site may not determine the climax tree if the tolerant tree is at the edge of its amplitude.

Species at the edge of their environmental amplitude may not be as shade tolerant, grow as fast,

reproduce as well, and so on, as they will in the middle of their amplitude.

Factors other than shade and fire tolerance are important also. Resistance to diseases,

animals, insects and mechanical damage, annual heat and water budgets, and allelopathy (chemical

warfare by other plants) are just some of the factors important in determining the range and

development of a species. They are less well understood, however, and are therefore less helpful

in determining plant succession.

Allelopathy is an interesting process wherein chemicals exuded by plants directly or indirectly

inhibit or prevent the development of other plants. Engelmann spruce has been shown to limit

survival and growth of other plants (including itself ) using chemicals leached from the litter.

Lodgepole pine is especially sensitive to Engelmann spruce leachates (Taylor and Shaw 1982).

Recent work in northern Idaho suggests that some non-forested openings may be partially or

wholly the result of bracken fern inhibiting conifer regeneration.

Appendix D displays the fire resistant adaptions of selected shrubs and herbs. It and Table

2 provide much useful information for predicting vegetation response to events such as a fire.

By providing information on reproductive strategies, they can also be used to interpret effects of

various activities such as logging.
10

The distribution of trees and other plants is determined by their ability to compete on sites

where they become established. Just as individual plants have limited distributions and can

indicate site characteristics, so can certain plant assemblages. Significant differences in

successional patterns exist between climax tree Series, between Associations, and even between

different stands of an Association. Information about succession, and the distribution of plant

associations and the site characteristics they indicate, are discussed in the Series and individual

Association descriptions in the following section.

The preceding discussion is intended to explain, at least in part, the process of plant succession

and how plants and plant assemblages can be used to identify some environmental features. The

forest community we see is extremely diverse, complex and interrelated. “With respect to science

we must never forget that nature is not more complex than we think but more complex than we

can think. The problem is not with science but with the scientist” (Egler 1977).

USING THIS GUIDE

This guide can be used for all of the Wenatchee National Forest. It should also apply to

the Twisp River drainage and the lower Methow Valley in the southwestern portion of the

Okanogan National Forest. Field use will determine whether the classification will work better

than the previous one for all of the Okanogan NF west of the Okanogan River (see Williams

and Lillybridge 1983).

Naming Conventions and Plant Identification:

Common names for plant species are used in the text and in most tables. Often, the capital

letter codes are included as well, although due to space limitations, these codes are used alone

for species in some tables. The code is formed by taking the first two letters of each scientific

name of a species. For example, PSME is the code for Pseudotsuga menziesii. If a code has a

number, as in ABLA2, the number says the 4-letter code is shared by more than one species. If

it has a fifth letter, as in SPBEL, it stands for a variety. These codes take less space, are better

adapted to computer use, and help distinguish between species and Associations in the text. All

codes follow Garrison and others (1976). Scientific names follow Hitchcock and Cronquist

(1973). Common names follow either Garrison and others or Hitchcock and Cronquist.

Common and scientific names and their codes are listed in Appendix A, alphabetically by code.

Plant Associations and Community Types are referred to in the text and tables by capitol

letter codes. In Plant Association and Community Type names a slash (/) separates different

plant lifeform categories (trees, shrubs and herbs), e.g., PSME/CARU (tree/shrub), and a dash

(-) indicates members of the same category, e.g., PSME/CARU-AGSP (tree/herb-herb). Most

type names are restricted to the major climax tree species and for brevity to the type’s most

indicative shrub or herb. Some longer names (three species) have been used for a third important

species or to avoid confusion with types from other classifications.

The “official” association name codes and ecoclass codes are presented in the first part of

each series section for all the types in the series. This “official” name code and ecoclass code also

appears on the title page of each type narrative and in the table of contents; for example: PSME/

AGSP wen CDG322. For brevity and readability in the text and tables, this type is shown as

PSME/AGSP. Typically, types that have fewer than 5 plots on the Wenatchee, have received an

abbreviated write-up, are deamed miscellaneous types and are denoted by an (m) after the type

name code. For example, PSME/PUTR (m). Two types include o & c for the Okanogan and

Colville; thus indicating the origin of those types.

The distinction between individuals clearly recognizable as “tall” or “shiny” Oregon grape

(Berberis aquifolium) and those clearly identifiable as “creeping” Oregon grape (B. repens) is not

clear in much of the survey material. They are lumped into just Oregon grape. Most plants
11

appeared to fit B. aquifolium best, although there is considerable variation from plant to plant.

Cascade Oregon grape (B. nervosa) was always recorded as such.

Alaska huckleberry (Vaccinium alaskaense) and oval-leaf huckleberry (V. ovalifolium) are

morphologically similar species that occur in the study area and are easily confused. Most of the

Wenatchee material seems to better fit Alaska huckleberry so we arbitrarily refer to all plants of

this group as Alaska huckleberry.

Low huckleberry (V. myrtillus) appears at times to intergrade with both big (V.

membranaceum) and grouse huckleberry (V. scoparium). However, the difference in indicator

value of the species is most significant when grouse huckleberry is the only or the greatly

predominant species, and then species identification is normally readily apparent.

Two groups of herbs have been especially difficult to identify in the field with confidence

as to species. These are some Balsamorhiza species and several Lupinus species. The lupines

have been a particularly vexing problem on the Forest. On the Naches District, and perhaps on

districts farther north, there appears to be much intergradation between sulfur lupine (Lupinus

sulphureus var. subsaccatus), spurred lupine (L. laxiflorus var. pseudoparviflorus), and tailcup lupine

(L. caudatus). These plants appear to be wholly intergradient with each other and also appear to

blend northward with the more clearly identifiable silky lupine (L. sericeus). Another lupine

complex involves species indicative of more moist environments than the group mentioned

above. Broadleaf lupine (L. latifolius), bigleaf lupine (L. polyphyllus var. burkeii) and Wyeth

lupine (L. wyethii) are difficult to separate in the keys because of an inconsistent key character

as to whether the flowering stems are branched at flower time. This character does not appear

reliable and we tend to call all plants in this group broadleaf lupine.

On the Naches District and part of the Cle Elum District, the large, entire-leaved balsamroots

(Balsamorhiza) are clearly not the arrowleaf balsamroot (B. saggitata) common on relatively dry

sites over much of the rest of the Forest. These southern plants key more readily to Puget balsamroot

(B. deltoidea) than to Carey balsamroot (B. careyana). However, Puget balsamroot is mentioned in

the taxonomy as being found only in the Puget Sound area. We have labeled these plants Carey

balsamroot because of this geographic restriction.

A book has been completed to assist in identifying indicator species: Major Indicator Shrubs

and Herbs on National Forests of Eastern Washington by Williams and Lillybridge, 1987, USDA

Forest Service (R6-TM-TP-304-87). It has color plates, line drawings and descriptions. Though

currently out of print, it should be available in most Forest Service offices. A draft photocopy of

Some Common Plants of the Wenatchee National Forest, by Williams and Lillybridge (1986), with

descriptions and line drawings, is still available through the Forest Ecologist on the Wenatchee

National Forest (phone: 509-662-4335).

Series and Association Descriptions

This vegetation guide is organized ecologically by series, with the lowest and warmest

series first and the highest and coldest series last. The series order is Oregon white oak, ponderosa

pine, Douglas-fir, grand fir, western hemlock, Pacific silver fir, mountain hemlock, subalpine fir,

whitebark pine and subalpine larch. Within each series, association descriptions are alphabetically

arranged by scientific name code, e.g., ABGR/ACCI is before ABGR/BENE.

The sections for each series contain a series narrative, a key to associations within the

series, a table of productivity information, and a list of plant association groups (PAGs), plant

associations and ecoclass codes. Series narratives include: “Distribution and Environment”;

“Vegetation”; “Productivity/Management”; and, “Relationship to Other Classifications.”

Constancy and Cover are terms used in the Series and Association narratives and in various

tables throughout the guide. Table 3 and Appendix D are valuable tables that display the cover

and constancy of many important plants by series or type. In all tables this list is necessarily

short due to space contraints. Abbreviated “CON,” constancy is the percentage occurrence of a
12

species in the plots used to describe a particular association. Abbreviated “COV” in many

tables, cover indicates the arithmetic average of foliar cover of a species. All cover values presented

are relative or “characteristic” cover, which is the arithmetic average of cover values relative to

the number of plots in which that species occurs. For example, if a species was found in only five

of the ten plots representative of an association, the relative cover value would be that for the

five plots where it was found, rather than the absolute average across all ten plots, and the

constancy would be 50%. Constancy of 100% indicates a species occurred in every plot

representative of the association.

Each Association description is presented on two facing pages. Each code title is followed

by its ecoclass code. On the left page is a table presenting physical Environment attributes of

elevation, aspect, slope, slope position and, in most cases, special notes. Generally, the range

and mean are presented for continuous variables (e.g., elevation) while summary statements are

made about discrete variables (e.g., slope position). Upper, middle and lower third slope positions

have been abbreviated U 1/3, M 1/3 and L 1/3 to save space. The most common positions are

underlined. The Vegetation Summary presents constancy and cover values for the most constant

and abundant trees, shrubs, and herbs (in that order).

On the right-hand page of each Association description are sections on “Vegetation,”

“Productivity/Management” and “Relationships to Other Classifications.”

Productivity Information

Summary productivity estimates are presented in each series section and in Appendix C.

Tree productivity estimates for each plant association are relative estimates of site potential. A

majority of the plots are from mixed species stands and most site productivity estimation

techniques are not well suited to multiple species stands. Furthermore, many of the sample

stands were too old to provide good growth estimates. (See the Office Methods section for

more information.)

All tree site index values are base 50 except for mountain hemlock, Pacific silver fir, noble

fir and ponderosa pine, which are base 100. The sources for the equations used to determine the

site indexes in the productivity tables are:

CODE SCIENTIFIC NAME SITE INDEX SOURCE

ABAM Abies amabilis Herman and others 1978 (base 100)

ABGR Abies grandis Cochran 1979

ABLA2 Abies lasiocarpa Clendenen 1977 (based on Alexander 1967)

ABPR Abies procera Herman and others 1978 (base 100)

CHNO Chamaecyparis nootkatensis Hegyi and others 1979

LALY Larix lyalli None used

LAOC Larix occidentalis Schmidt and others 1976

PIEN Picea engelmannii Clendenen 1977 (based on Alexander 1967)

PIAL Pinus albicaulis Brickell 1970

PICO Pinus contorta Brickell 1970 (based on Alexander’s data in

Rockies and Dahm’s data in Oregon)

PIMO Pinus monticola Brickell 1970 (based on Haig’s 1932 curve)

PIPO Pinus ponderosa Barrett 1978 (base 100)

PSME Pseudotsuga menziesii Cochran 1979 (breast height age <100);

Monserud 1985 (breast height age >100)

THPL Thuja plicata Hegyi and others 1979

TSHE Tsuga heterophylla Wiley 1978 (breast height age < 120 only)

TSME Tsuga mertensiana Means and others 1986 (base 100)
13

The summary tables by type were generated using individual plot output from the computer

programs listed under Office Methods, above, as summarized and averaged in a relational data

base. Because of different methods of calculating averages (e.g., normal mean versus weighted

mean), some figures vary, depending upon which computer program was used to summarize the

data. However, the general patterns remain the same between types and species within a type.

Absolute values have little meaning and the data are most useful as relative indices.

In addition to site index values, other stand and productivity information presented in

each Series section and in Appendix C are trees/acre, total basal area, quadratic mean diameter,

stand density index, herbage production, wood volume growth estimates, growth basal area and

average stand age. More detailed productivity information will be published in the desk version

of this field guide.

Management Interpretations

Management interpretations in Series and Association descriptions are based on field

experience, suggestions in the literature, and interpretation of the data. They are subject to

modification as data and experience accumulate and this Guide will be revised in the future.

Input from users will be a valuable addition.

Management activities often make site identification more complicated. Site potential may

be altered indefinitely or, more commonly, is more difficult to figure out. Use care and judgement

when applying interpretations suggested in this or any guide. Events that alter the soil usually

have profound effects. Soil erosion, mixing or displacement can degrade and change site potential.

Any disturbance that removes the overstory will often make a site temporarily drier and warmer

because of increased insolation, and tree species common in what were near-climax stands may be

poor selections for planting in the current open stand. Conversely, moist sites may become swamps

because removing the tree “pumps” can raise the water table. Development of frost prone areas

through harvest practices is also an important consideration (see Figure 2).

Each Series, Association or Community Type description contains specific information on

site characteristics and vegetation. Much of this information can be inferred from tables and

appendices. Accumulated field experience with the sites and with vegetation’s responses to

treatments can be related to other locations and forest uses by utilizing this classification as a

method of indexing information.
14

Figure 2: Development of frost prone areas in various topographic situations after

clearcutting (from Hemstrom and others 1982).

USING THE KEYS

The keys presented here are the beginning of the development of uniform keys and plant

association descriptions for Area II (Eastern Washington: Colville, Okanogan and Wenatchee

National Forests). Ultimately, all classifications and keys in Area II will be combined into one

uniform classification that will not change when crossing administrative boundaries.

The keys in this guide were developed using stands with little disturbance and in as late a

successional stage as could be found. As a result, they work best with undisturbed,

late-successional stands. In disturbed stands, or those under about 150 years in age, it may be

necessary to utilize the alternate strategies for stand identification presented for disturbed, early

seral or dense stands. They follow the primary keys.

Remember, the key is not the classification! It is simply a tool to assist in the identification

of the type. Not all sites will key to a type. Some sites may not fit the classification because of

data limitations, and because complex biological systems are not easily reduced to a few simple

classes. Use your best judgment.

Always use the steps below for any keys in this guide; follow them carefully:

Incorrect identification can lead to improper management interpretations.

1. Select a vegetatively uniform area representative of the community in question to

record data on the field form. Plot size for vegetation data should be either 375 square meters

or 1/10 acre. The radius of a 375-square-meter plot is approximately 11 meters, or 36 feet; a 1/

10 acre plot has a radius of approximately 11.3 meters, or 37 feet.
15

2. Complete the field form (Appendix E) before trying to key the stand. Record all

location and physical attributes listed on the form. Stand age is also helpful and can be

approximated by using the age of the oldest tree in the stand. Use stand age to determine if the

community is mature enough to fit the keys or whether the community composition will need

to be projected to a later stage of succession (and suggest the use of the alternate keys).

Identify and list tree, shrub, and indicator herb species and estimate the cover of each.

Although cover is typically estimated to the nearest percent up to 10 percent and to the nearest

5 percent thereafter, the field form displays cover classes. Cover classes are normally adequate,

although more precise data may be helpful and can be recorded on the form if desired.

3. Enter the keys. The order of the key is important so work through the key step by

step from beginning to end and don’t skip key choices. Determine whether to use the Timberline

or Montane Forest section of the series key. (Refer to Series Key write-up.)

a. Identify the series from the data on the Field Form.

When using the keys, read each lead as a question. For instance, in the

montane forest portion of the series key the statement “Forests with >10%

canopy cover of subalpine fir” should be taken as, “Is the subalpine fir

canopy cover greater or equal to 10 percent?” If so, read to the right, i.e.,

to ABLA2 series. If not, read to the next lead immediately below. In the

montane forest series key, the Grand Fir Series is identified in the fifth

lead. More mesic trees are essentially absent, and grand fir is present and

reproducing successfully, with the capability to support at least 10% canopy

cover in older stands. Douglas-fir may be present in the Grand Fir Series

on most sites. However, the Douglas-fir Series is identified in a lead

below, where the potential for grand fir is less than 10% canopy cover, and

the potential cover of Douglas-fir is greater or equal to 10% and it is

reproducing successfully.

When the Series has been identified, go to the Association key for that Series.

(Located in the section for that Series).

b. Identify the plant association or community type from the data on the

Field Form.

For example, the first entry in the key to the subalpine fir types reads

“dwarf bramble > 5% cover.” If this statement is true, then read to the

right, i.e., to the ABLA2/RULA Association. If it is false, go down to the

next lead, i.e., to “Cascade azalea > 5%.”

c. Once a type has been determined, carefully read its description to verify

that the type, as keyed, fits the narrative. The key is a tool to help identify

most sites, but the key is not the classification. If the type selected does

not fit the narrative, review the key selections to determine if an error was

made in the keying process. Further, review the coverage estimates from

the field form and determine if, based on any coverage changes, another

type is possible. Often in keying, other types might be selected if coverage

values were just slightly different. Review those types and compare them

with the original selection to determine the best fit. To help correctly

place the stand, be sure to review the cover and constancy values in

Appendix B for all likely types.
16

4. Resolve questions about site identification. If the key you are using does not

seem to fit:

a. Re-evaluate your choice of climax series. Remember, the >10% cover

value for tree series is based on stands over 150 years in age. In the majority

of stands of this age, the climax tree will have at least 10% cover. In

younger stands, it may be necessary to project the coverage of the potential

climax tree into the future to see if it then would meet the 10% cover

criterion. The general intent of the series key is to determine the most

shade-tolerant or competitive tree, or both, with the capability to have at

least 10% cover in the stand. In most stands, however, the selected climax

tree will usually dominate canopy cover, given enough time without

disturbance. Disturbed stands may likewise make series identification

difficult.

b. For disturbed, early seral or dense stands, use the methods outlined below

to identify the stand.

Determining Type for Early Seral, Disturbed or Overstocked

Stands

Series Identification

Many forested stands in eastern Washington originated following large stand replacement

fires in the last 100 years. At low to moderate elevations they are usually dominated by seral

species such as lodgepole pine, western larch, or ponderosa pine, depending on elevation and

aspect. In high subalpine zones (just below timberline), seral species may include subalpine

larch and whitebark pine. If the stands have well-developed overstories and understories (roughly

30-100 years old), there are often enough climax indicator trees to determine the potential tree

series. However, it is often convenient to substitute “present and reproducing successfully” for “

> 10%” in the series key. This convention is displayed for you in the OPTIONAL SERIES

KEY. This closely parallels conventions currently being used in keys for existing Area II

classifications.

“Reproducing successfully” is defined as a species’ apparent ability to reproduce itself

successfully under current conditions. It applies mainly to closed canopy conditions. The

following conditions should be considered when evaluating reproduction success:

1. Trees per acre (An arbitrary starting point is 10 trees per acre — 20 or 30

is even better.)

2. Tree health and vigor (For instance, frost intolerance or extreme age

relative to size in some species.)

3. Tree distribution (For instance, species are not restricted to atypical

microsites and belong to more than one size or age class in the understory.)

Sometimes it is possible to use understory shrub and herb species to help determine the

climax tree series. For example, the Douglas-fir Series is too dry to support vine maple, so if a

stand currently dominated by Douglas-fir also supports vine maple, it should fall within one of

the more moist series. Table 3, “Species Comparison by Series,” (after the Introduction) can be

used to compare the typical species composition of all ten Series described in this Guide and is

helpful when using understory shrubs and herbs to identify the Series.
17

Association Identification

Recent disturbance, such as stand replacement fire, timber harvest or extreme grazing

pressure, may make it impossible to identify a Series or Association using indicator plants.

Likewise, early successional (generally, less than 30 years old) and overstocked stands can be

difficult. This is because disturbed, early seral and closed canopy stands may have depauperate

tree regeneration, shrubs and herbs; or they may have abundant vegetation, but the important

indicator species may be inconspicuous or absent. In these cases, the keys must be used with

extreme caution. Often, indicators are not present and other approaches must be used:

1. In overstocked stands with sparse understory:

a. lower cover values in the key by one class (e.g., 10 becomes 5, 5

becomes 2, 2 becomes 1, and 1 becomes present ); or,

b. use relative rather than absolute canopy cover in the keys (i.e.,

compare the amount of each species cover to the total cover in

the sample plot).

2. Project the stand development forward in time, using knowledge of plant

succession for the area; enter the key using the projected values.

3. Look at similar sites in nearby areas that may be more open or less

disturbed, or both; determine their plant Association and relate it to the

stand in question.

4. Predict the Association using environmental variables, (Area II and Area

I ecologists are presently working on a model that will be used to predict

series and plant associations across the landscape, based on environmental

information such precipitation, slope, aspect, elevation, geology and slope

position.)
18
19

SERIES KEYS

FOR FORESTED UPLAND SERIES

Before using the key, the field form in Appendix E should be completed. Refer to the

preceding section, “Using the Keys,” for more information on key use and if the stand does

not key.

PRIMARY KEYS

Timberline or tree line stands. These rarely form a closed canopy, i.e., they are usually

open woodland, parkland or krumholtz and variously dominated by species such as subalpine

larch, whitebark pine, mountain hemlock, Pacific silver fir, subalpine fir or Engelmann spruce.

Generally they are above the elevational limits of species such as Douglas-fir, western larch and

white pine.

1. Forests with > 5% cover of subalpine larch .................. LALY SERIES p. 251

2. Forests with > 5% cover of whitebark pine ................... PIAL SERIES p. 237

3. Forests with > 5% cover of mountain hemlock ............. TSME SERIES p. 177

4. Forests with > 5% cover of subalpine fir ....................... ABLA2 SERIES p. 205

Montane forests at lower elevations. Closed or potentially closed canopies predominate.

If open, the canopy is dominated by trees such as ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, and Oregon

white oak.

1. Forests with > 10% cover of mountain hemlock............ TSME SERIES p. 177

2. Forests with > 10% cover of Pacific silver fir ................. ABAM SERIES p. 149

3. Forests with > 10% cover of western hemlock

or western redcedar. .................................................. TSHE SERIES p. 123

4. Forests with > 10% cover of subalpine fir; or

Engelmann spruce cover > 10% and

spruce more successful than grand fir .......................... ABLA2 SERIES p. 205

5. Forests with > 10% cover of grand fir

(Engelmann spruce may be present but less

successful than grand fir)............................................ ABGR SERIES p. 85

6. Forests with > 10% cover of Douglas-fir or

ponderosa pine

6a. Oregon white oak dominant or reproducing

better than Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine .................. QUGA SERIES p. 25

6b. Forests with > 10% cover of Douglas-fir ................ PSME SERIES p. 49

6c. Forests with > 10% cover of ponderosa pine ......... PIPO SERIES p. 37

7. Forests with > 10% cover of Oregon white oak ............ QUGA SERIES p. 25

8. Forests dominated by quaking aspen and

with meager evidence of climax tree species................. POTR community types

(See Okanogan Guide until completion of riparian guide)

9. Otherwise (disturbed, early seral or

depauperate stands) .................................................. Use Optional Series Key (Below)
20

OPTIONAL KEY

(Disturbed or Overstocked Early to Mid Seral Stands)

1. Subalpine larch present and

reproducing successfully ............................................. LALY SERIES p. 251

2. Whitebark pine present and

reproducing successfully ............................................. PIAL SERIES p. 237

3. Mountain hemlock present and

reproducing successfully ............................................. TSME SERIES p. 177

4. Pacific silver fir present and

reproducing successfully ............................................. ABAM SERIES p. 149

5. Western hemlock or western redcedar

present and reproducing successfully ........................... TSHE SERIES p. 123

6. Subalpine fir present and reproducing successfully;

or Engelmann spruce present and reproducing

more successfully than grand fir .................................. ABLA2 SERIES p. 205

7. Grand fir present and reproducing successfully

(Engelmann spruce may be present but less

successful than grand fir)............................................ ABGR SERIES p. 85

8. Douglas-fir present and reproducing successfully........... PSME SERIES p. 49

9. Ponderosa pine present and

reproducing successfully ............................................. PIPO SERIES p. 37

10. Oregon white oak present and

reproducing successfully ............................................. QUGA SERIES p. 25

11. Forests dominated by quaking aspen and

with meager evidence of climax tree species................. POTR community types

 (See Okanogan Guide until completion of riparian guide)
21

TABLE 3 — SPECIES COMPARISON BY SERIES

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

QUGA PIPO PSME ABGR TSHE 18 Plots 31 Plots 302 Plots 364 Plots 138 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Tree Overstory Layer

ABAM silver fir . . . . . . . . 13 2

ABGR grand fir . . . . 1 2 83 21 71 20

ABLA2 subalpine fir . . . . . . 5 4 12 5

ABPR noble fir . . . . . . . . 1 3

ACMA bigleaf maple . . . . . . 1 5 1 12

CHNO yellow cedar . . . . . . . . . .

LALY subalpine larch . . . . . . . . . .

LAOC western larch . . . . 17 18 27 9 35 10

PIEN Engelmann spruce . . . . . . 5 10 22 8

PIAL whitebark pine . . . . . . . . . .

PICO lodgepole pine . . . . 24 13 26 13 22 8

PIMO western white pine . . . . 1 2 21 4 54 5

PIPO ponderosa pine 61 10 100 30 78 17 56 13 6 6

POTR quaking aspen 6 20 . . 2 5 . . 1 1

POTR2 black cottonwood 6 2 . . 1 4 . . 4 9

PSME Douglas-fir 50 15 32 1 98 28 98 32 94 20

QUGA Oregon white oak 94 31 . . 2 5 . . . .

THPL western redcedar . . . . . . 3 2 59 16

TSHE western hemlock . . . . . . 1 2 78 20

TSME mountain hemlock . . . . . . . . 1 2

Shrubs and Subshrubs

ACCI vine maple . . . . . . 20 27 45 13

ARNE pinemat manzanita . . . . 3 3 8 10 6 21

ARTRV mountain big sagebrush . . 3 2 2 7 . . . .

ARUV bearberry . . 6 1 26 11 2 6 1 1

BEAQ Oregon grape 28 2 10 4 27 3 42 3 6 1

BENE Cascade Oregon grape . . 3 2 2 1 59 8 91 7

CAME Mertens’ moss-heather . . . . . . . . . .

CATE2 four-angled moss-heather . . . . . . . . . .

CEVE snowbrush ceanothus 17 5 10 1 19 5 5 3 . .

CHUMO western prince’s pine . . . . 5 3 60 4 76 4

COCA bunchberry dogwood . . . . . . 1 3 13 5

COCO2 California hazel 28 17 . . 2 2 7 3 6 2

DROC Washington dryad . . . . . . . . . .

GAOV slender wintergreen . . . . . . 2 2 33 3

HODI ocean-spray 33 3 3 6 23 3 32 4 4 2

JUCO4 common juniper . . . . 5 2 1 1 1 3

LIBOL twinflower . . . . 2 4 28 8 76 8

LUPE partridgefoot . . . . . . . . . .

MEFE rusty menziesia . . . . . . . . 10 2

OPHO devil’s club . . . . . . . . 12 8

PAMY pachistima 17 1 6 3 57 7 71 5 74 5

PEFR3 shrubby penstemon . . . . 9 2 2 1 . .

PHEM red mountain heath . . . . . . . . . .

PUTR bitterbrush 56 3 74 12 24 7 1 3 . .

PYSE sidebells pyrola . . . . 3 2 36 2 65 2

RHAL Cascade azalea . . . . . . . . . .

ROGY baldhip rose 6 10 . . 9 3 70 6 72 4

ROWOU Wood’s rose . . 3 3 4 2 4 3 . .

RULA dwarf bramble . . . . . . 2 2 29 3

RUPE five-leaved bramble . . . . . . . . . .

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea 33 4 3 1 59 6 71 5 36 3

SYAL common snowberry 50 27 19 10 27 11 22 6 8 3
22

TABLE 3 — SPECIES COMPARISON BY SERIES

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

QUGA PIPO PSME ABGR TSHE 18 Plots 31 Plots 302 Plots 364 Plots 138 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Shrubs and Subshrubs cont’d

SYMOH creeping snowberry 6 3 . . 2 6 27 5 34 5

SYOR mountain snowberry . . 3 10 8 5 2 4 . .

TABR Pacific yew . . . . . . 1 6 24 3

VAAL Alaska huckleberry . . . . . . . . 4 2

VACA dwarf huckleberry . . . . 1 2 1 7 1 1

VADE Cascade huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VAME big huckleberry . . . . 2 4 26 5 72 5

VAMY low huckleberry . . . . 12 11 18 6 12 3

VASC grouse huckleberry . . . . . . 5 10 8 3

XETE beargrass . . . . . . . . 9 5

Herbs

ACTR vanilla leaf . . . . 1 2 31 7 49 10

AGSP bluebunch wheatgrass 61 11 81 19 17 14 1 1 1 15

ARCO heartleaf arnica 17 4 3 4 47 6 41 4 6 4

ARLA broadleaf arnica . . . . . . 4 4 2 2

ASCA3 wild ginger . . . . . . 2 4 22 5

ASDE podfern . . 6 2 1 3 . . 1 2

ATFI ladyfern . . . . . . 1 3 12 5

BASA arrowleaf balsamroot 11 7 68 7 25 5 8 3 . .

BRTE cheatgrass 78 10 45 7 7 6 . . . .

CACO northwestern sedge . . . . 18 3 12 2 8 2

CAGE elk sedge 61 9 23 9 39 10 53 5 9 2

CARO Ross’ sedge . . 23 2 19 2 5 1 4 1

CARU pinegrass 44 16 58 16 80 23 65 15 11 3

CLUN queencup beadlily . . . . . . 19 5 56 5

ELGL blue wildrye 44 1 3 5 5 3 7 3 2 3

EQUIS horsetail species . . . . . . . . 6 4

EQAR common horsetail . . . . . . 1 2 3 3

FEID Idaho fescue 6 3 42 18 7 6 1 1 . .

FEOC western fescue . . 3 2 6 2 25 2 8 2

FEVI green fescue . . . . . . . . . .

GYDR oak fern . . . . . . . . 7 3

LUHI smooth woodrush . . . . . . . . . .

LUNA2 silvercrown luina 22 18 . . 15 5 22 5 1 1

LULA broadleaf lupine 6 3 3 1 13 9 6 8 3 7

LUSE silky lupine . . 35 4 9 6 . . . .

LUPIN lupine species 11 3 32 5 22 5 23 5 6 6

LUSU sulfur lupine 50 8 . . 6 6 . . . .

MOSS undifferentiated moss . . 3 1 1 3 14 9 25 14

PEBR bracted pedicularis . . . . 1 2 7 2 1 2

PERA sickletop pedicularis . . . . . . 6 2 11 1

POPU skunkleaf polemonium . . . . . . 2 2 1 2

PTAQ bracken fern . . . . 3 6 24 5 44 4

SMRA feather solomonplume . . 3 1 8 2 24 2 21 2

SMST starry solomonplume 6 10 . . 4 1 23 3 50 3

STRO rosy twistedstalk . . . . . . 1 2 6 2

TITRU coolwort foamflower . . . . . . 2 2 26 3

TRCA3 false bugbane . . . . . . . . 7 3

TRLA2 western starflower . . . . 2 2 24 3 30 4

VASI Sitka valerian . . . . . . 2 2 4 1

VIGL pioneer violet . . . . 1 2 9 2 23 3

VIOR2 round-leaved violet . . . . . . 7 2 30 2
23

TABLE 3 — SPECIES COMPARISON BY SERIES

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

ABAM TSME ABLA2 PIAL LALY

238 Plots 118 Plots 154 Plots 27 Plots 28 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Tree Overstory Layer

ABAM silver fir 84 20 66 26 1 3 4 Tr . .

ABGR grand fir 12 10 4 4 13 12 . . . .

ABLA2 subalpine fir 21 11 41 17 79 20 63 5 57 6

ABPR noble fir 8 12 1 5 1 3 . . . .

ACMA bigleaf maple . . . . . . . . . .

CHNO yellow cedar 11 9 8 21 1 5 4 Tr . .

LALY subalpine larch . . . . 2 2 4 2 89 20

LAOC western larch 15 11 24 8 19 17 . . . .

PIEN Engelmann spruce 21 8 16 8 42 15 19 5 61 9

PIAL whitebark pine . . 11 5 10 6 96 19 43 4

PICO lodgepole pine 8 12 20 16 63 22 26 7 4 5

PIMO western white pine 32 5 21 6 11 6 4 2 . .

PIPO ponderosa pine . . . . 9 5 4 1 . .

POTR quaking aspen . . . . 1 1 . . . .

POTR2 black cottonwood . . . . 1 1 . . . .

PSME Douglas-fir 74 18 24 8 55 21 26 5 . .

QUGA Oregon white oak . . . . . . . . . .

THPL western redcedar 32 9 2 9 . . . . . .

TSHE western hemlock 81 28 28 16 1 4 . . . .

TSME mountain hemlock 11 4 97 22 3 3 19 4 14 2

Shrubs and Subshrubs

ACCI vine maple 21 11 . . . . . . . .

ARNE pinemat manzanita 1 8 3 5 5 7 7 14 . .

ARTRV mountain big sagebrush . . . . . . 15 14 . .

ARUV bearberry . . . . 8 6 11 22 . .

BEAQ Oregon grape . . 2 1 5 2 . . . .

BENE Cascade Oregon grape 53 6 8 3 7 2 . . . .

CAME Mertens’ moss-heather . . 3 14 1 8 . . 43 17

CATE2 four-angled moss-heather . . 1 3 . . . . 25 35

CEVE snowbrush ceanothus . . . . 2 1 4 Tr . .

CHUMO western prince’s pine 58 3 15 3 29 3 4 2 . .

COCA bunchberry dogwood 19 6 3 4 1 5 . . . .

COCO2 California hazel . . . . . . . . . .

DROC Washington dryad . . . . . . 4 35 18 15

GAOV slender wintergreen 34 4 14 5 1 1 . . . .

HODI ocean-spray . . . . 1 2 . . . .

JUCO4 common juniper . . 3 1 5 2 30 11 18 8

LIBOL twinflower 61 5 9 4 10 10 . . . .

LUPE partridgefoot . . 6 18 3 1 4 65 50 17

MEFE rusty menziesia 31 6 25 16 1 1 . . . .

OPHO devil’s club 9 17 8 2 . . . . . .

PAMY pachistima 61 4 25 4 74 8 26 6 . .

PEFR3 shrubby penstemon . . . . 1 1 7 2 . .

PHEM red mountain heath 1 2 8 18 6 12 4 1 61 9

PUTR bitterbrush . . . . . . . . . .

PYSE sidebells pyrola 82 3 47 5 53 2 4 1 . .

RHAL Cascade azalea 18 11 33 19 15 25 4 1 . .

ROGY baldhip rose 34 3 2 2 11 4 . . . .

ROWOU Wood’s rose . . 1 2 . . . . . .

RULA dwarf bramble 71 5 60 11 13 19 7 9 . .

RUPE five-leaved bramble 13 4 14 7 . . . . . .

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea 9 2 . . 21 6 . . . .

SYAL common snowberry 3 2 . . 6 7 . . . .
24

TABLE 3 — SPECIES COMPARISON BY SERIES

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

ABAM TSME ABLA2 PIAL LALY

238 Plots 118 Plots 154 Plots 27 Plots 28 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Shrubs and Subshrubs cont’d

SYMOH creeping snowberry 5 3 . . . . . . . .

SYOR mountain snowberry . . . . 1 2 . . . .

TABR Pacific yew 18 4 2 2 . . . . . .

VAAL Alaska huckleberry 30 6 22 11 1 3 . . . .

VACA dwarf huckleberry . . . . 3 5 7 3 11 6

VADE Cascade huckleberry . . 6 20 5 21 4 5 32 13

VAME big huckleberry 93 11 74 17 21 9 4 3 . .

VAMY low huckleberry 17 4 28 17 46 12 22 6 7 Tr

VASC grouse huckleberry 8 5 38 10 35 13 52 20 61 14

XETE beargrass 21 6 36 9 . . . . . .

Herbs

ACTR vanilla leaf 46 7 4 5 1 1 . . . .

AGSP bluebunch wheatgrass . . . . 1 2 4 Tr . .

ARCO heartleaf arnica 2 2 3 7 36 4 15 3 . .

ARLA broadleaf arnica 16 5 42 9 37 7 30 3 29 2

ASCA3 wild ginger 6 3 . . . . . . . .

ASDE podfern . . . . 1 Tr . . . .

ATFI ladyfern 7 4 3 3 . . . . . .

BASA arrowleaf balsamroot . . . . . . . . . .

BRTE cheatgrass . . . . . . . . . .

CACO northwestern sedge 1 2 1 Tr 18 3 11 3 4 7

CAGE elk sedge 3 2 16 2 31 7 30 15 . .

CARO Ross’ sedge 3 2 2 2 11 2 37 5 18 2

CARU pinegrass . . 4 2 34 15 33 14 . .

CLUN queencup beadlily 68 6 25 6 7 4 . . . .

ELGL blue wildrye . . 2 2 6 2 . . . .

EQUIS horsetail species . . . . . . . . . .

EQAR common horsetail . . . . 2 24 . . . .

FEID Idaho fescue . . . . . . 15 6 . .

FEOC western fescue 4 1 2 1 14 2 4 1 . .

FEVI green fescue . . 3 6 3 2 33 13 18 6

GYDR oak fern 11 7 6 6 1 Tr . . . .

LUHI smooth woodrush 1 1 33 11 21 15 40 8 64 12

LUNA2 silvercrown luina . . 2 2 8 3 8 6 . .

LULA broadleaf lupine 3 3 5 10 19 9 24 13 18 4

LUSE silky lupine . . . . . . . . . .

LUPIN lupine species 9 3 12 7 26 8 32 7 4 2

LUSU sulfur lupine . . . . . . . . . .

MOSS undifferentiated moss 44 20 29 14 16 8 . . 7 4

PEBR bracted pedicularis 1 2 4 1 12 2 11 Tr 11 1

PERA sickletop pedicularis 13 2 18 1 20 2 4 Tr . .

POPU skunkleaf polemonium 5 3 18 4 40 4 19 3 7 2

PTAQ bracken fern 20 2 2 1 3 2 . . . .

SMRA feather solomonplume 8 2 2 1 4 1 . . . .

SMST starry solomonplume 26 4 4 3 10 3 . . . .

STRO rosy twistedstalk 15 3 14 3 1 1 . . . .

TITRU coolwort foamflower 37 5 10 4 3 2 . . . .

TRCA3 false bugbane 4 8 3 3 2 12 . . . .

TRLA2 western starflower 8 3 1 4 1 4 . . . .

VASI Sitka valerian 13 5 31 6 23 4 . . 25 5

VIGL pioneer violet 11 3 6 3 7 3 . . . .

VIOR2 round-leaved violet 44 2 13 3 17 2 4 3 . .
24
25

OREGON

WHITE OAK

SERIES
26

OREGON WHITE OAK SERIES

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT: Oregon white oak is one of the tree species most

tolerant of heat and drought in the northwest (Franklin and Dyrness 1973; Minore 1979). Although

widely distributed on the west side of the Cascades, Oregon white oak is limited on the east slope

to a relatively small area north and south of the Columbia Gorge. The northernmost stand is

separate and occurs on Swauk Creek between Cle Elum and Ellensburg. Cold temperatures seem

to be the limiting factor in the northward distribution of Oregon white oak east of the Cascades.

On the Wenatchee NF the Oregon White Oak Series is limited to the lower reaches of

the Naches and Tieton Rivers watersheds. It is the hottest and most droughty of the forest

Series and where it occurs marks the lower boundary of woodland and forest. As such, the

Series is transitional between conifer-dominated forests at higher elevations and shrublands at

lower elevations and to the east. The Series is more extensive south of the Forest on the Yakima

Indian Reservation ( John and others 1988) and into the Columbia Gorge. Most stands on the

Wenatchee NF occur below 3100 ft. on steep mid and lower slope positions or along dry river

and stream terraces. There seems to be little restriction to southerly aspects, although the data

set is very small. Precipitation in these areas is likely to be less than 20 in. annually.

Oregon white oak typically occurs on soils that are very gravelly, stony, and (in uplands)

subject to ravel. QUGA/AGSP and QUGA/CARU-CAGE Associations occur largely on

soils derived from basalt colluvium. The QUGA/COCO2-SYAL Association typically occurs

on basalt alluvium.

VEGETATION: Except on river terraces, many of the sample stands are woodlands or open forest.

In both uplands and bottoms, Oregon white oak dominates most of the plots. Tree canopy cover is

typically less than 40% in the upland Associations but often exceeds 65% on QUGA/COCO2-

SYAL, which is associated with river terraces. Oregon white oak is both a climax dominant and

pioneer in these habitats as no other tree species can successfully and consistently regenerate. Many

stands also have scattered Douglas-fir or ponderosa pine. In uplands, these conifers often are emergents

above the oak canopy, but occur only in favorable microsites. They do not form a consistent canopy,

nor do they regenerate well. Conifers are dominant on a few plots, especially on bottoms, but as

these stands are projected towards climax oak is clearly the more successful species.

The undergrowth reflects the transitional nature of these woodlands. Species typical of

climax sagebrush and bitterbrush shrublands are present, as well as those species typical of

conifer-dominated forests. Bitterbrush, serviceberry, shiny-leaf spirea, California hazel, and

common snowberry are shrubs that can be found in one or more Associations. Bitterbrush and

serviceberry both seem to occur in drier Associations. Snowberry and hazel are associated with

dry river terraces and can be very abundant. Shrubs are not abundant in the two upland

Associations, except perhaps following wildfire.

Elk sedge and pinegrass are abundant in the QUGA/CARU-CAGE Association while

bluebunch wheatgrass dominates the QUGA/AGSP type. Sulfur lupine, Carey balsamroot,

showy phlox, yarrow, Sandberg bluegrass and lomatium spp. are other common herbs.

Three plant Associations are listed in the tables following this Series introduction. Of

these Associations, one (QUGA/COCO2-SYAL) is composed of recent plots taken for riparian

classification work. They are located on dry river terraces.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Intensive tree production plots are not available for the

oak Series. These sites are presumed to have low timber productivity, due to low stocking and

slow growth rates. Productivity is presumed very low in QUGA/AGSP, moderately low in

QUGA/CARU-CAGE, and moderate in QUGA/COCO2-SYAL. Large, old oaks, pines or

Douglas-firs can still be found on occasion in uplands, but volumes on a per acre basis are low,

as is growth potential. The riparian plots are surprisingly dense and productive compared to
27

upland sites. Many stands have been cleared for homesteads, grazing and lumber production,

especially on sites belonging to the QUGA/COCO2-SYAL Association. Oregon white oak is

an excellent firewood. Opportunity exists to use these woodlands for the production of firewood

through a coppice silviculture system. However, since these stands are near the northern limit

of the species distribution, growth may not be very good. Upland soils may not survive heavy

vehicle traffic or vegetation removal without raveling.

The composition and patterns of abundance of the flora in these stands has been considerably

affected by past disturbance, including fire, grazing, homesteading and logging. Historical fire

frequency in these areas is judged to be in the 5-30 year range, with most fires being of low

intensity. Fire helped maintain the open woodland structure of these stands and the composition

and dominance of shrubs. Oregon white oak is very fire tolerant because its foliage is relatively

non-flammable and it will resprout should the above-ground stem be killed. Lack of fire or altered

fire cycles in recent times have led to changes in floristic composition. Fire sensitive species are

more common and fuel ladders have developed. Many stands are scrubby as a result of past

logging and grazing and are more susceptible to stand-replacement fires. The ability of Oregon

white oak to resprout after fire or cutting allows it to readily revegetate disturbed sites.

The primary root and trunk rot diseases of Oregon white oak include Armillaria root disease

and oak anthracnose (Paul Hessburg, personal communication). Insects of note on oak include the

western oak looper, western tent caterpillar and Pacific tent caterpillar. The primary root diseases

affecting associated ponderosa pine include Annosum root disease and Armillaria root rot (Hessburg

and others 1994). Other pathogens affecting ponderosa pine include comandra rust and elytroderma

needle disease. They may be locally significant but rarely threaten entire stands of trees. Primary

root diseases of Douglas-fir include P- and S-group Annosum root diseases, laminated root rot and

Armillaria root rot (Hessburg and others 1994). These rots were scattered before the era of intensive

resource management but have increased dramatically by infecting stumps associated with selection

logging. Various dwarf mistletoes currently infest at least 43% of Douglas-fir and 26% of ponderosa

pine east of the Cascades. These levels are likely elevated from historical times because lack of

wildfires has resulted in denser stands, facilitating the parasite’s spread. Insect species that can affect

ponderosa pine include western pine beetle, mountain pine beetle, pine engraver, pandora moth,

pine butterfly, sawflies, needle miners, tip miners and the sugar pine tortix (Hessburg and others

1994). Of these, western pine beetle, pine engraver and mountain pine beetle have the potential for

severe outbreaks in the White Oak Series. Insect species that can be pests of Douglas-fir include the

Douglas-fir engraver, fir engraver and Douglas-fir beetle (Hessburg and others 1994). The fir engraver

and Douglas-fir beetle have the potential for severe outbreaks in Douglas-fir.

These sites are important wildlife areas and are heavily used, especially as winter and early

spring range. Thickets provide hiding cover and oak mast provides good fall and winter forage.

Early spring green-up of the abundant grasses helps sustain wildlife until other forage becomes

available at higher elevations. Snags and logs provide valuable habitat and perches and are especially

critical because tree density is low and therefore snag and log recruitment will also be slow or episodic.

Although clipped plots are not available, the QUGA Series should provide moderate

herbage for livestock, especially on the QUGA/AGSP and QUGA/CARU-CAGE Associations.

Invasion of noxious weeds is a serious problem, especially diffuse knapweed. Coarse soils are

easily displaced on steep slopes. Heavy grazing reduces cover of elk sedge, bluebunch wheatgrass,

beardless bluebunch wheatgrass and Idaho fescue. The open nature of these stands leaves them

very susceptible to noxious weed encroachment after heavy grazing or other ground disturbing

activity. Introduced grasses and forbs may persist for many years in these open environments.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: Some of the authors that have described

the Oregon White Oak Series include: Williams and others 1991 (Wenatchee NF Draft); John

and others 1988 (Yakima Indian Res.); and Topik and others 1988 (Mt. Hood NF).
28

Keys to Plant Associations

of the Oregon White Oak Series

Before using the key, the field form in Appendix E should be completed. Refer to the “Using the

Keys” section in the introduction for more information on key use and if the stand does not key.

California hazel and/or common

snowberry > 5%, dry river terraces ......................... QUGA/COCO2-SYAL p.34

Pinegrass and/or elk sedge > 5% ........................... QUGA/CARU-CAGE p.32

Bluebunch wheatgrass > 5% ................................. QUGA/AGSP p.30

Average Summary Productivity Estimates by Type 1

# INTENSIVE #TREES/ TBA QUAD MEAN STAND DENSITY HERBAGE

TYPE PLOTS ACRE DIAM. INDEX

QUGA/CARU-CAGE 1 121 136 14 216 137

Site index, growth basal area, and GBA

volume estimates by species and type 2

TYPE SPECIES #SI TREES SI #GBA TREES GBA VOL AGE

QUGA/CARU-CAGE PSME 4 53 4 146 54 88

1 Type = Plant Association or Community Type (in alphabetical order); # Intensive plots indicates the number of plots

used to derive the values; # Trees/ac is the number of trees per acre; TBA is the total basal area in square feet per acre

based on prism counts; Quadratic mean diameter is the diameter to the nearest inch of a tree of average basal area;

Stand density index is from Reineke 1933; and Herbage is the pounds per acre of air dry herbaceous vegetation at the

time of sampling as derived from a double-sampling technique.

2 Type = Plant Association or Community Type (in alphabetical order); Species = tree species for which the estimates

are made; GBA is Growth Basal Area (Hall 1983); VOL = an estimate of wood production in cubic feet/acre/year from

an empirical formula based on site index and GBA (Hall 1983, personal communication); and SI is the average site

index (all trees base 50 except ABAM, ABPR, PIPO and TSME which are base 100-See Introduction for Site index

curve sources. #GBA trees is the number of trees used to make the GBA estimates; #SI trees is the number of trees used

to determine the Site Index values.
29

Plant Associations Groups (PAGs) are arranged so that similar ecological sites are grouped on

a temperature and moisture scale. Temperature values (from hot to cold) are hot, warm, cool

and cold while moisture values are (from dry to wet) dry, mesic, moist and wet. WEN is used to

indentify Wenatchee plant Associations that are considered ecologically different from likenamed Associations described elsewhere. (M) refers to miscellaneous plant Associations that

are described elsewhere but were uncommon or undersampled, or both, on the Wenatchee NF.

OREGON WHITE OAK

PLANT ASSOCIATION

GROUPS

1. Hot Dry Grass PAG

• QUGA/AGSP

• QUGA/CARU-CAGE

2. Hot Mesic Shrub/Herb PAG

• QUGA/COCO2-SYAL

OREGON WHITE OAK

PLANT ASSOCIATIONS

AND ECOCLASS CODES

1. QUGA/AGSP HOG111

2. QUGA/CARU-CAGE HOG211

3. QUGA/COCO2-SYAL HOG311
30

QUGA/AGSP ASSOCIATION HOG111

Quercus garryana/Agropyron spicatum

Oregon white oak/bluebunch wheatgrass

SLIDE 1

ENVIRONMENT:

Elevation: 2000-2500 (2263) ft.

Aspect: south to east

Slope: 48-64 (56)%

Slope position: M, L 1/3

Special: hot, dry, unproductive oak sites

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 6)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

QUGA Oregon white oak 100 25

PIPO ponderosa pine 17 5

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

QUGA Oregon white oak 100 7

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

PUTR bitterbrush 100 4

AMAL serviceberry 67 2

HERBS

AGSP bluebunch wheatgrass 100 17

BRTE cheatgrass 100 16

LUSUS sulfur lupine 100 8

ACMI yarrow 100 2

LOTR nine-leaf lomatium 100 2

BACA Carey balsamroot 83 5

POSA3 Sandberg bluegrass 83 3

PHSP showy phlox 83 3

HYCA ballhead waterleaf 83 2

COGR2 large-flowered collomia 67 1

LOTR fern-leaved lomatium 50 2

DEDE slim larkspur 50 2

LIPA smallflower fringecup 50 1

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The QUGA/AGSP Association was

sampled from near the eastern boundary of

the Forest on the lower reaches of the Tieton

River drainage and the Oak Creek Wildlife

and Recreation Area. The sample size is small,

so the following description is based on limited

information.

These are the hottest, driest forest and

woodland habitats on the Wenatchee NF and

represent the lower limit for forest growth.

The sample plots occur at low elevation on

hot, steep, mid and lower slopes, with south

to east aspects. The type also likely occurs on

west aspects.

The regolith is basalt colluvium. Soils

are gravelly, shallow and droughty. These soils

may possibly be classed as dry ravel. There is

abundant gravel on the soil surface. Soil coarse

fragments and litter are often abundant.

Drier sites are dominated by bitterbrush

and bunchgrass meadows. QUGA/CARUCAGE lies on more moderate sites, while

QUGA/COCO2-SYAL occurs on adjacent

river terraces. PIPO/PUTR/AGSP and

PIPO/AGSP occur on similar sites outside the

range of oak.
31

QUGA/AGSP ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: These are woodlands dominated, for the most part, by Oregon white oak.

Overstory cover typically ranges between 20 and 30%, which falls nicely into the woodland

category. Oregon white oak is also the only regenerating species. Tree reproduction is often

patchy, with seedlings and saplings aggregated into groups.

Shrubs are normally inconspicuous. The undergrowth is largely dominated by grasses

and forbs. Bitterbrush is present in small amounts in all plots and averages 4% canopy cover.

Serviceberry may also be present. Additional data may later warrant describing a QUGA/

PUTR/AGSP type.

Abundant bluebunch wheatgrass, mixed with Sandberg bluegrass, yarrow, nine-leaf

lomatium, sulfur lupine and Carey balsamroot, characterizes the undergrowth. Other common

species include showy phlox, yarrow, fern-leaved lomatium and ballhead waterleaf. Cheatgrass

is well represented on all plots, especially in spaces between bunchgrass clumps. It is abundant

on more disturbed sites.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: There is no data available on timber production on QUGA/

AGSP sites. However, productivity for these extremely hot, dry sites is presumed to be very low.

No methods are known to assure reforestation.

Wildlife forage and shelter is an important use of this vegetation type. Stands are very

important deer and elk winter ranges that remain clear of snow for most of the winter. The

acorn mast can be an important forage resource during fall and winter months, while the grasses

and forbs provide important spring and summer forage.

These habitats have been heavily grazed in the past by livestock, as indicated by the

heavy cheatgrass in all the plots. The relative density of cheatgrass to bluebunch wheatgrass

and other bunchgrasses is generally accepted as a rough indication of the amount of past intensive

grazing. However, naturally raveled sites may also support considerable cheatgrass.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: QUGA/AGSP is similar to parts of the

broad QUGA/PUTR and PIPO-QUGA/PUTR types described on the Yakima Indian

Reservation ( John and others 1988) and Mount Hood NF (Topik and others 1988).
32

QUGA/CARU-CAGE ASSOCIATION HOG211

Quercus garryana/Calamagrostis rubescens-Carex geyeri

Oregon white oak/pinegrass-elk sedge

Oregon white oak (QUGA), an

indicator of the QUGA/CARU-CAGE

Association.

SLIDE 2

PHOTO:

S.Hahn & M.Reynolds

ENVIRONMENT:

Elevation: 2200-3000 (2660) ft.

Aspect: east, south, northeast, west

Slope: 14-55 (30)%

Slope position: U, M, L 1/3

Special: moderate oak sites

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 6)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

QUGA Oregon white oak 100 20

PIPO ponderosa pine 100 5

PSME Douglas-fir 83 13

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

QUGA Oregon white oak 100 6

PSME Douglas-fir 50 1

PIPO ponderosa pine 33 3

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

AMAL serviceberry 50 3

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea 83 4

CESA redstem ceanothus 67 15

PUTR bitterbrush 67 2

CEVE snowbrush ceanothus 50 5

BEAQ Oregon grape 50 3

SYAL common snowberry 50 2

RICE wax currant 50 2

HERBS

CARU pinegrass 100 19

CAGE elk sedge 100 12

ACMI yarrow 100 3

BRTE cheatgrass 83 9

COGR2 large flowered collomia 83 2

AGSP bluebunch wheatgrass 67 5

LOTR nine-leaf lomatium 67 2

ALLIU onion spp. 67 2

LUNA2 silvercrown luina 50 23

LUSUS sulfur lupine 50 8

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The QUGA/CARU-CAGE type was

sampled from near the eastern boundary of

the Forest on the lower reaches of the Tieton

River watershed and the Oak Creek Wildlife

and Recreation Area. The sample size is small,

so the following description is based on limited

information.

These are hot, dry sites at the lower edge

of conifer forest and woodland. QUGA/

CARU-CAGE occurs at low elevations,

mostly on moderate to moderately-steep mid

and upper slopes. Elevations are less than 3000

feet.

The regolith is basalt colluvium. The

soils are moderately gravelly and contain

moderate amounts of rocks and stones. The

soil surface is largely covered by litter and

vegetation, with little rock or soil exposed. Soil

textures, depth, and coarse fragments indicate

a more favorable soil than the QUGA/AGSP

type.

Drier sites are dominated by QUGA/

AGSP or bitterbrush and bunchgrass

meadows. QUGA/COCO2-SYAL occurs

on dry river terraces, while conifer-dominated

types such as PSME/CARU, PSME/CAGE

or PIPO/CARU-AGSP occur just outside

the range of oak.
33

QUGA/CARU-CAGE ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Oregon white oak, Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine are all overstory components

of these woodlands. Oak dominates on four of our plots, while Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine

are more abundant on two plots. Scattered, old Oregon white oak, Douglas-fir or ponderosa

pine mixed with younger trees (< 100 yr) is a common structure. The younger trees often give

these stands a dense closed-in appearance. Oregon white oak is reproducing better than Douglasfir and ponderosa pine in the data. Half the plots have no conifer regeneration at all. Douglasfir and ponderosa pine can establish and maintain themselves in these stands, but tree regeneration

is limited to times when favorable climatic conditions occur. Conifer regeneration appears to be

episodic and these hot, dry habitats may be too marginal for conifers to successfully reproduce

on a continuous basis.

Herb-dominated undergrowth is characteristic of the QUGA/CARU-CAGE type. Quite

a few shrubs are present, though few are well represented in the data. More common shrubs

include serviceberry, both redstem and snowbrush ceanothus, shiny-leaf spirea, wax current and

bitterbrush.

Pinegrass and elk sedge characterize the grass- and forb-dominated undergrowth. Other

conspicuous species include nine-leaved lomatium, yarrow, silvercrown luina, Carey balsamroot

and bluebunch wheatgrass. Although assigned to the Oregon White Oak Series, in many

characteristics this Association is transitional to conifer-dominated Series. Many of the

undergrowth species present in these stands are more common and more abundant in the closedforest stands of the Douglas-fir, Grand Fir and Ponderosa Pine Series and reflect the transitional

nature of this type.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Timber production in QUGA/CARU-CAGE is presumed

to be moderately low and perhaps comparable to the PSME/CARU and PSME/CAGE

Associations. One intensive plot averaged 121 trees per acre and 136 sq. ft./ac. total basal area

(Appendix C). The average site index for Douglas-fir was 53 (base 50). Other values may

preclude timber cutting on these sites.

These sites are important winter and early spring range for wildlife. Elk and deer sign are

frequently abundant and these species may have a significant effect on the composition and

relative abundance of the undergrowth. Elk dust wallows are often indicated by abundant

silvercrown luina. These habitats provide forage (including mast, pinegrass and elk sedge) and

thermal and hiding cover during winter months.

QUGA/CARU-CAGE may provide moderate herbage for livestock. One clipped plot

averaged 137 pounds of herbage per acre (Appendix C). Livestock prefer elk sedge over pinegrass

and elk sedge may become almost inconspicuous in heavily grazed areas.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: QUGA/CARU-CAGE has not been

described in other classifications but is similar to some stands in the PIPO-QUGA/CAGE of

John and others (1988) on the Yakima Indian Reservation.
34

QUGA/COCO2-SYAL ASSOCIATION HOG311

Quercus garryana/Corylus cornuta-Symphoricarpos albus

Oregon white oak/California hazel-common snowberry

SLIDE 3

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 1700-2200 (1963) ft.

Aspect: east-draining valley terraces

Slope: 2-7 (5)%

Slope Position: dry river terraces

Special: hot river valleys on Naches District

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 6)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

QUGA Oregon white oak 83 50

PIPO ponderosa pine 67 20

PSME Douglas-fir 67 17

POTR quaking aspen 17 20

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

QUGA Oregon white oak 83 13

POTR quaking aspen 33 1

PSME Douglas-fir 17 5

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

SYAL common snowberry 83 47

COCO2 California hazel 83 17

PREM bitter cherry 83 6

ROSA rose species 67 12

PRVI chokecherry 67 8

HODI ocean-spray 50 3

HERBS

ELGL blue wildrye 83 1

CAGE elk sedge 67 4

POPR Kentucky bluegrass 50 1

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

Most of the plots in QUGA/COCO2-

SYAL are from recent riparian data. There

are two potential plant Associations in this

one: QUGA/SYAL and QUGA/COCO2.

However, due to the limited number of plots

(6) and similarities in both vegetation and site,

these two types are being lumped into a single

Association until further data is available.

QUGA/COCO2-SYAL was sampled near

the eastern boundary of the Naches District

in the lower Tieton River, Bear Canyon Creek

and Oak Creek watersheds.

As presently defined, the QUGA/

COCO2-SYAL type occurs on gentle, dry

river terraces. Sample plot elevations are low.

Aspects are generally easterly (the direction

the valleys face). The regolith is basalt

alluvium. The soils contain moderate amounts

of cobbles and gravels. The soil surface of

undisturbed stands is largely covered with litter

and vegetation, with little exposed rock or soil.

QUGA/COCO2-SYAL is more moderate

and supports denser forests and greater

biomass than either QUGA/AGSP or

QUGA/CARU-CAGE. Adjacent upland

sites support bitterbrush, big mountain

sagebrush and bunchgrass meadows or forest

Associations such as QUGA/AGSP, QUGA/

CARU-CAGE, PIPO/AGSP, PIPO/PUTR/

AGSP and PSME/AGSP.
35

QUGA/COCO2-SYAL ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Oregon white oak, Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine are constant overstory

components of these relatively dense stands. Oak dominates most of our sample plots. Douglasfir dominated one plot in which none of the oak regeneration was greater than 5 inches DBH.

However, oak was clearly regenerating more successfully than Douglas-fir. Dense, old Oregon

white oak, Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine mixed with younger trees is a very common stand

structure. Oak is always reproducing more successfully than Douglas-fir or pine. Douglas-fir

and ponderosa pine do reproduce and establish in these stands, but this may require long periods

of special conditions. Both black cottonwood and quaking aspen are important associates in

some stands.

The undergrowth is a rich mixture of medium and tall shrubs. California hazel dominated

two plots, was absent on one plot and was subordinate to common snowberry on the others.

Common snowberry is usually abundant, except where unusually dense California hazel and

other tall shrubs suppress it. Other shrubs include bitter cherry, chokecherry, roses, wax currant

and ocean-spray. Pinegrass, elk sedge and bluegrass are common on a few plots. Herbs are

inconspicuous on most plots.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Timber production data is lacking but is presumed moderate

for white oak, ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, and, where present, aspen and cottonwood.

Watershed, recreation and wildlife values likely exceed the value for timber production.

These are very important winter and early spring range for wildlife. Elk and deer sign is

often abundant and these animals may have a significant impact on the relative abundance and

composition of the undergrowth. The proximity to water makes these sites very important for

a wide variety of small mammals and birds. They also produce forage from oak mast (fallen

acorns) and are important thermal and hiding cover in the winter months.

Natural stands probably produced little herbage below the dense shrub layer. Disturbed

sites are often indicated by abundant introduced grasses and weeds. This is especially true on

areas that were once cleared for homesteads and grazing, or deforested for lumber and fuel.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: The QUGA/COCO2-SYAL

Association has not been described elsewhere.
36
37

PONDEROSA

PINE

SERIES
38

PONDEROSA PINE SERIES

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT: Ponderosa pine is one of the most widely distributed

conifer tree species in western North America, constituting the lower timberline species in

many areas. It is also a major seral species in many forest types throughout its range. It is very

tolerant of hot, dry conditions and is one of the most drought-tolerant conifers in western

North America. Ponderosa pine reaches its westernmost distribution as a major forest species

along the east slopes of the Cascade Range in both Washington and Oregon. It is never very

abundant in natural stands west of the Cascade Range.

Ponderosa pine is a major seral species in the Douglas-fir and Grand Fir Series on the

Wenatchee National Forest and in the Douglas-fir Series on the Okanogan National Forest. It

is restricted to drier and warmer sites in the Western Hemlock and Subalpine Fir Series. It may

also be found mixed with Oregon White Oak on the Naches District, but distribution of these

mixed stands is limited. It is unusual to find ponderosa pine in the Pacific silver fir, Mountain

Hemlock, Whitebark Pine and Subalpine Larch Series. It is common only on the warmest sites

in the Subalpine Fir Series. Climax ponderosa pine stands are relatively limited on the Forest

and occur where soil drought and temperatures are too severe for any other conifer tree species.

The Ponderosa Pine Series grades into the Douglas-fir Series or directly into the Grand

Fir Series on normal soils (i.e., those not derived from serpentine) as soil moisture increases and

temperatures decrease. As soil temperatures increase and soil moisture decreases, the Series

grades into non-forest vegetation. On serpentine soils, the transition to other Series is as abrupt

as the contact between serpentine and adjacent rock types. On these sites the Ponderosa Pine

Series is found under moisture regimes that on normal substrates would support more moist

Series such as the Douglas-fir and Grand Fir Series.

Plots in this Series have been sampled in all Districts except the Lake Wenatchee, but

relatively few were sampled, especially on the Entiat and Lake Chelan Districts, because many

climax ponderosa pine stands are marginal forestland or were destroyed in recent standreplacement fires. Twelve plots were borrowed from the lower Methow and Twisp River drainages

(Okanogan National Forest) to supplement meager plot numbers (19) on the Wenatchee. More

data will eventually be gathered for these vegetation types, and with additional data the

miscellaneous ponderosa pine Association may be more completely described.

As in the Subalpine Fir and Douglas-fir Series, the Ponderosa Pine Series has been

strengthened with the Okanogan NF data. The user will find descriptions that are less variable

and that better describe the Entiat and Lake Chelan Districts (which are very similar climatically

and geologically to the southwest portion of the Okanogan NF). In addition, these descriptions

will begin the process of revising the Okanogan classification so that it and the Wenatchee/

Colville/Rockies classifications mesh at their borders.

Four plant Associations are listed in the tables following this Series introduction. Three

are minor types that are fairly well represented in the data. One poorly sampled type is described

as a miscellaneous Association: PIPO/AGSP-ASDE.

VEGETATION: Climax ponderosa pine stands on the Forest typically grow as very open forests

or woodlands. Ponderosa pine is often the only tree species present, although some Douglas-fir,

or in rare instances grand fir, can be found. These last two species are interpreted as occurring

only as “accidentals” and are not expected to assume dominance, or even necessarily to persist.

They are often found growing in favorable microsites or on ecotones to Douglas-fir and grand

fir sites. Many stands of ponderosa pine appear to be relatively uniform in size and spacing,

which leads to the impression that they are even-aged. Some stands are even-aged but many

stands contain several age classes. Stand age structure and patterns result from past disturbance

events as well as from depth to rock or bedrock.
39

Ponderosa pine is usually the only tree species regenerating. Many stands have few trees,

if any, in the seedling or sapling size classes. Ponderosa pine is well known for its episodic

regeneration (Cooper 1961). Under natural conditions, successful reproduction and recruitment

is only needed every few hundred years for stand maintenance.

Grasses dominate the undergrowth in most of the Associations described for the Series.

Shrubs are important in some of them (e.g., PIPO/PUTR/AGSP, PIPO/PUTR/CARU), but

even in these Associations, shrubs do not always form a continuous layer. Bluebunch wheatgrass

is the most dominant and characteristic grass of the Series. Pinegrass and elk sedge may occur

on more mesic types. Bluebunch wheatgrass is mixed with pinegrass on the PIPO/CARU-AGSP

Association. Many of the important forbs and grasses found in the Series are species also

characteristic of nearby shrublands and grasslands that occur under conditions too harsh for

trees. Some important taxa include Sandberg’s bluegrass, Wheeler’s bluegrass, western yarrow,

lupines, balsamroots and lomatiums.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: These sites have low timber productivity due to low stocking

and slow growth rates. However, trees in natural stands typically remain for several centuries

and may grow very large. The total basal area for the three major types ranged from only 62 to

88 sq. ft. per acre while the site index for ponderosa pine ranged from 49 to 81 feet (base 100).

Fire has been an integral part of these forest and woodland ecosystems. It acts to maintain

the open, grass-dominated undergrowth, reduce litter accumulations, and recycle nutrients bound

in the litter. Fire was frequent under natural conditions and helped keep down the cover of

shrubs such as bitterbrush and snowberry. Hot, dry conditions during summer months dried

the grasses and litter enough to carry ground fires started by lightning. In addition to consuming

litter, these fires also consumed small diameter woody material such as shrubs and tree seedlings

and saplings, as well as logs and snags. Successful ponderosa pine recruitment occurred only

when seedlings and saplings escaped fire until large enough to develop resistance to damage.

Fire also exposed bare mineral soil, which is helpful for some species’ seed germination. Standreplacement fires did occur, but were unusual. Tree re-establishment following such an event

can often require decades until conditions and a seed source are available. Tree plantings are

often not successful.

These sites are important wildlife areas. They supply forage and browse during spring

and early summer, and at lower elevations provide important winter range. Snags and logs

provide valuable habitat and perches and are especially critical because tree density is low and

therefore snag and log recruitment will also be slow or episodic.

The PIPO Series provides moderate herbage for livestock. Average herbage production

on the three major Associations ranged from 178 to 313 lbs./ac. Invasion of noxious weeds is a

serious problem, especially diffuse knapweed. Coarse soils are easily displaced on steep slopes.

Heavy grazing reduces cover of bluebunch wheatgrass, beardless bluebunch wheatgrass and

Idaho fescue. Introduced grasses and forbs may persist for many years in these open environments.

Primary root diseases include Annosum root disease and Armillaria root rot (Hessburg

and others 1994). These rots were scattered before the era of resource management, but have

increased dramatically by infecting stumps associated with selection logging. Other pathogens

include comandra rust and elytroderma needle disease. They may be locally significant, but

they rarely threaten entire stands of trees. Western dwarf mistletoe currently infests about 26%

of ponderosa pine east of the Cascades. This level, which is likely elevated from historical times

because lack of wildfires, has resulted in somewhat more dense stands, facilitating the spread of

the parasite.

Insect species that can be pests include western pine beetle, mountain pine beetle, pine

engraver, pandora moth, pine butterfly, sawflies, needle miners, tip miners and the sugar pine

tortix (Hessburg and others 1994). Of these, the western pine beetle, pine engraver, and mountain

pine beetle have the potential for severe outbreaks in the Series.
40

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: The Ponderosa Pine Series has been

described by numerous authors up and down the Cascades and east into the northern Rocky

Mountains. Sometimes the Ponderosa Pine Series has been included in the Douglas-fir Series.

Some of the authors include: Pfister and others 1977 (Montana); Cooper and others 1991

(Idaho); Williams and others 1990 (Colville NF); Williams and Lillybridge 1983 (Okanogan

NF); Williams and Smith 1991 (Wenatchee NF Draft); Clausnitzer and Zamora 1987 (Colville

Indian Res.); Zamora 1983 (Spokane Indian Res.); John and others 1988 (Yakima Indian Res.);

and, Johnson and Clausnitzer 1992 (northeastern Oregon).

Keys to Plant Associations

of the Ponderosa Pine Series

Before using the key, the field form in Appendix E should be completed. Refer to the “Using the

Keys” section in the introduction for more information on key use and if the stand does not key.

Note: (M) refers to miscellaneous plant Associations that are described elsewhere but were

uncommon or undersampled, or both, on the Wenatchee NF.

Bitterbrush > 5% and bluebunch or

beardless b. wheatgrass > 5%.............................. PIPO/PUTR/AGSP p. 46

Pinegrass and/or elk sedge > 5% and

Bluebunch or beardless b. wheatgrass > 5% ........... PIPO/CARU-AGSP p. 44

Bluebunch or beardless b. wheatgrass > 5%

Podfern present .............................................. PIPO/AGSP-ASDE (M) p. 48

Not as above .................................................. PIPO/AGSP p. 42

Average Summary Productivity Estimates by Type 1

# INTENSIVE #TREES/ TBA QUAD MEAN STAND DENSITY HERBAGE

TYPE PLOTS ACRE DIAM. INDEX

PIPO/AGSP 3 40 71 21 101 236

PIPO/CARU-AGSP 2 32 88 23 116 313

PIPO/PUTR/AGSP 7 66 62 15 101 178

Site index, growth basal area, and GBA

volume estimates by species and type 2

TYPE SPECIES #SI TREES SI #GBA TREES GBA VOL AGE

PIPO/AGSP PIPO 2 81 13 67 30 184

PIPO/CARU-AGSP PIPO 3 49 9 65 13 213

PIPO/PUTR/AGSP PIPO 30 75 33 86 30 96

1 Type = Plant Association or Community Type (in alphabetical order); # Intensive plots indicates the number of plots

used to derive the values; # Trees/ac is the number of trees per acre; TBA is the total basal area in square feet per acre

based on prism counts; Quadratic mean diameter is the diameter to the nearest inch of a tree of average basal area;

Stand density index is from Reineke 1933; and Herbage is the pounds per acre of air dry herbaceous vegetation at the

time of sampling as derived from a double-sampling technique.

2 Type = Plant Association or Community Type (in alphabetical order); Species = tree species for which the estimates

are made; GBA is Growth Basal Area (Hall 1983); VOL = an estimate of wood production in cubic feet/acre/year from

an empirical formula based on site index and GBA (Hall 1983, personal communication); and SI is the average site

index (all trees base 50 except ABAM, ABPR, PIPO and TSME which are base 100-See Introduction for Site index

curve sources. #GBA trees is the number of trees used to make the GBA estimates; #SI trees is the number of trees used

to determine the Site Index values.
41

Plant Associations Groups (PAGs) are arranged so that similar ecological sites are grouped on

a temperature and moisture scale. Temperature values (from hot to cold) are hot, warm, cool

and cold while moisture values are (from dry to wet) dry, mesic, moist and wet. WEN is used to

indentify Wenatchee plant Associations that are considered ecologically different from likenamed Associations described elsewhere. (M) refers to miscellaneous plant Associations that

are described elsewhere but were uncommon or undersampled, or both, on the Wenatchee NF.

PONDEROSA PINE

PLANT ASSOCIATION

GROUPS

1. Hot Dry Shrub/Grass PAG

• PIPO/AGSP WEN

• PIPO/AGSP-ASDE (M)

• PIPO/CARU-AGSP

• PIPO/PUTR/AGSP

PONDEROSA PINE

PLANT ASSOCIATIONS

AND ECOCLASS CODES

1. PIPO/AGSP WEN CPG141

2. PIPO/AGSP-ASDE (M) CPG142

3. PIPO/CARU-AGSP CPG231

4. PIPO/PUTR/AGSP CPS241
42

PIPO/AGSP WEN ASSOCIATION CPG141

Pinus ponderosa/Agropyron spicatum

ponderosa pine/bluebunch wheatgrass

Bluebunch wheatgrass (AGSP), an indicator

of the PIPO/AGSP Association

SLIDE 4

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 2900-4000 (3386) ft.

Aspect: south to west

Slope: 30-65(50) %

Slope position: mid to upper

Special: hot, dry sites - difficult to regenerate

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 7)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PIPO ponderosa pine 100 29

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

PIPO ponderosa pine 57 5

HERBS

ACMI yarrow 100 3

AGSP bluebunch wheatgrass 86 23

KOCR prairie junegrass 86 2

BASA arrowleaf balsamroot 71 6

BRTE cheatgrass 71 4

FEID Idaho fescue 57 13

POSA3 Sandberg bluegrass 57 5

COGR2 large-flowered collomia 57 1

AGIN beardless b. wheatgrass 14 25

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The PIPO/AGSP type appears to be a

minor type on the Wenatchee National Forest

but its total distribution is unknown because

of low sample size. Three Okanogan plots are

used to supplement the Wenatchee data.

PIPO/AGSP probably occurs all along the dry

eastern fringe of the Wenatchee and

Okanogan NFs, but is more common at

elevations below the Forest boundary.

PIPO/AGSP is one of the hottest and

driest forested Associations. The type

resembles a natural grassland with a scattering

of trees. It is typically found on steep southerly

slopes at relatively low elevations.

Soils are moderately shallow, coarse and

very well drained. Surface rock and coarse

fragments are usually abundant. Litter and

bare ground are also abundant. Parent

materials are mostly granite north of the Entiat

ridge and basalt and andesite to the south.

Drier sites support bitterbrush, sagebrush

or bunchgrass meadows. PIPO/PUTR/

AGSP occurs on more coarse soils and PIPO/

CARU-AGSP is on more moderate sites.
43

PIPO/AGSP WEN ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Stands are very open and rarely form a closed canopy. Late seral and climax

stands are dominated by ponderosa pine and other tree species are usually missing in the type.

Ponderosa pine regeneration is relatively scarce. If Douglas-fir, grand fir, or Oregon white oak

are present, they are scarce and restricted to microsites.

Shrubs are generally absent or inconspicuous. If bitterbrush is present, it may indicate

potential for the site to belong in the PIPO/PUTR/AGSP Association. Evaluate whether

bitterbrush is restricted to microsites or its cover is reduced in response to fire. Bitterbrush

regenerates slowly following ground fire, so look for recent evidence (last 20 years).

Bluebunch wheatgrass, beardless bluebunch wheatgrass (Okanogan plots), Idaho fescue,

prairie junegrass, Sandberg bluegrass, arrowleaf balsamroot and western yarrow are the most

characteristic herbs. Cheatgrass is present on most sites, even those with little human-induced

disturbance. Present data are too limited to further subdivide the type, though a PIPO/FEID

type could be recognized.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Stocking levels and growth rates are low. Open stocking

should favor more rapid tree growth. Three intensively sampled plots averaged 40 trees per acre

and 71 sq. ft./ac. total basal area (Appendix C). The site index for ponderosa pine averaged 81

(base 100). Many stands have been logged in the past because of land ownership, ease of access

and high value of large ponderosa pine. Reforestation success is unlikely within 5 years because

of drought and heat stress. Silvicultural prescriptions should be limited to single tree selection

and salvage or risk of prolonged de-forestation are high.

Many mature trees show evidence of fire. Fire scar patterns suggest a natural fire interval

of 5-30 years. Stand-replacement fires remain infrequent. Fire has helped maintain the large,

open-grown, ponderosa pine characteristic of the Association. Fire suppression has changed

stands little, except perhaps to slightly increase the cover of the ponderosa understory, but the

sites are sufficiently harsh that closed-canopy stands are rare. Periodic underburning essentially

has little effect on these sites, except to remove small ponderosa pines and improve the vigor of

understory vegetation.

Herbaceous forage production is moderate and averaged 236 pounds per acre on three

clipped plots (Appendix C). Care must be used in management so that grazing does not lead to

a noxious weed problem. Heavy grazing reduces cover of bluebunch wheatgrass, beardless

bluebunch wheatgrass and Idaho fescue. Prairie junegrass, Sandberg bluegrass, arrowleaf

balsamroot, western yarrow and cheatgrass either increase or become more conspicuous under

grazing, and diffuse knapweed may increase markedly. Coarse soils are easily displaced on steep

slopes.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: PIPO/AGSP is similar to parts of the

PIPO-PSME/AGIN and PIPO-PSME/AGSP types described on the Okanogan (Williams

and Lillybridge 1983) and Colville (Williams and others 1990) NFs. It is also similar to the

PIPO/AGSP and PIPO/FEID Habitat Types in northern Idaho (Cooper and others 1991),

Montana (Pfister and others 1977), and on the Spokane (Zamora 1983) and Colville Indian

Reservations (Clausnitzer and Zamora 1987).
44

PIPO/CARU-AGSP ASSOCIATION CPG231

Pinus ponderosa/Calamagrostis rubescens-Agropyron spicatum

ponderosa pine/pinegrass-bluebunch wheatgrass

SLIDE 5

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 2500-4320 (3556) ft.

Aspect: south to west

Slope: 24-57 (42) %

Slope position: mid to upper

Special: hot, dry sites - difficult to regenerate

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 7)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PIPO ponderosa pine 100 33

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

PIPO ponderosa pine 86 2

PSME Douglas-fir 43 1

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

PUTR bitterbrush 57 3

AMAL serviceberry 43 1

HERBS

ACMI yarrow 100 3

AGSP bluebunch wheatgrass 86 22

CARU pinegrass 86 21

LUPIN lupines 86 5

CAGE elk sedge 57 11

BASA arrowleaf balsamroot 57 4

FEID Idaho fescue 43 14

AGIN beardless b. wheatgrass 14 15

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The PIPO/CARU-AGSP Association

was sampled from near Lake Chelan to the

southeast half of the Leavenworth District.

Two plots were borrowed from Okanogan data

on the Twisp District. It is not known if it

extends further south as our data are limited

and the description is based on available

information. Other stands that key to the type

may well have distributions outside the

National Forests.

PIPO/CARU-AGSP occurs at

moderately low elevations on moderate to

steep, south to west facing, mid and upper

slopes.

Soils data are unavailable but soils are

likely to be deep and well-drained. Surface

rock and coarse fragments are less abundant

than in PIPO/AGSP. Litter is usually

abundant. The regolith is highly variable,

ranging from granite colluvium mixed with

pumice to serpentine. Granite rock types are

common north of the Entiat Ridge. Other rock

types occur to the south. The type also occurs

on sandstone and tephra.

PIPO/CARU-AGSP sites are generally

more moderate than PIPO/AGSP, as

indicated by the abundance of pinegrass.
45

PIPO/CARU-AGSP ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: These are open woodlands dominated almost exclusively by ponderosa pine.

Douglas-fir is rare in this type, and tends to grow only in favorable microsites. Regeneration is

sparse and is mostly ponderosa pine. Total overstory cover is usually less than 50%.

The undergrowth is characterized by a pinegrass or elk sedge and wheatgrass matrix.

Beardless wheatgrass and Idaho fescue are uncommon and appear to be largely restricted to

Okanogan sites. Elk sedge is well represented on Wenatchee plots, whereas it is an uncommon

species on the Okanogan NF. Plots with bitterbrush >5% cover were moved to the PIPO/

PUTR/AGSP type. Serviceberry is common on a few plots. Other common forbs include

western yarrow, ballhead waterleaf, lupines, barestem lomatium and arrowleaf balsamroot. In

general, species richness is low and dominance by pinegrass or elk sedge and wheatgrass high.

Undoubtedly, fire and ungulate grazing play important parts in maintaining the appearance

of these stands.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Even though site index and diameter growth are moderate

because of open growing conditions, overall volume growth is low because the sites support

relatively few trees per acre. Two intensive plots averaged 32 trees per acre and 88 sq. ft./ac.

total basal area (Appendix C). The mean site index for ponderosa pine was 49 feet (base 100).

Removal of most basal area will increase the risk of prolonged de-forestation. No known method

is will assure reforestation in five years.

Fire scars and charcoal are abundant on our plots. Fire frequency may be high, but standreplacement fires are rare.

Grazing and wildlife potential is fair. Grass cover is moderate (roughly 50%). Two clipped

plots averaged 313 lbs./ac. of herbage (Appendix C). Existing shrubs provide some browse.

Water sources may be remote. Pinegrass is moderately low in palatability, while elk sedge and

bluebunch wheatgrass are moderate. Idaho fescue typically has high palatability. Soils are

moderately raveled by trampling, but not nearly as much as in the PIPO/AGSP type.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: PIPO/CARU-AGSP is similar to the

PSME/CARU Habitat Type, AGSP Phase, described in Montana (Pfister and others 1977).

A PIPO/CARU Association (without bunchgrasses) is described in northeastern Oregon

( Johnson and Clausnitzer 1992). Some of the sample stands in the Ponderosa Pine Series from

the Yakima Indian Reservation ( John and others 1988) would key to this type.
46

PIPO/PUTR/AGSP ASSOCIATION CPS241

Pinus ponderosa/Purshia tridentata/Agropyron spicatum

ponderosa pine/bitterbrush/bluebunch wheatgrass

SLIDE 6

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 2120-3920 (2975) ft.

Aspect: southeast to southwest

Slope: 19-58 (44) %

Slope Position: mid to upper

Special: hot, dry sites - difficult to regenerate

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 13)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PIPO ponderosa pine 100 29

PSME Douglas-fir 46 1

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

PIPO ponderosa pine 38 5

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

PUTR bitterbrush 100 19

AMAL serviceberry 54 2

HERBS

ACMI yarrow 92 2

AGSP bluebunch wheatgrass 77 19

BASA arrowleaf balsamroot 77 9

BRTE cheatgrass 62 10

LUPIN lupines. 62 3

HIERA hawkweed spp. 62 2

COGR2 large flower collomia 54 2

COPA little flower collinsia 54 2

FEID Idaho fescue 46 23

CARU pinegrass 46 13

KOCR prairie junegrass 46 4

AGIN beardless b. wheatgrass 23 17

CAGE elk sedge 15 6

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

This common type was sampled on all

but the Lake Wenatchee and Cle Elum

Districts. PIPO/PUTR/AGSP also extends

into the Okanogan NF. Seven plots were

borrowed from sites near Twisp. It has also

been observed as a dominant type on lands on

other ownerships in the foothills of the

Cascades and eastward to Spokane

(Clausnitzer and Zamora 1987). The sample

is relatively large for the Ponderosa Pine Series

and these descriptions are more reliable than

other PIPO types.

These low to moderate elevation sites are

hot, dry and occur on steep, southerly

exposures. PIPO/PUTR/AGSP forms

extensive stands across mid and upper slope

positions.

The soils are colluvium derived largely

from granite north of Entiat Ridge and basalt

and sandstone to the south. Soil coarse

fragments range from well represented to

abundant. Bare ground and litter are often

abundant.

The seven Okanogan plots were within

the broadly defined PIPO-PSME/AGIN

Association of Williams and Lillybridge

(1983), while the Wenatchee plots were largely

assigned to the PIPO/CARU-AGSP and

PIPO/PUTR/AGSP Associations in the

Wenatchee Draft.
47

PIPO/PUTR/AGSP ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: These are open woodlands dominated by ponderosa pine in all stages of forest

succession. Total overstory canopy cover is usually less than 40%. Regeneration is often patchy

and sparse, with ponderosa pine as the only species. If present, Douglas-fir, grand fir and white

oak overstory and regeneration are uncommon and confined to favorable microsites.

The undergrowth is characterized by a moderate canopy of bitterbrush over an extensive

grass layer. Bluebunch wheatgrass or beardless bluebunch wheatgrass are the dominant ground

cover. Idaho fescue, pinegrass and elk sedge were well represented on many of our plots. Some

PIPO/PUTR/AGSP plots were once in the PIPO/CARU-AGSP type (Wenatchee Draft),

but further analysis suggests bitterbrush and wheatgrass are better indicators of these sites.

Other common species include lupines, yarrow, arrowleaf balsamroot, prairie junegrass, largeflowered collomia and hawkweeds. Cheatgrass is also common and may be abundant in some

stands.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Timber productivity is low in these open stands. Trees are

widely spaced and relatively slow growing. Intensive tree information is available from 7 intensive

plots. These stands averaged 66 trees per acre and 62 sq. ft./ac. total basal area (Appendix C).

The mean site index for ponderosa pine was 75 feet (base 100). Reforestation success is unlikely

within 5 years because of drought and heat stress. Removal of most basal area will increase the

risk of prolonged de-forestation.

Fires are a common event in these stands, although they typically are not stand-replacement

fires. Bitterbrush is sensitive to ground fire and may be nearly eliminated from some stands.

Stands with recent groundfire (<20 years) may key to the PIPO/AGSP type, so use care when

keying such sites.

Wildlife use is heavy during fall, winter and spring. Herbaceous production can be fair,

especially early in the spring. Six clipped plots averaged 178 pounds of herbage per acre (Appendix

C). Heavy grazing or other forms of disturbance often lead to an increase in weedy species such

as cheatgrass and diffuse knapweed. Maintenance of a vigorous native grass is important to

reduce the amounts of noxious weeds, such as diffuse knapweed. Soils are easily displaced by

both livestock and wildlife trampling.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: PIPO/PUTR/AGSP is widespread.

Similar PIPO/PUTR Habitat Types, AGSP and FEID Phases, have been described on the

Spokane (Zamora 1983), Colville (Clausnitzer and Zamora 1987) and Yakima ( John and others

1988) Indian Reservations, as well as in northern Idaho (Cooper and others 1991) and Montana

(Pfister and others 1977). The type has been observed but not described on the Colville NF,

but is common at lower elevations on other land ownerships.
48

MISCELLANEOUS PONDEROSA PINE

PLANT ASSOCIATION

(less than 5 Wenatchee sample plots)

PIPO/AGSP-ASDE CPG142

There were three plots in this type (called PIPO/ASDE in the original Draft). Further analysis

and a slight change in the interpretation of the Series concept moved one of these plots to the

Douglas-fir Series and one to the PIPO/CARU-AGSP Association—leaving one to be PIPO/

AGSP-ASDE. Although outwardly similar to the PIPO/AGSP Association, the PIPO/

AGSP-ASDE type represents a unique environment characterized by the presence of serpentine

substrates. Serpentine substrates are very unusual and typically result in depauperate stands

with at least some odd species. Podfern is one of these species, and it usually indicates serpentine

environments. These sites are very harsh with poor growth of typically scattered trees. Series

determination can be difficult in these stands as Douglas-fir can often be present in small

amounts. The type occurs on steep, hot, dry, south slopes below 3500 feet. The dominant

vegetation is ponderosa pine, bluebunch wheatgrass and balsamroot. Podfern averages 3% cover

in the data.
49

DOUGLAS-FIR

SERIES
50
51

DOUGLAS-FIR SERIES

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT: Douglas-fir is one of the most important tree species

in the Pacific Northwest. It is the dominant seral or climax species over a very broad range of

habitats and economically has been the preferred species of the regional softwood industry. It is

the climax tree species on habitats either too dry for, or beyond the geographic range of, more

shade-tolerant species such as western hemlock, western redcedar, grand fir or subalpine fir.

Information from other areas appears to indicate that stands of the Douglas-fir Series have

greater moisture losses at 12- and 20-inch soil depths than stands in other Series, except for the

Ponderosa Pine and Oregon White Oak Series.

Douglas-fir is often the dominant or co-dominant species within stands of the Western

Hemlock, Pacific Silver Fir and Grand Fir Series and is prominent on warmer sites in the

Subalpine Fir Series. Within these Series, Douglas-fir is a long-lived pioneer. The Grand Fir

Series is found on somewhat more mesic sites, while the Subalpine Fir Series is typical of cooler

habitats on north slopes or bottoms, or at higher elevations. Climax Douglas-fir are very abundant

in the drier portions of the Forest but closer to the Cascade Crest are more restricted to steep

south slopes. On warmer, drier sites, the Douglas-fir Series grades into non-forest communities

or into the Ponderosa Pine Series. Rarely, the Douglas-fir Series will grade directly into the

Western Hemlock or Pacific Silver Fir Series, which occur on much more mesic sites. Several

Associations within the Douglas-fir Series have azonal distributions. That is, these types are

not confined to a distinctive climatic belt where Douglas-fir is climax, but rather occur on

especially dry habitats in areas where Douglas-fir is normally a seral species. For example,

PSME/CAGE, PSME/ARUV and some other types may occur on less harsh sites on dry

slopes near 5000 feet surrounded by subalpine fir- or grand fir-dominated stands.

The Douglas-fir Series has been sampled on all the Districts on the Wenatchee NF.

However, plot numbers are more limited on the Entiat and Lake Chelan Districts, where there

are vast acres of wilderness or where many stands have been destroyed by recent stand-replacement

wildfires in the 1970s or the huge fire of 1994. In general, there were not enough plots in the

Wenatchee Draft classification to adequately describe these two northern districts. Therefore,

149 plots were borrowed from the lower Methow and Twisp River drainages (Okanogan NF) to

supplement the 153 plots from the Wenatchee NF. This will help to characterize the Entiat

and Chelan Districts until additional data is gathered in Douglas-fir Series.

This Douglas-fir classification is significantly different from the Wenatchee Draft Guide.

The Okanogan and Wenatchee Douglas-fir plots have been intensively analyzed and the

Associations now more closely parallel those described on the Colville NF. Also, the types

described in this document are less variable. The user will also find several miscellaneous types

based largely on the Okanogan NF data. They may better describe Associations in the Entiat

and Lake Chelan Districts, which is climatically and geologically very similar to southwest

Okanogan districts.

Twenty-three plant Associations are listed in the tables following this Series introduction.

Twelve of the plant Associations are described as miscellaneous types because they have limited

occurrence on the Wenatchee NF (generally less than 5 plots). These poorly-defined types are

PSME/AGSP-ASDE, PSME/ARUV, PSME/ARUV/CARU, PSME/ARUV-PUTR, PSME/

PEFR3, PSME/PAMY, PSME/PAMY/CARU, PSME/PUTR, PSME/SPBEL, PSME/

VACA, PSME/VAMY, and PSME/VAMY/CARU. Some of them may be elevated to major

status after more data are collected or when a three-Forest classification is developed. These

descriptions begin the process of revising the Okanogan classification so it and the Wenatchee/

Colville/northern Rockies classifications mesh at their borders.
52

VEGETATION: Ponderosa pine, western larch and lodgepole pine are major seral species within

the Douglas-fir Series. The last two species are relatively uncommon members of the sere for

most of the Douglas-fir Series on the Wenatchee NF. They are much more important seral

species in the Series as found on the Okanogan and Colville NFs. Other than the Ponderosa

Pine and Oregon White Oak Series, the Douglas-fir Series is the most xeric forest Series found

on the Forest.

The Douglas-fir Series is generally easy to distinguish from more moist Series by the

scarcity of mesic site indicators, even though microsite variation may permit occasional mesic

indicators within a representative Douglas-fir Association stand. However, the presence of

more than trace or accidental amounts of some mesic species should suggest an Association

more moist than the Douglas-fir Series. These species include: (trees) subalpine fir, Pacific

silver fir, mountain hemlock, Alaska yellow cedar, western hemlock, western redcedar, grand fir

and Engelmann spruce; (shrubs) western prince’s pine, beargrass, dwarf bramble, Pacific yew,

red-osier dogwood, devil’s club, Cascade azalea, rusty menziesia, Cascade Oregon grape,

bunchberry dogwood, prickly currant and mountain ash; (herbs) queencup beadlily, false bugbane,

baneberry, starry solomon’s seal, pathfinder, horsetail, skunk cabbage, sweetscented bedstraw,

ladyfern, vanilla leaf, coolwort foamflower, oak fern, smooth woodrush, arrowleaf groundsel,

Sitka valerian, wild ginger, Hooker fairybells and rosy twistedstalk. Many of these species are

listed in Table 3, Species Comparison by Series, at the end of the Introduction.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Plant growth on many Associations in the Douglas-fir

Series is limited by lack of growing season moisture. Summer soil drought is severe in many

types. Douglas-fir sites have low to moderate timber productivity due to low stocking and slow

growth rates. The average stand basal area for drier Associations such as PSME/AGSP and

PSME/PUTR/AGSP ranged from 60 to 124 sq. ft./acre (Appendix C). The average stand site

index for Douglas-fir in these dry Associations ranged from 29 to 62 feet (base 50), while

ponderosa pine ranged from 57 to 104 feet (base 100). More mesic Associations such as PSME/

SYAL, PSME/CAGE and PSME/VAMY have moderate growth rates. The average stand

basal area on these more mesic sites ranged from 140 to 233 sq. ft./acre. The average stand site

index for Douglas-fir ranged from 40 to 76 feet (base 50), while ponderosa pine ranged from 73

to 98 feet (base 100). Shade tolerant trees such as western hemlock, western redcedar, subalpine

fir and grand fir are unable to successfully occupy habitats within the Douglas-fir Series, due

mainly to drought stress.

Many herbs and shrubs in the Series are rhizomatous and respond quickly to disturbances.

A vegetative reproduction strategy gives species such as pinegrass, elk sedge, northwestern sedge,

common snowberry and shiny-leaf spirea a competitive advantage over species that rely entirely

on seeds, especially early in succession.

Low-intensity ground fires (underburns) have significantly influenced the development

of many stands, and many pre-European-settlement stands in the Douglas-fir Series were open

and park-like in response to frequent ground fire. Individual Douglas-firs, ponderosa pine and

western larch are resistant to fires after they have matured enough to develop the characteristic

thick, corky, insulating bark typical of the species. Stand-replacement fires were rare in stands

in this condition. Fire scars are common, especially on ponderosa pine, which is especially

favored by underburns. But without underburning, ponderosa pine is eventually replaced by the

more shade-tolerant but somewhat less fire-resistant Douglas-fir. The advent of vigorous fire

protection has resulted in longer time periods between ground fire and dense Douglas-fir stands

have developed in the absence of underburns. Ground fuel and “ladders” of Douglas-firs of

various age classes have developed on more mesic sites, increasing the potential for catastrophic

fires (as well as for severe forest health problems).

If a site is capable of supporting lodgepole pine and a seed source is available, then

repeated stand-replacing crown fires often lead to a near total dominance by lodgepole pine,
53

through a combination of serotiny, early lodgepole pine seed maturity, and the elimination of

seed sources for other species. Lodgepole pine increases in prominence if the interval between

crown fires is less than its approximately 200-year average life span. It may be hard to judge the

climax on such sites because of the scarcity of Douglas-fir regeneration.

Clearcutting and burning often result in extensive and persistent shrubfields or grasslands

that resist reforestation efforts for years. Shrubfields may be an essential part of the sere,

functioning to restore organic matter and nutrients before forest restoration can be successful.

The emphasis here is on forest, not just trees.

Many Douglas-fir Associations are important wildlife areas. The drier types, such as

PSME/AGSP, supply forage and browse during spring and early summer, and at lower elevations

provide important winter range. Snags and logs provide valuable habitat and perches and are

especially critical in the drier types because tree density is low there and, therefore, snag and log

recruitment is slow or episodic.

Many Associations in the Douglas-fir Series provide moderate herbage for livestock,

especially those with grass dominated ground vegetation. For example, herbage production on

the PSME/AGSP, PSME/CARU, PSME/CARU/AGSP, PSME/PUTR/AGSP and PSME/

SYAL/AGSP types averaged 201, 262, 421, 244 and 318 lbs./ac., respectively (Appendix C).

Invasion of noxious weeds, especially diffuse knapweed, is a serious problem on these drier

types. Introduced grasses and forbs can also persist for many years. Coarse soils are easily

displaced on these steep slopes and on ravelly soils associated with dry bunchgrass types.

Associations with dense shrub layers of elk sedge and pinegrass are more resistant to trampling.

Heavy grazing reduces cover of elk sedge, bluebunch wheatgrass, Idaho fescue and other more

palatable grasses.

Primary root diseases of Douglas-fir include P- and S-group Annosum root diseases,

laminated root rot, and Armillaria root rot (Hessburg and others 1994). These fungal diseases

were scattered before the era of intensive resource management but have increased dramatically

by infecting stumps associated with selection logging. They also infect ponderosa pine, although

it is resistant to laminated root rot. Other pathogens of ponderosa pine include comandra rust

and elytroderma needle disease, which may be locally significant, though they rarely threaten

entire stands. Various dwarf mistletoes currently infest at least 43% of Douglas-fir and 26% of

ponderosa pine east of the Cascades. Dwarf mistletoe infections are also severe in lodgepole

pine and are a major cause of mortality in western larch (Jim Hadfield, personal communication).

These levels are likely elevated from historical times because lack of wildfires has resulted in

denser stands, facilitating the spread of mistletoe. In some cases dwarf mistletoe and root

diseases threaten entire stands of trees. More often, however, they create fuel conditions and

fire ladders that hasten and intensify wildfire effects ( J. Townsley, personal communication).

Insect species that can be pests of Douglas-fir include the Douglas-fir engraver, fir

engraver, western spruce budworm, Douglas-fir tussock moth and Douglas-fir beetle (Hessburg

and others 1994; Jim Hadfield, personal communication). The fir engraver and Douglas-fir

beetle have the potential for severe outbreaks in Douglas-fir. Insects affecting ponderosa pine

include the western pine beetle, mountain pine beetle, pine engraver, pandora moth, pine butterfly,

sawflies, needle miners, tip miners, and the sugar pine tortix. Of these, the western pine beetle,

pine engraver and mountain pine beetle have the potential for severe outbreaks in ponderosa

pine, and the pine engraver and mountain pine beetle can severely impact lodgepole pine. In

the past 20 years, the mountain pine beetle has killed the lodgepole pine on hundreds of thousands

of acres east of the Cascades and in the Rocky Mountains. Western spruce budworm outbreaks

have been increasing in severity since the beginning of the century (Hessburg and others 1994).

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: The Douglas-fir Series has been

described by numerous authors up and down the Cascades and east into the northern Rocky

Mountains. Some authors include: Pfister and others 1977 (Montana); Cooper and others
54

1991 (Idaho); Williams and others 1990 (Colville NF); Williams and Lillybridge 1983

(Okanogan NF); Williams and others 1991 (Wenatchee NF Draft); Clausnitzer and Zamora

1987 (Colville Ind. Res.); Zamora 1983 (Spokane Ind. Res.); John and others 1988 (Yakima

Ind. Res.); and Johnson and Clausnitzer 1992 (northeastern Oregon).

Keys to Plant Associations

of the Douglas-fir Series

Before using the key, the field form in Appendix E should be completed. Refer to the “Using the

Keys” section in the introduction for more information on key use and if the stand does not key.

Note: (M) refers to miscellaneous plant Associations that are described elsewhere but were

uncommon or undersampled, or both, on the Wenatchee NF.

Dwarf huckleberry > 5%, cold air drainage on

glacial terraces or outwash (use bearberry > 5%

only if site requirements are met) ........................... PSME/VACA (M) p. 82

Low huckleberry or big huckleberry > 5%

Pinegrass and/or elk sedge > 5% ..................... PSME/VAMY/CARU (M) p. 83

Not as above .................................................. PSME/VAMY (M) p. 83

Common snowberry or creeping snowberry > 5%

Bluebunch wheatgrass or Idaho fescue > 5%..... PSME/SYAL/AGSP p. 74

Pinegrass and/or elk sedge > 5% ..................... PSME/SYAL/CARU p. 76

Not as above .................................................. PSME/SYAL p. 72

Mountain snowberry or mountain big

sagebrush > 5% .................................................. PSME/SYOR p. 78

Bearberry > 5%

Bitterbrush > 5% ............................................ PSME/ARUV-PUTR (M) p. 81

Pinegrass and/or elk sedge > 5% ..................... PSME/ARUV/CARU (M) p. 80

Not as above .................................................. PSME/ARUV (M) p. 80

Bitterbrush > 5%

Bluebunch wheatgrass, beardless b. wheatgrass

or Idaho fescue > 5% ..................................... PSME/PUTR/AGSP p. 66

Pinegrass and/or elk sedge > 5% ..................... PSME/PUTR/CARU p. 68

Not as above .................................................. PSME/PUTR (M) p. 82

Shinyleaf spiraea > 5%

Pinegrass and/or elk sedge > 5% ..................... PSME/SPBEL/CARU p. 70

Not as above .................................................. PSME/SPBEL (M) p. 82

Pachistima > 5%

Pinegrass and/or elk sedge > 5% ..................... PSME/PAMY/CARU (M) p. 81

Not as above .................................................. PSME/PAMY (M) p. 81

Pinegrass and/or elk sedge > 5%

Bluebunch wheatgrass and/or Idaho fescue > 5% PSME/CARU-AGSP p. 64

Pinegrass > 5% .............................................. PSME/CARU p. 62

Elk sedge > 5% .............................................. PSME/CAGE p. 60

Shrubby penstemon > 5% .................................... PSME/PEFR3 (M) p. 82

Bluebunch wheatgrass, beardless b. wheatgrass

and/or Idaho fescue > 5%

Podfern present .............................................. PSME/AGSP-ASDE (M) p. 80

Not as above .................................................. PSME/AGSP p. 58
55

Average Summary Productivity Estimates by Type 1

# INTENSIVE #TREES/ TBA QUAD MEAN STAND DENSITY HERBAGE

TYPE PLOTS ACRE DIAM. INDEX

PSME/AGSP 2 50 76 18 112 201

PSME/AGSP-ASDE (M) 2 25 60 21 82 279

PSME/ARUV-PUTR (M) 4 101 88 13 146 124

PSME/ARUV/CARU (M) 11 152 137 14 223 84

PSME/CAGE 6 325 208 12 357 88

PSME/CARU 18 324 169 14 289 262

PSME/CARU-AGSP 7 242 124 14 222 421

PSME/PAMY/CARU (M) 4 169 206 16 317 244

PSME/PEFR3 (M) 3 83 92 16 141 44

PSME/PUTR (M) 3 169 95 12 164 59

PSME/PUTR/AGSP 6 224 96 13 176 244

PSME/PUTR/CARU 4 261 138 10 253 106

PSME/SPBEL (M) 2 297 165 10 302 10

PSME/SPBEL/CARU 11 238 197 14 326 143

PSME/SYAL 8 250 178 12 304 75

PSME/SYAL/AGSP 4 61 92 18 137 318

PSME/SYAL/CARU 4 306 233 12 396 261

PSME/SYOR 6 129 117 13 193 347

PSME/VACA (M) 3 619 135 9 285 137

PSME/VAMY/CARU (M) 7 517 235 10 437 91

1 Type = Plant Association or Community Type (in alphabetical order); # Intensive plots indicates the number of plots

used to derive the values; # Trees/ac is the number of trees per acre; TBA is the total basal area in square feet per acre

based on prism counts; Quadratic mean diameter is the diameter to the nearest inch of a tree of average basal area;

Stand density index is from Reineke 1933; and Herbage is the pounds per acre of air dry herbaceous vegetation at the

time of sampling as derived from a double-sampling technique.
56

Site index, growth basal area, and GBA

volume estimates by species and type 2

TYPE SPECIES #SI TREES SI #GBA TREES GBA VOL AGE

PSME/AGSP PIPO 7 61 8 60 16 132

PSME 8 29 8 79 17 128

PSME/AGSP-ASDE PIPO 3 70 3 50 15 75

PSME 4 52 4 68 25 145

PSME/ARUV LAOC 5 42 5 144 42 126

PICO 5 39 5 140 39 114

PSME 2 27 5 173 33 236

PSME/ARUV-PUTR PICO 5 37 5 62 16 121

PIPO 4 85 19 69 33 164

PSME 9 44 10 67 22 110

PSME/ARUV/CARU LAOC 12 47 13 86 29 168

PIPO 12 70 29 101 26 213

PSME 27 31 49 103 21 185

PSME/CAGE PIPO 3 137 3 276 167 81

PSME 27 64 28 220 99 101

PSME/CARU LAOC 28 51 29 110 40 161

PICO 13 44 13 130 42 103

PIPO 8 73 16 120 41 139

PSME 73 50 81 168 60 130

PSME/CARU-AGSP PIPO 23 85 26 151 57 107

PSME 19 55 19 115 44 90

PSME/PAMY/CARU PIPO 5 72 8 138 55 162

PSME 20 50 20 173 60 126

PSME/PEFR3 PIPO 8 74 12 84 27 139

PSME 9 51 10 83 30 107

PSME/PUTR PIPO 3 57 11 72 20 212

PSME 11 42 12 101 31 115

PSME/PUTR/AGSP PIPO 12 74 20 86 27 118

PSME 21 56 21 145 59 88

PSME/PUTR/CARU PIPO 12 83 19 132 60 127

PSME 12 51 13 153 58 94

PSME/SPBEL PSME 10 63 10 151 68 70

PSME/SPBEL/CARU PIPO 26 95 40 157 67 124

PSME 47 60 48 177 77 104

PSME/SYAL (WEN) PIPO 13 98 14 231 108 134

PSME 40 76 40 244 139 71

PSME/SYAL/AGSP PIPO 2 105 10 146 98 159

PSME 13 62 13 123 52 78

PSME/SYAL/CARU PIPO 1 83 6 120 68 220

PSME 18 74 18 208 100 76

PSME/SYOR PIPO 19 70 22 133 47 123

PSME 21 51 21 149 56 76

PSME/VACA LAOC 10 53 10 84 32 110

PICO 15 47 15 149 53 84

PSME 10 53 10 131 49 107

PSME/VAMY LAOC 4 52 4 81 30 158

PICO 5 46 5 81 26 91

PSME 2 46 2 117 37 136

PSME/VAMY/CARU LAOC 14 47 19 99 34 170

PICO 15 37 15 116 31 107

PIPO 4 73 6 287 91 116

PSME 14 40 29 166 50 208

2 Type = Plant Association or Community Type (in alphabetical order); Species = tree species for which the estimates

are made; GBA is Growth Basal Area (Hall 1983); VOL = an estimate of wood production in cubic feet/acre/year from

an empirical formula based on site index and GBA (Hall 1983, personal communication); and SI is the average site

index (all trees base 50 except ABAM, ABPR, PIPO and TSME which are base 100-See Introduction for Site index

curve sources. #GBA trees is the number of trees used to make the GBA estimates; #SI trees is the number of trees used

to determine the Site Index values.
57

Plant Associations Groups (PAGs) are arranged so that similar ecological sites are grouped on

a temperature and moisture scale. Temperature values (from hot to cold) are hot, warm, cool

and cold while moisture values are (from dry to wet) dry, mesic, moist and wet. WEN is used to

indentify Wenatchee plant Associations that are considered ecologically different from likenamed Associations described elsewhere. (M) refers to miscellaneous plant Associations that

are described elsewhere but were uncommon or undersampled, or both, on the Wenatchee NF.

O&C represents a type identical to the Okanogan and Colville.

DOUGLAS-FIR

PLANT ASSOCIATION

GROUPS

1. Hot Dry Shrub/Grass PAG

• PSME/AGSP WEN

• PSME/AGSP-ASDE (M)

• PSME/CARU-AGSP

• PSME/PUTR (M)

• PSME/PUTR/AGSP

• PSME/SYAL/AGSP

2. Warm Dry Shrub/Herb PAG

• PSME/ARUV WEN (M)

• PSME/ARUV-PUTR (M)

• PSME/PAMY (M)

• PSME/PEFR3 (M)

• PSME/SPBEL (M)

• PSME/SYOR

3. Warm Mesic Shrub/Herb PAG

• PSME/SYAL WEN

• PSME/SYAL/CARU

4. Cool Dry Grass PAG

• PSME/ARUV/CARU (M)

• PSME/CAGE WEN

• PSME/CARU

• PSME/PAMY/CARU (M)

• PSME/PUTR/CARU

• PSME/SPBEL/CARU

5. Cool Mesic Shrub/Herb PAG

• PSME/VACA (M)

• PSME/VAMY WEN (M)

• PSME/VAMY/CARU (M)

DOUGLAS-FIR

PLANT ASSOCIATIONS

AND ECOCLASS CODES

PSME/AGSP WEN CDG322

PSME/AGSP-ASDE (M) CDG323

PSME/ARUV WEN (M) CDS653

PSME/ARUV-PUTR (M) CDS654

PSME/ARUV/CARU (M) CDS655

PSME/CAGE WEN CDG132

PSME/CARU o&c CDG131

PSME/CARU-AGSP CDG134

PSME/PAMY (M) CDS411

PSME/PAMY/CARU (M) CDS412

PSME/PEFR3 (M) CDF411

PSME/PUTR (M) CDS673

PSME/PUTR/AGSP CDS654

PSME/PUTR/CARU CDS675

PSME/SPBEL (M) CDS640

PSME/SPBEL/CARU CDS639

PSME/SYAL WEN CDS636

PSME/SYAL/AGSP CDS637

PSME/SYAL/CARU CDS638

PSME/SYOR o&c CDS632

PSME/VACA (M) CDS831

PSME/VAMY WEN (M) CDS832

PSME/VAMY/CARU (M) CDS833
58

PSME/AGSP WEN ASSOCIATION CDG322

Pseudotsuga menziesii/Agropyron spicatum

Douglas-fir/bluebunch wheatgrass

SLIDE 7

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 2500-5320 (3600) ft.

Aspect: SE to SW, north to east

Slope: 11-74 (45) %

Slope position: ridge, U, M 1/3

Special: very hot, dry slopes

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 10)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 100 19

PIPO ponderosa pine 80 17

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 60 2

PIPO ponderosa pine 30 5

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

PUTR bitterbrush 50 3

AMAL serviceberry 40 2

HERBS

AGSP bluebunch wheatgrass 70 19

BALSA balsamroot species 70 7

ACMI yarrow 70 2

FEID Idaho fescue 50 13

LUPIN lupines 40 7

BRTE cheatgrass 40 6

AGIN beardless b. wheatgrass 30 33

CARU pinegrass 30 3

CAGE elk sedge 30 2

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The PSME/AGSP Association is

widespread and occurs all along the dry eastern

portions of the northern Cascades. Four

Wenatchee plots were located from the east

edge of the Leavenworth and Naches Districts.

Six additional plots are borrowed from

Okanogan NF Data on the Twisp District.

PSME/AGSP is a hot, dry type that

occurs on a variety of slopes and aspects. It

usually occurs on steep to very steep, southerly

slopes with mid and upper slope positions and

elevations between 2500 and 3900 ft. A few

plots are on northerly aspects at lower

elevations, while two plots over 4900 feet were

on dry south slopes.

The regolith is colluvium derived from a

variety of rock types, depending on geographic

location. The sample plots were on sandstone

or granite north of Entiat Ridge and basalt to

the south. Soils are stony and gravelly and

well drained. Soil coarse fragments and litter

are usually abundant.

PSME/AGSP grades into bitterbrushdominated non-forest vegetation on harsher

sites, while closed Douglas-fir or grand fir

forest occurs on more moderate sites.
59

PSME/AGSP WEN ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Stand structure varies from very open forest to woodland. Canopy cover ranged

from about 15 to 55%. Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine are co-dominant on most plots, although

pine was absent on two high-elevation sites. Ponderosa pine is usually the older species in the

stand, indicating that it is more successful at regeneration immediately following disturbance,

such as stand-replacement wildfire. The tendency for Douglas-fir to be younger indicates either

that it requires the shelter of some pine for establishment or that its seed sources are more likely

to be removed from a stand. The open and patchy structure of these stands will allow ponderosa

pine to continue its role as co-dominant. Regeneration for both species is typically sparse.

The shrub layer is weak and serviceberry and bitterbrush are common on at best about half

the plots. The user must be very careful when bitterbrush is present but not well represented.

Carefully examine the fire history of the stand. As bitterbrush is sensitive to moderate and hot

ground fire, the presence of recent fire activity (<20 years) may indicate the PSME/PUTR/

AGSP Association is a better designation for the site.

The abundance of various bunchgrasses characterizes these sites. Bluebunch wheatgrass

or beardless bluebunch wheatgrass is well represented on all plots. Idaho fescue is well represented

on 50% of the plots. Pinegrass and elk sedge have <5% cover. Cheatgrass is abundant in some

stands. Some of the more important forbs include Carey or arrowleaf balsamroot, yarrow,

littleflower collinsia, bigleaf collomia and lupine species.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Timber productivity is low due to the open nature of the

stands and slow tree growth. Two intensive tree plots averaged just 50 trees per acre and 76 sq.

ft./ac. total basal area (Appendix C). The average site index for ponderosa pine was 61 feet

(base 100) and only 29 feet (base 50) for Douglas-fir. These very harsh, dry sites are very

difficult to reforest. It is likely that successful reforestation will depend not on choosing an

appropriate silvicultural system but on the right combination of seed availability and on climatic

conditions that allow seedling establishment. The concurrence of these two events has been

relatively infrequent in the past. No known method will assure reforestation within five years.

Soils are subject to displacement on the steep slopes. Soil disturbance can easily lead to a

noxious weed problem on these open sites.

Fire is an important part of the history of these stands. Ground fire was frequent and standreplacement fires rare before the advent of vigorous fire control. Even today, the more open

portions of the stands will likely carry only ground fires, with only a few trees dying as a result of

fire. However, under hot, dry conditions, denser stands may become more susceptible to crown

fire. The grasses, sedges and forbs will generally increase in abundance following fire.

Wildlife values are high and the type is especially important for winter range for elk or

deer because of the presence of palatable grasses and forbs. The steep southerly aspects are

among the earliest forested sites to become snow-free; green forage develops early.

Gentler slopes can be important for domestic livestock. Herbage production averaged 201

lbs./ac. on two clipped plots. The soils on steeper slopes are easily displaced by trampling.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: PSME/AGSP is a widespread type

that has been described in various ways in the Pacific Northwest. Sample plots were located in

other broad types in previous eastern Washington NF classifications. The Okanogan plots

were largely in the PSME-PIPO/AGIN type of the Okanogan classification (Williams and

Lillybridge 1983). Wenatchee plots were located in either unclassified Douglas-fir stands or in

the PSME-PIPO/CAGE type (Williams and others 1991). PSME/AGSP is similar to most

of the Colville’s PSME-PIPO/AGSP type (Williams and others 1990). It is also similar to the

PSME/AGSP and PSME/FIED habitat types described in northern Idaho (Cooper and others

1991), Montana (Pfister and others 1977), and on the Colville Indian Reservation (Clausnitzer

and Zamora 1987).
60

PSME/CAGE WEN ASSOCIATION CDG132

Pseudotsuga menziesii/Carex geyeri

Douglas-fir/elk sedge

SLIDE 8

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 2020-4880 (3104) ft.

Aspect: southeast to northwest

Slope: 18-62 (42) %

Slope position: ridge, U, M, L 1/3, bench

Special: dry, cool sites:

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 12)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 100 45

PIPO ponderosa pine 92 12

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 83 3

PIPO ponderosa pine 17 6

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

AMAL serviceberry 75 2

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea 58 3

SYAL common snowberry 58 2

BEAQ Oregon grape 45 2

HERBS

CAGE elk sedge 100 11

ARCO heartleaf arnica 58 5

HIAL white hawkweed 58 1

LUPIN lupines 50 2

ARMA3 bigleaf sandwort 50 2

CARU pinegrass 50 2

LUNA2 silvercrown luina 42 8

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The PSME/CAGE type was sampled on

the Naches, Cle Elum and Leavenworth

Districts. These plots extended from the

Tieton River on the south end of the

Wenatchee NF to the south slopes of the

Entiat Mountains in the north. This type may

be found on the Entiat District, but doesn’t

occur to the north where elk sedge is absent.

This is a cool, dry type that is somewhat

similar to the PSME/CARU type described

for the Okanogan and Colville NFs. It occurs

on a wide range of elevations on moderate to

very steep, southeast to northwest facing, mid

and upper slope positions. South and west

exposures are more common for upper

elevation plots, while low elevation plots tend

to be on northwest to southeast exposures.

The regolith of sample plots is a deep,

rocky colluvium derived largely from basalt

parent materials. Several plots also occur on

sandstone and schist. Ash may be common

in the upper soil horizons of some plots. The

soil surface is usually covered by large amounts

of litter and vegetation. Gravels and cobbles

average over 20% in soil surface horizons.

The Wenatchee Draft reported this type

as occurring on habitats near the upper

elevation limit for the Douglas-fir Series.

With the addition of plots from the Naches

and Cle Elum Districts, and plots at lower

elevations that were unclassified in the Draft,

this is no longer true.
61

PSME/CAGE WEN ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Mature and climax stands are characterized by open to marginally closed stands

of Douglas-fir. Douglas-fir is usually the sole reproducing tree species. Ponderosa pine was

prominent in the overstory of only 4 of 12 sample plots, partly because most stands are too high

in elevation for ponderosa pine to be abundant. All plots are too xeric for grand fir or subalpine

fir. Western larch and white pine are absent. Early and mid seral stands have abundant Douglasfir in a near-uniform size, while all ages are well represented in older stands.

The undergrowth is dominated by forbs and graminoids. The shrub layer is very subordinate

to the herbs. Pachistima is scarce and likely will not increase significantly following fire. The

only other common shrubs are shiny-leaf spirea, serviceberry, Oregon grape and common

snowberry. None are well represented.

The herbaceous layer is relatively poor in species and variable in cover and extent. Elk

sedge is the dominant and characteristic species. Silvercrown luina, lupine spp., heartleaf arnica,

white hawkweed, bigleaf sandwort and pinegrass are common. If pinegrass is well represented,

the type should key to PSME/CARU.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Timber production is moderate. Six intensively sampled

plots averaged 325 trees/ac. and 208 sq. ft./ac. total basal area (Appendix C). The site index for

Douglas-fir averaged 64 feet (base 50). Individual trees can attain large diameters. Douglas-fir

is best adapted to these sites, though ponderosa pine may be featured on a few warmer ones.

Elk sedge will respond vigorously to moderate burning and scarification. Competition to tree

seedlings is not normally a problem until elk sedge cover exceeds 30%. However, if trees are not

established in the first year following harvest, subsequent plantings and seedings may fail. Cutting

systems that leave an overstory to provide site protection encourage tree regeneration. Stands

may have abundant advanced Douglas-fir regeneration (1-5 years old) that can sometimes be

featured in management. There is often little need to scarify, burn and plant. Stands rarely

need grass seeding for erosion control.

Fire scars on the trees, charcoal on the ground and char on the logs are all common. These

dry sites probably experienced ground fires fairly frequently before the advent of vigorous fire

control, as they are often located near ridgetops. Crown fires were probably uncommon, but are

becoming more common as fuel ladders develop.

Wildlife values are high because, with more rapid snow melt and higher insolation rates to

the herb layer, the sites provide habitat conditions much different than most of the surrounding

forest. Large, wolfy Douglas-firs on high elevation ridges and knobs are important winter

habitat for blue grouse.

Herbage production is surprisingly low. Six clipped plots averaged only 88 pounds of

herbage per acre (Appendix C). Some of the plots are located along old stock driveways and

still show the effects of severe overgrazing. The abundant silvercrown luina found in some

stands reflects this past history of abusive grazing.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: PSME/CAGE does not occur on either

the Colville (Williams and others 1990) or Okanogan (Williams and Lillybridge 1983) NFs,

nor the Yakima, Colville or Spokane Indian Reservations ( John and others 1988; Clausnitzer

and Zamora 1987; Zamora 1983). It is very similar to the PSME/CAGE types described for

northern Idaho (Cooper and others 1991), Montana (Pfister and others 1977), and northeast

Oregon ( Johnson and Clausnitzer 1992). It appears identical to the PSME/CAGE type from

the Mt. Hood.
62

PSME/CARU O&C ASSOCIATION CDG131

Pseudotsuga menziesii/Calamagrostis rubescens

Douglas-fir/pinegrass

SLIDE 9

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 1810-5560 (4034) ft.

Aspect: all

Slope: 2-70 (34) %

Slope position: ridge, U, M, L 1/3, bottom

Special: cool, dry

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 76)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 96 31

PIPO ponderosa pine 68 16

PICO lodgepole pine 22 17

LAOC western larch 21 17

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 86 5

PIPO ponderosa pine 26 2

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea 51 3

AMAL serviceberry 45 2

HERBS

CARU pinegrass 100 38

ARCO heartleaf arnica 83 8

LUPIN lupines 62 9

CAGE elk sedge 43 12

HIAL white hawkweed 39 2

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

As presently defined, PSME/CARU is

one of the more widely distributed and

abundant types on the Wenatchee NF. It is

also abundant on the Okanogan and Colville

NFs, and in eastern Oregon, northern Idaho

and Montana. Forty one plots occurred on

the Wenatchee NF. An additional 35 plots in

the vicinity of Twisp were borrowed from

Okanogan NF data.

These are cool, dry sites. Most sample

plot elevations lie between 3000 to 5000 feet.

A variety of slope and aspect combinations are

represented, but flat or extremely steep slopes

are uncommon. While topographic positions

range from bottoms to ridgetops, mid and

upper slopes are most common, and bottom

sites are rare. While not always true, there is a

trend for plots to lie on northeast facing slopes

at low elevations and on south to west slopes

at high elevations.

The regolith is colluvium derived from a

variety of rock types. Basalt is most common

south of Entiat, while granites prevail to the

north. Soil coarse fragments are usually gravels

and cobbles and range from 10 to 60%. Litter

cover is usually 20-60% and surface rocks are

usually apparent.

PSME/CARU grades into ABLA2/

CARU at higher elevations. Harsher, higher

elevation sites may support PIAL/CARU.

Drier slopes support types such as PSME/

CARU-AGSP.
63

PSME/CARU O&C ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: These are generally open forests co-dominated by ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir

in early to mid seral stages. Douglas-fir is generally the sole reproducing tree species in mature

stands. Ponderosa pine is a prominent seral species. Oregon white oak was well represented on four

plots in the Tieton River watershed. As oak was extremely subordinate to Douglas-fir and ponderosa

pine, these plots were not put in the QUGA type. Lodgepole pine and western larch are common on

about half the plots located on the Okanogan NF, but are mostly absent from Wenatchee data.

The undergrowth is characterized by a grass and sedge sward. Several shrubs may be

present but none are well represented. Common shrub associates include serviceberry, shinyleaf spirea and ocean-spray. Common snowberry or bitterbrush are never well represented. As

presently defined, shrubs are an integral but relatively inconspicuous component of the type. If

a stand has a visible and distinctive shrub layer overtopping the grass and sedge sward, it probably

should key to a PSME/shrub type, such as PSME/PUTR/CARU, PSME/SYAL/CARU,

PSME/SPBEL/CARU or PSME/ARUV/CARU.

Forbs are low in cover value and dominated by the pinegrass sward. Important forb associates

include heartleaf arnica, white-flowered hawkweed and lupine spp. (including sulfur lupine, broadleaf

lupine, silky lupine and spurred lupine). Pure pinegrass swards are very uncommon on the

Wenatchee NF, as most sites that support pinegrass also have elk sedge. Elk sedge is less common

on the northern part of the Wenatchee NF and is not found on the Okanogan NF.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Timber productivity is moderate to good compared to most

other types in the Douglas-fir Series. Eighteen intensive plots averaged 324 trees per acre and 169

sq. ft. total basal area (Appendix C). The site index for ponderosa pine averaged 73 feet (base 100)

and lodgepole pine, larch and Douglas-fir averaged 44, 51 and 50 feet (base 50), respectively.

Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine are best adapted to these sites on the Wenatchee NF. Lodgepole

pine and western larch may be considered on the Okanogan NF. Pinegrass and elk sedge respond

vigorously to burning and scarification. Competition to tree seedlings is not normally a problem

until pinegrass or elk sedge cover exceeds 30%. However, if trees are not established in the first

year, subsequent plantings and seedings may fail. Cutting systems that leave an overstory to

provide site protection encourage tree regeneration. Stands may have abundant advanced Douglasfir regeneration (1-5 years old) that can sometimes be featured in management. There is often

little need to scarify, burn and plant. Stands rarely need grass seeding for erosion control.

Almost every stand has indicators of fire, including char on bark, charcoal in the soil, and

fire scars on trees and stumps. The general composition of this type is well suited to periodic

underburning. Data from the Okanogan NF suggest ground fire return periods of 10 to 40

years. Before the advent of vigorous fire control stands were often composed of large, opengrown Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine. Stand-replacement fires were rare. Stand-replacement

fires are more common now that fire control has allowed the regeneration and establishment of

Douglas-fir fuel ladders.

The value for livestock grazing is low to moderate, depending on the steepness of slope and

the relative abundance of elk sedge compared to pine grass. Eighteen clipped plots averaged 262

pounds of herbage per acre. The pinegrass and elk sedge sod resists trampling and displacement.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: This type was described in classifications

for the Okanogan (Williams and Lillybridge 1983) and Colville (Williams and others 1990)

NFs; for the Colville (Clausnitzer and Zamora 1987) and Yakima Indian Reservations (John

and others 1988); and for north Idaho (Cooper and others 1991), Montana (Pfister and others

1977) and northeast Oregon ( Johnson and Clausnitzer 1992). It was called PSME/CARUCAGE in the Wenatchee Draft (Williams and others 1991). PSME/CARU is similar to part

of the PSME/CARU Habitat Type on the Spokane Indian Reservation (Zamora 1983). Zamora’s

plots that had bearberry well represented would key to PSME/ARUV/CARU in this

classification.
64

PSME/CARU-AGSP ASSOCIATION CDG134

Pseudotsuga menziesii/Calamagrostis rubescens-Agropyron spicatum

Douglas-fir/pinegrass-bluebunch wheatgrass

SLIDE 10

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 1480-3880 (2613) ft.

Aspect: southeast to west

Slope: 31-67 (52) %

Slope position: ridge, U, M, L 1/3

Special: hot, dry pinegrass sites

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 12)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PIPO ponderosa pine 100 17

PSME Douglas-fir 100 15

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 75 3

PIPO ponderosa pine 58 3

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

PUTR bitterbrush 67 3

AMAL serviceberry 67 2

SYAL common snowberry 50 3

CEVE snowbrush ceanothus 50 3

PREM bitter cherry 50 2

HERBS

AGSP bluebunch wheatgrass 100 18

BASA arrowleaf balsamroot 92 7

ACMI yarrow 92 3

CAGE elk sedge 75 16

LUPIN lupines 75 5

CARU pinegrass 58 23

APAN spreading dogbane 50 6

LAPA2 few-flowered peavine 50 6

HISC woolly hawkweed 50 4

BRTE cheatgrass 33 5

FEID Idaho fescue 17 6

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The PSME/CARU-AGSP was sampled

southward from the Twenty-five Mile Creek

area on the Chelan District to the Naches

River on the Naches District. It has been

observed but not described on the Colville and

Okanogan NFs and is common in the

northern Rocky Mountains.

It usually occurs on mid and upper slopes

with southeast to west aspects. Most plots

were between 2000 and 3500 feet. A few plots

occur on north aspects at lower elevations.

The regolith is most often derived from

granite colluvium, but a variety of other rock

types include sandstone, schist, basalt and

conglomerate, depending on geographic

location. Soils are moderately cobbly or

gravelly. Litter cover is usually 30-60%.

Surface gravels and cobbles are usually evident,

as is some bare soil.

The PSME/CARU-AGSP type grades

into PIPO/CARU-AGSP, PSME/PUTR/

AGSP, PSME/AGSP, the PIPO Series, or, on

harsher sites, bitterbrush or bunchgrassdominated non-forest vegetation. Closed

Douglas-fir or grand fir forest occurs on more

moderate sites. At first glance, PSME/

CARU-AGSP appears similar to the PSME/

AGSP-CAGE type described in the

Wenatchee Draft. However, most plots in that

description had bitterbrush or common

snowberry well represented and now belong

to the PSME/PUTR/AGSP or PSME/

SYAL/AGSP Associations.
65

PSME/CARU-AGSP ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Stand structure varies from open forest with canopy cover approaching 60% to

woodland with canopy cover as little as 15%. There appears to be some correspondence between

density and soil depth, but this has not been verified. Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine typically

co-dominate these stands. Ponderosa pine is usually the older species in the stand, indicating

that it is more successful at regeneration immediately following disturbance. The tendency for

Douglas-fir to have younger ages indicates either that it requires the shelter of some pine for

establishment or that its seed sources are more likely to be removed from a stand. The open and

patchy structure of these stands will allow ponderosa pine to continue its role as co-dominant.

Stands in the Icicle Creek watershed often have small amounts of bigleaf maple. Douglas-fir is

slightly more dominant in the regeneration layer.

Several shrubs are common but none are well represented. They include bitterbrush,

serviceberry, bitter cherry, snowbrush ceanothus and common snowberry. Mockorange may be

common in the Icicle Creek area.

Bluebunch wheatgrass, along with elk sedge and/or pinegrass, dominates all sites. Other

important herbs are Idaho fescue, yarrow, dogbane, arrowleaf balsamroot, woolly hawkweed,

few-flowered peavine and lupine. Cheatgrass is abundant in some stands.

Fires will reduce or eliminate some shrub species that are intolerant of fire, like bitterbrush,

while others may vigorously resprout. Be careful in stands where bitterbrush is common and

there is recent evidence of fire (last 20 years). Such stands may belong to the PSME/PUTR/

AGSP type. The grasses, sedges and forbs will generally increase in abundance following fire.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: PSME/CARU-AGSP timber production is moderately

low, based on stocking limitations and moderate height growth. Seven intensive plots averaged

242 trees per acre and 124 sq. ft. total basal area (Appendix C). The average site index for

ponderosa pine was 85 feet (base 100), while the Douglas-fir site index was 55 feet (base 50).

These are harsh, dry sites that may be difficult to reforest. It is likely that successful reforestation

will not depend on choosing an appropriate silvicultural system but will depend on the right

combinations of seed availability and climatic conditions to allow seedling establishment. The

concurrence of these two events has been relatively infrequent in the past. No known method

will assure reforestation within five years. Soils are subject to displacement on the steep slopes

if the grass sod is eliminated.

Fire is an important part of the history of these stands. Groundfires were frequent before

the advent of vigorous fire control. Stand-replacement fires were rare and continue to be less

frequent compared to more mesic Douglas-fir types. More open portions of the stands will

likely carry ground fire, with only a few trees dying from crown fire. However, denser portions

of the stands may become more susceptible to crown fire during drought conditions.

Wildlife values are high and the type is especially important for winter range for deer

because of the abundant grasses and the presence of palatable shrubs such as bitterbrush and

serviceberry. The steep southerly aspects are among the earliest forested sites to become snowfree and develop green forage early.

Livestock grazing values are moderate. Herbage production on six clipped plots averaged

421 pounds per acre (Appendix C). However, steeper slopes and somewhat unstable soils make

many sites unsuitable for livestock grazing.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: As presently defined, PSME/CARUAGSP is similar to the PSME/CARU Habitat Type, AGSP Phase, and PSME/CAGE Habitat

Type, AGSP Phase, in Montana (Pfister and others 1977). A few plots in the PSME/CARU

Association described in the Okanogan (Williams and Lillybridge 1983) and Colville (Williams

and others 1990) classifications would key to this type.
66

PSME/PUTR/AGSP ASSOCIATION CDS674

Pseudotsuga menziesii/Purshia tridentata/Agropyron spicatum

Douglas-fir/bitterbrush/bluebunch wheatgrass

SLIDE 11

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 2540-4310 (3215) ft.

Aspect: south to west

Slope: 17-60 (42) %

Slope position: U, M, L 1/3

Special: hot, dry sites

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 10)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PIPO ponderosa pine 100 23

PSME Douglas-fir 100 14

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 70 3

PIPO ponderosa pine 60 2

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

PUTR bitterbrush 100 15

AMAL serviceberry 80 3

HERBS

BASA arrowleaf balsamroot 90 10

AGSP bluebunch wheatgrass 70 21

CARU pinegrass 70 8

LUPIN lupines 70 6

ACMI yarrow 70 3

HISC woolly hawkweed 50 4

FEID Idaho fescue 40 4

AGIN beardless b. wheatgrass 30 27

CAGE elk sedge 30 17

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The PSME/PUTR/AGSP Association

is represented by four plots on the Chelan and

Naches Districts of the Wenatchee NF. Eight

other plots were borrowed from Okanogan

data from the lower Twisp and Methow River

drainages. The type should occur throughout

the drier portions of the Wenatchee NF.

These are some of the easternmost open

forest and woodland stands in the Douglasfir Series. Sites are typically hot and dry and

occur on moderately steep upper and mid slope

positions with south to west exposure. Sample

plot elevations ranged from 2500 to 2900 feet

on the Wenatchee NF and 2900 to 4400 feet

on the Okanogan NF.

Soils are generally stony and shallow.

Many slopes are steep enough to have active

downslope transport of material, and bare

ground and surface rock are common. Soil

coarse fragments and litter range from well

represented to abundant.

The regolith is composed primarily of

granite colluvium or glacial till north of Entiat

Ridge, and cinders on the Naches District. In

a larger sample size, other parent materials

would have been represented.

PSME/PUTR/AGSP has harsher sites

than PSME/PUTR/CARU and is slightly

more moderate than PSME/PUTR. Sites

with shallower soils and drier conditions are

occupied by either non-forest vegetation or the

Ponderosa Pine Series.
67

PSME/PUTR/AGSP ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: These are open forest or woodland. Ponderosa pine generally dominates early in

the sere and persists as an important component through climax. In most stands, it either dominates

or is co-dominant with Douglas-fir in the overstory. Douglas-fir dominance gradually increases

through the sere, but in these open stands it will never completely exclude ponderosa pine. The

sparse regeneration often includes both ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir. A few plots have very

little Douglas-fir and could be keyed to PIPO/PUTR/AGSP. When keying these open stands, it

is important to look for Douglas-fir over an area larger than the plot.

The undergrowth is characterized by open shrubs intermixed with open areas of forbs and

grasses. Bitterbrush is the characteristic shrub. Serviceberry is often present. Other shrubs

have low constancy and include spirea, wax current and ceanothus.

The herbaceous layer is well developed and includes a number of characteristic species.

Characteristic grasses are bluebunch wheatgrass, beardless bluebunch wheatgrass and Idaho fescue.

Beardless b. wheatgrass is in the Okanogan data. Pinegrass and elk sedge represent more moderate

environments within the type and are well represented on about half the plots. These plots could

have supported an additional PSME/PUTR/CARU-AGSP type, but for these harsh sites, the

bunchgrasses appear to be better indicators. Other common herbs include arrowleaf balsamroot,

yarrow, bluegrass species, white hawkweed, lupines and large-flowered collomia. There is strong

patterning in the forbs and grasses, defined by the presence or absence of shrubs. Many herbs

occur only in the shelter of the shrub clusters, while others occupy the area between shrubs.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Tree height growth is moderate but in general these stands

are too open to produce much volume. Six intensively sampled plots averaged 224 trees per acre

and 96 sq. ft. basal area (Appendix C). The average site index for ponderosa pine was 74 (base

100), while Douglas-fir was 56 (base 50). Most stands were composed of several age classes.

Ponderosa pine is often the first tree to regenerate following wildfire, and individual trees typically

last several centuries and become very large. These are harsh sites, even for the Douglas-fir

Series, and no known techniques will consistently assure reforestation within five years. Many

of these stands have already been selectively logged for individual large ponderosa pine. These

stands are not recommended for intensive timber management. Silviculture should be limited

to individual tree selection and salvage.

Fire scars are common. Underburns continue to be common, while stand-replacement

fires are rare. Fire intensity and fire return-interval both influence vegetation composition and

structure in these stands. Bitterbrush is sensitive to fire and will be temporarily eliminated if the

return-interval is too short and the intensities are beyond a critical threshold. If keying stands

to this Association, evaluate the fire history to see if bitterbrush cover has been reduced by

recent fire (20 years). Fuel loadings and tree density are usually not enough to maintain crown

fires, although some denser tree patches could be destroyed.

These sites are heavily used by both livestock and wildlife. They are important winter

range for deer and elk. Herbage production is moderate. Six clipped plots averaged 244 pounds

per acre (Appendix C). A number of nutritious grass species are common and several of the

shrubs provide palatable forage.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: PSME/PUTR/AGSP is not as

widespread as PIPO/PUTR/AGSP. It was not described in the Wenatchee Draft (Williams

and others 1991), where appropriate plots were either unclassified or located in the PSMEPIPO/CAGE Association. Okanogan plots were located within the broad PIPO-PSME/AGIN

and PSME/ARUV-PUTR Associations (Williams and Lillybridge 1983). This type was not

described in any adjacent classifications, although some PSME/PUTR sample stands from

others areas might include enough bluebunch wheatgrass to be included in the Wenatchee’s

PSME/PUTR/AGSP.
68

PSME/PUTR/CARU ASSOCIATION CDS675

Pseudotsuga menziesii/Purshia tridentata/Calamagrostis rubescens

Douglas-fir/bitterbrush/pinegrass

SLIDE 12

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 2650-4000 (3216) ft.

Aspect: southeast to southwest

Slope: 18-64 (42) %

Slope position: U, M, L 1/3

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 7)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PIPO ponderosa pine 100 34

PSME Douglas-fir 86 12

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 100 5

PIPO ponderosa pine 86 2

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

PUTR bitterbrush 100 9

AMAL serviceberry 57 3

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea 43 3

CEVE snowbrush ceanothus 43 3

BEAQ Oregon grape 43 2

PAMY pachistima 43 1

HERBS

CARU pinegrass 100 21

ACMI yarrow 100 2

BASA arrowleaf balsamroot 71 2

CAGE elk sedge 57 15

HISC woolly hawkweed 57 4

ARCO heartleaf arnica 57 1

AGSP bluebunch wheatgrass 43 2

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

This type was sampled from the Chelan

District in the north to the Tieton River

drainage in the south. PSME/PUTR/CARU

probably occurs on all Districts but the Lake

Wenatchee. It typically is found at moderate

elevations on upper and mid slope positions and

has a tendency to occur on south-facing slopes.

The regolith at the north end of the

Wenatchee NF is derived from granite and

related parent materials, either as colluvium or

as glacial deposits. Naches and Leavenworth

soils were derived from a variety of parent

materials, such as basalt, sandstone and tephra.

Soils are gravelly and stony and probably well

drained. Soil coarse fragments are well

represented, but less abundant than in the

PSME/PUTR/AGSP type. Litter is usually

abundant.

Many of these plots were initially placed

in the PSME/ARUV-PUTR type described in

the Okanogan classification and the Wenatchee

Draft. As presently described, PSME/PUTR/

CARU bears little resemblance to that type

because it is restricted to lower elevations and

lacks bearberry, western larch and lodgepole pine.

The abundance of pinegrass and elk

sedge and the scarcity of bunchgrasses indicate

this type is more moderate than PSME/

PUTR/AGSP and transitional to PSME/

CARU. However, sites are still relatively severe

compared to PSME/CARU.
69

 PSME/PUTR/CARU ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: These are moderately open forests that are often dominated by ponderosa pine.

Douglas-fir is subordinate to ponderosa in the sample stands, but seems to be reproducing

somewhat better. Douglas-fir should dominate mature stands, even though ponderosa will

never be eliminated. Within-stand density is often variable, with small patches of relatively

young trees interspersed with open areas containing scattered, large trees. Lodgepole pine and

western larch are absent in the data.

The undergrowth is characterized by a mixture of xerophytic shrubs and grasses. Bitterbrush

is well represented but is usually not abundant. Other common shrubs include snowbrush

ceanothus, Oregon grape, ocean-spray, shiny-leaf spirea, common snowberry, pachistima and

serviceberry. None are well represented, except in early seral stands. High cover of snowbrush

ceanothus indicates recent disturbance, usually fire. Ceanothus seeds survive long periods in

the soil and germinate following heat scarification provided only by fire. Hot fires will generally

reduce or temporarily eliminate bitterbrush from a stand, but poorly-represented bitterbrush

could still indicate this Association even if there is evidence of recent fire.

Pinegrass dominates the herbaceous layer. Elk sedge is often co-dominant with pinegrass

south of Entiat Ridge, but there is presently insufficient data to support a PSME/PUTRCAGE type. Bunchgrasses are uncommon. Common forbs include balsamroot, yarrow,

woollyweed, lupines, dogbane and wild onion.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: PSME/PUTR/CARU is more productive than PSME/

PUTR/AGSP. Four intensively sampled plots averaged 261 trees per acre and 138 sq. ft./ac. basal

area (Appendix C). The site index for ponderosa pine averaged 83 feet (base 100), while Douglasfir averaged 51 feet (base 50). These sites require special attention when designing a silvicultural

system. Hot, dry southerly aspects create severe moisture and temperature stress for young trees.

Ponderosa pine is suggested for planting, especially on sandy soils. Pinegrass and elk sedge may

respond vigorously to burning and scarification, although perhaps not as vigorously in PSME/

CARU. Competition to tree seedlings is not normally a problem until shrub, pinegrass or elk

sedge cover exceeds 30%. However, if trees are not established in the first year, subsequent plantings

and seedings fail. Cutting systems that leave an overstory to provide site protection encourage tree

regeneration. Stands may have abundant advanced Douglas-fir regeneration (1-5 years old) that

can sometimes be featured in management. There is often little need to scarify, burn and plant.

Stands rarely need grass seeding for erosion control.

Fire is undoubtedly important, as fire scars are common. As in PSME/PUTR/AGSP,

underburns were frequent and stand-replacement fires rare before the advent of serious fire

control. Fire intensity and fire return-interval both influence vegetation composition and structure

in these stands. Bitterbrush is sensitive to fire and may be temporarily eliminated if the returninterval is too short and intensities are beyond a critical threshold. When keying stands to this

Association, evaluate the fire history to see if bitterbrush cover has been reduced by recent fire

(20 years). Fuel loadings and tree density are usually not enough to maintain crown fires,

although some of the denser tree patches could be destroyed this way.

These stands are important summer range for livestock as well as for elk and deer. Steep,

southerly slopes are often relatively snow free during winter months and are therefore important

deer and elk winter range. Bitterbrush provides late fall and early spring browse and the relatively

warm sites produce green forage earlier in the spring than most other forested types. Herbage

production is low to moderate and averaged 106 lbs./ac. on four clipped plots (Appendix C).

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: PSME/PUTR/CARU has not been

described elsewhere, but some PSME/PUTR sample stands from others areas could include

enough pinegrass to be included in the Wenatchee’s PSME/PUTR/CARU.
70

PSME/SPBEL/CARU ASSOCIATION CDS639

Pseudotsuga menziesii/Spirea betulifolia/Calamagrostis rubescens

Douglas-fir/shiny-leaf spirea/pinegrass

SLIDE 13

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 1830-4540 (3251) ft.

Aspect: all aspects

Slope: 12-76 (39) %

Slope position: ridge, U, M, L 1/3

Special: well drained, stony soils

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 38)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 100 28

PIPO ponderosa pine 95 21

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 87 4

PIPO ponderosa pine 29 2

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea 100 12

AMAL serviceberry 68 3

PAMY pachistima 63 10

ROSA roses 59 4

HODI ocean-spray 45 4

BEAQ Oregon grape 42 3

HERBS

CARU pinegrass 92 23

CAGE elk sedge 66 8

ARCO heartleaf arnica 47 4

ARMA3 bigleaf sandwort 42 2

ACMI yarrow 37 2

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The PSME/SPBEL/CARU Association

is widespread on the Wenatchee NF. Only

eleven of the 38 sample plots are located on

the Okanogan NF. Plots are especially well

represented on the Leavenworth and Naches

Districts. There is little data from the Entiat

and Chelan Districts as stands suitable for

sampling are scarce. Much of the area is

inaccessible by road or was burned in the fires

of the early 1970s or the huge 1994 fire. The

type is common on the Okanogan NF on sites

that belonged to PSME/CARU in the

Okanogan classification.

These are warm, relatively low elevation

sites. Aspects and slopes of sample plots are

variable. Slopes are usually moderately steep

with mid to upper slope position. The

elevations of most plots were between 2000

and 4000 feet.

Soils are stony and well drained. Soil

coarse fragments and litter range from well

represented to abundant. Soils are formed in

a wide variety of parent materials. Granite

prevails north of the Entiat Ridge, while

cinders, schist and tephra rock types are

common to the south.

PSME/SPBEL/CARU is more moderate than PSME/SPBEL, as indicated by

the abundance of pinegrass. It is generally at

lower elevation compared to PSME/ARUV/

CARU or PSME/PAMY/CARU.
71

PSME/SPBEL/CARU ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: These are moderately open forests of Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine with a well

developed low to tall shrub undergrowth and grass sward. Douglas-fir dominates mature stands.

Ponderosa pine may dominate early seral stands and often survives as scattered, old trees in mature

stands. Most sites are too warm for lodgepole pine and western larch. Either ponderosa pine or

Douglas-fir are capable of pioneering on these habitats. Douglas-fir is the main regeneration

species, although minor amounts of ponderosa pine can be found in larger openings.

The undergrowth is a mixture of low and tall shrubs and graminoides. Shrubs such as

serviceberry or Scouler willow may attain considerable height in early seral stands. Pachistima

is not as common as in PSME/SPBEL and was well represented on only 4 of the 32 sample

plots. Many other shrubs may be present, depending on stand history and density, and include

serviceberry, Scouler willow, rose and ocean-spray.

Pinegrass is the most abundant herb on both the Wenatchee and Okanogan NFs. Elk

sedge is common south of Entiat Ridge and uncommon to the north. Herbs are usually

inconspicuous members of the flora and include heartleaf arnica, bigleaf sandwort and yarrow.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Tree growth data from eleven intensive plots suggest stocking

levels are moderate, while site indexes are relatively good for the Douglas-fir Series. These plots

averaged 238 trees per acre and 197 sq. ft./ac. total basal area. The average site index for ponderosa

pine was 95 (base 100), while Douglas-fir was 60 feet (base 50). The stands are variable in

composition and age. Ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir are well suited to these warm sites. Western

larch and lodgepole pine are not. Stands are hot and dry in the summer and shade may be essential

to assure reforestation. South and west aspects are especially difficult to reforest. Pinegrass and

elk sedge respond vigorously to burning and scarification. Competition for tree seedlings is not

normally a problem until pinegrass or elk sedge cover exceeds 30%. However, if trees are not

established in the first year, subsequent plantings and seedings may fail. Cutting systems that

leave an overstory to provide site protection encourage tree regeneration. Stands may have abundant

advanced Douglas-fir regeneration (1-5 years old) that can sometimes be featured in management.

There is often little need to scarify, burn, and plant or seed grass for erosion control.

Fires have been common in the PSME/SPBEL/CARU type. Relatively few of our sample

stands are over 200 years old, yet fire scars, charcoal and stand structures indicate that underburns

were frequent and stand-replacement fires rare before the advent of vigorous fire control. Most of

the important undergrowth species are well adapted to fire. Many resprout from buried root

crowns or, Scouler willow for example, have widely distributed seeds. Others regenerate from

buried roots or rhizomes, including pinegrass, elk sedge and shiny-leaf spirea. Others regenerate

mainly from seeds buried in the soil, including such species as snowbrush ceanothus and pachistima.

Use by deer is relatively heavy, based on the number of deer trails and sign noted during

field work. This is especially true on southerly aspects that may be good deer and elk winter

range. The shrubs provide considerable wildlife habitat, providing both forage and hiding cover.

Gentler slopes can be important sites for domestic livestock. Herbage production is moderately

low. Eleven clipped plots averaged 143 pounds of herbage per acre (Appendix C). More gentle

slopes make good sites for recreation developments such as campgrounds and trailheads because

the shrubs and grasses are relatively resistant to trampling damage. The shrub layer can also

help cover the scars of selective harvest.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: Most PSME/SPBEL/CARU plots

were located in the PSME/CARU type in the Okanogan classification (Williams and Lillybridge

1983) and PSME/CARU-CAGE and unclassified stands in the Wenatchee Draft (Williams

and others 1991). PSME/SPBEL/CARU is similar to the PSME/SPBE and PSME/SPBE2

types described on the Colville (Clausnitzer and Zamora 1987) and Yakima ( John and others

1988) Indian Reservations, and in north Idaho (Cooper and others 1991) and Montana (Pfister

and others 1977).
72

PSME/SYAL WEN ASSOCIATION CDS636

Pseudotsuga menziesii/Symphoricarpos albus

Douglas-fir/common snowberry

NEGATIVE 14

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 2050-4400 (2849) ft.

Aspect: north to southeast (dry terraces)

Slope: 6-70 (31) %

Slope position: M, L 1/3, bottoms, bench

Special: most mesic of Douglas-fir sites

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 16)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 94 53

PIPO ponderosa pine 69 21

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 63 3

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

SYAL common snowberry 100 39

AMAL serviceberry 88 6

BEAQ Oregon grape 75 3

PAMY pachistima 69 5

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea 50 5

HERBS

OSCH sweetroot 50 2

ARCO heartleaf arnica 44 3

ASCO showy aster 38 3

THOC western meadowrue 38 3

CARU pinegrass 38 2

HIAL white hawkweed 38 1

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The PSME/SYAL type was sampled

infrequently on the Wenatchee NF. Four plots

were located from the northeast part of the

Cle Elum District south to the Tieton River

on the Naches District. Twelve other plots

were borrowed from Okanogan data on the

Twisp District. The type should occur

throughout the Wenatchee NF, especially

north of Entiat Ridge.

PSME/SYAL is the most mesic type in

the Douglas-fir Series. Upland plots occur

mostly on lower and mid slope positions on

north to southeast aspects and at elevations

between 2200 and 3600 ft. Six plots borrowed

from riparian classification data occur on dry

river terraces with elevations between 2000

and 2600 feet.

The regolith is derived primarily from

sandstone or basalt on Wenatchee plots and

granite and related parent materials on

Okanogan plots. Riparian plots were located

on alluvium or on glacial terraces. Soil surfaces

are largely covered by vegetation and litter, with

only small amounts of rock, gravel or bare soil

exposed. Soil surface coarse fragments are

poorly represented in both upland and riparian

soils. However, they may become abundant

in lower horizons in riparian soils.
73

PSME/SYAL WEN ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: All the sample stands are less than 100 years old and specific late seral or near

climax compositions and structures are unknown. The PSME/SYAL type is characterized by

somewhat open to dense canopies dominated by Douglas-fir. Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine

both can pioneer in early seral conditions and ponderosa is usually co-dominant with Douglasfir in mid seral stands. Ponderosa pine is clearly seral, but as stands mature it will often remain

as scattered large individuals. Douglas-fir is the only tree species regenerating on the plots.

The undergrowth of most stands is characterized by a moderate to very dense shrub layer. The

dominant and characteristic shrub is common snowberry. Other common shrubs include serviceberry,

pachistima, rose, Douglas maple, Scouler willow and Oregon grape.

There are a wide variety of forbs, but few show strong constancy or cover. The most

common herbs include pinegrass, heartleaf arnica, showy aster, white hawkweed, meadowrue

and sweetroot.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: These are productive habitats for the Douglas-fir Series.

Eight intensive sample plots averaged 250 trees per acre and 178 sq. ft. basal area per acre

(Appendix C). The average site index for ponderosa pine was 98 feet (base 100), with 76 for

Douglas-fir (base 50). Stand structure and ages are relatively inconsistent. Younger Douglasfir stands may appear even-aged, but often contain two or more age and size classes. Many

stands have an older cohort of ponderosa pine. Stocking control may not be a problem following

timber harvest because common snowberry and tall shrubs will increase dramatically in abundance

once the overstory is opened or removed. This competition with tree seedlings may result in

natural thinning. Reforestation can be by planting or by natural regeneration.

As with most forest stands on the Wenatchee NF, fire has been an integral part of the

development of these stands. As noted above, all stands in the data are fairly young. They may

have been logged near the turn of the century, but it is more likely that extensive fires occurred

over most of the Forest. Given the dense overstory typical of the type and the correspondingly

heavy fuel loadings, expect fires to burn hot, with extensive crown damage. The tendency for

moist conditions to reduce fire frequency may be overcome by the more continuous fuel available

in this type.

These stands are heavily used by both livestock and wildlife. They undoubtedly provide

some winter range for deer and elk, but may be more important for hiding and thermal cover.

Herbaceous production is generally low. Six clipped plots averaged only 75 pounds of herbage

per acre (Appendix C).

Elytroderma is chronic to severe on the Okanogan NF ( J. Townsley, personal

communication).

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: PSME/SYAL is a widespread type,

although it was not described in the Wenatchee Draft (Williams and others 1991). It is part

(without pinegrass well represented) of the PSME/SYAL types described in classifications for the

Colville (Williams and others 1990) and Okanogan (Williams and Lillybridge 1983) NFs; in

northern Idaho (Cooper and others 1991) and northeastern Oregon (Johnson and Clausnitzer

1992); and for the Colville Indian Reservation (Clausnitzer and Zamora 1987). It is very similar

to the PSME/SYAL Habitat Type, SYAL Phase, described in Montana (Pfister and others 1977)

and to the PSME/SYAL Association on the Mt. Hood NF (Topik and others 1988).
74

PSME/SYAL/AGSP ASSOCIATION CDS637

Pseudotsuga menziesii/Symphoricarpos albus/Agropyron spicatum

Douglas-fir/common snowberry/bluebunch wheatgrass

Common snowberry (SYAL), an

indicator of the PSME/SYAL/AGSP

Association.

SLIDE 15

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 2020-3820 (3046) ft.

Aspect: southeast to west

Slope: 28-65 (51) %

Slope position: ridge, U, M, L 1/3

Special: dry, hot slopes

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 7)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 100 12

PIPO ponderosa pine 86 24

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 71 3

PIPO ponderosa pine 71 3

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

SYAL common snowberry 100 10

AMAL serviceberry 71 5

PUTR bitterbrush 57 8

BEAQ Oregon grape 57 6

HERBS

ACMI yarrow 100 4

AGSP bluebunch wheatgrass 71 13

BASA arrowleaf balsamroot 71 10

COGR2 large flowered collomia 71 1

CARU pinegrass 57 10

CAGE elk sedge 57 3

LIRU wayside gromwell 57 1

AGIN beardless b. wheatgrass 29 5

FEID Idaho fescue 14 7

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The PSME/SYAL/AGSP type is

apparently widely distributed, but relatively

uncommon. It was sampled from the Entiat

District in the north to the Naches District

in the south. Two plots were borrowed from

Okanogan data from the lower Twisp River

drainage. The type may occur on all districts

but the Lake Wenatchee.

These sites are hot and dry. Sample plots

occurred at moderately low elevation, mostly

on mid and upper slope positions. Most slopes

are moderate to very steep and face southeast

to west.

The regolith of sample plots is derived

primarily from either sandstone, basalt or

andesite. Okanogan plots are mostly on

granite. The soil surface is covered by

moderately open shrub and bunchgrass

vegetation, with abundant litter and only small

amounts of rock, gravel or bare soil exposed.

Soil coarse fragments ranged from well

represented to abundant.

This type was not described in the

Wenatchee Draft. As presently defined, its

plots came from a variety of types described

there. The Association matches similar

PSME/SYAL/AGSP types described

throughout the northern Rocky Mountains

and Pacific Northwest.
75

PSME/SYAL/AGSP ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: The sample stands represented a wide range of ages and early seral to near

climax compositions and structures. The PSME/SYAL/AGSP type is characterized by open

stands dominated by Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine. Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine are both

early seral pioneers, with ponderosa pine usually dominant over Douglas-fir in early to mid

seral successional stages. Ponderosa pine will usually maintain itself as these open stands mature.

Regeneration of Douglas-fir and the pine is often episodic. Western larch and western white

pine are usually absent.

The undergrowth of most stands is characterized by a patchy, discontinuous shrub layer

interspersed with bunchgrasses. The dominant and characteristic shrub is common snowberry.

Bitterbrush was well represented on two plots, but snowberry was dominant and is keyed before

bitterbrush. Other common shrubs include serviceberry and Oregon grape. A number of other

shrub species may be found, but few are abundant or constant. The dominant and characteristic

herbs are bluebunch and beardless bluebunch wheatgrass, Idaho fescue and balsamroot. Constant

forbs include yarrow, dogbane, wayside gromwell, lomatiums and bigleaf collomia. Elk sedge

and pinegrass are well represented on a few plots, but bunchgrasses are considered better indicators

of the site.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: These are moderately unproductive habitats for the Douglasfir Series. Site index may be moderate, but the very open nature of these stands limits wood fiber

production. Tree production data from four intensive plots averaged only 61 trees per acre and 92

sq. ft./ac. basal area (Appendix C). The site index for Douglas-fir averaged 62 feet (base 50 ). The

ponderosa pine site index averaged 105 feet (base 100). No known means will assure successful

regeneration within five years.

As with most forest stands on the Wenatchee NF, fire has been an integral in the

development of these stands. Fire scars and charcoal are evident. Underburns were frequent

before the advent of fire control and stand-replacement fires were rare. They are still rare today

because dense conifer regeneration is scarce on these dry sites.

These stands are heavily used by both livestock and wildlife. They provide valuable winter

range for deer and elk. Herbaceous production is generally moderate. Four clipped plots averaged

318 pounds of herbage per acre (Appendix C).

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: PSME/SYAL/AGSP is composed of

plots taken from several types described in the Wenatchee Draft (Williams and others 1991).

It is similar to drier sites in PSME/SYAL types described in northeastern Oregon ( Johnson

and Clausnitzer 1992), Okanogan (Williams and Lillybridge 1983) and northern Idaho

classifications (Cooper and others 1991). It is also similar to the PSME/SYAL Habitat Type,

AGSP Phase, described in Montana (Pfister and others 1977). It has not been sampled on the

Colville NF (Williams and others 1990), nor on the Colville (Clausnitzer and Zamora 1987) or

Yakima ( John and others 1988) Indian Reservations.
76

PSME/SYAL/CARU ASSOCIATION CDS638

Pseudotsuga menziesii/Symphoricarpos albus/Calamagrostis rubescens

Douglas-fir/common snowberry/pinegrass

SLIDE 16

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 1980-3640 (2470) ft.

Aspect: southeast to west

Slope: 18-56 (39) %

Slope position: U, M, L 1/3, bench

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 11)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 100 49

PIPO ponderosa pine 91 14

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 64 6

PIPO ponderosa pine 36 2

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

AMAL serviceberry 91 2

SYAL common snowberry 82 11

HODI ocean-spray 73 2

BEAQ Oregon grape 64 2

SYMOH creeping snowberry 27 12

HERBS

CAGE elk sedge 82 11

CARU pinegrass 64 7

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

This widespread type was sampled from

the northern portion of the Leavenworth

District south to the Tieton River on the

Naches District. One plot was borrowed from

Okanogan data in the Twisp River drainage.

PSME/SYAL/CARU is common in

Okanogan and Colville NF data and is

presumed to occur on the Cle Elum, Entiat

and Chelan Districts.

PSME/SYAL/CARU is a moderately

mesic type for the PSME Series and occurs at

moderately low elevations, mostly in lower and

mid slope positions. Slopes are moderate to

steep and face southeast to west.

The regolith is derived primarily from

basalt or tephra south of the Entiat Ridge, and

granite and related parent materials to the

north. The soil surface is largely covered by

vegetation and litter, with only small amounts

of rock or gravel. Soil coarse fragments average

under 15%.

In general, these soils are deeper, less

gravelly, and finer textured than PSME/

SYAL/AGSP. PSME/SYAL/CARU is nearly

equivalent to the PSME/SYAL/CAGE type

described in the Wenatchee Draft. Plot

membership is somewhat different because the

Draft keyed for PSME/SYAL/CAGE based

on common snowberry being only present,

while this Guide requires snowberry to be well

represented.
77

PSME/SYAL/CARU ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: The plots ranged from young, even-aged stands of pure Douglas-fir, or mixtures

of Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine, to mature stands of pine with younger Douglas-fir

understories. There is little evidence of western larch or western white pine. Douglas-fir and

ponderosa pine both pioneer early seral conditions. However, ponderosa pine is clearly seral

and often hangs on in mature stands as scattered large, old trees. Douglas-fir regenerates better

than ponderosa pine.

The undergrowth of most stands is characterized by a moderately open, discontinuous

shrub layer interspersed with herbs. The dominant and characteristic shrub is common snowberry,

and creeping snowberry was used as the indicator for two plots. Other common shrubs include

serviceberry, ocean-spray and Oregon grape. A number of other shrub species may be found,

but few are abundant and none have high constancy from stand to stand.

Similarly, there are no forbs that show strong constancy. The dominant and characteristic

herbs are elk sedge and pinegrass. Pinegrass is dominant north of the Entiat ridge, while elk

sedge dominates or is co-dominant with pinegrass to the south.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: PSME/SYAL/CARU is one of the more productive types

in the Douglas-fir Series. Four intensive plots averaged 306 trees per acre and 233 sq. ft. basal

area (Appendix C). The site index for Douglas-fir averaged 74 feet (base 50). Stocking control

is usually not a problem because natural thinning results when snowberry, pinegrass and elk

sedge increase dramatically in abundance once the overstory is opened or removed. Competition

to planted tree seedlings is not normally a problem until snowberry, pinegrass or elk sedge cover

exceeds 30%. However, if trees are not established in the first year, subsequent plantings may

fail. Cutting systems that leave an overstory to provide site protection encourage tree regeneration.

Stands may have abundant advanced Douglas-fir regeneration (1-5 years old) that can sometimes

be featured in management. There is often little need to scarify, burn and plant. Stands rarely

need grass seeding for erosion control.

As with most forest stands on the Wenatchee NF, fire has been an integral part of their

development. As indicated by fire scars on large, scattered ponderosa pines and charcoal in the

soil, ground fires were probably common in the type. Before the advent of vigorous fire control,

stands tended to develop large, widely-spaced trees. Stand-replacement fires were rare. Today,

some stands have developed relatively dense understories of Douglas-fir and stand-replacement

fires are more common.

These stands are used by both livestock and wildlife. PSME/SYAL/CARU may provide

winter range for deer and elk. Herbaceous production is generally moderate. Four clipped plots

averaged 261 pounds of herbage per acre (Appendix C).

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: PSME/SYAL/CARU is generally

equivalent to the PSME/SYAL/CAGE type described in the Wenatchee Draft (Williams and

others 1991). The type is similar to the part of the PSME/SYAL types (with pinegrass well

represented) described for the Okanogan (Williams and Lillybridge 1983) and Colville (Williams

and others 1990) NFs. It is also similar to the PSME/SYAL Habitat Type in northern Idaho

(Cooper and others 1991), and on the Spokane (Zamora 1983) and Colville (Clausnitzer and

Zamora 1987) Indian Reservations; the PSME/SYAL Habitat Type, CARU phase, in Montana

(Pfister and others 1977); and, the PSME/SYAL type described for northeastern Oregon

(Johnson and Clausnitzer 1992). This type was not described on the Yakima Indian Reservation

( John and others 1988).
78

PSME/SYOR O&C ASSOCIATION CDS632

Pseudotsuga menziesii/Symphoricarpos oreophilus

Douglas-fir/mountain snowberry

SLIDE 17

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 3920-5240 (4396) ft.

Aspect: south to west

Slope: 16-60 (28)%

Slope position: U, M 1/3, bench

Special: high, hot, dry slopes

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 7)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PIPO ponderosa pine 86 28

PSME Douglas-fir 86 27

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

PIPO ponderosa pine 71 2

PSME Douglas-fir 57 2

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

SYOR mountain snowberry 100 11

AMAL serviceberry 100 2

ARTRV mountain big sagebrush 57 9

PUTR bitterbrush 43 5

ACGLD Douglas maple 43 2

HODI ocean-spray 43 1

HERBS

LUPIN lupines 86 4

ACMI yarrow 86 3

BASA arrowleaf balsamroot 71 10

SEIN western groundsell 71 2

CAGE elk sedge 57 7

AGSP bluebunch wheatgrass 57 6

COGR2 large-flowered collomia 57 2

HYCA ballhead waterleaf 57 2

LOTR nine-leaf lomatium 57 1

CARU pinegrass 43 4

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

PSME/ SYOR is represented by six plots

on the Wenatchee NF and one on the

Okanogan. Wenatchee plots were located

along the dry eastern fringe of the Forest on

the Cle Elum and Entiat Districts. The type

should also occur on the Naches, Leavenworth

and Chelan Districts. PSME/SYOR also

occurs on the Okanogan and Colville NFs.

Although it is widespread, the type to does

not cover much area.

PSME/SYOR is a hot, dry type that is

normally found in xeric, windswept habitats

with coarse-textured soils, usually on a variety

of slopes and aspects, on steep to very steep

southerly slopes with mid and upper slope

positions, and at elevations between 3900 and

4700 ft.

The sample plots are on granite and

sandstone north of the Entiat Ridge and basalt

to the south. Soils are extremely well drained.

Bare ground and surface rocks are usually

apparent. Though data are essentially absent,

soil coarse fragments are likely abundant.

PSME/SYOR grades into mountain

snowberry, big sagebrush, or bitterbrushdominated non-forest vegetation on harsher

sites, while closed Douglas-fir or grand fir

forest occurs on more moderate sites. Some

of these plots were designated PSME/

ARTRV in the Wenatchee Draft. As more

data becomes available, PSME/SYOR may be

divided into PSME/SYOR and PSME/

ARTRV/AGSP types.
79

PSME/SYOR ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine are co-dominant in most of these open forests

regardless of stand age. One plot was dominated by Douglas-fir at an elevation above the limits

of ponderosa pine. Although not consistently, ponderosa pine is the older species in many of

our sample plots, indicating that it is more successful at regeneration immediately following

disturbance, such as stand-replacement wildfire. The tendency for Douglas-fir to be younger

than the pine indicates either that it may require the shelter of pine for establishment or that its

seed sources are more likely to be removed from a stand by fire. The open and patchy structure

of these stands allows ponderosa pine to continue its role as co-dominant even in mature stands.

Regeneration for both species is typically sparse.

The shrub layer is characterized by the presence of mountain snowberry or mountain big

sagebrush. As mentioned elsewhere, mountain big sagebrush was used to define the PSME/

ARTRV type in the draft classification. Mountain big sagebrush probably identifies sites at

slightly higher elevations than those of mountain snowberry. However, limited data and generally

similar sites justify lumping these two species into PSME/SYOR as presently defined. Bitterbrush

was well represented on a few plots, but we consider snowberry and sagebrush better indicators of

these sites. For instance, all the plots in the PSME/PUTR/CARU Association are below 4000

feet elevation, while most of the PSME/SYOR plots are above 4000 feet.

The herb layer is variable. The abundance of various bunchgrasses compared to pinegrass

and elk sedge could have been used to characterize PSME/SYOR/AGSP and PSME/SYOR/

CARU Associations, but plot data do not justify this action at this time. Bluebunch wheatgrass

was well represented on four plots, while elk sedge or pinegrass were well represented on two

plots. Another two plots were dominated by mountain snowberry and other shrubs. Some of

the more important forbs include arrowleaf balsamroot, yarrow, bigleaf collomia, western

groundsell, nine-leaf lomatium, ballhead waterleaf and lupine species.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Timber productivity is low due to generally open stands

and moderately slow tree growth. Six intensive plots averaged 129 trees per acre and 117 sq. ft.

total basal area (Appendix C). The average site index for ponderosa pine was 70 feet (base 100)

while Douglas-fir averaged 51 feet (base 50). These harsh, dry sites are very difficult to reforest.

It is likely that successful reforestation will depend not on choosing an appropriate silvicultural

system but on the right combination of seed availability and climatic conditions that allow

seedling establishment. The concurrence of these two circumstances has been relatively infrequent

in the past. No known method will assure reforestation within five years. Also, soils are subject

to displacement on the steep slopes. Single tree selection or group selection cutting systems are

recommended.

Fire is an important part of the history of these stands. Ground fire was frequent and standreplacement fires rare before the advent of vigorous fire control. Even today, the more open portions

of the stands will likely carry only ground fires, with only a few trees dying as a result of fire. However,

under hot, dry conditions, denser stands may become more susceptible to crown fire. Shrubs, grasses,

sedges and forbs will generally increase in abundance following fire.

Wildlife values are high and the type is especially important for winter range for elk or

deer because of the presence of palatable grasses and forbs. The steep southerly aspects are

among the earliest forested sites to become snow-free, allowing early development of green

forage. Herbage production is moderately high for the Douglas-fir Series. Six clipped plots

averaged 347 pounds of herbage per acre (Appendix C). Gentler slopes can be important for

domestic livestock. However, on steep slopes the soils may be easily displaced by trampling.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: PSME/SYOR has been described on

both the Okanogan (Williams and Lillybridge 1983) and Colville (Williams and others 1990)

NFs. It is also similar to the PSME/SYOR types described in Montana (Pfister and others

1977) and northeast Oregon ( Johnson and Clausnitzer 1992).
80

MISCELLANEOUS DOUGLAS-FIR ASSOCIATIONS:

(generally less than five Wenatchee plots)

PSME/AGSP-ASDE CDG323

Three plots occur in this Association. All the plots are on serpentine outcrops in the Peshastin

and Tumwater watersheds. Although these outcrops mark this type as distinct from other types

in the PSME Series, three plots do not justify giving this limited type major status in the

classification. Sites are on very steep southerly slopes between 1700 and 3400 feet. The soils

are very stony and gravelly and excessively well drained. They are prone to movement on these

over-steep slopes. High concentrations of exchangeable magnesium, nickel and chromium,

with low concentrations of calcium, nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, combine to make

these soils infertile, or toxic to many plant species (Proctor and Woodell 1975). These open

woodlands are dominated by Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine. Bluebunch wheatgrass is well

represented to abundant on all plots, and podfern characterizes the serpentine soils. Several

shrubs characteristic of low elevation forests are common, including shiny-leaf spirea and cascara

buckthorn. Other common herbs include yarrow, bracken fern and big-leaf collomia. These

sites may be managed similarly to the PSME/AGSP Association.

PSME/ARUV WEN CDS653

The PSME/ARUV Association is uncommon and represented in the data by only one Wenatchee

plot in the Chelan Mountains. This plot is supplemented with four plots borrowed from Okanogan

data on the Twisp District. The type may be common on both the Chelan and Entiat Districts,

which have geology and climate similar to the Twisp River drainage. These are relatively warm, dry,

rocky sites near the upper elevation limits of the PSME Series. The plots occur on steep, mid and

upper slope positions with southeast to west aspects. Soils are mostly rocky, very well drained, and

derived from granite till or colluvium and glacial outwash or till. Soil coarse fragments and litter are

usually very abundant. PSME/ARUV sites are generally drier than PSME/ARUV/CARU and at

higher elevations than PSME/PUTR or PSME/SPBEL types. These are moderately open forests

with a relatively sparse, low-growing undergrowth of shrubs and forbs. Stand structures are similar

to PSME/ARUV/CARU. Douglas-fir dominates late seral and climax stands. Ponderosa pine is

well represented only in the lowest elevation stand. Western larch and lodgepole pine are well

represented in seral stands and decrease in cover with stand age, but in mature stands they may

persist as scattered, old, large individuals. All four species are capable of pioneering in these habitats,

but only Douglas-fir is tolerant enough to persist and eventually dominate at climax. Bearberry is

the characteristic species and usually the dominant shrub. Serviceberry, shiny-leaf spirea, ceanothus,

buffaloberry, spirea and common juniper may be common. Pachistima was well represented on two

plots but keys after bearberry. Pinegrass is poorly represented on the PSME/ARUV Association.

Elk sedge is absent on all plots. The most constant forbs include heartleaf arnica, woods pussytoes,

yarrow, white hawkweed, northwestern sedge and Ross’ sedge.

PSME/ARUV/CARU CDS655

The PSME/ARUV/CARU Association is represented in the data by only one plot on the

Wenatchee NF. This Entiat Ridge plot is supplemented with twenty-six plots borrowed from

data on the Twisp District. Field observations suggest it will be common on both the Chelan

and Entiat Districts, which have geology and climate similar to the Twisp River drainage. These

are relatively high-elevation sites for the Douglas-fir Series. Sites are warm, dry and rocky.

Most plots occurred on moderate to steep slopes with southeast to west aspects. A very few

ridge and bench plots were associated with more northerly aspects and gentler slopes. Soils are

mostly derived from coarse, rocky colluvium or glacial outwash and till. Soil coarse fragments

and litter are very abundant. Okanogan stands are largely on soils derived from granite and

related material, while the Wenatchee stand is derived from andesite. PSME/ARUV/CARU
81

sites are harsher than PSME/CARU, more moderate than PSME/ARUV, and at higher

elevations than PSME/PUTR/CARU. The sample plots portray moderately open forests, with

Douglas-fir dominating late seral and climax stands. Ponderosa pine is abundant in many

young stands but decreases in cover with stand age, though it often persists as scattered, old,

large individuals in mature stands. Lodgepole pine and western larch may be present within

their range. All these species are capable of pioneering on these habitats, but only Douglas-fir

is tolerant enough to persist and eventually dominate at climax. It is also regenerating better

than other species. However, larch and ponderosa pine can be found in larger openings, or

maintaining themselves as scattered, large individuals. The undergrowth is a mixture of prostrate

shrubs, grasses and forbs. Bearberry is the characteristic species and usually the dominant

shrub. Shiny-leaf spirea, ceanothus, buffaloberry, spirea and pachistima are often common.

Pinegrass is the dominant herbaceous species, but is not as abundant as in the PSME/CARU

Association. Elk sedge is absent on the plots. The most constant forbs include heartleaf arnica,

woods pussytoes, white hawkweed and Ross’ sedge.

PSME/ARUV-PUTR CDS654

All six plots in this Association are located on the Twisp District and none are on the ChelanSawtooth Divide. Its status on the north end of the Wenatchee NF is unknown. PSME/

ARUV-PUTR occurs on moderate to steep, south to east slopes at elevations between 3800 to

4500 feet. The soils are largely derived from granite till and colluvium. Surface rock and coarse

fragments are common but sites are moderate, as indicated by the abundance of pinegrass. The

moderately open overstory is dominated by Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine. Lodgepole pine is

a seral dominant in many stands. Bitterbrush and bearberry dominate the shrub layer. Pinegrass

is well represented on all the plots. Bluebunch wheatgrass or beardless bluebunch wheatgrass

were well represented on two plots. These are the only two plots that are not capable of supporting

lodgepole pine. For all practical purposes PSME/ARUV-PUTR can be managed the same as

either the PSME/ARUV/CARU or PSME/PUTR/CARU Associations.

PSME/PAMY CDS411

The two plots remaining in this Association are located on the Twisp District, but the type

probably occurs on the Entiat and Chelan Districts. The plots were located on cool, dry, steep,

southerly aspects with elevations ranging from 4320 to 5200 feet. They were dominated by

moderately dense stands of Douglas-fir and lodgepole pine. Douglas-fir will dominate mature

forests. There was a trace of subalpine fir on both plots, indicating sites transitional to the ABLA2/

PAMY Association. The undergrowth is dominated by a mixture of shrubs in which pachistima

is dominant. The herb layer is very sparse and only heartleaf arnica, showy aster, glacier lily,

rattlesnake plantain, sidebells pyrola and meadowrue are common. Pinegrass is poorly represented,

which distinguishes PSME/PAMY from the more moderate PSME/PAMY/CARU Association.

PSME/PAMY/CARU CDS412

Although eight plots are described within this Association, only three plots were located on the

Wenatchee NF. They occurred on the Cle Elum, Wenatchee and Entiat Districts. Sites are

considered high and cool for the Douglas-fir Series. Slopes and slope positions are variable and

range from gentle on lower slopes and ridges to steep on lower and mid slopes. Elevations ranged

from 3900 to 5300 feet. Soils are derived from a variety of rock types. Metamorphic rocks

predominate south of the Entiat Ridge, while granitic and related rocks are to the north. Soil

coarse fragments are well represented and surface litter is usually abundant. Moderately open

stands of Douglas-fir dominate late seral and climax stands. Ponderosa pine may be a seral dominant

on warm south aspects. Lodgepole pine is a seral dominant on cooler sites or following standreplacement fires. Pachistima is well represented to abundant. Pinegrass is the most constant and

abundant herb. Elk sedge is abundant on two of the Wenatchee plots. Other herbs include

heartleaf arnica, asters, yarrow and sweetroot.
82

PSME/PEFR3 CDF411

All four plots were located on the northeast corner of the Cle Elum District and may show the

influence of local geology and climate. The plots were located on very steep south to southwest

slopes between elevations of 3800 to 4100 feet. The soils are derived from basalt and sandstone

colluvium and are very gravelly, stony, and excessively well drained. The open overstory is

dominated by Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine. The undergrowth is a very sparse mixture of

shrubs and herbs. Shrubby penstemon and snowbrush ceanothus are most characteristic of

these dry, rocky sites. They are not restricted to rocky microsites. Many other shrubs are

present but all either have low constancy or are poorly represented. Balsamroot, purple violet

and elk sedge are the most constant herbs. These sites are not suitable for timber production.

PSME/PUTR CDS673

Only four plots were sampled in this Association, called PSME-PIPO/PUTR in the Wenatchee

Draft. All four plots were on the Cle Elum District. It occurs on dry, south to east aspects

between 2000 and 3000 feet, mostly on steep mid, upper and ridge slope positions. It may also

be found on outwash deposits of coarse alluvium, such as found at the south end of Lake Cle

Elum. It may be more common on lands outside Forest Service administration. These open

stands are dominated by Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine. Regeneration is very sparse. The

undergrowth is characterized by an abundance of bitterbrush. Other shrubs are poorly

represented. The herb layer is sparse and species are typical of dry non-forest vegetation. The

scarcity of bunchgrasses, pinegrass and elk sedge distinguish this type from PSME/PUTR/

CARU and PSME/PUTR/AGSP. These sites are not suitable for timber production.

PSME/SPBEL CDS640

Only one of the eleven plots in this Association is located on the Wenatchee NF. Field

observations suggest the type may be common north of the Entiat Ridge where the climate and

geology are similar to the Twisp River drainage. These are rocky, dry, low-elevation sites on

relatively cool, north-facing aspects on gentle to very steep mid and upper slope positions.

Most sample plots ranged from 2300 to 3000 feet. Soils are well drained. Coarse fragments and

litter are usually abundant. Soils are mostly formed in granite and sandstone rock types on

colluvium and glacial till. This Association is at lower elevations than either PSME/ARUV or

PSME/PAMY. Stands are open to moderately-dense Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine. Douglasfir dominates mid to late seral and climax stands. Ponderosa pine is an early seral dominant that

may survive in mature stands as scattered, large, old individuals. Most sites are too warm for

western larch and lodgepole pine. The undergrowth is a mixture of low-growing to tall shrubs.

Shiny-leaf spirea is the characteristic shrub and is at least well represented. Pachistima is often

abundant. Many other shrubs may be present, depending on stand history and density, and

include serviceberry, Scouler willow, Oregon grape, common snowberry and rose. Sites are

generally too dry for snowberry, pinegrass and elk sedge to be well represented and herbs are

usually inconspicuous.

PSME/VACA CDS831

This type is common on the Okanogan and Colville NFs. It is reported here because it has

been seen on the Chelan District. The three plots used to describe this miscellaneous Association

are located on the Twisp District. They were within the PSME/VACCI Association in the

Okanogan classification. PSME/VACA is associated with gentle slopes and cold air drainage

on glacial outwash terraces and slopes. Young stands are usually dominated by lodgepole pine

and western larch. We have few old stands, but stand composition and seral relationships

suggest mature stands will be dominated by Douglas-fir and large, scattered remnants of larch.

Dwarf huckleberry best characterizes the undergrowth. Bearberry can be used as an alternate

indicator to dwarf huckleberry only if the site is associated with cold air drainage. Do not

confuse these sites with the dry, warm, upland PSME/ARUV/CARU type, which is vegetatively
83

similar, but lacks dwarf huckleberry. Other common shrubs and herbs include twinflower, low

huckleberry, pachistima and pinegrass. Bunchberry dogwood, five-leaved bramble or dwarf

bramble indicate the PIEN or ABLA2 Series. More complete descriptions are available in the

Colville and the draft riparian classifications.

PSME/VAMY WEN CDS832

The PSME/VAMY Association is represented by only two plots on the Wenatchee NF. Four

additional plots are borrowed from the Twisp District. The Wenatchee plots were both located

on Entiat Ridge and the type is presumed to be relatively common on to the north on the Entiat

and Chelan Districts. These sites are relatively cool and moderate for the Douglas-fir Series.

Elevations ranged from less than 3000 to over 5000 feet. Most plots were on mid slopes and

over 4500 feet. Aspects are generally north at low elevations and south at high elevations. Slopes

are moderately steep to very steep. The regolith is derived primarily from granite till or colluvium.

The soil surface is covered by moderately open shrub and forb vegetation with abundant litter.

Soil coarse fragments range from well represented to abundant. PSME/VAMY is similar to

the PSME/VAME type described on the Colville NF. Lodgepole pine and western larch are

seral dominants on stands above 4000 feet, while ponderosa pine dominates warmer, low-elevation

stands. Douglas-fir and any of these trees can pioneer early seral conditions. Douglas-fir increases

in canopy cover as stands mature. Ponderosa pine and larch will maintain themselves as scattered

large individuals as stands mature. The undergrowth is characterized by a dense, low and

prostrate shrub layer interspersed with grasses and forbs. The dominant and characteristic

shrub is low huckleberry. Big huckleberry is used as equivalent to low huckleberry and was well

represented on one plot. Other common shrubs include russet buffaloberry, pachistima, shinyleaf spirea and bearberry. The only constant herb is pinegrass, yet it averages only 2% canopy

cover in these stands.

PSME/VAMY/CARU CDS833

Only two of the 17 plots were on the Wenatchee NF. Fifteen additional plots were borrowed

from data on the Twisp District. The Wenatchee plots were both on the Leavenworth side of

Entiat Ridge and we presume the type is relatively common on the Entiat and Chelan Districts.

These sites are cool and moderate for the Douglas-fir Series. Elevations ranged from less than

3300 to over 4900 feet and are comparable to the PSME/VAMY Association. The type occurs

mostly on mid and upper slopes. Aspects are variable and range from northwest to southeast

with little correlation to elevation. Slopes are moderate to very steep. The soil surface is

covered by moderately open shrub and grass vegetation with abundant litter. Soil coarse fragments

range from well represented to abundant. The description is similar to the PSME/VAME type

described on the Colville NF. Canopy cover data appear to represent a range of ages and mid

seral to old-growth compositions and structures, perhaps reflecting moister sites and longer

intervals between stand-replacement fires compared to PSME/VAMY. Douglas-fir is prominent

in mature stands, in which larch may maintain itself as scattered large individuals. Lodgepole

pine and western larch are seral dominants on almost all of the sample plots, while ponderosa

pine was well represented on just 3 plots. Douglas-fir increases in canopy cover as stands

mature. The undergrowth is characterized by a moderately dense, low and prostrate shrub layer.

The dominant and characteristic shrub is low huckleberry. Big huckleberry is used as equivalent

to low huckleberry and was well represented on two plots. Other common shrubs include russet

buffaloberry, pachistima, shiny-leaf spirea and bearberry. Spirea and bearberry are especially

prominent. Pinegrass is well-represented to abundant. Other herbs include elk sedge, heartleaf

arnica and northwestern sedge.
84
85

GRAND FIR

SERIES
86
87

GRAND FIR SERIES

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT: In the Cascades on the Wenatchee NF, grand fir

reaches its northern limit as an important forest species. Except for a few outlying stands, the

northern boundary closely follows the Entiat River. North of there, grand fir is increasingly

restricted to a few sheltered habitats. Rarely seen on the Okanogan NF, it is again common east

of the Kettle Mountains on the Colville NF and eastward well into western Montana. On the

west slope of the Cascades, grand fir extends northward to Vancouver Island and other southern,

coastal areas of British Columbia. This distribution suggests that grand fir has an affinity for

maritime climates and does not tolerate dry, deep cold well, though it tolerates drier conditions

than do western hemlock or western redcedar, which share a similar geographical distribution

across the Northwest.

Grand fir is an important forest species on the Wenatchee NF and climax grand fir

stands are a major component of the Forest. In addition, it is a major seral species in the

Western Hemlock Series, and a seral species in some of the warmer types in the Pacific Silver

Fir and Subalpine Fir Series as well. It is virtually absent from the Douglas-fir, Oregon White

Oak and Ponderosa Pine Series because they are too hot and dry. The extremely cold and harsh

conditions of Whitebark Pine and Subalpine Larch Series also exclude grand fir.

The Grand Fir Series is characterized by warm, moderately dry to moist forest habitats.

It is the “middle moderate” Series, and as such supports vegetative elements of both drier and

more moist habitats to a greater extent than most other Series. On warmer and drier sites, it

grades into the Douglas-fir Series and sometimes, on hot, dry sites, into the Ponderosa Pine

Series. In areas with maritime influence, more moist habitats are occupied by the Western

Hemlock Series, while more moist and cooler habitats closer to the Cascade Crest are occupied

by the Pacific Silver Fir Series. When outside the range of the Western Hemlock or Pacific

Silver Fir Series, where climate too continental, the Grand Fir Series will be bounded on upper

(colder) sites by the Subalpine Fir Series.

The Grand Fir Series is widely distributed below 5000 feet over much of the Forest east

of the Cascade crest and south of the Entiat River. Often found as low as 1800 feet On the

northern half of the Forest, its lower elevation limit rises to 2500 feet towards the southern

Forest border. It is found across all topographic positions and regolith types, though it does not

seem to occur on serpentine-derived soils.

Eight Associations and six Community Types are described for the Grand Fir Series on

the Wenatchee National Forest. Geology, elevation, topographic position and geographical

location are all important factors that influence the distribution of these types across the landscape.

The relatively large number of Community Types is because of the extensive perturbation history

of most stands in the Series. Few plots are in stands over 250 years old, and for many stands tree

ages indicate less than 100 years since the last major fire or other type of stand-initiating

disturbance. Therefore, successional relationships for many communities are complex and not

well understood.

Additionally, there are data from several plots that do not fit our types well. Each of

these plots represents a mix of species not recorded elsewhere in our data for the Forest. A

single plot is not sufficient to describe an abstract vegetation type with any accuracy, but these

are worth noting. One plot has an undergrowth dominated by bearberry and dwarf huckleberry.

This combination is common in the northern Rocky Mountains (Pfister and others 1977 and

Cooper and others 1991). Another plot was dominated only by bearberry. Other species on

this plot were similar to those characteristic of the ABGR/ARNE Association. Both of these

plots were placed in the ABGR/ARNE Association. Further, the data were insufficient or

inconclusive to allow the description of either an ABGR/LIBOL ( Johnson and Clausnitzer

1992; Johnson and Simon 1987; Pfister and others 1977) or ABGR/SPBE ( Johnson and
88

Clausnitzer 1992; Johnson and Simon 1987) type. As more data are collected, ABGR/LIBOL

may still prove a viable Association. It would have limited extent on the Forest, primarily in

areas outside the ranges of vanilla leaf, Cascade Oregon grape and vine maple.

VEGETATION: Douglas-fir or ponderosa pine, or both, dominate the overstory canopy of most

stands in the Series. Grand fir often occurs as a co-dominant, especially in the more moist

Associations and Community Types, but is less often found as a dominant. Western larch and

lodgepole pine are seral species found in some habitats. Western white pine is a significant

component only in some types. Western white pine was probably more important in the tree

sere in the Grand Fir Series before white pine blister rust was introduced into the area. All

stands with Engelmann spruce will key to the Subalpine Fir Series. However, stands on moist

benches or in canyon bottoms, where spruce and grand fir are important stand components, and

when subalpine fir is absent or relatively unsuccessful, may better fit the Grand Fir Series.

Vanilla leaf was always present in the sampled stands with Engelmann spruce, and ABGR/

ACTR is the plant Association where these stands best fit.

Those series most commonly confused with the Grand Fir Series in early to mid-seral

stands are the Douglas-Fir, Subalpine Fir and Western Hemlock Series. These are the ones

that typically bound the grand fir zone and consequently can cause identification difficulties in

the transition areas. It is not uncommon to debate the “true” Series on some sites.

Undergrowth in mature forest stands varies from a dense shrub layer difficult to penetrate

to grass and sedge-dominated swards that entice the visitor to linger and relax. Few undergrowth

species occur across all types in the Series and none are confined to this Series. Some of the

most ubiquitous species include baldhip rose, shiny-leaf spirea, pachistima and pinegrass. Most

other species are more restricted in their distribution within the Series. Important factors

governing species patterns include water availability, temperature, parent material and past

disturbances, including grazing, logging and fire.

A number of understory species are common to this Series and almost never found in

the drier Douglas-fir, Ponderosa Pine or Oak Series. Generally, stands containing starry solomonplume, queencup beadlily, Hooker fairybells, vine maple, Cascade Oregon grape or vanilla leaf

are able to support a Series more moist than Douglas-fir, pine or oak. The presence of species

such as dwarf bramble, oak fern or skunkleaf polemonium indicates more moist, maritime or

cooler Series such as Western Hemlock, Pacific Silver Fir, Subalpine Fir or Mountain Hemlock.

On many sites, dense shrubfields typify early successional stages after logging, fires and

other disturbances. Perturbation types, timing and intensity, combined with species composition

prior to disturbance, are important modifiers of secondary succession. In spite of the complexity

of possible successional path, some general patterns exist. Fall broadcast burns tend to favor

development of redstem and snowbrush ceanothus, with vine maple and Scouler willow more

favored by spring burns. Fall burns meet the scarification and cold wet stratification needs of

ceanothus, while spring burns normally do not provide sufficient cold-wet seed stratification for

maximum germination. If ceanothus was common on the site prior to burning, it will resprout

vigorously. However, even if little ceanothus is evident, seed viability for propagules born in the

duff is many years. Similar inferences can be made for other species from data in Appendix D.

Spring burning favors species that resprout from root crowns but whose seeds are not stored for

long periods of time in the soil.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Tree productivity is generally good in this Series (See

Appendix C). Site index values for Douglas-fir, grand fir and ponderosa pine ranged from 44-

84, 59-96 (base 50) and 88-135 (base 100) respectively. Total basal areas vary from a low of 161

sq. ft./ac. to a high of 282 sq. ft./ac.

Within most of this Series (all but the moist end), as in the Douglas-fir Series, fire prior

to European settlement often resulted in open-growth stands of fire resistant seral trees. Fires
89

were typically frequent and of low intensity. Grand fir was present in unburned areas, but

generally was much less common and abundant than today. Douglas-fir, ponderosa pine and

western larch were the most common tree dominants, being resistant to fires after they have

matured enough to develop the characteristic thick, corky, insulating bark typical of the species.

Stand-replacement fires were rare in stands in this condition. The advent of vigorous fire

protection has resulted in longer time periods between ground fires, the development of “ladders”

of grand firs of various age classes, and in the subsequent susceptibility of these stands to standreplacement fires. Only in the moist end of the Grand Fir Series were frequent, low-intensity

fires uncommon. On very moist grand fir sites, conditions were conducive to less frequent fires

that were of higher intensity, usually resulting in stand replacement. After high intensity fires,

throughout the Grand Fir Series, seral trees are the first to regenerate and claim the open sites.

Lodgepole pine can form dense stands in these instances if present in the previous stand.

Stands within this Series commonly serve as some of the most productive spotted owl

habitats on the Wenatchee NF. Large amounts of dead and down material and multiple structural

layers (often the result of lack of natural fire) provide habitat suitable to meet the owl’s

requirements. The stands within the Series also tend to be relatively warm and therefore important

fawning and forage areas in the spring for large ungulates.

Mature and late seral stands are not normally well suited to domestic livestock grazing,

except for the ABGR/CARU and ABGR/CARU-LUPIN types, because of the low amount of

palatable forage produced in mature stands. Early seral stages may provide high quantities of

forage and consequently serve as excellent transitional range. Areas with high shrub cover are

useful for wildlife, providing both forage and cover.

Armillaria root rot is present in nearly 80% of stands examined in the Grand Fir Series

in the northern Rocky Mountains (McDonald and others 1987b). Armillaria, and laminated

and Annosum root diseases are also very common on the Wenatchee NF (Paul Flanagan, personal

communication; Hessburg and others 1994). Laminated root rot andArmillaria root disease are

now common within the Douglas-fir and grand fir in this Series. New centers of Annosum root

disease are emerging in grand fir climax areas, especially where large grand fir trees were previously

harvested. Pathogenicity of Armillaria root rot is low in undisturbed stands, whereas the incidence

of pathogenicity is increased threefold if the sites have been subject to man-caused disturbance

(i.e., logging or road building; McDonald and others 1987b). Also, the more productive the

site, the less the incidence of pathogenicity in undisturbed sites. Thus, the more productive a

site is, the less total effect a pathogen has. Apparently this is because the total environmental

and biological stress on productive sites does not exceed the adaptive tolerance of the trees.

Sites in climax tree Series with lower productivities, such as the Douglas-fir or Subalpine Fir

Series, have much higher rates of pathogenicity but lower overall incidence of the pathogen

(McDonald and others 1987a). Dwarf mistletoe infections are more widely distributed and

more severely damaging than ever before (Hessburg and others 1994). Dwarf mistletoe infections

are a major cause of mortality in western larch ( Jim Hadfield, personal communication). With

the increase in grand fir on sites that historically supported little, there has been a subsequent

increase in Indian paint fungus.

As fire frequency has decreased in recent years, insect outbreaks have increased as stands

shifted towards being overstocked, late successional ones. The most important insect pests are

western pine beetle, mountain pine beetle, pine engraver beetle, Douglas-fir beetle, fir engraver,

western spruce budworm and the Douglas-fir tussuck moth (Hessburg and others 1994).

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: A Grand Fir Series has been described

by numerous authors. A partial list of the areas and workers includes the Cascades (Topik and

others 1988; Topik 1989); eastern Washington and Oregon (Daubenmire and Daubenmire

1968; Hall 1973; Clausnitzer and Zamora 1987; John and others 1988; Williams and others

1990; Johnson and Clausnitzer 1992); northern Idaho (Cooper and others 1991); and Montana
90

(Pfister and others 1977). A variety of plant Associations have been described, from quite xeric

to quite moist. Typically, grand fir is the climax tree in areas too dry or continental for more

shade tolerant trees like western hemlock, and yet with enough moisture that grand fir can

reproduce successfully and outcompete the ubiquitous Douglas-fir.

Keys to Plant Associations

of the Grand Fir Series

Before using the key, the field form in Appendix E should be completed. Refer to the “Using the

Keys” section in the introduction for more information on key use and if the stand does not key.

Note: CT refers to Community Type.

Vanilla leaf > 5% ................................................. ABGR/ACTR p. 100

Vine maple > 5%

Shiny-leaf spirea and prince’s pine > 1%........... ABGR/ACCI-CHUM CT p. 96

Starry solomonplume or queencup beadlily >1% .. ABGR/ACCI/CLUN CT p. 98

Otherwise ....................................................... ABGR/ACCI CT p. 94

Cascade Oregon grape > 5%

Pinegrass or elk sedge, or both together > 5% ..... ABGR/BENE/CARU p. 108

Otherwise ....................................................... ABGR/BENE p. 106

Pinemat manzanita or bearberry > 10%.................. ABGR/ARNE p. 104

Mountain snowberry > 5% .................................... ABGR/SYOR p. 120

Common or creeping snowberry > 2%, pinegrass

usually well represented ........................................ ABGR/SYAL/CARU p. 118

Ocean-spray > 5%; pinegrass usually

well represented ................................................... ABGR/HODI/CARU CT p. 114

Bracken fern and shiny-leaf spirea > 1%,

slope >25%, soils with ash or pumice .................... ABGR/SPBEL/PTAQ CT p. 116

Heartleaf arnica or broadleaf arnica and elk

sedge present and pinegrass < 5%; elevation

> 3000' .......................................................... ABGR/ARCO p. 102

Lupine spp. > 5% ................................................ ABGR/CARU-LUPIN CT p. 112

Pinegrass > 5%

Cascade Oregon grape present ......................... ABGR/BENE/CARU p. 108

Otherwise ....................................................... ABGR/CARU p. 110
91

Average Summary Productivity Estimates by Type 1

# INTENSIVE #TREES/ TBA QUAD MEAN STAND DENSITY HERBAGE

TYPE PLOTS ACRE DIAM. INDEX

ABGR/ACCI 4 359 228 12 401 151

ABGR/ACCI-CHUM 5 257 246 14 401 23

ABGR/ACCI/CLUN 11 324 280 15 443 20

ABGR/ACTR 19 380 262 13 447 66

ABGR/ARCO 15 726 282 11 531 35

ABGR/ARNE 7 282 161 11 284 161

ABGR/BENE 39 483 237 11 431 25

ABGR/BENE/CARU 11 528 251 11 463 150

ABGR/CARU 16 356 185 11 332 193

ABGR/CARU-LUPIN 12 368 198 12 354 505

ABGR/HODI/CARU 2 255 212 12 357 164

ABGR/SPBEL/PTAQ 16 267 223 14 368 123

ABGR/SYAL/CARU 22 362 236 12 410 58

ABGR/SYOR 4 192 209 15 328 200

1 Type = Plant Association or Community Type (in alphabetical order); # Intensive plots indicates the number of plots

used to derive the values; # Trees/ac is the number of trees per acre; TBA is the total basal area in square feet per acre

based on prism counts; Quadratic mean diameter is the diameter to the nearest inch of a tree of average basal area;

Stand density index is from Reineke 1933; and Herbage is the pounds per acre of air dry herbaceous vegetation at the

time of sampling as derived from a double-sampling technique.
92

Site index, growth basal area, and GBA

volume estimates by species and type 2

TYPE SPECIES #SI TREES SI #GBA TREES GBA VOL AGE

ABGR/ACCI ABGR 3 96 3 511 343 63

PIPO 3 108 3 292 139 55

PSME 20 80 20 336 190 72

ABGR/ACCI-CHUM ABGR 10 86 10 393 236 79

PIMO 3 69 3 399 194 73

PSME 24 79 25 242 139 104

ABGR/ACCI/CLUN ABGR 33 90 46 395 263 81

PIPO 3 135 4 411 244 136

PSME 40 84 40 299 185 79

ABGR/ACTR ABGR 24 72 40 349 173 100

LAOC 8 63 8 204 89 85

PSME 64 78 78 274 159 125

ABGR/ARCO ABGR 25 59 50 272 112 109

LAOC 4 64 4 363 163 70

PIPO 2 89 14 230 71 186

PSME 38 60 46 272 113 121

ABGR/ARNE PICO 3 42 3 135 39 126

PIPO 14 88 18 154 58 117

PSME 14 44 21 156 59 175

ABGR/BENE ABGR 45 64 74 249 113 98

LAOC 43 61 45 169 74 99

PICO 10 58 10 124 50 103

PIMO 3 56 3 191 75 87

PIPO 8 102 13 250 70 128

PSME 153 67 159 218 104 93

ABGR/BENE/CARU ABGR 8 70 12 242 114 90

LAOC 6 62 6 390 173 91

PICO 8 57 8 157 62 89

PIPO 11 105 20 172 78 119

PSME 40 66 43 261 120 115

ABGR/CARU ABGR 3 70 3 175 86 66

PICO 8 57 8 111 42 75

PIPO 28 107 37 211 105 104

PSME 60 66 69 212 102 110

ABGR/CARU-LUPIN LAOC 10 60 10 159 65 76

PICO 13 53 13 171 63 85

PIPO 6 90 13 183 77 153

PSME 45 52 46 214 79 118

ABGR/HODI/CARU PIPO 3 95 6 194 79 147

PSME 15 69 15 258 122 111

ABGR/SPBEL/PTAQ ABGR 3 60 3 215 89 81

PICO 13 60 13 190 80 78

PIMO 3 62 3 247 107 73

PIPO 34 113 36 214 106 106

PSME 77 82 77 283 164 77

ABGR/SYAL/CARU ABGR 11 61 17 260 111 93

LAOC 9 66 9 150 70 98

PIPO 17 110 17 202 99 94

PSME 101 69 103 249 121 89

ABGR/SYOR PIPO 14 94 14 268 110 83

PSME 10 69 10 233 111 73

2 Type = Plant Association or Community Type (in alphabetical order); Species = tree species for which the estimates

are made; GBA is Growth Basal Area (Hall 1983); VOL = an estimate of wood production in cubic feet/acre/year from

an empirical formula based on site index and GBA (Hall 1983, personal communication); and SI is the average site

index (all trees base 50 except ABAM, ABPR, PIPO and TSME which are base 100-See Introduction for Site index

curve sources. #GBA trees is the number of trees used to make the GBA estimates; #SI trees is the number of trees used

to determine the Site Index values.
93

Plant Associations Groups (PAGs) are arranged so that similar ecological sites are grouped on

a temperature and moisture scale. Temperature values (from hot to cold) are hot, warm, cool

and cold while moisture values are (from dry to wet) dry, mesic, moist and wet. WEN is used to

indentify Wenatchee plant Associations that are considered ecologically different from likenamed Associations described elsewhere. (M) refers to miscellaneous plant Associations that

are described elsewhere but were uncommon or undersampled, or both, on the Wenatchee NF.

GRAND FIR

PLANT ASSOCIATION

GROUPS

1. Warm Dry Shrub/Herb PAG

• ABGR/ARNE

• ABGR/HODI/CARU

• ABGR/SYOR

2. Warm Mesic Shrub/Herb PAG

• ABGR/SPBEL/PTAQ

• ABGR/SYAL/CARU

3. Warm Moist Shrub/Herb PAG

• ABGR/ACCI WEN

• ABGR/ACCI-CHUM

• ABGR/ACCI/CLUN

4. Cool Dry Grass PAG

• ABGR/ARCO

• ABGR/CARU WEN

• ABGR/CARU-LUPIN

5. Cool Mesic Shrub/Herb PAG

• ABGR/BENE

• ABGR/BENE/CARU

6. Cool Moist Shrub/Herb PAG

• ABGR/ACTR WEN

GRAND FIR

PLANT ASSOCIATIONS

AND ECOCLASS CODES

ABGR/ACCI WEN CWS551

ABGR/ACCI-CHUM CWS552

ABGR/ACCI/CLUN CWS553

ABGR/ACTR WEN CWS524

ABGR/ARCO CWF444

ABGR/ARNE CWS338

ABGR/BENE CWS225

ABGR/BENE/CARU CWS226

ABGR/CARU WEN CWG124

ABGR/CARU-LUPIN CWG125

ABGR/HODI/CARU CWS554

ABGR/SPBEL/PTAQ CWS335

ABGR/SYAL/CARU CWS336

ABGR/SYOR CWS337
94

ABGR/ACCI WEN COMMUNITY TYPE CWS551

Abies grandis/Acer circinatum

grand fir/vine maple

SLIDE 18

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 1900-3680 (2614) ft.

Aspect: southerly

Slope: 8-68 (37) %

Slope position: U, M, L 1/3

Special: warm, mesic, productive, maritime

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 13)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 100 48

ABGR grand fir 77 13

PIPO ponderosa pine 54 12

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABGR grand fir 77 3

ACMA bigleaf maple 23 4

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

ACCI vine maple 100 43

ROGY baldhip rose 92 4

PAMY pachistima 77 5

BENE Cascade Oregon grape 69 4

SYMOH creeping snowberry 54 6

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea 54 5

CHME little prince’s pine 38 1

ACGLD Douglas maple 23 3

PREM bitter cherry 15 4

HERBS

TRLA2 western starflower 85 4

CARU pinegrass 54 8

OSCH sweetroot 38 2

GOOB w. rattlesnake plantain 38 2

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The ABGR/ACCI type was sampled

from the southern part of the Lake Wenatchee

District, the north end of the Leavenworth

District, and the portion of the Cle Elum

District north of Interstate 90. It occurs

mainly on middle and lower slopes below 3000

feet, although one sample stand was at nearly

3700 ft. and two stands were on upper slopes.

Soils are generally developing in ash,

tephra, glacial deposits or in landslide deposits.

Pumice was also present in some soils. All

these regolith types have the potential to be

well drained. Most soils have gravels or

cobbles in the surface horizons. A thick leaf

litter layer covers soil surfaces.

This type indicates warm, mesic habitats

with some maritime climatic influence and

well-drained soils.

In and around the Wenatchee NF, vine

maple is limited to warm, mesic and maritime

sites in the Cascades and nearby foothills.
95

ABGR/ACCI WEN COMMUNITY TYPE

VEGETATION: Only 4 of 13 plots provide information on stand age. Douglas-fir and grand fir

are in the overstory in most stands. Grand fir is normally a minor overstory component until

later in the sere. Early in the sere, Douglas-fir is usually dominant over grand fir, which tends

to be lower in height. In some stands ponderosa pine may share dominance with Douglas-fir.

In late seral or climax stands, however, it is apparent that grand fir dominates the overstory and

regeneration layers. Tree regeneration is often sparse and sporadic, especially where vine maple

forms a dense canopy. Grand fir is usually the sole reproducing tree species. Bigleaf maple may

be present in a few stands and will apparently persist for many years.

The ABGR/ACCI type often has two canopy layers of conifers with Douglas-fir or ponderosa

pine, or both, forming the tallest layer, then a shorter intermediate canopy formed by grand fir.

Under or about the same height as the grand fir is an additional layer formed by vine maple, or

occasionally bigleaf maple. Inmature stands the multiple canopies intercept most of the incoming

light and light levels at the forest floor are dim, allowing little development of other shrubs or

herbs. If the canopy is opened up, a wide variety of shrubs and herbs may be found on the sites.

Eventual climax dominance for the shrub and herb layers is presently unknown for the

ABGR/ACCI Community Type. Vine maple typically forms a dense canopy covering more

than 50% of the plot. Presumably, vine maple will decline in cover as stands exceed 150 years in

age and maintain itself using canopy gaps in the oldest stands, but the data includes no old

stands. Baldhip rose and creeping snowberry are usually present, though only in small amounts.

A variety of other shrub species can occasionally found, always with low abundance.

The herbaceous layer is inconspicuous under the dense tree and shrub canopy. Western

starflower is the only herbaceous species likely to occur on most sites. Few other species can be

found and all have low abundance. Leaf litter covers most of the soil surface.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: This is one of the most productive sites for tree growth in

the Grand Fir Series. Site index values for grand fir, Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine (from only

4 plots) average 96, 80 (base 50) and 108 (base 100) respectively and total basal area averages

228 sq. ft./ac. (Appendix C). Vine maple is a strong competitor, with conifer establishment

early in the sere, and can resprout vigorously after fire or clearcutting. Studies in the northern

Rocky Mountains indicate that shrub competition and abundance is higher on sites that have

been clearcut and then broadcast burned. Shelterwoods normally have less total shrub cover

than clearcuts. The ABGR/ACCI type may respond similarly.

Fire was common in these habitats. Charcoal on logs and fire scars on trees and stumps are

ubiquitous. None of the 4 sample stands where tree age data were available exceeded 100 years.

Multi-layered stands contain a lot of ladder fuels, so when fires occur, they are almost always

crown fires. Fire helps maintain the abundance of vine maple because vine maple resprouts from

the root crown. Even though the maple’s presence indicates a relatively mesic environment, it

also indicates, on the Wenatchee NF, a warm environment conducive to frequent burns.

The multiple canopies provide considerable habitat for arboreal mammals and birds.

Although herbage production is low (151 lbs./acre; Appendix C), livestock might seek out this

type for shade.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: Except on the Yakima Indian Reservation

( John and others 1988), the ABGR/ACCI type has not been described in most areas adjacent

to the Wenatchee. The Yakima Reservation type appears to include both the ABGR/ACCI

and ABGR/ACCI/CLUN types described on the Wenatchee. Variations of the ABGR/ACCI

type have been described on the Mt. Hood and Gifford Pinchot National Forests. However, in

both of these classifications, vine maple was a prominent shrub in a number of other types as

well (Topik 1989; Topik and others 1988). The ABGR/ACCI type appears to be included in

the Mt. Hood classification as ABGR/TRLA2.
96

ABGR/ACCI-CHUM COMMUNITY TYPE CWS552

Abies grandis/Acer circinatum-Chimaphila umbellata

grand fir/vine maple-western prince’s pine

Vine maple (ACCI), an indicator of the

ABGR/ACCI/CHUM Association.

SLIDE 19

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 1900-3680 (2413) ft.

Aspect: south to west

Slope: 1-65 (26) %

Slope position: M, L 1/3, benches

Special: warm, mesic, productive

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 12)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 100 31

ABGR grand fir 92 19

PIPO ponderosa pine 75 11

PICO lodgepole pine 50 9

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABGR grand fir 100 6

PSME Douglas-fir 42 3

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

ACCI vine maple 100 36

PAMY pachistima 100 9

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea 100 6

CHUMO w. prince’s pine 100 5

ROGY baldhip rose 92 3

RUPA thimbleberry 83 5

BENE Cascade Oregon grape 67 4

AMAL serviceberry 67 2

PYPI whitevein pyrola 67 2

VAME big huckleberry 58 11

 HERBS

PTAQ bracken fern 100 4

SMST starry solomonplume 92 5

TRLA2 western starflower 67 4

ADBI pathfinder 67 2

CLUN queencup beadlily 58 8

GOOB w. rattlesnake plantain 58 2

CARU pinegrass 50 11

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The ABGR/ACCI-CHUM Community

Type was sampled only in the Lake

Wenatchee, Leavenworth and Cle Elum

Districts. Most stands were located near Lake

Wenatchee or in the Chiwawa River drainage.

It occurs on lower slopes and benches,

generally below 3000 feet elevation (one stand

at 3680 ft.). Stands at the upper elevation

distribution limits of the type are found on

steep, southerly or westerly slopes. Most

stands, however, are found on gentle lower

slopes, benches or bottoms with southerly or

westerly aspects.

Glacial outwash covered by pumice and

ash is the primary regolith material (half the

plots had pumice). Soils are gravelly and show

little horizon development. The litter or duff

layer is usually more than 1 in. thick and can

be more than 4 in. thick.

These are relatively warm and mesic

habitats but the presence of huckleberries and

spruce indicate somewhat cooler conditions

than the ABGR/ACCI type, probably from

cold air accumulation. This type is bounded

on more moist habitats by the ABGR/ACCI/

CLUN Community Type.

In the area of the Wenatchee Forest, vine

maple is limited to the Cascades and nearby

foothills.
97

ABGR/ACCI-CHUM COMMUNITY TYPE

VEGETATION: The oldest sample stand is less than 200 years old, so late seral or climax

conditions are unknown. Douglas-fir, lodgepole pine, ponderosa pine or grand fir may be stand

dominants. Multiple conifer canopies are not seen as often in this type as in the ABGR/ACCI

Community Type. Grand fir and Douglas-fir are often near the same age and height. Lodgepole

pine suggests somewhat cooler or more moist conditions that those in the ABGR/ACCI type.

All mid-seral stands in this type contain scattered ponderosa pine or lodgepole pine that are

remnants of pioneer stands. Grand fir is the dominant reproduction tree. Scattered Douglasfir, ponderosa pine or lodgepole pine seedlings may be found.

Vine maple dominates the relatively rich shrub undergrowth. Unlike the other vine maple

types in the Grand Fir Series, here vine maple generally has less than 50% cover in mid-seral

stands. Consequently, associated shrubs and herbs are more often abundant. Vine maple shows

no sign of decline in the oldest stand, so eventual loss or replacement of vine maple by other

species is speculative. Other shrubs include prince’s pine, pachistima, shiny leaf spirea, Cascade

Oregon grape, baldhip rose and thimbleberry. Big huckleberry may be abundant on cooler sites.

The herbaceous layer is less floristically rich than in the ABGR/ACCI/CLUN type, but

still contains several characteristic species. Bracken fern is constant and seems to have a strong

affinity for sites with soils that have ash or pumice in their upper horizons. Other herbs present

in more than half the stands, and which may be abundant, include queencup beadlily, starry

solomonplume, western rattlesnake plantain, pinegrass and western starflower.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: As with all of the vine maple types within the Grand Fir Series

this is a very productive site for tree growth (Appendix C). Early in the sere vine maple is a strong

competitor with conifer establishment, and it can resprout vigorously after fire or clearcutting. Studies

in the northern Rocky Mountains indicate that shrub competition and abundance is higher on sites

that have been clearcut and then broadcast burned. Shelterwoods normally have less total shrub

cover than clearcuts. Ladder fuels are common and the type is predisposed to intense wildfires. The

soils are easily eroded or displaced. Because of the ease with which erosion by water or wind can

occur, care should be take to protect the pumice and ash layers from disturbance. Much of the

nutrient and moisture holding capacity of the soils is from the ash or fine pumice layers.

Fire is a frequent occurrence in these stands. Charcoal and fire scars are found in nearly every

sample stand. Fire helps maintain the abundance of vine maple because it resprouts from the root

crown. Fires appear to replace stands rather than underburn. Fire return intervals for this type are

probably between 50 and 200 years (Agee 1994). Tree ages from the 5 intensively sampled stands

ranged from 73-188 at breast height. Most stands were under 100 years old.

Disease and insect problems seem to be few in the ABGR/ACCI-CHUM Community

Type, according to field notes. This may only be the result of the small sample size, or perhaps

past intense fires served to sanitize the stands. It is unlikely that these relatively warm, moist sites

are inherently resistant to pathogens. Many of these stands, although they support abundant

grand fir, appear unusually healthy. Dwarf mistletoe may be an occasional problem and Douglasfir and grand fir, like most true firs, are susceptible to a variety of root and trunk rots.

The multiple canopies provide considerable habitat for a variety of arboreal mammals and

birds.

Herbage production is only about 20 lbs./acre (Appendix C). Livestock might use this

type for shade.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: The ABGR/ACCI-CHUM Association

has not been described in areas adjacent to the Wenatchee NF. Variations of ABGR/ACCI

types have been described on the Mt. Hood and Gifford Pinchot NFs. However, in both of

these classifications vine maple was present in a number of other types as well (Topik 1989;

Topik and others 1988). The ABGR/ACCI-CHUM type appears to be included in the Mt.

Hood’s ABGR/TRLA2 type and possibly in the ABGR/ACCI type described on the Yakima

Indian Reservation ( John and others 1988).
98

ABGR/ACCI/CLUN COMMUNITY TYPE CWS553

Abies grandis/Acer circinatum/Clintonia uniflora

grand fir/vine maple/queencup beadlily

Queencup beadlily (CLUN), an

indicator of the ABGR/ACCI/CLUN

Association.

SLIDE 20

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 1860-2900 (2308) ft.

Aspect: variable

Slope: 1-57 (19) %

Slope position: M, L 1/3, benches, bottoms

Special: warm, mesic, productive

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 21)

CON COV

 TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 95 36

ABGR grand fir 95 36

PIPO ponderosa pine 33 8

 TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABGR grand fir 71 4

 SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

ACCI vine maple 100 43

BENE Cascade Oregon grape 100 5

PAMY pachistima 81 4

ROGY baldhip rose 81 3

CHME little prince’s pine 76 2

RUPA thimbleberry 52 2

RUUR Pacific blackberry 43 2

 HERBS

CLUN queencup beadlily 86 7

TROV trillium 76 2

SMST starry solomonplume 71 6

SMRA feather solomonplume 67 4

ADBI pathfinder 57 2

DIHO Hooker fairybells 48 4

GOOB w. rattlesnake plantain 48 2

PTAQ bracken fern 43 3

ASCA3 wild ginger 38 4

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

This type was sampled mainly from the

Lake Wenatchee District, but it can be found

in the northwestern part of the Leavenworth

District and one plot came from near Lake

Cle Elum on the Cle Elum District. It is

mainly found on benches, lower slopes or in

canyon bottoms on gentle topography below

2500 ft.

The regolith typically is a heterogeneous

mixture derived from debris flows, alluvium

or glacial outwash. There were a few plots on

sandstone. Soils are usually gravelly and have

organic horizons up to 6 in. thick. Soils are

damp but not wet. Some stands may have

impeded drainage.

This type indicates a warm, moist low

elevation site, with few species to indicate any

significant effects of cold air drainage. Drier

sites usually support the ABGR/ACCI/

CHUM or AGGR/ACCI Associations.

Stands with wild ginger indicate the moist end

of the type.
99

ABGR/ACCI/CLUN COMMUNITY TYPE

VEGETATION: The oldest sample stand is less than 150 years old and most were under 100

years in age. Late seral or near climax conditions are not known. At least some of the stands

that key to the ABGR/ACCI/CLUN Community Type may be a successional stage in the sere

of the TSHE/ASCA3 or TSHE/ACCI/ASCA3 Associations, although the data are not

conclusive. Douglas-fir is the primary overstory dominant in mid-seral stands. Grand fir is a

significant component in most stands and it may dominate the overstory fairly early in some

stands. Except for a rare ponderosa pine or an occasional bigleaf maple, few other tree species

seem to occur. Regeneration is very sparse in mid-seral stands, due in large part to the deep

shade cast by grand fir in the overstory. Grand fir is usually the sole reproducing tree species,

although bigleaf maple or Engelmann spruce may also be found. Western redcedar is an

accidental species in the type. Two-storied stands are common, with grand fir often being

shorter than associated Douglas-firs of approximately the same age.

Vine maple strongly dominates the undergrowth and shows no sign of decline in cover in

our oldest stand. There are several other shrub species often present, though seldom abundant,

including Cascade Oregon grape, pachistima and little prince’s pine. A large number of other

shrub species occur, but none with any consistency or abundance.

The herbaceous layer is conspicuous, and composed of species indicating moist conditions.

Herbaceous dominants usually include queencup beadlily, starry solomonplume, feather

solomonplume, wild ginger and trillium. Stands with wild ginger may be early seral stages of

TSHE/ASCA3 or TSHE/ACCI/ASCA3 Associations that presently lack western hemlock or

western redcedar. It is possible that a combination of fire-induced mortality and removal of

potential seed sources has kept these two shade tolerant trees from re-establishing.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: The ABGR/ACCI/CLUN Community Type has the

highest timber productivity of any site in the Grand Fir Series. Average basal area for the type

is 280 sq. ft./ac and the site index (base 50) for Douglas-fir is 84 (Appendix C). Vine maple

may compete with conifer establishment early in the sere and can resprout vigorously after fire

or clearcutting. Studies in the northern Rocky Mountains (although vine maple is absent there)

indicate that shrub competition and abundance is higher on sites that have been clearcut and

broadcast burned. Shelterwoods normally have less total shrub cover than clearcuts. Site

productivity should be protected by following the guidelines of Harvey and others (1987), i.e.,

by leaving adequate organic materials on the sites. Moist soils are easily compacted. These

sheltered, moist sites in lower slope positions are areas of moisture accumulation. Removal of

trees may raise water tables on the sites because of reduced evapo-transpiration (particularly in

stands with wild ginger). Frost potential in natural stands is low, but the sites are in topographic

positions that may accumulate cold air if canopies are removed. Disease and insect problems

seem to be few, according to the field notes. Perhaps past intense fires served to sanitize the

stands. It is unlikely that these relatively warm, moist sites are inherently resistant to pathogens.

Many of these stands, although they support abundant grand fir, appear unusually healthy.

Douglas-fir may have dwarf mistletoe, and there have been a few instances of root rot noted.

Fire indicators, such as scars on stumps or charcoal, are common and point to recurrent fires.

Ladder fuels are also common, predisposing the type to intense wildfires. These warm habitats may

burn relatively frequently, inhibiting the development of old-growth conditions. Further, many of

these low elevation sites are relatively accessible and may have been logged by early settlers.

Multiple canopies of conifers and vine maple provide a wide range of habitats for arboreal

mammals and birds. Herbage production in low (Appendix C).

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: The ABGR/ACCI/CLUN Association

has not been described in areas adjacent to the Wenatchee NF. However, variations of an

ABGR/ACCI type have been described on the Mt. Hood and Gifford Pinchot National Forests

(Topik 1989; Topik and others 1988), and many of their other types have vine maple. The

ABGR/ACCI/CLUN type appears to be included in the ABGR/ACCI type described for the

Yakima Indian Reservation ( John and others 1988).
100

ABGR/ACTR WEN ASSOCIATION CWS524

Abies grandis/Achlys triphylla

grand fir/vanilla leaf

SLIDE 21

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 2130-4870 (3386) ft.

Aspect: variable

Slope: 1-84 (29) %

Slope position: U, M, L 1/3, benches, bottoms

Special: somewhat cool, mesic

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 43)

CON COV

 TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

ABGR grand fir 95 31

PSME Douglas-fir 91 31

LAOC western larch 40 8

PIMO western white pine 30 4

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABGR grand fir 98 9

PSME Douglas-fir 37 2

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

ROGY baldhip rose 86 7

BENE Cascade Oregon grape 84 9

CHUMO w. prince’s pine 79 4

LIBOL twinflower 63 11

PAMY pachistima 67 3

PYSE sidebells pyrola 60 2

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea 58 4

SYMOH creeping snowberry 51 5

VAME big huckleberry 37 6

HERBS

ACTR vanilla leaf 100 14

GOOB w. rattlesnake plantain 81 2

ARMA3 bigleaf sandwort 69 3

OSCH sweetroot 62 2

TROV trillium 59 2

TRLA2 western starflower 47 4

CLUN queencup beadlily 44 3

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The ABGR/ACTR Association was

sampled from just south of Leavenworth on

the Leavenworth District to the southern

border of the Forest. It is most common in

maritime areas of the Cle Elum and Naches

Districts.

These are cool, well-watered and

productive sites. They are cool sites for the

Grand Fir Series. The type occurs on

moderately-steep to flat slopes, generally with

a northerly aspect. Most stands are over 3000

feet. Sites are sheltered, sometimes by

adjoining ridges, and often have flat or concave

slope configurations. Most stands occur in

upslope locations.

The regolith varies in composition. Ash,

tephra and basalts form the majority of the

parent materials, although alluvium

predominates on flat canyon bottoms, and

colluvium is characteristic of the toe slope and

lower slope positions. Soils are deep,

somewhat well-drained, well-watered and not

very stony. Sites on old landslides are still

inherently unstable.

The ABGR/ACTR type may be

adjoined on slightly more moist sites by the

TSHE/ACTR Association. Better-drained

uplands sites will often fall in the ABGR/

BENE or ABGR/BENE/CARU

Associations. Warmer, lower elevation sites

often support one of the ABGR/ACCI types.
101

ABGR/ACTR WEN ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: The oldest sample stands are nearly 300 years old. All plots over 150 years are

at elevations above 4000 feet. In the oldest stands, Douglas-fir may be 200 years older than

associated grand firs. Long-lived seral species that may remain for several hundred years include

western larch, Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine. Grand fir can be dominant in the tree overstory

at any stage in the tree sere, depending on stand history and disturbance history. Stands on

relatively cold, moist flats often have little Douglas-fir. Instead, Engelmann spruce can become

an important species, although grand fir is obviously more successful, and subalpine fir is an

accidental species. Western larch or ponderosa pine can be found on some of the lower slope

stands, with the ponderosa restricted to the warmest sites within the type. Grand fir is usually

the sole regenerating species, except on the moist flats, where Engelmann spruce regeneration

can occur in small amounts.

An herb-rich undergrowth mixed with low-growing shrubs is characteristic. A number of

shrubs are typically present, although seldom abundant. Common species include baldhip rose,

sidebells pyrola, twinflower, pachistima, prince’s pine, shiny-leaf spirea, creeping snowberry,

common snowberry and Cascade Oregon grape.

Vanilla leaf is usually the most abundant herb and is characteristic of the type. A rich

assortment of other herbs occur in each stand, but are seldom abundant. Common species

include western rattlesnake plantain, bigleaf sandwort, trillium, starry solomonplume, sidebells

pyrola and sweetroot. Pathfinder can be abundant in some stands. Ground moss often occurs

in small amounts. Ladyfern indicates sites at the wet end of the range of soil moisture conditions

representative of the type. Ladyfern and spruce were well represented in a few plots, suggesting

the possible need for an ABLA2/ATFI type in the future riparian classification.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: These are very productive stands, with high basal areas and

site indexes for the Grand Fir Series. Basal areas average 262 sq. ft./acre and site index values for

grand fir and Douglas-fir are 72 and 78 (base 50), respectively (Appendix C). This type should be

easy to manage if the soils are not unstable. Soils are easily compacted by equipment, and harvest

may cause high water tables because of reduced evapo-transpiration. Frost pockets can develop on

flats if attention is not paid to local topography and air drainage patterns.

Sites under 3500 feet appear to burn more frequently than sites over that elevation, perhaps

reflecting a “thermal belt” of more frequent fire occurrence. Many stands have fire scars and

charred bark on Douglas-fir or western larch, indicating they periodically underburned in the

past. This may account for the wide range in ages between dominant Douglas-firs and

subdominant grand firs.

Field notes mention that a variety of root and bole diseases are common, especially on

grand fir. Mistletoe is common on both grand fir and Douglas-fir. Older stands often contain

considerable snags and logs. Pileated woodpeckers were observed several times while sampling.

Field notes indicate heavy use by wild and domestic ungulates. Forage and browse are

abundant, as are water and cover. Deer and elk trails and beds are common. Mature stands with

snags, logs and multiple tree canopies provide habitat and forage for a variety of wildlife, including

cavity excavators, fossorial mammals and arboreal species.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: An ABGR/ACTR Association has

been described on the Mt. Hood NF (Topik 1989) and it appears to be the same as the Wenatchee

ABGR/ACTR type. The Gifford Pinchot NF (Topik and others 1988) does not describe an

ABGR/ACTR as such, but does describe a number of types where vanilla leaf is an important

component. The Wenatchee ABGR/ACTR encompasses the ABGR/BENE/ACTR and

ABGR/SYMOH/ACTR described on the Gifford Pinchot NF.
102

ABGR/ARCO ASSOCIATION CWF444

Abies grandis/Arnica cordifolia

grand fir/heartleaf arnica

Heartleaf arnica (ARCO), an indicator

of the ABGR/ACCI/CLUN Association.

SLIDE 22

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 2940-5130 (4313) ft.

Aspect: variable

Slope: 1-84 (29) %

Slope position: Ridge, U, M, L 1/3, bench

Special: cool-cold, mesic

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 24)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 100 24

ABGR grand fir 96 37

LAOC western larch 63 5

PIPO ponderosa pine 58 11

PIEN Engelmann spruce 8 13

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABGR grand fir 100 13

PSME Douglas-fir 54 5

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

PAMY pachistima 63 3

PYSE sidebells pyrola 54 1

CHUMO western prince’s pine 50 3

VAMY low huckleberry 42 3

CHME little prince’s pine 33 1

HERBS

CAGE elk sedge 100 5

ARCO heartleaf arnica 96 3

ARMA3 bigleaf sandwort 92 4

HIAL white hawkweed 63 2

GOOB w. rattlesnake plantain 54 2

LUPIN lupines 48 4

CARU pinegrass 46 3

LAPA2 few-flowered peavine 38 10

CACO northwestrn sedge 33 2

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The ABGR/ARCO Association is best

developed on Table Mountain on the Cle

Elum District but may be found on the Naches

or Leavenworth Districts. One plot was on

the south end of the Entiat District.

This type, at the upper elevations of the

Grand Fir Series, represents cool, sheltered

habitats in areas outside of maritime climatic

influences. The type typically occurs on

moderately steep slopes between 4000 and

5000 feet. Only 3 plots occurred below 3500

ft. Although topographic positions are

predominantly upper to middle slopes, a few

stands occur on ridges, benches and lower 1/3

slopes.

Deep volcanic ash over basalt or

sandstone comprises the regolith. The ash

layer wets slowly and is well drained. Many

profiles show extreme stoniness below the ash.

Organic horizons are 1 to 3 inches thick.

Cooler sites usually support Associations

within the ABLA2 Series.
103

ABGR/ARCO ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: The oldest sample stand was about 220 years old, so late seral or near climax conditions

are not well understood and must be inferred from species composition and successional relationships.

Grand fir becomes dominant in the overstory and tree regeneration layers in stands over 150 years of

age if underburning has been absent. Canopy cover of grand fir alone can exceed 100% (due to

overlapping). The shrub and herb layers are often depauperate in such heavily shaded conditions.

Douglas-fir, larch and occasionally ponderosa pine dominate most seral stands, although grand fir

may also be a significant component. Grand fir (well distributed in all size classes) dominates the

oldest samples, with remnant, large Douglas-fir and western larch forming an emergent canopy

above the grand fir. Larch snags and logs are common. Grand fir dominates the regeneration layer

and may be abundant. Douglas-fir regeneration is often present but is rarely abundant.

Dense shade in mid to late seral stands causes sparse undergrowth. No shrubs were constant.

Medium to tall shrubs are poorly represented in the data. The only relatively consistent shrubs

are low shrubs or subshrubs such as prince’s pine, pachistima and low huckleberry. Heartleaf

arnica, bigleaf sandwort, elk sedge, white hawkweed, and western rattlesnake plantain are all

commonly present in small amounts.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Site index values for grand fir, Douglas-fir and ponderosa

pine are 59, 60 (base 50) and 89 (base 100) respectively. Total basal area at 282 sq. ft./ acre was

higher on this type than for any other in the Grand Fir Series (Appendix C).

Even though natural stands may have little shrub and herb development, the shrub and

herb layers respond vigorously to tree removal. Ross’ sedge, snowbrush ceanothus and sticky

currant often increase dramatically after logging and broadcast burning. Ross’ sedge is not a

component of closed forests but responds to canopy openings. It may compete strongly with

tree seedlings. Snowbrush ceanothus is especially favored by broadcast burning in the fall because

both the seed scarification and cold-wet stratification needs of the seeds are met.

Soil compaction and sometimes frost can cause serious regeneration problems. Frost can

be a problem in some higher elevation stands. Dense shrub and herb communities can also

develop after overstory removal. Until the sites are properly managed for soil and frost protection,

reducing plant competition doesn’t much help reforestation. This is because soil compaction

and frost are the primary causes of reforestation failures and the secondary problem with vegetation

competition develops after sites fail to reforest. Windthrow is common because most tree roots

are in the surface ash layers and do not penetrate deep into the soil profile. Western larch,

ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir and grand fir are suitable for regeneration if frost and compaction

are avoided. Two- or even three-tree canopy layers are common in mid and late seral stands,

thereby providing a diverse habitat for arboreal species and for elk and deer.

Fire scars and charred logs and snags are common. Under a natural fire regime it appears

that seral stands of western larch, Douglas-fir or ponderosa pine had periodic underburns with

moderately long intervals for stand-replacement fires. This type would likely fit into the “cool,

moist Grand Fir Series” addressed by Agee (1994), with fire return intervals of 66 years and

100-200 years. Breast-height tree ages from the data ranged from 64 to 220 years, with 7 of 13

stands over 150 years in age.

Field notes indicate that root and bole rots (including laminated root rot) are common,

especially on grand fir. Many stands have a lot of snags and logs, and pileated woodpeckers

were observed during sampling. Considerable grazing has occurred around these stands. Some

are located along old stock driveways. The soil description for one stand notes a compressed

and hardened soil surface and attributes this to past sheep grazing. Ungulate grazing may have

altered species composition in some stands. Abundant few-flowered peavine, for example, may

indicate past heavy grazing.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: The ABGR/ARCO type has not been

described in areas adjacent to the Wenatchee NF, but an ABGR/ARCO Community Type was

described in the Blue and Ochoco Mountains classification (Johnson and Clausnitzer 1992).
104

ABGR/ARNE ASSOCIATION CWS338

Abies grandis/Arctostaphylos nevadensis

grand fir/pinemat manzanita

SLIDE 23

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 1950-4400 (3307) ft.

Aspect: all

Slope: 2-56 (30) %

Slope position: ridges, U, M, L 1/3, benches

Special: surface & soil rock; dry

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 10)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 100 22

PIPO ponderosa pine 70 19

ABGR grand fir 60 7

PICO lodgepole pine 40 6

LAOC western larch 40 5

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABGR grand fir 90 5

PSME Douglas-fir 90 3

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

ARNE pinemat manzanita 80 28

PAMY pachistima 60 3

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea 70 4

AMAL serviceberry 60 2

VAME big huckleberry 40 10

ROGY baldhip rose 40 2

ARUV bearberry 20 15

VACA dwarf huckleberry 20 13

HERBS

CARU pinegrass 80 23

FEOC western fescue 80 2

CAGE elk sedge 70 6

LUPIN lupines. 60 5

ARMA3 bigleaf sandwort 60 2

HIAL white hawkweed 60 2

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

This type occurs throughout the range

of the Grand Fir Series on the Forest. The

typical stand has very shallow rocky soils and

low productivity.

It is found on ridge tops, upper slopes

and, on occasion, glacial outwash terraces or

till ridges. Slopes generally have low gradients

and the configuration is flat or convex.

Elevations are low to moderate and the

sites are typically warm and effectively dry.

The substrate is a major controlling factor of

the vegetation and, consequently, aspect is not

as crucial for determining the plant

community.

Soils are shallow and stony, often with

exposed bedrock. The type is also occasionally

found on outwash or till, where coarse

fragments are high. Lichens are found on most

exposed rock surfaces. Parent material is

variable, with no preference for any particular

rock type.

Note: Stands on glacial outwash terraces

with pinemat manzanita cover greater than 5%

should be keyed to this Association, even

though they are distinctly different from other

pinemat manzanita stands. They are included

here until more data are collected.
105

ABGR/ARNE ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Douglas-fir, often mixed with a significant amount of ponderosa pine, dominates

the sparse overstory of mid to late seral sample stands. Grand fir, lodgepole pine and several

other tree species may also occur, but only in small amounts. The overstory is usually very open,

almost a woodland in some cases. This is a natural condition, attributable in part to the harsh

sites. Grand fir and Douglas-fir co-dominate the regeneration layer. These sites are open

enough that ponderosa pine and lodgepole pine are sometimes present in the regeneration layer.

The undergrowth often appears to be quite scabby, with abundant surface rock visible

through the prostrate vegetation. Pinemat manzanita and bearberry are considered equivalent

indicators for this type. Dwarf huckleberry commonly occurs on outwash type deposits in areas

of cold air accumulation. Few tall shrubs are present, which enhances the open appearance of

these stands.

Characteristic herbaceous species of the undergrowth include pinegrass, western fescue,

elk sedge, lupine species, bigleaf sandwort and white hawkweed. Pinegrass cover is variable

from plot to plot. It can be missing or may have a cover as high as 50%. The other herbaceous

species are seldom abundant.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: From limited data it appears that tree growth and stocking

are very low for the ABGR Series (Appendix C), although glacial outwash terraces may be

somewhat more productive. The Douglas-fir site index was only 44 (base 50) and total tree

basal area averaged about 160 sq. ft./ac. Insect and disease problems are commonly noted for

Douglas-fir. The open stand structure results in very wolfy trees, with branches well down the

bole.

Fire signs are almost always present. These include char on logs and snags and charcoal

fragments in the soil. Fire frequency in these stands is judged to be fairly high historically,

probably in the 30- to 50-year range if stands are extensive. Small islands within more moist

grand fir types may have a longer return interval.

Many stands appear to have been used as stock driveways, which is consistent with a

common historical use of ridgelines in these areas. Forage values are typically low, although

wildlife signs are common. These sites may be important for early spring forage by elk or deer.

Herbage production averaged 161 lbs./ac. (Appendix C).

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: The ABGR/ARNE type has not been

described in other areas adjacent to the Wenatchee NF. The type is identical to that described

in the Wenatchee Draft Guide, except that in this Field Guide, bearberry has been added as an

indicator.
106

ABGR/BENE ASSOCIATION CWS225

Abies grandis/Berberis nervosa

grand fir/Cascade Oregon grape

Cascade Oregon grape (BENE), an

indicator of the ABGR/BENE

Association.

SLIDE 24

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 2100-4760 (3094) ft.

Aspect: all

Slope: 2-68 (37) %

Slope position: ridges, U, M, L 1/3, benches

Special: moderate sites

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 66)

CON COV

 TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 100 34

ABGR grand fir 95 25

LAOC western larch 39 13

PIPO ponderosa pine 35 6

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABGR grand fir 97 8

PSME Douglas-fir 23 2

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

BENE Cascade Oregon grape 100 13

ROGY baldhip rose 92 7

PAMY pachistima 85 5

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea 82 4

CHUMO western prince’s pine 76 4

LIBOL twinflower 48 8

HERBS

ARMA3 bigleaf sandwort 62 2

GOOB w. rattlesnake plantain 62 1

ACTR vanilla leaf 64 2

HIAL white hawkweed 51 2

CARU pinegrass 50 2

TROV trillium 46 1

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The ABGR/BENE Association was

sampled from the Naches District north to the

Chiwawa River watershed on the Lake

Wenatchee District.

This common type occurs over a wide

elevation range on a variety of slope-aspect

combinations. Most sites are between 2500

and 3500 feet elevation. Only 7 of 66 plots

were over 4000 feet. The highest elevation

stands were sampled near Blewett Pass and

on Manastash Ridge. The ABGR/BENE

type is rarely found in canyon bottoms and is

most frequent on mid slope sites.

Most stands have significant coarse

fragments in the soil surface horizons. Rock

types include sandstone, basalt and schist.

More than half of the sampled soils had

significant amounts of ash mixed into the

upper horizon. Only 2 of the plots were

recorded as occurring on glacial deposits.

Effective rooting depth, where measured, was

usually greater than 30 inches.

ABGR/ACTR often occurs on slightly

more moist sites. Slightly drier stands often

support the ABGR/BENE/CARU

Association.
107

ABGR/BENE ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: The oldest sample stand is about 200 years old. Most stands are between 75

and 125 years of age, so late successional or near-climax conditions must be inferred from

present species composition and successional relationships. Douglas-fir usually dominates early

seral stands, although lodgepole pine or western larch, or both, may be important in some

stands. Lodgepole generally declines in importance after about 100 years, while larch and

Douglas-fir may continue dominance for several centuries. Grand fir may also become established

early in the sere if a seed source is available. If a seed source is available after a fire that leaves

much of the canopy intact, grand fir will increase greatly in prominence because it is much more

able to regenerate in shaded conditions. Grand fir is virtually the only tree species regenerating

in closed canopy stands.

A compact layer of low-growing shrubs mixed with herbs characterizes the undergrowth.

The density of the undergrowth varies considerably in response to overstory canopy conditions.

Dense, tall canopies of Douglas-fir mixed with grand fir effectively reduce light levels available

at the forest floor and also effectively use much of the soil moisture. This results in very sparse

undergrowth. Other stands have a nearly continuous layer of vegetation across the forest floor.

Cascade Oregon grape, pachistima, baldhip rose, shiny-leaf spirea and prince’s pine are the

important shrubs in this layer. Small patches of taller shrubs like Douglas maple or ocean-spray

may be present, especially in openings.

The herbaceous component is usually a minor part of the undergrowth. Vanilla leaf, rattlesnake

plantain and bigleaf sandwort are the only species consistently present in most stands, but are

never very abundant. Other species present include white hawkweed and pinegrass. A number of

other species occur, none with consistency or abundance (Appendix B).

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Timber productivity is fairly low for the Grand Fir Series

(Appendix C). Tree growth is fairly good, but stocking levels are moderate. Site index values for

Douglas-fir, western larch and grand fir are 67, 61 and 64 (base 50), but total basal area is only 237 sq.

ft./ac. White pine was an important part of the tree sere before white pine blister rust was introduced.

Ponderosa pine appears adapted only to the warmest stands in the type.

Soils formed in volcanic ash or basalt are especially subject to compaction from equipment.

Soils with ash over basalt or very rocky substrates are more prone to windthrow because tree

roots cannot penetrate deeply into the profile. Mistletoe and various root rots are prevalent in

these stands. Mistletoe infestations are often light, but are quite visible in some stands. Affected

species include Douglas-fir, larch and grand fir. Root rot has infected, in one stand or another,

nearly all tree species. Lodgepole pine, western larch and Douglas-fir all seem susceptible.

Grand fir boles often have conks.

Fire indicators are ubiquitous. Charcoal, charred bark, snags and charred logs are common.

Fire is the usual mechanism for stand regeneration. Dense stands of grand fir are especially

prone to intense crown fires. Stand ages of under 100 years are common, suggesting relatively

high fire frequency. Only 6 of 39 sample stands had breast-height tree ages over 150 years.

Forage in mature stands for ungulates is poor (<30 lbs./ac.), but the sites tend to be dark

and cool because of the dense canopy characteristic of the type. Domestic livestock use was

seldom noted. Multiple tree canopies are common and provide habitat for arboreal mammals

and birds. These stands appear to receive moderate big game use, mainly as travel corridors,

with only minor browsing and foraging visible. Cascade Oregon grape is relatively tolerant of

trampling damage and persists fairly well in campgrounds if the plants are not picked or dug.

The type offers little in the way of floral displays or screening of one campsite from another.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: The ABGR/BENE type has not been

described on areas adjacent to the Wenatchee NF. The Gifford Pinchot NF classification does

describe a similar ABGR/BENE/ACTR, but that type may be more similar to the Wenatchee’s

ABGR/ACTR.
108

ABGR/BENE/CARU WEN ASSOCIATION CWS226

Abies grandis/Berberis nervosa/Calamagrostis rubescens

grand fir/Cascade Oregon grape/pinegrass

SLIDE 25

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 1910-5190 (3190) ft.

Aspect: all

Slope: 3-63 (24) %

Slope position: ridges, U, M, L 1/3, benches

Special: warm, well-drained sites

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 28)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 100 24

ABGR grand fir 86 14

PICO lodgepole pine 54 18

LAOC western larch 50 9

PIPO ponderosa pine 43 15

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABGR grand fir 100 8

PSME Douglas-fir 64 5

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

BENE Cascade Oregon grape 100 6

ROGY baldhip rose 86 6

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea 82 5

PAMY pachistima 75 4

CHUMO western prince’s pine 61 3

SYMOH creeping snowberry 57 4

LIBOL twinflower 29 13

VAMY low huckleberry 25 7

HERBS

CARU pinegrass 100 17

LAPA2 few-flowered peavine 64 9

CAGE elk sedge 64 5

HIAL white hawkweed 61 2

ARCO heartleaf arnica 46 5

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The ABGR/BENE/CARU Association

was sampled from the Lake Wenatchee

District south to the Naches River watershed

on the Naches District. It typically occurs

between 2600 and 3600 feet on moderately

steep upper to lower third slopes and benches.

Few stands were in valley bottoms. One plot

was over 5000 feet in elevation on a steep

southerly slope, an elevation much higher than

the majority of plots in the type.

The regolith is primarily depositional,

from a variety of rock types. Basalt or andesite

is the most common rock type. Schist,

outwash, sandstone and conglomerate also

occur. About a third of the samples had ash

or tephra in the upper soil horizons. The soil

surface has noticeable gravel and bare soil

exposed. Effective rooting depth, where

measured, averaged about 16 inches.

This type indicates relatively warm, welldrained sites. Sites with deeper soils (and

presumably more mesic conditions) are usually

in the ABGR/BENE Association. Still drier

sites, or those with a less maritime climatic

influence, are commonly in the ABGR/CARU

Association.
109

ABGR/BENE/CARU WEN ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: The oldest stand is less than 200 years old, so late seral or near climax conditions

must be inferred from species composition and successional dynamics. Tree canopies tend to be

less dense than in many other Grand Fir Series types, so the shrub and herbaceous layer is more

diverse and productive. Two-tree canopies are common, with western larch, Douglas-fir or

ponderosa pine forming the tallest layer and grand fir forming a layer 10 to 20 feet lower. Grand

fir dominates the tree regeneration layer and is the indicated climax conifer. Most mid seral stands

are dominated by long-lived seral species such as western larch, Douglas-fir or ponderosa pine.

Lodgepole pine may dominate stands up to 150 years old, but it is less common in older stands.

Our data shows a pattern of less western larch in 150-year and older stands than is characteristic

of other Associations in the Grand Fir Series. It is presently unclear whether this pattern is

related to the site or is simply an artifact of the plots. Pioneer stands are often dominated by

ponderosa pine or lodgepole pine. Grand fir also seems to establish well early in the sere and in

many stands often co-dominates in the overstory by year 100, though generally less so than in the

ABGR/BENE or ABGR/ARCO Associations. Grand fir is usually the sole regenerating species

and may be very abundant among regeneration-size trees.

The undergrowth is characterized by a diverse but not dense layer of low-growing shrubs

and herbs. Cascade Oregon grape, creeping snowberry, baldhip rose, pachistima, western prince’s

pine, shiny-leaf spirea, pinegrass elk sedge and few-flowered peavine are all usually present. A

number of other species may also be present, and sometimes fairly abundant. These include

grouse, low or big huckleberry, and twinflower. Few-flowered peavine can also be well represented

and appears to be especially common in stands with evidence of past or present heavy grazing.

Broadleaf, spurred, or bigleaf lupine are present in most stands.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Sites are on the low end of productivity for the Grand Fir

Series (Appendix C). Site index values for Douglas-fir, grand fir and ponderosa pine are 66, 70

(base 50) and 105 (base 100), respectively. Total tree basal area averaged 251 sq. ft./ac.

Field notes indicate that remnant larch in mature stands often have heavy mistletoe

infestations. Root rot pockets may also be found. Pinegrass is generally not dense enough to be

a problem for reforestation on most sites. The ABGR/BENE/CARU Association should be

relatively easy to manage for timber production if soil compaction and erosion are avoided.

Soils formed in volcanic ash or in basalts are especially subject to soil compaction. Sites with

gentle topography may be subject to the development of frost pockets if harvest activities have

created conditions for cold air concentrations.

Fire indicators, such as charcoal on logs and snags and fire scars on trees and stumps, are

common. The natural fire regime appears to have been one of relatively frequent but low intensity

underburns with only occasional crown fires. Fire suppression has lead to a greater proportion

of grand fir in the stands with an attendant increase in ladder fuels. This has predisposed most

stands to stand-replacing wildfires.

Mean herbage production was 150 lbs./ac. (Appendix C). Cascade Oregon grape is relatively

tolerant of trampling damage and persists fairly well in campgrounds. The type offers little in

the way of floral displays or screening of one camp site from another. Stands that support

abundant pinegrass will provide an attractive, grassy, parklike appearance.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: The ABGR/BENE/CARU type has

not been described on areas adjacent to the Wenatchee NF.
110

ABGR/CARU WEN ASSOCIATION CWG124

Abies grandis/Calamagrostis rubescens

grand fir/pinegrass

SLIDE 26

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 1880-5000 (3338) ft.

Aspect: all

Slope: 2-64 (35) %

Slope position: ridges, U, M, L 1/3, benches

Special: dry

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 32)

CON COV

 TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 97 31

PIPO ponderosa pine 91 16

ABGR grand fir 66 10

PICO lodgepole pine 22 15

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABGR grand fir 94 5

PSME Douglas-fir 75 5

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea 78 9

PAMY pachistima 63 6

BEAQ Oregon grape 59 3

AMAL serviceberry 59 2

HODI ocean-spray 47 2

ROGY baldhip rose 44 5

CHUMO western prince’s pine 44 4

HERBS

CARU pinegrass 100 23

CAGE elk sedge 81 8

HIAL white hawkweed 66 2

ARMA3 bigleaf sandwort 63 3

ARCO heartleaf arnica 50 5

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The ABGR/CARU Association is one

of the most widespread types in the Grand

Fir Series. It was sampled throughout the

Forest, although rarely north of the Entiat

Mountains.

The type encompasses a broad range of

habitats with variable elevations and aspects.

Middle and, to a lesser extent, upper slope

positions are most common. Most stands are

found on moderately steep, southerly slopes.

The regolith is primarily colluvium

derived from a variety of rock types, including

basalt, granite and sandstone. Many soils are

capped by ash or have ash mixed into the upper

soil horizons. The soils appear to be deep and

well drained. Effective rooting depth, where

measured, is more than 30 inches.

Drier sites are commonly in the Douglasfir Series. More moist sites may support the

ABGR/CARU-LUPIN Association.

Some of the variation in this type is due

to its large geographic range. It may be

possible to split the type at Interstate-90 to

reduce this physical variation.
111

ABGR/CARU WEN ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Grand fir occupies only a minor position in the overstory canopy until late in

the sere, and even then is rarely the dominant species in the data. The oldest sample stand is

260 years old and grand fir does not dominate the overstory. It commonly dominates the tree

regeneration layer in stands of all ages, and grand fir and Douglas-fir regeneration is present in

most stands, but grand fir does not appear capable of initiating the sere. It appears to enter the

sere after ponderosa pine or Douglas-fir, which are the primary seral co-dominants. Ponderosa

may re-establish more effectively following fire, but is quickly followed by Douglas-fir. Western

larch is nearly absent from the data, even though most plots are within its geographic range.

Apparently the ABGR/CARU Association is too xeric for western larch. Lodgepole pine may

be present in some stands but is seldom abundant.

Tall shrubs are uncommon but include serviceberry, ocean-spray or Scouler willow. Lowgrowing shrubs partially hidden by pinegrass are common and sometimes abundant. Shiny-leaf

spirea, pachistima, one of the prince’s pines and Oregon grape are usually present.

Pinegrass is the most conspicuous herb in the majority of stands and characterizes the

Association. Elk sedge is often present and may dominate in some stands. Other common herbs

include bigleaf sandwort, white hawkweed, few-flowered peavine, silvercrown luina, spreading

dogbane and lupines. Abundant silvercrown luina or few-flowered peavine indicate past heavy

grazing. Both species persist for long periods after grazing has stopped.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine appear to be the best

adapted species to the sites, especially after deforestation. Basal areas for the type were low for

the Grand Fir Series. Site index values for Douglas-fir, ponderosa pine and grand fir were in

the top 40% (Appendix C). Soil drought and herbaceous competition for soil moisture make

reforestation more difficult than in more mesic types in the Series. Southerly slopes are best

treated as shelterwoods to provide shade for young trees. Pinegrass and elk sedge can compete

strongly with tree seedlings if pre-harvest cover of pinegrass or elk sedge is over 30%. Broadcast

burning stimulates both pinegrass and elk sedge unless the fire is so hot it kills the rhizomes

buried in the soil. Fires this hot also degrade the site by removing organic matter and nutrients.

Natural regeneration is a viable option if shelter and a seed source are left on the site.

All older ponderosa pines have multiple fire scars. Natural fire regimes of underburns appear

to have maintained ponderosa pine dominance and the open, grass-dominated undergrowth,

effectively restricting Douglas-fir and grand fir. Recruitment by these species required special

circumstances of long periods between burns or a series of especially cool burns. With the advent

of fire suppression several decades ago, succession to Douglas-fir and grand fir has been accelerated,

with the forest undergoing a type change. A secondary canopy of grand fir under Douglas-fir and

ponderosa pine is common. This secondary canopy provides additional habitat for arboreal mammals

and birds, but also makes these stands more prone to crown fire because grand fir provides ladder

fuels into the crowns of dominant Douglas-fir and ponderosa pines.

Field notes indicate mistletoe is common in Douglas-fir. Various root and bole rots may

be found on ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir or grand fir, but none seem to be widespread or very

common.

Big game trails and droppings are common. Livestock use has been heavy in some stands

in the past, as evidenced by abundant silvercrown luina or few-flowered peavine. Herbage

production averaged about 200 lbs./ac. Stands that support abundant pinegrass will provide an

attractive, grassy, parklike appearance to campers.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: An ABGR/CARU Association has

been described in the Blue, Ochoco and Wallowa Mountains of Washington and Oregon

(Johnson and Simon 1987; Johnson and Clausnitzer 1992), and on the Yakima Indian Reservation

(John and others 1988). Stands within the ABGR/CARU type described on the Gifford Pinchot

NF (Topik 1989) that have no ocean-spray are very similar.
112

ABGR/CARU-LUPIN COMMUNITY TYPE CWG125

Abies grandis/Calamagrostis rubescens-Lupinus spp.

grand fir/pinegrass-lupine

SLIDE 27

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 3030-5100 (4231) ft.

Aspect: all

Slope: 6-63 (31) %

Slope position: ridges, U, M, L 1/3, bottoms

Special: dry, cool

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 28)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 100 23

PIPO ponderosa pine 61 13

ABGR grand fir 61 10

PICO lodgepole pine 50 18

LAOC western larch 36 15

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABGR grand fir 96 4

PSME Douglas-fir 93 5

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

PAMY pachistima 82 8

CHUMO western prince’s pine 71 4

SASC Scouler willow 57 2

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea 54 3

VAMY low huckleberry 50 13

HERBS

CARU pinegrass 100 36

LUPIN lupines 64 11

ARCO heartleaf arnica 64 6

CAGE elk sedge 54 9

HIAL white hawkweed 54 2

GOOB w. rattlesnake plantain 46 2

ANRA raceme pussytoes 43 4

LULA broadleaf lupine 36 13

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The ABGR/CARU-LUPIN type was

sampled from the Entiat River drainage south

to near the southern Forest border.

It occurs on a variety of topographic

positions, but is typically found on ridgetops

to middle 1/3 slope, with a few stands on lower

1/3 slopes and in valley bottoms. The typical

stand is a moderately-sloping site at 4200 feet

on an upper or middle slope, although all

aspects are represented in the data.

The regolith is composed of gravelly

colluvium or alluvium, or glacial deposits

derived from schist, gneiss, sandstone or basalt,

depending on geographic location. Ash or

tephra may be present in the upper soil

horizons. Soils are often shallow (<24 inches)

and very stony beneath the surface ashinfluenced horizons.

The ABGR/CARU-LUPIN Community

Type appears to be on somewhat more mesic

and cooler sites than the ABGR/CARU

Association. However, the abundance of

lupines in this type may at least partially be

the result of past grazing.
113

ABGR/CARU-LUPIN COMMUNITY TYPE

VEGETATION: The oldest stand is less than 250 years old, so late seral or near successional

conditions must be based on species composition and successional dynamics. Many of the plots

are in or near old stock driveways and herbaceous composition may reflect historical grazing use as

much or more than intrinsic site characteristics. Seral stands may be dominated by ponderosa

pine or western larch, or both. Douglas-fir is usually present as co-dominant in most mid-seral

stands (>100 years of age). Grand fir is seldom present in the overstory until later in the tree sere.

Douglas-fir will likely remain an overstory component for several centuries. Grand fir regeneration

is common once a tree overstory is established, although Douglas-fir regeneration may be locally

more abundant. Western larch is a major component of fire initiated stands in the type. Lodgepole

pine will often form nearly pure stands if the interval between catastrophic fires is less than 200

years. Plots with some subalpine fir may better fit the Subalpine Fir Series, based upon a judgement

of its success for regeneration. Many stands that key to this type but are improperly placed in the

Grand Fir Series will better fit the ABLA2/ARLA/POPU type. Plots with skunkleaf polemonium

are typically Subalpine Fir Series.

The undergrowth is lush and herbaceous in appearance. Few tall shrubs are present, none

with much consistency. Scouler willow may be found in scattered clumps, often growing as a

tree to nearly 40 ft. tall. The predominant feature of the undergrowth is the lush, herbaceous

low-shrub layer. Pinegrass and lupines are dominant and characteristic. These are mostly

broadleaf lupine, but lupines hybridize in the Wenatchee Mountains, so positive identification

can be difficult. (See “Species identification and naming conventions” in the Introduction.)

Pachistima is found mixed with these herbs. Other common taxa include low huckleberry,

shiny-leaf spirea, western prince’s pine, heartleaf arnica and elk sedge.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Douglas-fir, ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine and western

larch are all adapted to the sites, especially after deforestation. But the sites are not very productive

for trees. Both basal area and site index values are low when compared to other types in the Grand

Fir Series (Appendix C). Fire suppression over the last several decades has apparently led to an

increase in the amount of grand fir on most sites, to the point that some stands have a secondary

canopy of grand fir under other conifers, such as western larch, ponderosa pine or Douglas-fir.

Sites with ash soils or with soils developed in basalt are especially prone to soil compaction. Lupines

fix nitrogen and they may play an important role in nutrient cycling on the sites. Sites with low

huckleberry may be more frost-prone than sites without.

These stands are now predisposed to crown fires rather than to the more common fire

pattern of underburns with only occasional crown fires. Fire is a major feature of this type.

Snags and logs in all sampled stands have significant charcoal and burn marks. The dominance

of lodgepole pine in pioneer and early seral stands also indicates that fire initiated most if not all

stands. The herbaceous understory and relatively dry conditions suggest stands that historically

experienced frequent, low intensity fires. The upper slope and ridgetop locations of this type

would also predispose the stands to lightning strikes

Some of these stands are located along old stock driveways. The effects of this past use on

current vegetation composition and future succession are largely unknown. This type has the

highest herbage production of any Association or Community Type on the Forest (over 500

lbs./ac.; see Appendix C). These stands would commonly have a lush stand of vegetation,

attractive to campers. However, the typical steep slopes would discourage use.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: The ABGR/CARU-LUPIN type

has not been described on areas adjacent to the Wenatchee NF, although some samples in the

ABGR/CARU types from other areas may be similar.
114

ABGR/HODI/CARU COMMUNITY TYPE CWS554

Abies grandis/Holodiscus discolor/Calamagrostis rubescens

grand fir/ocean-spray/pinegrass

Ocean-spray (HODI), an indicator of the

ABGR/HODI/CARU Association.

SLIDE 28

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 1800-4800 (3109) ft.

Aspect: all

Slope: 2-64 (35) %

Slope position: ridges, U, M, L 1/3

Special: Dry, rocky

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 10)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 100 32

ABGR grand fir 90 15

PIPO ponderosa pine 70 14

LAOC western larch 27 3

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABGR grand fir 100 6

PSME Douglas-fir 50 3

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

ROGY baldhip rose 100 12

HODI ocean-spray 100 10

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea 80 10

BEAQ Oregon grape 70 4

AMAL serviceberry 64 2

HERBS

CARU pinegrass 90 10

CAGE elk sedge 80 9

ARMA3 bigleaf sandwort 80 3

ARCO heartleaf arnica 60 4

GOOB w. rattlesnake plantain 64 1

LAPA2 few-flowered peavine 55 5

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The ABGR/HODI/CARU Community

Type was sampled from the Leavenworth

District south to the southern border of the

Forest. It is characteristically on steep slopes

of any aspect, but with gravelly soils. Only

three plots have slopes under 40%.

The type occurs over a broad range of

elevations and upslope topographic positions,

although most stands occurred on middle to

lower 1/3 slopes. Only one stand occurred in

a canyon bottom.

The regolith is colluvium derived from

either sandstone, granite or basalt. Soils are

droughty, rocky and coarse-textured. Most

soils have ash mixed into the upper horizons.

In all instances the soils are rocky, with

considerable microsite variation.

The ABGR/HODI/CARU Community

Type is similar to the ABGR/SPBEL/PTAQ

Community Type in that both are

characteristic of relatively steep slopes.

However the ABGR/SPBEL/PTAQ type has

soils with a greater proportion of volcanic ash

or pumice in the profile than do most sites

that key to ABGR/HODI/CARU.
115

ABGR/HODI/CARU COMMUNITY TYPE

VEGETATION: The data on stand ages are limited but it appears that Douglas-fir and ponderosa

pine dominate the overstory of early and mid seral stands. Grand fir is present in the overstory

in most stands and will likely increase in dominance as stands mature towards climax. These

stands are typically very open; some almost approach a woodland spatial structure. Grand fir

and Douglas-fir are the major reproducing species. Ponderosa pine may be found in the more

open stands. One stand also had abundant bigleaf maple in the understory.

The undergrowth is dominated by patches of ocean-spray set in a matrix of pinegrass, elk

sedge, or both. Baldhip rose, shiny-leaf spirea and Oregon grape are all important shrubs. The

herbaceous layer is dominated by pinegrass or elk sedge. Few other species seem to show any

consistency or abundance. Abundant few-flowered peavine indicates past heavy grazing.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: These stands seldom appear vigorous. Tree growth is in

the middle range for the Grand Fir Series (Appendix C), although only two stands were sampled

for tree growth information. Basal area of trees averaged 212 sq. ft./ac. Douglas-fir, ponderosa

pine and western larch are the typical tree dominants in most stands.

Reforestation is difficult to assure, especially on steep west or southerly slopes. Sheltered

microsites are important for tree establishment. Soil drought appears to be the main limitation

to conifer establishment and growth. Soils are easily displaced by heavy equipment and are

prone to ravel. Most stands are natural shelterwoods and this appears to be the best method to

reforest the sites. Planting may be difficult because of rocky sites. The coarse soil textures, high

coarse fragment percentages, steep slopes and relatively low elevations effectively make the sites

droughty and susceptible to regeneration failures. Overstory removal sites are hot and dry at

the soil surface, due to the southerly aspects and steep slopes.

Fire is the major natural disturbance in these stands. Only two sample stands have age

data, and breast-height ages there were 78 and 101. It is likely that older stands have experienced

a number of lower intensity burns, although as ladder fuels accumulate, the likelihood of a stand

replacing fire increases.

Mistletoe, spruce budworm and bark beetles have all been noted.

Snow melts early on the sites with lower elevations and with southerly aspects, and early snow

melt and the abundance of shrubs may provide important early spring forage for wildlife. Herbage

production on the two sample stands averaged 164 lb./ac. (Appendix C)

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: The ABGR/HODI/CARU type has

not been described elsewhere. However, a similar ABGR/HODI type has been described in

the Blue and Wallowa Mountains of Washington and Oregon (Johnson and Simon 1986; Johnson

and Clausnitzer 1992). ABGR/HODI plant Associations have also been described for both

the Mt. Hood and Gifford Pinchot NFs (Topik 1989; Topik and others 1988), although both

types have little or no pinegrass.
116

ABGR/SPBEL/PTAQ COMMUNITY TYPE CWS335

Abies grandis/Spirea betulafolia var. lucida/Pteridium aquilinum

grand fir/shiny-leaf spirea/bracken fern

NEGATIVE 29

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 1940-4310 (2909) ft.

Aspect: southeast to west (southerly)

Slope: 21-70 (44) %

Slope position: ridges, U, M, L 1/3, benches

Special: pumice soils

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 30)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 100 36

PIPO ponderosa pine 80 15

ABGR grand fir 67 9

PIMO western white pine 50 4

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABGR grand fir 97 4

PSME Douglas-fir 77 4

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea 100 7

PAMY pachistima 97 8

CHUMO western prince’s pine 93 5

PYPI whitevein pyrola 83 2

RUPA thimbleberry 73 5

PYSE sidebells pyrola 73 3

AMAL serviceberry 60 2

ROGY baldhip rose 60 3

BENE Cascade Oregon grape 50 2

HERBS

PTAQ bracken fern 100 7

CARU pinegrass 73 18

HIAL white hawkweed 59 2

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The ABGR/SPBEL/PTAQ Community

Type was sampled mainly from the Entiat

District but was also found (1 sample each)

on the Cle Elum, Leavenworth and Lake

Wenatchee Districts.

The type occurs on moderately steep,

southerly or westerly slopes over a broad

elevation range. Only one sample occurred

on a northerly aspect (NW), and only three

were under 25% slope. It most frequently

occurs on upper, mid and lower slope positions,

but may occasionally be found on ridgetops

and benches.

The regolith is typically deep pumice

overlying granite, gneiss or schist. Some sites

were covered with ash or other ejecta. Small

amounts of gravel are found on the soil surface

in nearly every sample stand. Soils are typically

cobbly and/or gravelly and exhibit signs of

downslope creep, pistol butts on trees, for

instance. The soil surface is usually covered

by a thick litter layer. Given the presence of

pumice or coarse fragments, or both, these soils

are likely to be well or excessively drained and

droughty. Coarse fragments are usually gravelsize and average over 30% by volume. This

does not appear to be as harsh a type as the

ABGR/HODI/CARU Community Type.
117

ABGR/SPBEL/PTAQ COMMUNITY TYPE

VEGETATION: Douglas-fir, alone or mixed with ponderosa pine, dominates the overstory in

early to mid-seral stands. Relict lodgepole pine occurs in many mid-seral stands and may be a

significant component in early phases of the sere. The current data include stands to 150 years

old and show little grand fir recruitment into the overstory. Grand fir and Douglas-fir

co-dominate the regeneration layer. Both species seem to be successfully reproducing, with

Douglas-fir doing better in stands with relatively open canopies. Small amounts of subalpine fir

regeneration frequently occur even though aspects are southerly and elevations are low.

Douglas-fir regeneration may be excluded under an overstory canopy composed largely of grand

fir, and this exclusion will require several centuries without crown fires to overcome.

The undergrowth consists of scattered tall shrubs, mainly Douglas maple, Scouler willow

or serviceberry, over a denser layer of low shrubs, subshrubs and herbs. One or more of these tall

shrubs is nearly always present, but in only 3 samples did cover of any one of these shrubs exceed

5%. Pachistima, prince’s pine, thimbleberry and shiny-leaf spirea dominate the low shrub layer.

Pachistima may be abundant in some stands.

Bracken fern is usually the dominant herb. Sub-shrubs such as whitevein and sidebells

pyrola are typically present. Whitevein pyrola has higher constancy in this type than in any other

on the Forest. Pinegrass can occasionally be abundant. Bracken fern may be allopathic to associated

species, especially if abundant (Ferguson and Boyd 1988).

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Of the trees present, Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine appear

to grow particularly well on these sites. Site index for Douglas-fir (base 50) is 82 and for ponderosa

pine (base 100) is 113 (Appendix C). Ponderosa pine appears best adapted to initiate the forest

sere. Grand fir appears to grow slowly here (site index of 60, base 50) in relation to the rest of the

Series. Total Basal area averages 223 sq. ft./ac.

These stands often occur near talus and may have relatively unstable soils. Trees are often

pistol butted, even at elevations where snow cannot be the cause. This suggests noticeable soil

creep. Soils are subject to erosion if left without a vegetative or litter cover.

In this middle-elevation type within the Grand Fir Series, and with stand ages less than

150 years, fire has played an important role. Indicators of past fire, such as charcoal and fire

scars, are ubiquitous. Historically, ponderosa pine was the most common tree species, maintained

in the stands by frequent recurrent fire. Now, with fire suppression, grand fir and particularly

Douglas-fir have become much more important and dominant stand components. The presence

of lodgepole pine in the early seral stages of this type indicates past episodes of stand-replacement

fires.

A number of diseases may be present. Dwarf mistletoe is common on both Douglas-fir

and grand fir and may be severe enough to contribute to mortality. Grand fir may incur frost

cracks and attendant decay at the upper elevation limits of this type. Root rots of various kinds

are also prevalent on both Douglas-fir and grand fir. Some western white pine are infected by

blister rust.

Deer trails are often observed in the type, although extensive browsing is not evident.

Herbage production averaged 123 lbs./ac. (Appendix C).

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: The ABGR/SPBEL/PTAQ type has

not been described on areas adjacent to the Wenatchee NF. An ABGR/SPBEL type has been

described on the Yakima Indian Reservation, but it appears to be very different ( John and

others 1988).
118

ABGR/SYAL/CARU ASSOCIATION CWS336

Abies grandis/Symphoricarpos albus/Calamagrostis rubescens

grand fir/common snowberry/pinegrass

SLIDE 30

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 1910-4050 (2945) ft.

Aspect: all (southerly to west)

Slope: 1-78 (35) %

Slope position: ridges, U, M, L 1/3, benches

Special: many tall shrubs

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 42)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 98 40

ABGR grand fir 83 14

PIPO ponderosa pine 74 15

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABGR grand fir 88 6

PSME Douglas-fir 67 3

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

ROGY baldhip rose 81 5

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea 72 5

BEAQ Oregon grape 71 4

SYAL common snowberry 67 8

HODI ocean-spray 64 6

AMAL serviceberry 56 2

SYMOH creeping snowberry 49 7

 HERBS

CARU pinegrass 90 10

ARMA3 bigleaf sandwort 81 4

CAGE elk sedge 79 6

OSCH sweetroot 72 2

LAPA2 few-flowered peavine 58 6

LUNA2 silvercrown luina 56 5

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The ABGR/SYAL/CARU Association

was sampled from the Naches District north

to Icicle Creek on the Leavenworth District.

This type is uncommon on ridgetops and

benches, and 80% of the stands occurred on

either upper, mid or lower slopes and between

2500 and 3500 ft. in elevation. Only one stand

exceeds 4000 feet. Most slopes are steep and

southerly or westerly facing.

The most commonly occurring regolith

material is basalt colluvium. 70% of the stands

occurred on basalt, sandstone or tephra,

typically colluvial material, or mixed with

colluvial material. Most stands have gravel or

rock on the soil surface. Several stands have

soils covered by dry ravel or talus to 8 in. deep.

The organic horizon is typically less than 2

in. thick. Logs, branches and twigs on the

soil surface are abundant in most stands.
119

ABGR/SYAL/CARU ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Because of the relative youth of the stands in the data, late seral or near climax

conditions must be based on species composition and successional relationships. The oldest

sample stand is less than 200 years old and grand fir is not yet the tree overstory dominant,

though it clearly dominates the tree regeneration layer. Grand fir dominates many of our younger

plots, so it appears able to enter the tree sere at nearly any time if seed sources are nearby.

Ponderosa pine, or sometimes western larch mixed with Douglas-fir, dominates most early seral

stands (<100 years old). All these trees can remain as stand dominants for many decades,

though in some cases Douglas-fir may remain as a stand dominant long after the ponderosa

pine and larch die out. Both grand fir and Douglas-fir are present in the regeneration, though

the former is usually more abundant.

The undergrowth is characterized and dominated by a variety of shrubs, including common

snowberry, creeping snowberry, ocean-spray, shiny-leaf spirea and baldhip rose. Other common

but not necessarily constant shrubs include Oregon grape, Douglas maple, trumpet honeysuckle

and pachistima.

A number of herbs exhibit fairly high abundance beneath the shrub layer, including pinegrass,

bigleaf sandwort, elk sedge few-flowered peavine and silvercrown luina. Sweetroot has high

constancy but low cover.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: In this type, ponderosa pine has one of the higher site

index values, 110 (base 100), in the Grand Fir Series (Appendix C). Tree basal area averages

almost 240 sq. ft./ac. Several plots in the data are from stands logged around WW I. These

stands have generally regenerated well. Since many of the stands in this type have a gravel or

cobble layer at the soil surface, tree reestablishment could be difficult. After establishment,

however, the gravel acts as a mulch to preserve soil moisture. Planting would be difficult through

the gravel horizon. Natural regeneration would best succeed if sufficient sheltered microsites

(e.g., rotten logs, branch piles) were left. Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine appear to be the best

conifers to initiate the tree sere. Western larch is common only on the more mesic sites within

the type. Some soils have ash caps, especially those stands on the Cle Elum District. These

soils, as with all other ash cap soils, are sensitive to compaction by heavy equipment, resulting in

a loss of soil productivity.

Fire signs such as charring on trees and logs are present in nearly all stands. Fires often

crown out in these stands because the tree layers are relatively dense and shrub cover is dense

enough to allow fires to get into tree crowns in many cases. Fire return intervals are likely in the

50-200-year range. The sites are warm and dry, which further predisposes them to fire.

Dwarf mistletoe on Douglas-fir was noted on nearly every sample plot and was sometimes

very abundant. Stem cankers on Douglas-fir and laminated root rot pockets are also common.

The ABGR/SYAL/CARU Association is heavily used by livestock and big game for forage,

browse and shelter even though herbage production is quite low (<60 lbs./ac.). Silvercrown

luina and few-flowered peavine are especially abundant in overgrazed stands. These shrubby

stands provide thermal and hiding cover for wildlife. Trails and signs of browsing are common.

Multiple tree layers provide habitat for arboreal mammals and birds.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: An ABGR/SYAL/CARU type has

not been described elsewhere. Similar ABGR/SYAL and ABGR/SYMOH types have been

described on the Yakima Indian Reservation ( John and others 1988). An ABGR/SYMPH

plant Association has been described for the Mt. Hood NF (Topik and others 1988). The Mt.

Hood type uses both common and creeping snowberry as indicators. Compared to ABGR/

SYAL/CARU, the Mt. Hood type has few graminoids.
120

ABGR/SYOR ASSOCIATION CWS337

Abies grandis/Symphoricarpos oreophilus

grand fir/mountain snowberry

NEGATIVE 31

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 2840-4670 (3897) ft.

Aspect: mainly southerly

Slope: 10-37 (25) %

Slope position: ridges, U, M 1/3

Special: forest/non-forest margins, limited data

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 5)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 100 29

PIPO ponderosa pine 100 29

ABGR grand fir 40 3

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 100 2

PIPO ponderosa pine 60 3

ABGR grand fir 60 2

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

SYOR mountain snowberry 100 5

BEAQ Oregon grape 100 2

AMAL serviceberry 80 3

SYAL common snowberry 60 9

HERBS

CAGE elk sedge 100 8

LAPA2 few-flowered peavine 100 5

COPA little flower collinsia 100 2

LUNA2 silvercrown luina 80 7

BASA arrowleaf balsamroot 80 5

ARCO heartleaf arnica 80 4

ACMI yarrow 80 3

MOPE miner’s lettuce 80 3

HYCA ballhead waterleaf 80 3

CARU pinegrass 60 6

LUPIN lupines 60 5

ARMA3 bigleaf sandwort 60 3

LOTR nine-leaf lomatium 60 2

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The ABGR/SYOR Association was

sampled only in the Table Mountain and

Taneum Ridge areas of the Cle Elum District,

but might also be found elsewhere where grand

fir stands on drier/warmer aspects are adjacent

to non-forest. The data are limited but the

type appears distinctive. These marginal grand

fir habitats are commonly found on southerly

slopes in small swales intermixed with

scablands.

Soils are developing from basalt

colluvium generally more than 3 feet deep.

These soils become very stony below the first

8 to 10 inches. Gravels and cobbles are

exposed at the soil surface in every stand.

Litter cover ranges from 0 to 80% in the

samples.

Drier sites will often be in the PSME/

SYOR Association. Stands with mountain big

sage may also better fit the PSME/SYOR

type.
121

ABGR/SYOR ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: The few sample plots represent young stands around 100 years old. Ponderosa

pine and Douglas-fir dominate the overstories of these mid-seral stands, but those with slightly

more soil moisture may have higher covers of Douglas-fir. Douglas-fir regenerates successfully in

all the sample stands and likely will never be excluded from these sites. Scattered ponderosa pine

regeneration may be present in some stands. Stumps of large, 700-year-old ponderosa pines were

present in one stand. Grand fir is a minor component of both the overstory and understory, but is

present and persistent in these stands and is predicted to achieve at least 10% cover in old stands.

However, some stands may not have adequate grand fir to key to this type and may actually better

fit within the Douglas-fir Series.

The shrub layer is comprised mostly of medium to tall shrubs such as mountain snowberry,

Oregon grape, serviceberry and common snowberry. Several of these species occur in each

stand. Shrub cover ranged from 14-34% in the sample stands. These shrubs occur as scattered

patches. A number of other shrub species, such as ocean-spray, bitterbrush and Wood’s rose,

occur in small amounts, with little consistency from stand to stand.

A variety of relatively abundant herbaceous plants are typically found in the undergrowth

of these stands. Although few species have an individual ground cover greater than 10%, there

are a large number of species present. The total cover of herbaceous species commonly exceeds

50%. Few-flowered peavine, heartleaf arnica, elk sedge, ballhead waterleaf, pinegrass, silvercrown

luina, arrowleaf balsamroot and yarrow may all be present or important in the undergrowth.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Tree growth, although not rapid, is probably significantly

higher than in the closely related PSME/SYOR Association (Appendix C). Only six trees were

sampled for growth information so it is difficult to draw too many conclusions. The Douglasfir site index was 69 (base 50), but total basal area was quite low in relation to other types in the

Series (209 sq. ft./ac.).

Young stand ages, abundance of flashy fuels, and the dry conditions indicate that these

stands burned frequently before humans suppressed fires. This type is commonly adjacent to

non-forest areas, which further predisposes it to frequent fire. Abundant fire scars on stumps

and charcoal found in the upper soil horizons suggest that fires were frequent on these sites.

Most historical fires occurred as relatively frequent underburns that would sweep quickly through

the surrounding scablands and kill most of the young trees. Ground fire probably maintained

an open forest with widely spaced large ponderosa pine and fewer Douglas-fir. Fire suppression

has now allowed grand fir to start to occupy these xeric, fire-prone habitats.

ABGR/SYOR sites are exposed, and trees may have wind damage or suffer from winter

desiccation. Ponderosa pine regeneration is abundant in some logged-over stands. Root rot

present on ponderosa pine in some stands may cause problems as trees mature. Dwarf mistletoe

may also be present on Douglas-fir.

This type is heavily used by both livestock and big game. Herbage production averages

200 lbs./ac. Many stands occur on the “edge” of non-forest. Their juxtaposition to non-forested

meadows can make them important for shade and hiding cover for big game or livestock. Elk

trails are common and appear well used in most stands. These habitats also provide winter

range and shelter for elk. Woodpecker foraging occurs on ponderosa pine logs and stumps, but

no snags were noted in the 4 intensive samples. Past livestock grazing and heavy big game use

has certainly altered undergrowth composition by favoring few-flowered peavine or silvercrown

luina, or both.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: The ABGR/SYOR type has not been

described on areas adjacent to the Wenatchee NF.
122
123

WESTERN

HEMLOCK

SERIES
124

WESTERN HEMLOCK SERIES

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT: Western hemlock is one of the most shade tolerant

and environmentally restricted conifers on the Wenatchee National Forest. The best development

of the Series is in areas with the strongest maritime climatic influence but where Pacific silver fir

and mountain hemlock are absent. The Series is most extensive on the western parts of the Cle

Elum, Lake Wenatchee and Naches Districts. There is considerable intergradation between

the Western Hemlock, Pacific Silver Fir and Grand Fir Series. Grand fir will occupy more

continental sites, while Pacific silver fir prefers cooler, more maritime environments.

Elevations range from just under 2000 feet to over 5000 feet, although over 80% of all

stands fall below 4000 ft. Western hemlock can be found at elevations approaching 6000 ft.,

though it is not the climax dominant tree on those sites. Soils tend to be deep, of mixed

material, and often with volcanic ash in the surface horizons. On colder sites, the Series is

normally bounded by the Pacific Silver Fir Series, and on warmer, slightly drier sites, by the

Grand Fir Series. Western redcedar and western hemlock are co-dominant on very wet sites.

Western redcedar tolerates warm temperatures and both wetter and drier conditions better than

western hemlock (Minore 1979). Including wet sites in the Western Hemlock Series follows

the convention of Daubenmire and Daubenmire (1968). Western redcedar does not normally

form upland climax stands on the east slopes of the Cascade Range, as it often does in the

northern Rocky Mountains.

VEGETATION: Because of its superior shade tolerance, western hemlock is judged as the climax

dominant on sites too warm for Pacific silver fir and mountain hemlock wherever there is sufficient

evidence to indicate its success. On cool sites that support Pacific silver fir or mountain hemlock,

western hemlock is judged to function as a long-lived seral species. Pacific silver fir and mountain

hemlock both tolerate cooler temperatures and deeper snowpacks better than western hemlock.

Mid seral stands (100-200 years old) often have abundant, vigorous grand fir under a canopy of

long-lived seral species such as larch or white pine. Grand fir may be nearly the same age as the

larch and pine, but slow early growth keeps it a minor component of stands until its superior

shade tolerance and vigorous later growth allow it to increase in prominence. Ponderosa pine is

typically found only on the warmest sites.

Disturbance types, timing and intensity, combined with species composition prior to

disturbance, are important modifiers of secondary succession within the Series. Nearly any tree

species on the Forest may be important during early seral stages in the warmer areas of this

Series. After removal of the humus layer by fire, quaking aspen, western or paper birch, black

cottonwood, or even red alder (in areas with strong maritime climate influence), may form

extensive stands early in the sere. In spite of the complexity of possible successional paths, some

general patterns exist and have been discussed in the literature.

There are some places on the Wenatchee NF, apparently too continental in climate to

support western hemlock, that support western redcedar. The data, however, are inadequate to

describe a western redcedar Series at this time. Consequently, in areas where western redcedar

is present the sites are typically placed within the Western Hemlock Series. Some well-drained

sites, where both grand fir and western redcedar are present and western hemlock is absent or

nearly so, may fit better in the Grand Fir Series, particularly if there is some question about the

success of the cedar.

Although commonly associated with western hemlock, western redcedar influences soil

development and associated herbs and shrubs much differently. Mineral soil next to cedar trees

in a mixed species stand has higher extractable calcium, base saturation, pH and nitrification

potential than does soil next to neighboring hemlocks (Turner and Franz 1986). Turner and
125

Franz also note that shrubs and herbs under cedars are greater in terms of both numbers of

species and size of individuals than shrubs and herbs under hemlocks.

The shrub and herb layers found in this Series are somewhat reminiscent of those described

by Daubenmire and Daubenmire (1968) in northern Idaho and eastern Washington. Queencup

beadlily has been identified as one of the most useful indicators in this Series for northern Idaho

and western Montana (Cooper and others 1991; Pfister and others 1977). On the Wenatchee,

however, queencup beadlily is so ubiquitous over much of the Western Hemlock Series it is less

useful as an indicator than such other species as wild ginger or vanilla leaf. Vine maple, a

widespread shrub in ths Series, has been judged to indicate important intrinsic site factors and

has been used to identify different plant Associations (e.g., the TSHE/ACCI/ASCA3 and

TSHE/ACCI/CLUN Associations). Other indicator species include devil’s club, pinemat

manzanita and Cascade Oregon grape.

Dense shrubfields often typify early successional stages after logging, fire and other

disturbances on habitats within the Series. Although the development of shrubfields may initially

appear deleterious to conifer establishment and early growth, the actual ecologic role of the

shrub-dominant stage of succession is not well understood. Shrubs provide shade for conifers

and add organic matter to the soil, and species such as Ceanothus and alders fix nitrogen. Further,

many shrubs provide important forage and cover for insectivorous wildlife, which also influences

stand health and vigor. Common shrubfield species include vine maple, Scouler willow, big

huckleberry, serviceberry, Sitka alder and snowbrush ceanothus. Shrub growth and twig

production are generally related to time since logging and to residual tree cover (Irwin and Peek

1979). Shrub size and twig production peaks between 10 and 14 years after logging. Seed tree

and shelterwood treatments have significantly less shrub development than clearcuts. Late

summer and fall broadcast burning in clearcuts leads to the greatest shrub development, due to

increased snowbrush ceanothus cover. For optimum germination, Ceanothus seeds have both

seed coat scarification and cold-wet seed stratification requirements. These are met by most fall

and late summer burns. Spring burns usually do not provide the necessary cold-wet stratification

and Ceanothus germination is reduced. Spring burning favors species that sprout from root

crowns or buried roots (see Appendix D). Stands with even relatively small amounts of vine

maple may support dense stands after harvest.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: The Western Hemlock Series is highly productive, as

indicated by high basal areas and high site index values (Appendix C). However, most seral tree

species exhibit better growth than western hemlock on Western Hemlock Series sites. This is

true in most Series: the climax dominant tree does not grow as rapidly as some seral tree species.

Intense frost is not typically a problem in this Series because sites where western hemlock is

climax are inherently mild. On the other hand, cutting practices can create frost pockets in

some situations if cold air drainage is impeded. Regeneration harvests in the THPL/OPHO,

and to a lesser extent in the TSHE/ASCA3 Association, can raise the water table, possibly

creating a swamp.

Less than 10% of the 54 plots that had tree age data collected exceeded 200 years in age.

Most stands were between 100 and 200 years old, suggesting a typical fire interval for the Series

of perhaps 100-200 years. Associations in the dry end of the type with lots of ladder fuels

would tend to burn more often. Agee (1994) suggests that low to moderate severity fire may

occur every 50 to 100 years, while the stand-replacement interval might be 150 to 500 years.

However, no data are from eastern Washington and return intervals for this Series are not well

known. On the Wenatchee, where contiguous western hemlock sites are widespread or associated

with Pacific silver fir sites, fire intervals will tend to be long and fires severe. Lodgepole pine

can gain dominance on some sites and, because of its flammability, cause an increase in fire

frequency. Generally, when the fire interval is less than 200 years and lodgepole was in the

original stand, intensive fires favor lodgepole pine. However, even though few stands exceed
126

200 years breast-height age, the data record few stands where lodgepole pine is the dominant

tree in the Western Hemlock Series. Longer intervals between conflagrations favor western

larch or western white pine. Less intense fires favor larch, white pine and Douglas-fir. Fires are

variable in intensity and effect on individuals and stands. The pattern in the Rockies that may

apply here tends to be “(1) complete stand replacement, (2) partially killed overstory (resistant

species surviving), (3) underburning with little overstory mortality, and (4) unburned forest”

(Arno and Davis 1980). Stands on steep mid-slopes may form a “thermal belt” that burned hot

in past fires. Such sites are warmer, drier and more wind-exposed than are stands on sheltered

slopes and slope positions (Arno and Davis 1980).

After harvest, shrub competition with tree seedlings can be significant, particularly if

vine maple was present in the pre-harvest stand. Snowbrush ceanothus, after sprouting from

seed, also has the ability to form dense stands on many Western Hemlock Series sites. The

amount of Ceanothus competition can be difficult to predict unless the plant is evident in the

undisturbed stand.

Hessburg and others (1994) note four diseases as primary influences in both historical

and current forests: laminated root rot, Armillaria root disease, S-group Annosum root disease,

and brown cubical butt rot. Of these, laminated root rot is probably the most common and

damaging root disease within the Series (Hessburg, personal communication). Laminated root

rot was especially common in early and mid seral stands dominated by Douglas-fir and grand

fir, where trees of all ages were killed (Hessburg and others 1994). The more shade-tolerant

western hemlock shows little effect until maturity, when butt defects develop. Dwarf mistletoe

can be a major cause of mortality in western larch, particularly where larch is a major stand

component.

White pine blister rust, an exotic disease introduced to western North America about

1910, has also had major impact on five-needle pines throughout the United States. In this

Series, the result of the disease is a significant reduction in the abundance of western white pine

(Hessburg and others 1994). Data from over 300 plots in the Series indicate that white pine is

found in over half of all plots, though in no case does total cover exceed 25%. Uninfected

mature trees are unusual.

Most Associations are not suited for forage production for livestock because of heavy

shade in mature stands and low palatability of common herbs. Shade and proximity to water

may result in localized heavy use by livestock for resting. Early seral stages with high shrub and

herb development provide better forage and cover for livestock.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: Numerous authors have described the

Western Hemlock Series in the Cascades, northeastern Washington, northern Idaho and

Montana. Some of these are: Daubenmire and Daubenmire 1968; Pfister and others 1977;

Topik and others 1988; John and others 1988; Halverson and others 1986; Williams and others

1990; and, Henderson and others 1992. A variety of plant Associations have been described,

with perhaps the common link being that western hemlock, like Pacific silver fir and mountain

hemlock, is strongly limited to areas with a maritime climate.
127

Keys to Plant Associations

of the Western Hemlock Series

Before using the key, the field form in Appendix E should be completed. Refer to the “Using the

Keys” section in the introduction for more information on key use and if the stand does not key.

Note: (M) refers to miscellaneous plant Associations that are described elsewhere but were

uncommon or undersampled, or both, on the Wenatchee NF.

Skunk cabbage > 5% ........................................... TSHE/LYAM (M) p. 148

Devil’s club or ladyfern > 5% ................................. THPL/OPHO p. 130

Pinemat manzanita or bearberry > 5%.................... TSHE/ARNE p. 140

Vine maple > 5%

wild ginger or ladyfern > 1% ............................ TSHE/ACCI/ASCA3 p. 134

vanilla leaf > 1% ............................................ TSHE/ACCI/ACTR p. 132

queencup beadlily > 1% .................................. TSHE/ACCI/CLUN p. 136

Cascade Oregon grape > 1% ........................... TSHE/BENE p. 144

Wild ginger or ladyfern > 1% ................................. TSHE/ASCA3 p. 142

Vanilla leaf > 1% ................................................. TSHE/ACTR p. 138

Queencup beadlily > 1% ....................................... TSHE/PAMY/CLUN p. 146

Cascade Oregon grape > 1% ................................. TSHE/BENE p. 144

Average Summary Productivity Estimates by Type 1

# INTENSIVE #TREES/ TBA QUAD MEAN STAND DENSITY HERBAGE

TYPE PLOTS ACRE DIAM. INDEX

THPL/OPHO 6 134 340 23 454 176

TSHE/ACCI/ACTR 2 322 244 12 412 14

TSHE/ACCI/ASCA3 4 257 347 16 525 36

TSHE/ACCI/CLUN 6 402 239 13 413 40

TSHE/ACTR 12 482 252 11 454 94

TSHE/ARNE 4 370 167 11 295 242

TSHE/ASCA3 7 363 406 16 630 40

TSHE/BENE 11 328 275 13 454 19

TSHE/PAMY/CLUN 2 139 252 18 364 265

1 Type = Plant Association or Community Type (in alphabetical order); # Intensive plots indicates the number of plots

used to derive the values; # Trees/ac is the number of trees per acre; TBA is the total basal area in square feet per acre

based on prism counts; Quadratic mean diameter is the diameter to the nearest inch of a tree of average basal area;

Stand density index is from Reineke 1933; and Herbage is the pounds per acre of air dry herbaceous vegetation at the

time of sampling as derived from a double-sampling technique.
128

Site index, growth basal area, and GBA

volume estimates by species and type 2

TYPE SPECIES #SI TREES SI #GBA TREES GBA VOL AGE

THPL/OPHO ABGR 2 101 20 387 280 127

PIEN 5 84 5 201 118 1043

PSME 13 83 13 363 227 138

THPL 17 66 17 354 161 129

TSHE/ACCI/ACTR LAOC 5 79 5 351 195 73

PSME 5 87 5 328 200 67

TSHE 1 55 5 183 70 160

TSHE/ACCI/ASCA3 ABGR 8 100 8 611 431 75

PSME 14 84 15 315 188 109

TSHE 3 68 5 388 185 115

TSHE/ACCI/CLUN ABGR 16 73 30 249 129 111

LAOC 6 77 9 189 103 136

PIMO 2 71 3 260 130 145

PSME 6 76 6 336 184 113

THPL 8 62 8 230 98 128

TSHE/ACTR ABGR 11 81 19 313 200 92

LAOC 23 71 23 244 119 101

PIEN 4 94 4 559 370 81

PSME 44 68 44 271 136 99

THPL 5 47 5 223 73 117

TSHE 6 56 8 227 89 95

TSHE/ARNE PICO 10 40 10 88 25 94

PIMO 1 33 3 137 31 154

PSME 6 45 11 147 28 185

TSHE/ASCA3 ABGR 12 104 23 566 487 108

PIEN 3 88 3 512 314 69

PSME 13 82 13 454 265 97

THPL 10 65 10 447 210 125

TSHE 5 82 5 313 180 102

TSHE/BENE ABGR 15 79 16 257 141 83

PICO 3 59 3 106 43 118

PIMO 7 59 7 393 164 112

PSME 20 73 23 214 103 150

TSHE 9 67 26 253 125 183

TSHE/PAMY/CLUN PSME 10 70 10 230 114 109

2 Type = Plant Association or Community Type (in alphabetical order); Species = tree species for which the estimates

are made; GBA is Growth Basal Area (Hall 1983); VOL = an estimate of wood production in cubic feet/acre/year from

an empirical formula based on site index and GBA (Hall 1983, personal communication); and SI is the average site

index (all trees base 50 except ABAM, ABPR, PIPO and TSME which are base 100-See Introduction for Site index

curve sources. #GBA trees is the number of trees used to make the GBA estimates; #SI trees is the number of trees used

to determine the Site Index values.
129

Plant Associations Groups (PAGs) are arranged so that similar ecological sites are grouped on

a temperature and moisture scale. Temperature values (from hot to cold) are hot, warm, cool

and cold while moisture values are (from dry to wet) dry, mesic, moist and wet. WEN is used to

indentify Wenatchee plant Associations that are considered ecologically different from likenamed Associations described elsewhere. (M) refers to miscellaneous plant Associations that

are described elsewhere but were uncommon or undersampled, or both, on the Wenatchee NF.

WESTERN HEMLOCK

PLANT ASSOCIATION

GROUPS

1. Warm Dry Shrub/Herb PAG

• TSHE/ARNE

2. Warm Mesic Shrub/Herb PAG

• TSHE/ACCI/ACTR WEN

• TSHE/ACCI/CLUN

3. Warm Moist Shrub/Herb PAG

• TSHE/ACCI/ASCA3

• TSHE/ASCA3

4. Cool Mesic Shrub/Herb PAG

• TSHE/BENE WEN

• TSHE/PAMY/CLUN

5. Cool Moist Shrub/Herb PAG

• TSHE/ACTR WEN

6. Wet Shrub/Herb PAG

• TSHE/LYAM (M)

• THPL/OPHO

WESTERN HEMLOCK

PLANT ASSOCIATIONS

AND ECOCLASS CODES

THPL/OPHO CCS211

TSHE/ACCI/ACTR WEN CHS225

TSHE/ACCI/ASCA3 CHS226

TSHE/ACCI/CLUN CHS227

TSHE/ACTR WEN CHF223

TSHE/ARNE CHS144

TSHE/ASCA3 CHF313

TSHE/BENE WEN CHS142

TSHE/PAMY/CLUN CHS143

TSHE/LYAM (M) CHM121
130

THPL/OPHO ASSOCIATION CCS211

Thuja plicata/Oplopanax horridum

western redcedar/devil’s club

NEGATIVE 32

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 1920-3340 (2597) ft.

Aspect: variable (generally unimportant)

Slope: 2-39 (11) %

Slope position: M 1/3, bench, toe, bottom

Special: moderate, wet, maritime

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 10)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

THPL western redcedar 90 28

ABGR grand fir 80 24

PSME Douglas-fir 80 14

TSHE western hemlock 60 15

ALRU Red alder 20 6

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

THPL western redcedar 100 5

TSHE western hemlock 40 4

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

ACCI vine maple 90 15

OPHO devil’s club 80 13

BENE Cascade Oregon grape 80 3

RUPA thimbleberry 70 9

RILA prickly currant 70 2

ROGY baldhip rose 60 3

HERBS

SMST starry solomonplume 100 6

ASCA3 wild ginger 90 8

CLUN queencup beadlily 90 4

VIGL pioneer violet 90 3

ATFI ladyfern 80 9

TITRU coolwort foamflower 80 4

TROV trillium 80 2

GATR sweetscented bedstraw 80 2

DIHO Hooker fairybells 70 2

ACTR vanilla leaf 50 14

TRLA2 western starflower 50 7

GYDR oak fern 50 3

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The THPL/OPHO Association is a

minor type widely distributed along the

Cascade Range. Most plots are from the Cle

Elum District, but Leavenworth, Lake

Wenatchee and Naches Districts also support

the type.

Most slopes are gentle (only two stands

exceeded 20% slope). Aspects are variable, but

are not important factors of site location

because of the valley bottom positions typical

of the type. The stands are sheltered, relatively

warm and have poor drainage. The microrelief

is usually flat or undulating.

Soils are generally formed in alluvium of

various geologic origins. They are dark, high

in organic matter and poorly drained. High

water tables and standing surface water are

characteristic of these sites. The type is

typically found along streams or seeps.

Mid-slope sites have perched water tables.

Sites are hummucky, and microsite variation

strongly affects vegetative composition, with

mound-growing species requiring better

drainage than that available between the

mounds.

The type is related to the ABAM/

OPHO Association, but is found on warmer

(lower elevation) sites.
131

THPL/OPHO ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: All the sample stands are less than 200 years old, so late seral or climax conditions

must be based on species composition and successional dynamics. It is unlikely that single

species climax will ever be reached on these sites because of the variable microsites and stream

dynamics. Western redcedar is usually more abundant than western hemlock. Sites with Pacific

silver fir better fit the ABAM/OPHO Association. Red alder may form part of the early tree

sere. Other seral trees are more characteristic of the mounds and include Douglas-fir, grand fir

and perhaps western white pine. These sites appear too warm to support Engelmann spruce or

subalpine fir. Western redcedar and western hemlock are found in all stages of the tree sere.

The shrub layer is characterized by devil’s club and vine maple, but a variety of other

shrubs may also be present. The distinctively shaped, armed, and horizontally arranged leaves

of devil’s club give a distinctive appearance to the stands. Other shrubs that may be abundant

include prickly current, Cascade Oregon grape, thimbleberry, Pacific blackberry, creeping

snowberry and, occasionally, salmonberry. Ladyfern is well represented on most sites and is also

an indicator for the type. Other important herbs include wild ginger, starry solomonplume,

coolwort foamflower, vanilla leaf, western starflower, horsetails, oak fern, queencup beadlily and

false bugbane. The herb layer is quite variable in number and amount of species.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Timber productivity is high, based on basal areas and site

index (Appendix C), but high water tables and riparian conditions limit silvicultural options.

Regeneration is difficult to assure after harvest and methods of reliably reforesting such wet

sites are not known. Soils are subject to compaction and flooding, making harvesting and road

building very difficult. Natural stands often have a high proportion of “cull” trees because of rot

or multiple tops. Western hemlock, Douglas-fir and grand fir require downed logs or root wads

to regenerate on these swampy sites. THPL/OPHO sites have high wildlife and watershed

values.

Fires are relatively rare in these wet environments, but these sites appear to burn more

often than the related but cooler ABAM/OPHO Association. Mean stand age for the type,

based on six samples, was about 150 years, surprisingly young in view of the wet conditions.

The fire frequency of surrounding stands may help dictate how often these stands burn. Most

fires appear to have been spot fires and rarely extended throughout the entire stand.

The THPL/OPHO Association provides valuable riparian habitat for a variety of wildlife,

providing water, cover and forage. The variety of succulent herbs provides forage for ungulates.

Elk relish devil’s club.

The valley bottom location of the type makes its sites appear appropriate for recreational

development, but they are poorly suited to such use. Trails require special design to be successful

here and the shrubs and herbs are susceptible to trampling damage. Further, abundant free

standing water often makes these sites productive nurseries for mosquitos.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: A THPL/OPHO Association has not

been described by others in the Cascades but it is very similar to the TSHE/OPHO, TSHE/

OPHO/POMU or TSHE/OPHO/ATFI types of a variety of workers for areas all along the

Cascades (Halverson and others 1986; Topik and others 1986; Franklin and others 1988;

Henderson and others 1991). A THPL/OPHO type was described in northeastern Washington,

northern Idaho and Montana (Williams and others 1990; Cooper and others 1991; Pfister and

others 1977). All those Associations are very similar, indicating the wet end of the Western

Hemlock Series. The Wenatchee Association includes stands with 5% or more ladyfern as well,

and these stands fit into the THPL/ATFI type described in some classifications.
132

TSHE/ACCI/ACTR WEN ASSOCIATION CHS225

Tsuga heterophylla/Acer circinatum/Achylys triphylla

western hemlock/vine maple/vanilla leaf

SLIDE 33

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 2080-3190 (2533) ft.

Aspect: various

Slope: 3-56 (56) %

Slope position: U, M, L 1/3, bench

Special: warm, moist, maritime

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 10)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 100 24

TSHE western hemlock 80 23

ABGR grand fir 60 16

THPL western redcedar 50 10

PIMO western white pine 40 7

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

TSHE western hemlock 80 5

THPL western redcedar 80 4

ABGR grand fir 60 7

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

ACCI vine maple 100 20

ROGY baldhip rose 100 4

BENE Cascade Oregon grape 90 8

PAMY pachistima 90 8

VAME big huckleberry 90 8

LIBOL twinflower 80 9

CHUMO western prince’s pine 80 3

RUUR Pacific blackberry 70 3

PYSE sidebells pyrola 70 2

SYMOH creeping snowberry 60 3

XETE beargrass 40 5

HERBS

ACTR vanilla leaf 100 4

TROV trillium 80 2

GOOB w. rattlesnake plantain 70 2

TRLA2 western starflower 60 6

CLUN queencup beadlily 50 6

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The TSHE/ACCI/ACTR Association

is known only from the Cle Elum District near

Lakes Kachess and Cle Elum. No plots

representative of the type were sampled on

other districts although it is possible this type

is more widespread than the limited data

indicate.

Elevations are low, with only one plot

over 3000 feet. This type is significantly lower

than the closely related TSHE/ACTR. 80%

of the plots were on slopes under 30%. Typical

stands are on upper to lower slope positions

and on benches.

Soils are generally well-drained and are

predominantly formed in outwash/till of a

variety of mixed geologic materials. Coarse

fragments are typically gravels and average

30% by volume in eight samples.

This type is similar to the ABAM/ACCI

and ABGR/ACCI types, but it occupies sites

too warm for Pacific silver fir, yet moist enough

for western hemlock to exclude grand fir over

time. It is slightly warmer and better drained

than the TSHE/ACTR WEN Association.

Wetter habitats are often occupied by TSHE/

ASCA3 or THPL/OPHO Associations.

Drier sites will often support the TSHE/

BENE type. Cooler sites with higher

snowpacks are commonly within the Pacific

Silver Fir Series in either ABAM/ACCI or

ABAM/ACTR Associations.
133

TSHE/ACCI/ACTR WEN ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Only two stands had age data available. One of these was only about 75 years

at breast height while the other was 160 years breast height age. Consequently, climax conditions

must be inferred from species composition and successional dynamics. Presumably, western

hemlock, as the most shade-tolerant species capable of growing and reproducing on the sites,

will come to dominate the tree canopy and tree regeneration. Western redcedar is a long-lived

dominant or co-dominant in some stands. Seral trees include Douglas-fir, grand fir, western

larch, western white pine and lodgepole pine, although Douglas-fir and grand fir are the most

common. Grand fir is especially important in the sere between 75 and 125 years. It tends to be

a few years younger at breast height than associated Douglas-fir trees. All the trees may enter

the sere at about the same time, but the slower early growth of grand fir compared to larch and

Douglas-fir may give the impression that it is younger. The superior shade tolerance of grand

fir allows it to increase in prominence in mid-seral stands.

The undergrowth is characterized by a tall shrub layer of vine maple, with a variety of

mesophytic herbs characterized by vanilla leaf. The shrub layer is floristically rich, but many

shrubs or subshrubs are relatively low in stature. Common shrubs include twinflower, Cascade

Oregon grape, big huckleberry, western prince’s pine, baldhip rose, pachistima, creeping snowberry

and alpine pyrola. As in TSHE/ACCI/ASCA3 and TSHE/ACCI/CLUN Associations, vine

maple is an important long-lived stand component. There is some question whether vine maple

can maintain itself in stands over 200 years, but the data seem to indicate that it can and does;

especially as stands develop canopy gaps in mature and climax conditions.

The herb layer is characterized by a sparse to dense stand of vanilla leaf mixed with a wide

variety of mesophytic herbs, including queen cup beadlily, pathfinder, trillium and a range of

other herbs that vary greatly in cover and constancy depending on stand density and history of

disturbance. Moist-site ferns and herbs are typically absent or uncommon in this type and

grasses are seldom abundant. Bracken fern is much more constant here than in the similar

TSHE/ACTR WEN Association.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: These should be productive timber sites, but data are limited

(Appendix C). The site index value for Douglas-fir is 87 (base 50), but the mean basal area is

only 244 sq. ft./ac. (from 2 plots). Shrub competition will often be a concern on these sites

because of the abundant vine maple. Soils are subject to compaction and displacement by heavy

equipment. Soil protection is important for maintaining long-term productivity on these warm,

fertile sites.

Tree age data are limited and it is difficult to ascertain the age of last stand replacement.

One stand was quite young (<75 years) while the other was 160 years old. The low elevations

and relatively warm moist conditions of this type suggest a moderate fire return interval of

perhaps 100-200 years.

Forage production in the two stands measured was only 14 lbs./ac. If not too far from

water, these sites would likely be used by domestic livestock for shade. Trees are often tall and

the mixture of species in the crowns often leads to development of multiple crown layers that

may be important for arboreal species. These sites are attractive for recreation developments

because of their sheltered, warm conditions, gentle slopes and tall trees. The shrub and herb

layers are easily damaged by recreational traffic and trampling.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: A TSHE/ACCI/ACTR Association

has been described in the Mt. Hood NF classification (Halverson and others 1986), but the

species compositions are quite different. The TSHE/ACTR Association described for Mt.

Rainier and for the Gifford Pinchot NF both include sample stands that support abundant vine

maple. Both vine maple and vanilla leaf are restricted to the vicinity of the Cascades.
134

TSHE/ACCI/ASCA3 ASSOCIATION CHS226

Tsuga heterophylla/Acer circinatum/Asarum caudatum

western hemlock/vine maple/wild ginger

SLIDE 34

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 2140-2730 (2457) ft.

Aspect: variable

Slope: 1-48 (22) %

Slope position: M, L 1/3, bench, bottom

Special: moderate, moist, maritime

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 9)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 100 27

THPL western redcedar 78 15

TSHE western hemlock 89 12

ABGR grand fir 78 22

PIMO western white pine 56 3

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

THPL western redcedar 89 3

TSHE western hemlock 78 4

ABGR grand fir 89 2

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

ACCI vine maple 100 23

BENE Cascade Oregon grape 89 5

RUUR Pacific blackberry 78 3

LIBOL twinflower 67 5

CHUMO western prince’s pine 67 3

ROGY baldhip rose 67 2

PYSE sidebells pyrola 67 2

PAMY pachistima 67 2

RUPA thimbleberry 56 4

HERBS

SMST starry solomonplume 100 3

ASCA3 wild ginger 100 2

CLUN queencup beadlily 89 5

GOOB w. rattlesnake plantain 89 2

ACTR vanilla leaf 78 16

PTAQ bracken fern 78 3

TROV trillium 78 2

POMU sword fern 56 2

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The TSHE/ACCI/ASCA3 Community

Type is found in suitable environments from

the Cle Elum to Lake Wenatchee Districts.

Vine maple persists even in stands 150+ years

old, and its presence with wild ginger separates

this type from the similar TSHE/ASCA3. All

stands are within a few miles of the Cascade

Crest or in areas with a strong maritime

climatic influence, or both.

Elevations are significantly lower than

the closely related TSHE/ASCA3 Association.

Most slopes are less than 25%, though some

plots have slopes over 40%. Sites are

characteristically on sheltered lower slopes and

bottoms. The type occupies areas of low

insolation and of moisture accumulation in the

soils. It is characterized by warm, wellwatered, sheltered sites with fertile soils.

Most soils are formed in alluvium,

colluvium or glacial drift from a wide variety

of parent materials. Coarse fragments (usually

gravels) average over 30% in the surface

horizons.

Sites are moist, but not as much so as the

TSHE/ASCA3, nor as wet as the related

THPL/OPHO Association. Less moist

environments support TSHE/PAMY/CLUN

or TSHE/ACTR WEN types.
135

TSHE/ACCI/ASCA3 ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: The oldest stand sampled was just over 170 years old, so late seral and climax

conditions are unclear and must be inferred from species composition and successional dynamics.

Western hemlock is co-dominant with Douglas-fir in the oldest stand, overstory canopy cover

is over 80%, and vine maple cover is still 10%. Both western redcedar and grand fir are important

stand components in nearly all of the plots. Trees important early in the sere on most sites

include grand fir and Douglas-fir. Western white pine may also form part of the tallest tree

layer in some stands. Red alder may occur here as well.

The shrub layer in late seral or climax conditions will be fairly sparse when compared to early

successional conditions. Vine maple is expected to maintain itself in these stands and typically

will flourish when the tree canopy is removed. There is some question whether vine maple can

maintain itself in very dense older stands. However, it appears capable of remaining for at least

200 years and any canopy gaps should result in higher shrub canopy cover of vine maple. Cascade

Oregon grape is the next most constant shrub species. Other shrubs or subshrubs that may be

abundant, depending on the age, seral stage and history of disturbance, include twinflower, alpine

pyrola, western prince’s pine, pachistima, sidebells pyrola and baldhip rose.

The herb layer is characterized by a rich assemblage of mesophytic herbs. Wild ginger is

the definitive species but other moist site herbs include starry solomonplume, queencup beadlily,

trillium, pathfinder, vanilla leaf, and sword fern. Other less constant species may also be well

represented (See Appendix B).

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Sites are warm, moist and fertile. Site index values for

Douglas-fir, and grand fir are 84 and 100 (base 50), respectively, and total basal area is 347 sq.

ft./ac. (Appendix C). These are some of the most productive sites on the Forest and their

productivity should be protected by minimizing soil disturbance and compaction. Tree harvest

may raise the water table somewhat, but much less so than in the THPL/OPHO type. Frost is

not a problem in natural stands but careful attention should be paid to air drainage patterns to

avoid creating a frost pocket through harvest activities.

Vine maple competition can be severe following overstory removal. Other shrubs such as

baldhip rose (that also resprout from root crowns) are favored by spring burns. Anecdotal

evidence from this area indicates that fall burning generally increases the amount of shrubs on

the site, especially if Ceanothus species (particularly snowbrush ceanothus) are present or their

seeds are in the soil. This is because Ceanothus seeds have both a scarification as well as a

cold-wet stratification requirement. Spring burns often do not meet the stratification requirement

of the seeds, so seed germination and subsequent shrub development is reduced.

Fires are likely infrequent in these stands. However, when they burn, they burn hot due to

high fuel loading. Tree ages were quite variable in the type (and data limited), making it difficult

to verify fire frequency. The limited data suggest that fire frequency is probably in the range of

100-200 years.

Mature stands often develop multiple tree canopies, with Douglas-fir as the tallest layer, above

one or more layers of more tolerant species such as grand fir, western hemlock, western redcedar, or

even red alder. This diversity in tree layers provides a diverse habitat for many wildlife species,

including arboreal mammals and birds. Herbage production averaged 36 lbs./ac.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: The TSHE/ACCI/ASCA3 Association

has not been described in adjacent forest areas.
136

TSHE/ACCI/CLUN ASSOCIATION CHS227

Tsuga heterophylla/Acer circinatum/Clintonia uniflora

western hemlock/vine maple/queencup beadlily

NEGATIVE 35

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 2140-2940 (2589) ft.

Aspect: variable

Slope: 2-53 (14) %

Slope position: bench, toe, bottom

Special: moderate, mesic, maritime

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 7)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 100 11

ABGR grand fir 86 33

THPL western redcedar 86 19

TSHE western hemlock 86 17

PIMO western white pine 86 4

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

THPL western redcedar 100 9

ABGR grand fir 71 8

TSHE western hemlock 71 6

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

ACCI vine maple 100 25

LIBOL twinflower 100 11

BENE Cascade Oregon grape 86 7

PAMY pachistima 86 6

ROGY baldhip rose 86 3

RUPA thimbleberry 86 3

CHUMO western prince’s pine 71 6

VAME big huckleberry 71 2

AMAL serviceberry 57 2

GAOV slender wintergreen 57 2

COCA bunchberry dogwood 43 14

HERBS

CLUN queencup beadlily 100 9

GOOB w. rattlesnake plantain 100 3

TROV trillium 86 2

SMST starry solomonplume 71 4

SMRA feather solomonplume 57 2

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

Limited data indicate that the TSHE/

ACCI/CLUN Association is most common

on the Leavenworth and Lake Wenatchee

Districts. One plot occurred on the Cle Elum

District.

Elevations do not exceed 3000 feet in the

plots. Benches and toe slopes are the

predominant micropositions and only one plot

had greater than 15% slope. Microreliefs are

either flat or concave.

Sites are warm and well-watered, though

stands with bunchberry dogwood and spruce

indicate some cold air drainage. Frost is

uncommon, although snowpacks may be

relatively high.

Soils are formed in a variety of parent

materials, including granite, sandstone, ash and

pumice (one plot). There are virtually no data

on soil coarse fragments.

TSHE/PAMY/CLUN or TSHE/

BENE types are common on steeper and/or

drier sites. TSHE/ASCA3 or TSHE/ACCI/

ASCA3 Associations occur on more moist and

fertile sites. Cooler sites are usually occupied

by TSHE/ACTR WEN.
137

TSHE/ACCI/CLUN ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Few stands were over 150 years old when sampled, so late successional or

climax conditions must be inferred from species composition and successional dynamics. Both

cedar and hemlock are fairly abundant in most stands. Western redcedar is an important species

that will never be fully replaced by western hemlock on these sites. In general, grand fir seems

to be an especially important part of the sere in stands between 100 and 200 years of age. Grand

fir is either dominant or important in all stands. Douglas-fir is also abundant in most stands.

Other trees may form part of the tree sere, depending on stand history and timing and type of

disturbance. Most stands have age information in their data, and they range from 118 to 156

years old, measurd at breast height.

Stands are characterized by abundant vine maple and numerous relatively abundant shrubs

and subshrubs, such as Cascade Oregon grape, pachistima, western prince’s pine and twinflower.

Other shrubs that may be important in the sere include serviceberry, big huckleberry, baldhip rose

and thimbleberry. Bunchberry dogwood with Engelmann spruce indicates sites cooler than normal

for the type. Twinflower becomes more common, or at least more apparent, on heavily grazed

sites. Stands approaching 150 years of age have relatively low amounts of tall shrub cover, with the

exception of vine maple. It is abundant even in the oldest sample stands and even where overstory

canopy cover is high. It may decline in older stands, particularly when overtopped by a dense

middle canopy stratum, but it is expected that canopy gaps in very old stands will provide for its

continuance. In some cases, vine maple’s presence and abundance appear more related to previous

stand conditions and age than to intrinsic site factors. Nevertheless, in this type, vine maple is

judged to indicate site factors adequately different to justify the Association.

The herb layer is characterized by a collection of mesophytic herbs, including queencup

beadlily, rattlesnake plantain, starry solomonplume, trillium, feather solomonplume and bracken

fern. All of these herbs may be well represented in some stands.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: These sites are relatively warm and moist and can be highly

productive timber sites with a wide variety of options available to managers (Appendix C).

However, the sites can be degraded by soil compaction and excessive disturbance. Shrub

competition can be severe, particularly from vine maple. Maximum shrub cover will occur

within ten years of clearcutting or burning. Vine maple resprouts after all but the hottest fires.

Fires hot enough to kill the root crowns are so intense as to greatly reduce the amount of

nutrients, such as nitrogen, that are important for long-term site productivity. Although not

present in any of the samples, snowbrush ceanothus can often develop dense stands from seed.

Shelterwoods, with minimum site disturbance, are suggested to reduce shrub competition.

Western hemlock sites in the northern Rocky Mountains have less total shrub cover, if the

stands are not burned and some tree overstory is left on the site. Destruction of soil organic

matter contributes to the development of dense shrubfields (Harvey and others 1987). Dense

shelterwood and selection treatments favor grand fir, western redcedar and western hemlock.

These dense stands have high fuel loads, but are usually moist enough to avoid frequent

fires. Tree ages from 6 stands were all less than 160 years breast height, suggesting a fire return

interval of 100-200 years for stand-replacement fires.

These warm, sheltered sites provide good habitat for a wide range of wildlife. Although

herbage is low, deer and elk likely use these areas for shade (Appendix C). Stands with high

vine maple cover are excellent hiding cover for ungulates. Multiple tree canopies are common

and provide habitat for arboreal mammals and birds. Sites on gentle slopes with high vine maple

cover provide screening for campsites, but the herb and low shrub layer is easily damaged by

foot and vehicular traffic.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: The TSHE/ACCI/CLUN Association

has not been described in adjacent areas.
138

TSHE/ACTR WEN ASSOCIATION CHF223

Tsuga heterophylla/Achylys triphylla

western hemlock/vanilla leaf

NEGATIVE 36

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 2170-4280 (3364) ft.

Aspect: various

Slope: 1-62 (25) %

Slope pos: ridge, U, M, L 1/3, bench, bottom

Special: warm, moist, maritime

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 41)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 95 21

TSHE western hemlock 85 18

ABGR grand fir 73 21

LAOC western larch 61 10

THPL western redcedar 54 11

PIMO western white pine 54 6

PICO lodgepole pine 27 5

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

TSHE western hemlock 88 4

ABGR grand fir 80 8

THPL western redcedar 56 6

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

BENE Cascade Oregon grape 98 9

LIBOL twinflower 95 8

CHUMO western prince’s pine 88 3

ROGY baldhip rose 85 5

PAMY pachistima 80 5

VAME big huckleberry 74 4

PYSE sidebells pyrola 73 2

SYMOH creeping snowberry 54 4

ACCI vine maple 20 4

XETE beargrass 10 7

HERBS

ACTR vanilla leaf 100 10

GOOB w. rattlesnake plantain 73 2

TROV trillium 66 1

CLUN queencup beadlily 59 5

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The TSHE/ACTR WEN Association is

most common on the Naches and Cle Elum

Districts. It was not sampled on other districts.

It is possible the type is more widespread than

indicated.

Elevations are variable. 90% of all plots

are between 2000 and 4000 feet elevation. No

plots are below 2000 feet and only 5 above

4000 feet. Slopes are moderate and most

stands are on mid and lower slope positions

where moisture accumulates but the soils are

generally well drained. The TSHE/ACTR

WEN Association is characterized by relatively

warm, sheltered, well-watered, yet

well-drained sites on deep soils.

Soils are typically depositional in nature,

formed in tephra/breccia or outwash/till from

a variety of mixed geologic materials. 25% of

the plots were on residual basalt substrates (on

Naches). Coarse fragments are usually gravels

and average over 20% in the surface horizons.

TSHE/ACTR WEN grades into TSHE/

ACCI/ACTR WEN on warmer sites that are

generally at lower elevations. ABAM/ACTR

occurs on cooler sites at higher elevations, while

TSHE/ASCA3, TSHE/ACCI/ASCA3 and

THPL/OPHO are on more moist sites.

ABGR/ACTR often occurs on slightly drier

(and typically more continental) sites.
139

TSHE/ACTR WEN ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Few sample stands were over 150 years old, so late successional or climax conditions

must be inferred from species composition and successional dynamics. Presumably, western hemlock

is the most shade tolerant species capable of growing and reproducing on the sites, and will dominate

the tree canopy and tree regeneration in mature stands. Western redcedar is a common long-lived

co-dominant. Seral trees include Douglas-fir, grand fir, western larch, western white pine,

Engelmann spruce and lodgepole pine. Grand fir is especially important in the sere between 75

and 125 years. It tends to appear a few years younger than associated western larch or Douglas-fir

trees. All the trees may enter the sere at about the same time, but the slower early growth of grand

fir compared to larch and Douglas-fir may give the impression it is younger. The superior shade

tolerance of grand fir allows it to increase in prominence in mid-seral stands.

The shrub layer is floristically rich, but many species are relatively low in stature. Common

species include twinflower, Cascade Oregon grape, big huckleberry, western prince’s pine, baldhip

rose, pachistima, creeping snowberry and alpine pyrola. Vine maple may be present in small

amounts, particularly in stands below 3000 feet. If vine maple was in the previous stand, it will

persist for a hundred years or more on these sites. Very dense stands with some vine maple may

better fit the TSHE/ACCI/ACTR WEN type.

Herbs are characterized by a sparse to dense stand of vanilla leaf mixed with a wide variety

of mesophytic herbs, including queencup beadlily, pathfinder and trillium. A range of other

herbs may occur and vary greatly in cover and constancy, depending on stand density and history

of disturbance. Ladyfern and oak fern indicate especially moist sites which approach being

TSHE/ASCA3, or even THPL/OPHO Associations. Abundant few-flowered peavine indicates

heavy grazing by cattle or elk.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: These are fairly productive, easily managed timber sites

(Appendix C). The Douglas-fir site index is 68 (base 50) and total basal area averaged 252 sq. ft./

ac. Shrub competition should not be much of a problem due to the lack of vine maple as a major

component of the understory. Soils are subject to compaction and displacement by heavy equipment.

Soil protection is important for maintaining long-term productivity on these warm, fertile sites.

Tree harvest may raise the water table somewhat and be a concern, especially on sites at the moist

extreme for the type.

Herbage production averaged 94 lbs./ac. on 12 clipped plots. Trees are often tall, of mixed

species and ages, which leads to development of multiple crown layers that are important for

arboreal species. These sites are attractive for recreation developments because of their sheltered,

warm conditions, gentle slopes and tall trees. The shrub and herb layers are easily damaged by

recreational traffic and trampling.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: A TSHE/ACTR Association has been

described on the Yakima Indian Reservation, the Mt. Hood NF, the Gifford Pinchot NF, and

for Mt. Rainier National Park ( John and others 1988; Halverson and others 1986; Topik and

others 1986; Franklin and others 1988). However, the Mt. Rainier and Gifford Pinchot NF

types described sample stands supporting abundant vine maple, which better fit in the Wenatchee’s

TSHE/ACCI/ACTR. The TSHE/ACTR type on the Yakima Reservation is similar, although

some of their plots may key to the Wenatchee ABGR/ACTR type.
140

TSHE/ARNE COMMUNITY TYPE CHS144

Tsuga heterophylla/Arctostaphylos nevadensis

western hemlock/pinemat manzanita

SLIDE 37

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 2450-3500 (3098) ft.

Aspect: various (few plots)

Slope: 2-45 (18) %

Slope position: ridge, M, toe, bench

Special: warm, very dry, maritime

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 6)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 83 18

PICO lodgepole pine 83 15

TSHE western hemlock 67 7

PIMO western white pine 67 5

ABLA2 subalpine fir 50 4

LAOC western larch 33 13

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

PIMO western white pine 100 5

PICO lodgepole pine 83 10

TSHE western hemlock 67 3

ABLA2 subalpine fir 50 5

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

ARNE pinemat manzanita 100 28

VAME big huckleberry 83 16

CHUMO western prince’s pine 83 5

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea 83 4

PAMY pachistima 83 3

LIBOL twinflower 67 9

GAOV slender wintergreen 67 8

BENE Cascade Oregon grape 67 4

ROGY baldhip rose 67 2

SOSC2 mountain ash 50 2

VASC grouse huckleberry 33 5

HERBS

CARU pinegrass 67 6

HIAL white hawkweed 67 3

PTAQ bracken fern 50 12

GOOB w. rattlesnake plantain 50 2

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The minor TSHE/ARNE Community

Type was sampled on the Naches and Cle

Elum Districts. It may occur elsewhere.

Most sample stands were between 2900

and 3500 feet. Slopes, aspects and slope positions are variable.

This type represents very rocky or

severely degraded sites with low moisture and

nutrient holding capacity in an area of strong

maritime climate. The TSHE/ARNE type is

something of an anomaly because sites that

support pinemat manzanita are usually too dry

to support western hemlock. However, the

western hemlock is found in specialized

microsites with moisture accumulation, such

as rock crevices. The climate is sufficiently

maritime for western hemlock to persist,

though in most instances the sites are too harsh

to form a closed canopy.

These visibly rocky sites simply do not

have enough soil to support more than an

impoverished tree canopy. The soils are usually

of mixed parent material. Most of the plots

in the type are on rocky ridges or on very rocky

glacial outwash. One plot is on sands in an

area that burned intensely several decades ago.

This Community Type is treated as part

of the Western Hemlock Series because many

sites will key here via the western hemlock key.

As organic matter and nutrients accumulate

with plant succession, this degraded site will

likely eventually support a Pacific Silver Fir

Series Association.
141

TSHE/ARNE COMMUNITY TYPE

VEGETATION: Tree canopies are sparse, with most stands supporting less than 50% canopy

cover. Trees are often stunted in appearance compared to stands on better sites nearby. A wide

variety of species may be present, depending on seed sources and microsite variation. The most

common trees are Douglas-fir, western hemlock, lodgepole pine, western white pine, subalpine

fir, western larch, and even an occasional ponderosa pine. Lodgepole pine and Douglas-fir

appear best adapted to these poor quality sites and may persist on the sites because the canopies

remain open. Lodgepole pine is more common here than in any other western hemlock

Association.

Pinemat manzanita forms a low mat that characterizes the shrub layer. Other shrubs

include big huckleberry, twinflower, slender wintergreen, western prince’s pine, Cascade Oregon

grape, pachistima, shiny-leaf spirea, baldhip rose and either low or grouse huckleberry. Beargrass

and mountain ash are sometimes present. The abundance of the shrubs listed above and others

depends on individual site history and microsite variation.

Herbs are generally inconspicuous members of the community. White hawkweed, bracken

fern and pinegrass may be well represented on some sites. The relative lack of vegetative cover in

these open stands may be due to heavy use by grazing animals such as elk, and to the harsh site

conditions. Trails, beds and droppings were common in our plots.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: No known methods will assure reforestation. Tree growth

rates and stocking levels are low (Appendix C). The site index value for Douglas-fir was only 45

(base 50) and the average basal area 167 sq. ft./ac.

Several stands were between 200 and 300 years old, suggesting a long fire-free interval.

However, most stands did support lodgepole pine, which often burns every 100 years or so.

Typically, the fire frequency in this type is highly dependent on the surrounding vegetation

because these communities are usually “islands” in the landscape.

These areas are important for wildlife because they provide habitat much different from

the dense forests that typically adjoin the type. They add to biodiversity because of their variety

of microsites and their lack of dense tree cover. Wildlife also benefits from the relative abundance

of berry producing shrubs. Herbage production is quite high for the Series (242 lbs./ac.) and is

often composed of species such as pinegrass or even bluebunch wheatgrass. However, the limited

extent of the type and its position within a densely forested landscape lower its use by livestock.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: The TSHE/ARNE Association has

not been described in other nearby classifications.
142

TSHE/ASCA3 ASSOCIATION CHF313

Tsuga heterophylla/Asarum caudatum

western hemlock/wild ginger

Wild ginger (ASCA3), an indicator of

the TSHE/ASCA3 Association.

SLIDE 38

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 2200-3400 (2822) ft.

Aspect: northerly, west, southwest

Slope: 1-57 (27) %

Slope position: M, L 1/3, bench, bottom

Special: moderate, moist, maritime

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 12)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

THPL western redcedar 100 32

PSME Douglas-fir 92 21

ABGR grand fir 83 21

TSHE western hemlock 75 11

PIEN Engelmann spruce 33 9

POTR2 black cottonwood 25 12

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

THPL western redcedar 92 8

TSHE western hemlock 58 6

ABGR grand fir 50 2

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

BENE Cascade Oregon grape 92 4

CHUMO western prince’s pine 58 2

LIBOL twinflower 50 6

PYSE sidebells pyrola 50 2

PAMY pachistima 50 2

HERBS

SMST starry solomonplume 100 3

ASCA3 wild ginger 100 5

CLUN queencup beadlily 92 4

TROV trillium 92 2

GOOB w. rattlesnake plantain 83 3

VIGL pioneer violet 58 4

POMU swordfern 58 2

ADBI pathfinder 50 5

TITRU coolwort foamflower 50 4

ACTR vanilla leaf 33 13

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The TSHE/ASCA3 Association is

found in suitable environments from the south

end of the Forest to the Lake Wenatchee

District. Most stands are within a few miles

of the Cascade Crest in areas with a strong

maritime influence to the climate.

Elevations are low to moderate and range

from 2200 to 3400 feet. Slopes are moderate,

averaging about 30%, but range from 1 to near

60%. Sites are typically found on mid to lower

slopes or on moist benches. This Association

characterizes warm, moist, sheltered sites with

fertile soils that are somewhat poorly drained.

Soils are moist, but not as wet as the

THPL/OPHO Association. The type

occupies areas of low solar insolation and zones

of moisture accumulation in the soils. Most

soils are formed in depositional material from

a wide variety of parent materials.

Wetter sites normally support the

THPL/OPHO Association, while slightly less

moist environments support TSHE/ACCI/

ASCA3, TSHE/PAMY/CLUN or TSHE/

ACTR WEN types.
143

TSHE/ASCA3 ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: The oldest stand is just over 200 years old, so late seral and climax conditions

are unclear and must be inferred from species composition and successional dynamics.

Presumably, western hemlock will dominate the tree overstory and regeneration layers in late

seral stands. Western redcedar is an important stand component of both overstory and understory

in nearly all plots. Due to the lack of western hemlock in some stands, usually at the range

margins of western hemlock, western redcedar will be used to key to the Series. These warm,

moist sites are adapted to a wide variety of species. Trees important early in the sere on most

sites include grand fir and Douglas-fir. Black cottonwood, Engelmann spruce, western larch,

western white pine and bigleaf maple may be important on some sites.

The shrub layer in late seral or climax conditions will apparently be fairly sparse, with

Cascade Oregon grape as the most constant species. However, a wide variety of other shrubs

may be common, depending on the age, seral stage and history of disturbance for a site. Shrubs

or subshrubs that may be abundant include twinflower, alpine pyrola, western prince’s pine,

pachistima, sidebells pyrola and baldhip rose.

The herb layer is characterized by a rich assemblage of mesophytic herbs. Wild ginger is

the definitive species but others include starry solomonplume, queencup beadlily, trillium,

pathfinder, vanilla leaf and sword fern. Other, less constant species may also be abundant (See

Appendix B).

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Sites are warm, moist and fertile and are highly productive

for timber, shrub and herb biomass (Appendix C). These are some of the most productive sites

on the Forest and their productivity should be protected by minimizing soil disturbance and

compaction. Average basal area for seven samples stands was 406 sq. ft./ac. Site index values

(base 50) for western hemlock and grand fir were both 82 (Appendix C). Tree harvest may raise

the water table so the sites become swampy. Frost is not a problem in natural stands, but careful

attention should be paid to air drainage patterns to avoid creating frost pockets through harvest

activities.

Fires are likely infrequent in these stands. However, when they burn, they will burn hot

due to high fuel loadings. Tree ages were quite variable in the type, making it difficult to verify

fire frequency. The limited data suggest that fire frequency is probably in the range of 100-200

years.

Shrubs, such as baldhip rose, that resprout from root crowns are favored by spring burns.

Fall burning in western hemlock sites in the northern Rocky Mountains generally increases the

amount of shrubs on the site, especially if Ceanothus species are on the site or their seeds are in

the soil. This is because Ceanothus seeds have both a scarification as well as a cold-wet stratification

requirement. Spring burns often do not meet the stratification requirement of the seeds, so seed

germination and subsequent shrub development is reduced.

Mature stands often develop multiple tree canopies, with western larch and Douglas-fir as

the tallest layers, over one or more layers of more tolerant species, such as grand fir, western

hemlock, western redcedar or even black cottonwood. This diversity in tree layers provides a

diverse habitat for many wildlife species, including arboreal mammals and birds.

These sites are not suited to livestock foraging, but often provide shady spots near water.

Herbage production is only about 50 lbs./acre.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: The TSHE/ASCA3 Association has

been described for northern Idaho (Cooper and others 1991). The TSHE/ASCA3 type described

for the Yakima Indian Reservation contains some sample stands that would key to the Wenatchee’s

TSHE/ASCA3. Other classifications in the Cascades describe moist-site herb types that often

include wild ginger, but there is no TSHE/ASCA3 Association described.
144

TSHE/BENE WEN ASSOCIATION CHS142

Tsuga heterophylla/Berberis nervosa

western hemlock/Cascade Oregon grape

SLIDE 39

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 2120-4260 (3206) ft.

Aspect: mainly northerly or easterly

Slope: 3-74 (37) %

Slope position: ridge, U, M, L, bench, bottom

Special: moderate, maritime

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 31)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 94 18

TSHE western hemlock 77 32

PIMO western white pine 65 5

ABGR grand fir 61 19

THPL western redcedar 45 8

LAOC western larch 29 9

PICO lodgepole pine 29 8

ABPR noble fir 3 5

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

TSHE western hemlock 84 4

THPL western redcedar 65 4

ABGR grand fir 55 6

ABAM Pacific silver fir 32 2

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

BENE Cascade Oregon grape 100 6

CHUMO western prince’s pine 81 4

LIBOL twinflower 77 7

VAME big huckleberry 77 3

PAMY pachistima 74 3

PYSE sidebells pyrola 71 2

ROGY baldhip rose 55 4

PYPI whitevein pyrola 45 1

PYAS alpine pyrola 39 3

ACCI vine maple 32 5

HERBS

GOOB w. rattlesnake plantain 65 2

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The TSHE/BENE Association is

widespread along the east slope of the

Cascades within a climatic pattern sufficiently

maritime to support western hemlock. The

plots extend from the Naches District to the

Lake Wenatchee.

Eighty percent of the plots are at

elevations between 2500 and 4000 feet. Slopes

are gentle to steep. Most slopes are greater

than 20% because less steep sites are usually

in more moist Associations within the Western

Hemlock Series. Only one plot occurred in a

bottom position.

Soils are formed in a wide variety of

parent materials. Many plots on the Lake

Wenatchee District are on soils with ash or

pumice in the surface horizons. Sites on

Naches District are most often on basalts or

other types of extrusive igneous materials.

Slightly more moist sites are commonly

in the TSHE/PAMY/CLUN Association.

Drier ones are most often in the Grand Fir

Series.
145

TSHE/BENE WEN ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Dominant trees in our oldest stand were over 300 years old at breast height.

Late seral or near climax stands are characterized by dominance of western hemlock in the

overstory and tree regeneration layers. Western hemlock appears capable of completely replacing

all other associated conifers if sufficient time elapses between perturbations. The undergrowth

in late seral stands has few if any herbs and Cascade Oregon grape dominates the shrub layer.

A wide variety of conifers may form part of the tree sere, depending on stand ages and

history prior to disturbance. Douglas-fir is the most abundant tree on many sites and lingers in

the canopy until well past the age of the oldest stands sampled. However, it does not reproduce

itself well in competition with western hemlock. Other seral trees include grand fir, western

white pine, western larch, western redcedar, noble fir, lodgepole pine and Engelmann spruce. It

is also not uncommon to find small amounts of Pacific silver fir as unsuccessful accidentals in

this type. Grand fir is most abundant in stands between 50 and 150 years old. By the time

stands reach 250 years of age, only western hemlock and Douglas-fir form major parts of the

tree overstory and other species make up only a small proportion of the stand.

Vine maple can occur on sites below 3000 feet that are transitional to the TSHE/ACCI/

CLUN Association. However, vine maple is not particularly well adapted to this type and only

four plots supported over 5% cover. No intrinsic site factors were identified to justify developing

another type. Unlike with some other Associations within this Series, vine maple is not normally

a major part of the shrub sere. Cascade Oregon grape is the most common and consistent

shrub, but others that may be common include western prince’s pine, twinflower, big huckleberry

and pachistima. In many stands, twinflower cover will equal or exceed that of Cascade Oregon

grape.

Herbs are abundant in early seral stands but our three oldest stands have virtually no herbs

present. Only western rattlesnake plantain was in more than half of the plots.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: The TSHE/BENE Association represents the driest site

capable of consistently supporting western hemlock. (In the even more xeric TSHE/ARNE

Association, western hemlock is restricted to moist microsites in rock crevices or to areas of

deep soils, and hemlock regeneration is episodic.) Nevertheless, these are productive sites with

high basal areas and volume growth (Appendix C). Frost is not common and the sites should be

relatively easy to regenerate if soil compaction is avoided. Shrub competition is not normally

much of a problem, but broadcast burning will greatly increase shrub cover for the first decade

or few decades after fire. Beware of increased competition after harvest in the few stands that

support much vine maple.

Fires are likely infrequent in these stands. However, when they burn, they will burn hot

due to high fuel loadings. Tree ages were quite variable in the type, but 4 of 11 stands exceeded

200 years. The data suggest that fire frequency is probably in the range of 100-300 years.

Forage for ungulates in mature stands is poor, but the sites tend to be dark and cool because

of the dense canopy characteristic of the type. Multiple tree canopies are common and provide

important habitat for arboreal animals.

Cascade Oregon grape is relatively tolerant of trampling damage and persists fairly well in

campgrounds if the plants are not picked or dug.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: The TSHE/BENE Association has

been described, with a variety of subtypes, throughout the Cascades. Generally, except for some

unusual populations, Cascade Oregon grape is restricted to the Cascade vicinity and west.

Typically, this type indicates the drier end of the Western Hemlock Series.
146

TSHE/PAMY/CLUN ASSOCIATION CHS143

Tsuga heterophylla/Pachistima myrsinites/Clintonia uniflora

western hemlock/pachistima/queencup beadlily

SLIDE 40

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 2440-4100 (3120) ft.

Aspect: various

Slope: 3-58 (33) %

Slope position: ridge, U, M, L, bench

Special: moderate, maritime

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 12)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 100 24

ABGR grand fir 83 13

TSHE western hemlock 58 13

PIMO western white pine 58 4

THPL western redcedar 50 6

LAOC western larch 42 12

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABGR grand fir 58 8

THPL western redcedar 58 5

TSHE western hemlock 50 2

PIMO western white pine 50 2

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

PAMY pachistima 100 10

VAME big huckleberry 92 9

ROGY baldhip rose 92 5

PYSE sidebells pyrola 83 2

BENE Cascade Oregon grape 75 10

CHUMO western prince’s pine 75 6

AMAL serviceberry 75 2

RULA dwarf bramble 75 2

LIBOL twinflower 58 15

RUPA thimbleberry 50 2

HERBS

CLUN queencup beadlily 100 4

PTAQ bracken fern 92 6

GOOB w. rattlesnake plantain 67 2

SMST starry solomonplume 67 2

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The TSHE/PAMY/CLUN Association

is most common on the Leavenworth and

Lake Wenatchee Districts. There are,

however, plots of the type from the Naches

District in the south to at least Highway 20 in

the North Cascades

Though average elevation is about 3100

feet, Sand Creek area plots in the Naches

District approach or exceed 4000 feet on

southerly aspects. Most plots elsewhere are

below 3000 feet. Slopes vary in steepness, but

most sites are on mid to lower slopes and the

microrelief is typically flat.

Soils are formed in a variety of parent

materials, but soils with pumice are more

common in this Association than in any other

type in the Western Hemlock Series (33% of

plots were noted to have pumice). Coarse

fragments, usually gravels, average about 25%

in the surface horizons.

Sites are warm and moist. Although

snowpacks may be relatively high, frost is

uncommon. Adjacent benches and toe slopes

commonly support the TSHE/ACCI/CLUN

Association. The TSHE/BENE Association

is found on slightly drier sites and TSHE/

ASCA3 or TSHE/ACCI/ASCA3 Associations are on more moist and fertile sites.

Cooler sites usually support the TSHE/ACTR

WEN Association.
147

TSHE/PAMY/CLUN ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Only two plots had tree age data. Dominant trees in the oldest sample stand

were only 110 years old, so late seral or climax conditions must be inferred from species

composition and successional dynamics. Presumably, older stands will be dominated by western

hemlock in the overstory and regeneration layers. This Association has low constancy of western

hemlock and consequently will be difficult at times to identify. Western redcedar is presently

used to key both the Series and type until further data are available to describe a cedar Series.

Western redcedar is an important species that will never be fully replaced by western hemlock

on these sites, and a number of stands support western redcedar with little or no hemlock

evident. The four plots from the Sand Creek area of the Naches District are difficult to fit into

the Western Hemlock Series, but don’t match the Grand Fir Series either. A wide variety of

trees may form part of the tree sere, depending on stand history, and timing and type of

disturbance. Grand fir is an especially important part of the sere in most stands. Western larch,

Douglas-fir, grand fir and western white pine may also be common. Pacific silver fir, subalpine

fir and Engelmann spruce may be present in some stands.

Stands within this type seem to be characterized by numerous relatively abundant

low-to-medium size shrubs and subshrubs, such as dwarf bramble, sidebells pyrola, Cascade

Oregon grape, pachistima, western prince’s pine, baldhip rose, big huckleberry and twinflower.

Other shrubs that may be important in the sere include serviceberry and thimbleberry. Vine

maple is uncommon here but can occur. The Sand Creek plots are the only ones with creeping

snowberry. Stands with bunchberry dogwood and Engelmann spruce are on the cool end for

this type and may be transitional to TSHE/ACCI/CLUN, particularly if vine maple is present.

With grazing, dwarf bramble and twinflower become more common or noticeable.

The herb layer is characterized by a collection of mesophytic herbs, such as queencup

beadlily, rattlesnake plantain, starry solomonplume, trillium and round-leaved violet. Bracken

fern has high constancy and is abundant in some stands.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Tree growth data are limited to only two plots (Appendix

C). Sites are relatively warm, moist and productive timber sites. However, they can be degraded

by soil compaction and excessive disturbance. Destruction of soil organic matter contributes to

the development of dense shrubfields (Harvey and others 1987). Shrub cover will become abundant

within 10 years of clearcutting and burning. Shrub competition from vine maple shouldn’t be a

big problem here, but snowbrush ceanothus can, because it often regenerates prolifically from

seed, even if absent before a disturbance. Sites within the hemlock Series in the northern Rocky

Mountains have less total shrub cover, if the stands are not burned and some tree overstory is left.

Shelterwoods with minimum site disturbance are suggested to reduce shrub competition. Dense

shelterwood and selection treatments favor grand fir, western redcedar and western hemlock.

 Due to limited data, the fire return interval for the type is impossible to determine. Agee

(1994) suggests that low to moderate severity fire may occur every 50 to 100 years, while the

stand-replacement interval might be 150 to 500 years. However, no data are from eastern

Washington and return intervals for this Series are not well known.

These warm, somewhat sheltered sites provide good habitat for a wide range of wildlife.

Stands with much tall shrub cover provide excellent hiding cover for ungulates. Herbage, although

probably not particularly palatable to livestock, was the highest in the Series (Appendix C).

The capability of this type to grow a variety of conifer species provides for multiple tree canopies

and diverse habitat for arboreal mammals and birds. Sites are typically too steep for campsites,

and the herb and low shrub layer is easily damaged by foot and vehicular traffic.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: The TSHE/PAMY/CLUN Association

is similar to the TSHE/CLUN Association in northern Idaho, northeastern Washington, and

Montana (Cooper and others 1991; Williams and others 1990; Pfister and others 1977). It is

also similar to parts of the TSHE/PAMY of Daubenmire and Daubenmire (1968). It has not

been described elsewhere in the Cascades.
148

MISCELLANEOUS WESTERN HEMLOCK ASSOCIATION

(less than 5 Wenatchee sample plots)

TSHE/LYAM CHM121

This is a minor type on the Wenatchee NF and was represented by only one plot in the data set,

but it has been described elsewhere and is highly distinctive (Henderson and others 1992;

Topik 1986; Halverson and others 1986). The unique appearance of skunk cabbage (LYAM)

and the usual presence of surface water give this Association a distinct appearance. And it is the

wettest type in the Western Hemlock Series. Although similar, due to the presence of skunk

cabbage, to types described for both the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie, Mt. Hood and Gifford Pinchot

National Forests, the elevation of the one sample plot on the Wenatchee is much higher than

the other Forests’ Associations—over 4700 feet. The presence of Pacific silver fir may place this

type in a similar ABAM/LYAM Association, but no data were obtained for this type on the

Wenatchee NF.
149

PACIFIC

SILVER FIR

SERIES
150
151

PACIFIC SILVER FIR SERIES

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT: Pacific silver fir is one of the most shade-tolerant

and environmentally restricted conifers on the Wenatchee National Forest. It is found only in

areas of strong maritime climatic influence, usually within a few miles of the Cascade Crest.

The Series is on sites that rarely if ever experience soil drought. Snowpacks are high and

temperatures are cool to cold, but sites rarely experience intense, long-lasting cold temperatures

below 0 degrees F. Although Pacific Silver Fir Series is found on all districts of the Forest near

the Cascade Crest, it is best developed on the Naches, Cle Elum and Lake Wenatchee Districts.

Pacific silver fir is more abundant and widespread on suitable sites west of the Cascade Crest

than it is on the eastern slopes. Mountain hemlock is an accidental species in the Series.

The Pacific Silver Fir Series includes all forest stands potentially dominated at climax by

silver fir, unless mountain hemlock has the potential to have over 10% cover. In the Washington

Cascades, mountain hemlock and Pacific silver fir broadly overlap in their ecological distribution,

so distinguishing between the two Series can be difficult. The capability of mountain hemlock

to maintain at least 10% cover in later successional stands is the convention used in this guide.

That is, sites that can support at least 10% cover of mountain hemlock are deemed different

from sites that can support only Pacific silver fir and they are assigned to the Mountain Hemlock

Series. Pacific silver fir climax sites are more moderate than those in the Mountain Hemlock

Series.

Most sites are over 3000 feet, but stands of Pacific silver fir may follow cold air down

valley bottoms to as low as 2000 feet. The Series is normally bounded, on yet cooler sites with

deeper snowpacks, by the Mountain Hemlock Series. Warmer, less snowy sites support the

Western Hemlock Series.

VEGETATION: Because of its superior shade tolerance, Pacific silver fir is often the most abundant

species in the tree regeneration layer in mixed species stands. Some Pacific silver firs less than

10 feet tall are often 50 or more years old. Pacific silver fir can persist in the understory for years

and then respond to canopy openings from windfall or the death of taller trees. Very old Pacific

silver fir stands (>400 years) are rare on the east slope of the Cascades because of fire and other

forms of disturbance, including wind, avalanches and disease. The largest Pacific silver firs in

the sample stands are often 100 years or more younger than associated western hemlocks. Pacific

silver fir dominates the regeneration layers on these sites but is more prone to diseases than the

hemlock.

In spite of the cool, wet climate characteristic of the Series, fire has played a major role in

the development of all sample stands. Tree age samples indicate that fire return intervals are

normally less than 400 years, even on the wettest sites. Fires are usually severe in these dense

forests that characteristically have two or more tree canopy layers.

Species that may form part of the tree sere in the Pacific Silver Fir Series include western

hemlock, western redcedar, subalpine fir, Douglas-fir, western larch, western white pine, noble

fir, lodgepole pine, Engelmann spruce and Alaska Alaska yellow cedar. The seral role of each

species varies from Association to Association. For example western hemlock is more important

on warmer sites and Alaska yellow cedar is only a component of some Associations on the south

end of the Forest. On warm sites that have been deforested, Pacific silver fir may require

establishment of a tree canopy by another species, such as western hemlock, western white pine,

grand fir or Douglas-fir, before it can enter the sere. As forest canopies develop, the interior of

the stands is cooler and Pacific silver fir gains a competitive advantage over the equally shadetolerant western hemlock.

Mature stands characteristically have two or more tree canopies, with species such as

Douglas-fir, noble fir and western larch forming a tall, emergent canopy above a layer made up
152

of more shade-tolerant and slower-growing species such as Pacific silver fir, western hemlock

and grand fir.

The shrub and herb layers are floristically rich and varied, but heavily shaded stands are

characterized by very low understory plant cover (depauperate). Very dense canopies, deep litter

layers and low light levels at the forest floor all appear to reduce the number and amounts of shrubs

and herbs. In very dense stands with very low cover of understory species, inspection of adjacent,

more open stands or use of relative cover may be needed to identify the type. Heavy grazing by elk

reduces cover and species composition in at least some depauperate stands.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Sites are very productive (Appendix C). Cool average

annual temperatures and heavy snowpacks are the main limitations to tree growth. Some sites,

such as in the ABAM/OPHO Association, are swampy and as such, although tree growth is

rapid, are difficult to manage for timber production. Site index values for Pacific silver fir

ranged from 58 to 101(base 100). The most productive sites appear to be ABAM/TITRU and

ABAM/OPHO, while the least productive are ABAM/VAME/CLUN WEN, ABAM/VAMEPYSE and ABAM/RHAL-VAME (Appendix C). Note that basal areas approach or exceed

300 sq. ft./acre on most sites. Douglas-fir is not well suited to the colder Associations such as

ABAM/RHAL-VAME WEN and ABAM/MEFE. Ponderosa pine is not suited to the

environmental conditions representative of the Pacific Silver Fir Series.

Primary root diseases include Annosum root disease and laminated root rot. Annosum

root disease attacks subalpine fire, grand fir, Engelmann spruce, Pacific silver fir, western hemlock

and mountain hemlock, typically causing root and butt rot at maturity. Tomentosus root disease

can be present in lodgepole pine stands. The Indian paint fungus is a causal agent for heart rot

of true firs, western hemlock and mountain hemlock. Western white pine has been drastically

affected by white pine blister rust and there have been dramatic increases in mountain pine

beetle attacks on this tree (Hessburg and others 1994). Western larch can be severely affected

by dwarf mistletoe ( Jim Hadfield, personal communication).

Insect species that can be pests include the silver fir beetle, mountain pine beetle, spruce

beetle, western spruce budworm and fir engraver. Of these, only the silver fir beetle and mountain

pine beetle have the potential for severe outbreaks in this Series. The silver fir beetle can kill

thousands of trees in an area. Presumably, this is most likely to occur in areas with extensive,

pure, mature Pacific silver fir (Paul Flanagan, personal communication). The mountain pine

beetle causes extensive mortality mainly in the limited areas within this Series dominated by

lodgepole pine. Douglas-fir tussock moth and western spruce budworm can occur, but attack

mainly Douglas-fir and grand fir. This Series is really too snowy and cold to develop a major

component of grand fir, although many stands do have a significant Douglas-fir component.

Dense shrubfields often typify early successional stages after logging, fire or other

disturbance within the Series, especially on ABAM/ACCI sites. Although the development of

shrubfields may initially appear deleterious to conifer establishment and early growth, the ecologic

role of the shrub-dominated stage of succession is not well understood. Shrubs provide shade

for conifers, add organic matter to the soil, and species such as Ceanothus, alders and russet

buffaloberry fix nitrogen. Further, many shrubs provide important forage and cover for

insectivorous wildlife, which also influence stand health and vigor. Common shrubfield species

include vine maple, Douglas maple, Scouler willow, pachistima, big huckleberry, serviceberry,

Sitka alder and snowbrush ceanothus.

In the northern Rocky Mountains, shrub height growth and twig production are generally

related to time since logging and to residual tree cover (Irwin and Peek 1979). Shrub size and

twig production peaks between 10 and 14 years after logging. Seed tree and shelterwood

treatments have significantly less shrub development than clearcuts. Late summer and fall

broadcast burning in clearcuts leads to the greatest shrub development, due to increased

snowbrush ceanothus cover. Presumably, the same holds true for the east slope of the Cascades.
153

Ceanothus seeds have both seed coat scarification and cold-wet seed stratification

requirements for optimum germination. These are met by most fall and late summer burns.

Spring burns usually do not provide the necessary cold-wet stratification, so Ceanothus germination

is greatly reduced. Spring burning favors species that sprout from root crowns or buried roots (see

Appendix D).

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: The Pacific Silver Fir Series has been

described by numerous authors up and down the Cascades. Some of these authors are: Hemstrom

and others 1982; Brockway and others 1983; Williams and Lillybridge 1983; Hemstrom and

others 1987; Franklin and others 1988; John and others 1988; Henderson and others 1992.

Sometimes they included some mountain hemlock zone types. The distinction between the

Mountain Hemlock and Pacific Silver Fir Series has not been consistent between authors. The

broad overlap in the ranges of Pacific silver fir and mountain hemlock, their ability to cohabit on

the same sites, and questions about relative competitive ability, have made for confusion over

the best way to handle climax status. In this Guide, sites with the ability to support 10% cover

of mountain hemlock (in mature stands) are included in the Mountain Hemlock Series.

A variety of plant Associations have been described in the Pacific Silver Fir Series on the

Wenatchee NF. Perhaps the common link to other classifications is that Pacific silver fir is

strongly limited to the Cascades and requires a maritime climate.

Keys to Plant Associations

of the Pacific Silver Fir Series

Before using the key, the field form in Appendix E should be completed. Refer to the “Using the

Keys” section in the introduction for more information on key use and if the stand does not key.

Note: (M) refers to miscellaneous plant Associations that are described elsewhere but were

uncommon or undersampled, or both, on the Wenatchee NF.

Devil’s club or ladyfern > 5%, oak fern

usually present ..................................................... ABAM/OPHO p. 162

Rusty menziesia > 5% .......................................... ABAM/MEFE p. 160

Cascade azalea > 5%, big huckleberry

usually present ..................................................... ABAM/RHAL-VAME p. 164

Vine maple > 5% ................................................. ABAM/ACCI p. 156

Alaska huckleberry or five-leaved bramble > 5% ...... ABAM/VAAL p. 170

Vanilla leaf > 2% ................................................. ABAM/ACTR p. 158

Oak fern, rosy twistedstalk, coolwort foamflower

or false bugbane > 5% ......................................... ABAM/TITRU p. 168

Dwarf bramble > 1% and elevations > 5000'.......... ABAM/RULA p. 166

(broadleaf arnica usually present)

Queencup beadlily > 1%, big huckleberry

usually present ..................................................... ABAM/VAME/CLUN p. 172

Big huckleberry > 1% ........................................... ABAM/VAME-PYSE p. 174

(sidebells pyrola usually present)
154

Average Summary Productivity Estimates by Type 1

# INTENSIVE #TREES/ TBA QUAD MEAN STAND DENSITY HERBAGE

TYPE PLOTS ACRE DIAM. INDEX

ABAM/ACCI 9 343 356 17 544 25

ABAM/ACTR 28 412 291 13 490 37

ABAM/MEFE 7 276 346 17 529 13

ABAM/OPHO 4 116 316 25 414 178

ABAM/RHAL-VAME 3 987 288 13 542 62

ABAM/TITRU 6 289 279 15 441 79

ABAM/VAAL 8 294 349 17 532 23

ABAM/VAME/CLUN 13 344 264 12 445 48

ABAM/VAME-PYSE 17 326 290 14 474 6

Site index, growth basal area, and GBA

volume estimates by species and type 2

TYPE SPECIES #SI TREES SI #GBA TREES GBA VOL AGE

ABAM/ACCI ABAM 30 90 34 306 124 164

ABPR 3 94 3 305 126 171

PSME 2 73 24 334 255 252

ABAM/ACTR ABAM 30 97 32 294 130 126

ABLA2 20 58 20 227 95 90

ABPR 13 122 13 323 174 78

LAOC 33 66 33 124 58 86

PICO 5 65 5 149 68 84

PIEN 11 81 11 278 160 152

PIMO 7 58 7 183 75 84

PSME 61 73 93 277 139 156

TSHE 6 67 34 292 133 203

ABAM/MEFE ABAM 23 72 26 342 110 215

ABAM/OPHO ABAM 19 114 20 384 191 156

THPL 8 73 10 297 151 227

ABAM/RHAL-VAME ABLA2 5 24 5 268 44 224

PIEN 4 52 4 243 88 172

ABAM/TITRU ABAM 8 122 8 447 238 117

ABPR 3 118 3 269 140 60

LAOC 4 62 4 197 86 159

PIEN 10 75 10 337 186 136

PSME 10 80 14 269 158 121

ABAM/VAAL ABAM 24 90 28 316 125 178

PIEN 5 73 5 513 263 250

PSME 1 90 8 279 195 258

TSME 3 103 3 340 154 106

ABAM/VAME-PYSE ABAM 16 58 19 241 64 227

PICO 3 59 3 118 49 116

PSME 14 58 32 303 136 201

TSHE 6 53 55 262 78 224

ABAM/VAME/CLUN ABAM 5 69 5 254 76 210

ABGR 3 84 3 308 181 64

ABLA2 5 82 5 438 252 82

ABPR 3 128 3 175 99 64

PICO 13 53 13 123 45 104

PIEN 5 84 5 623 365 108

PSME 20 72 31 238 123 120

TSHE 4 62 18 477 144 177 1 Type = Plant Association or Community Type (in alphabetical order); # Intensive plots indicates the number of plots used to derive

the values; # Trees/ac is the number of trees per acre; TBA is the total basal area in square feet per acre based on prism counts;

Quadratic mean diameter is the diameter to the nearest inch of a tree of average basal area; Stand density index is from Reineke 1933;

and Herbage is the pounds per acre of air dry herbaceous vegetation at the time of sampling as derived from a double-sampling

technique.

2 Type = Plant Association or Community Type (in alphabetical order); Species = tree species for which the estimates are made; GBA is

Growth Basal Area (Hall 1983); VOL = an estimate of wood production in cubic feet/acre/year from an empirical formula based on site

index and GBA (Hall 1983, personal communication); and SI is the average site index (all trees base 50 except ABAM, ABPR, PIPO

and TSME which are base 100-See Introduction for Site index curve sources. #GBA trees is the number of trees used to make the

GBA estimates; #SI trees is the number of trees used to determine the Site Index values.
155

Plant Associations Groups (PAGs) are arranged so that similar ecological sites are grouped on

a temperature and moisture scale. Temperature values (from hot to cold) are hot, warm, cool

and cold while moisture values are (from dry to wet) dry, mesic, moist and wet. WEN is used to

indentify Wenatchee plant Associations that are considered ecologically different from likenamed Associations described elsewhere. (M) refers to miscellaneous plant Associations that

are described elsewhere but were uncommon or undersampled, or both, on the Wenatchee NF.

SILVER FIR

PLANT ASSOCIATION

GROUPS

1. Cool Mesic Shrub/Herb PAG

• ABAM/ACCI

• ABAM/VAME-PYSE

• ABAM/VAME/CLUN WEN

2. Cool Moist Shrub/Herb PAG

• ABAM/ACTR WEN

• ABAM/MEFE WEN

• ABAM/TITRU

• ABAM/VAAL WEN

3. Cold Mesic Shrub/Herb PAG

• ABAM/RHAL-VAME WEN

• ABAM/RULA WEN

4. Wet Shrub/Herb PAG

• ABAM/OPHO

SILVER FIR

PLANT ASSOCIATIONS

AND ECOCLASS CODES

ABAM/ACCI CFS621

ABAM/ACTR WEN CFF254

ABAM/MEFE WEN CFS542

ABAM/OPHO CFS351

ABAM/TITRU CFF162

ABAM/RHAL-VAME WEN CFS556

ABAM/RULA WEN CFS413

ABAM/VAAL WEN CFS232

ABAM/VAME/CLUN WEN CFS233

ABAM/VAME-PYSE CFS234
156

ABAM/ACCI ASSOCIATION CFS621

Abies amabilis/Acer circinatum

Pacific silver fir/vine maple

SLIDE 41

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 2280-4160 (3268) ft.

Aspect: east-West (Southerly)

Slope: 2-62 (37) %

Slope position: U, M, L 1/3, terrace, toe

Special: cool, moist, maritime

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 24)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 100 26

TSHE western hemlock 88 23

ABAM Pacific silver fir 88 19

THPL western redcedar 42 7

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABAM Pacific silver fir 96 13

TSHE western hemlock 79 5

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

ACCI vine maple 100 19

VAME big huckleberry 100 9

RULA dwarf bramble 88 4

CHUMO western prince’s pine 88 3

BENE Cascade Oregon grape 79 7

LIBOL twinflower 79 7

PAMY pachistima 79 3

PYSE sidebells pyrola 75 4

ROGY baldhip rose 71 3

HERBS

CLUN queencup beadlily 83 7

ACTR vanilla leaf 79 8

VIOR2 round-leaved violet 71 2

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The ABAM/ACCI Association is a

restricted type most often found on the Naches

and Cle Elum Districts. Most of the plots are

less than 5 map miles east of the Cascade

Crest.

This type represents the warmest

environment where Pacific silver fir is the

indicated climax species, although it is

relatively cool and moist when compared to

other Series. The climate is strongly

influenced by westerly air flows. Lingering

clouds and fog may be important climatic

characteristics for Pacific silver fir to persist

on steep southerly slopes.

The type typically occurs on mid-slope

or lower positions on moderate to steep (>45%)

southerly aspects. Only one stand was on a

terrace and one on a toe slope. Elevations are

low for the Pacific Silver Fir Series. Only three

stands were over 4000 feet.

Soils are formed in a variety of

depositional materials, such as till, outwash,

colluvium or tephra. Basalts and most tephra

substrates are on the Naches District.

Slightly cooler sites typically support the

ABAM/VAME/CLUN WEN or ABAM/

VAME-PYSE types. As moisture increases,

ABAM/ACTR or ABAM/TITRU are likely

to occur. Stands with marginal amounts of

vine maple and with wet site herbs may better

fit the ABAM/TITRU type.
157

ABAM/ACCI ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Late seral or near climax stands are characterized by dense tree canopies with

about 75% tree cover. Pacific silver fir, Douglas-fir and western hemlock are the usual dominants

in the sample stands, but the proportion of Pacific silver fir tends to increase in older stands.

Western hemlock is absent from the regeneration layer in the three oldest stands, suggesting

eventual climax dominance of Pacific silver fir, barring major perturbations. Data on breast

height ages of dominant trees show that Douglas-firs are 50 to 100 years older than the Pacific

silver firs. Western hemlock is younger than Douglas-fir, but older than Pacific silver fir in the

same stand. Douglas-fir often dominates early seral stages of forest succession. Other seral

conifers may include western redcedar, western white pine and noble fir. Only Pacific silver fir

and western hemlock were in the tree regeneration layer, and Pacific silver fir is generally the

most abundant species.

The shrub layer is floristically rich and varied, but vine maple is the most abundant species.

Vine maple and big huckleberry are found in all stands. Other shrubs found in half or more of

our plots include dwarf bramble, pachistima, Cascade Oregon grape, twinflower, western prince’s

pine, baldhip rose, beargrass, little prince’s pine and mountain ash.

The herb layer is rich and varied. Queencup beadlily and vanilla leaf are the most constant

and one or both are found in every stand and average over 5% cover. Other common herbs

include rattlesnake orchid, round-leaved violet, bracken fern and trillium.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: These are productive sites where deep soil moisture is

available for tree growth (Appendix C). Site index values for Douglas-fir is 86 (base 50) and 90

(base 100) for Pacific silver fir. Mean basal area is 356 sq. ft./ac. Expect severe shrub competition

after regeneration harvests. Vine maple resprouts after burning and experience with shrub

fields of different species in the northern Rocky Mountains indicates that broadcast burning

encourages shrub development. Snowbrush ceanothus is especially favored by fall burns because

both the seed scarification and the cold-wet stratification needs of the seeds are met. Snowbrush

ceanothus is less abundant after spring burns because the stratification requirements of the

seeds are not as likely to be completed. Most shrubs and herbs resprout after burning unless the

fire was so hot it caused death of surface soil meristematic tissue. Shelterwood or seed tree

harvest prescriptions are suggested on these relatively warm sites.

Tree ages suggest that fire return intervals are quite long in this type, and stand-replacement

fires are the norm. The mean age of the oldest trees in the sample stands is nearly 250 years.

However, the fire interval is shorter than in most other types in the Pacific Silver Fir Series.

When fires occur they are intense conflagration burns because of the amount of ladder fuels in

the shrub, tree regeneration and tree canopy layers.

Multiple canopy levels in mature stands include an overstory of long-lived seral species,

such as Douglas-fir, over an intermediate canopy of tolerant species, such as western hemlock

and Pacific silver fir, and still another canopy of vine maple. This diversity of tree and tall shrub

canopies provides considerable habitat diversity for arboreal mammals and birds. The ABAM/

ACCI Association provides valuable habitat for wildlife because of its variety of shrubs and

herbs and its relatively warm, sheltered sites. Grazing is usually low due to lack of forage.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: The ABAM/ACCI Association appears

unique to the Wenatchee NF, although an ABAM/ACCI/TIUN type has been described for the

Mt. Hood and Willamette NFs (Hemstrom and others 1982). Some of the Pacific silver fir

Associations from the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie and the Gifford Pinchot NFs do not include this

type, although they have similar species compositions (Henderson and others 1992; Brockway

and others 1983). The ABAM/ACTR-CLUN type described on the Gifford Pinchot NF is

similar, but also contains some west-side species not found on the Wenatchee.
158

ABAM/ACTR WEN ASSOCIATION CFF254

Abies amabilis/Achlys triphylla

Pacific silver fir/vanilla leaf

SLIDE 42

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 2300-4580 (3843) ft.

Aspect: all (mostly easterly)

Slope: 3-74 (26) %

Slope position: ridge, U, M, L 1/3, bottom

Special: cool, moist, maritime

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 56)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 93 20

ABAM Pacific silver fir 80 18

TSHE western hemlock 79 19

PIMO western white pine 45 7

LAOC western larch 36 12

THPL western redcedar 30 10

ABGR grand fir 21 12

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABAM Pacific silver fir 95 12

TSHE western hemlock 84 6

THPL western redcedar 39 5

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

VAME big huckleberry 89 13

PYSE sidebells pyrola 86 4

RULA dwarf bramble 84 6

PAMY pachistima 79 6

BENE Cascade Oregon grape 71 8

LIBOL twinflower 68 7

CHUMO western prince’s pine 66 4

ROGY baldhip rose 59 4

HERBS

ACTR vanilla leaf 100 9

CLUN queencup beadlily 89 7

GOOB w. rattlesnake plantain 71 2

VIOR round-leaved violet 70 2

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The ABAM/ACTR Association was

sampled only on Naches and Cle Elum Districts.

It may be found farther north along the east slope

of the Cascades, but there are no data.

The ABAM/ACTR Association is

characterized by relatively warm (for Pacific silver

fir), sheltered, well-watered and well-drained sites

with deep soils. Elevations are moderate and

most slopes are gentle to moderate (<35%).

Sample stands were found on all slope positions,

but mostly from ridges to lower 1/3 slopes. It is

best developed on middle and lower slope

positions, where it occupies non-swampy areas

of moisture accumulation. It is common to find

this type in swales, with better drained types in

geographically higher positions.

Soils are formed in a variety of materials,

including till, outwash and tephra, with a fair

number of basalts substrates as well. Gravel

and cobble size rocks average over 20% by

volume in the surface soil horizons.

Wetter sites support the ABAM/TITRU

or ABAM/OPHO Associations. Slightly

warmer habitats are occupied by the TSHE/

ACTR WEN Association, and cooler

environments often support ABAM/VAAL.

Drier sites support ABAM/ACCI, ABAM/

VAME-PYSE or ABAM/VAME/CLUN

WEN types. Relative reproductive success of

Pacific silver fir or western hemlock

regeneration separates the ABAM/ACTR and

TSHE/ACTR WEN types.
159

ABAM/ACTR WEN ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Pacific silver fir dominates the overstory and tree regeneration layers in late

seral and near climax stands. Western hemlock and western redcedar are commonly associated

with Pacific silver fir and are especially important on warmer sites within the type where the

sites are transitional to the TSHE/ACTR WEN Association. Early seral stands may be occupied

by a wide variety of trees, including Douglas-fir, Engelmann spruce, lodgepole pine, grand fir,

western larch, western white pine and subalpine fir. Douglas-fir is the most common and

abundant overstory tree in the sample stands. Alaska yellow cedar may form part of late seral or

near climax stands on sites at the cooler extreme for the type.

Big huckleberry is in most sample stands and may be abundant. It and baldhip rose are the

only common shrubs that average over two feet in height. Other shrubs are normally low in

stature and include Cascade Oregon grape, dwarf bramble, sidebells pyrola, pachistima, western

prince’s pine and twinflower.

Herbs are often highly visible in the undergrowth. Vanilla leaf ’s unique horizontallyspreading leaves lend a characteristic appearance to the type. Other herbs that may be abundant

include queencup beadlily, round-leaved violet, trillium, coolwort foamflower, starry

solomonplume and broadleaf arnica.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: These are highly productive, easily managed timber sites

(Appendix C). Soils are subject to compaction and displacement by heavy equipment. Tree

harvest may raise the water table. Frost is usually not a problem in natural stands. However,

managers should pay attention to local topography and air drainage patterns to avoid creating

frost pockets.

The trees on ten of twenty-eight intensively sampled stands were over 200 years breastheight age, suggesting that fires are infrequent in these sheltered, moist sites but are usually

intense when they occur.

With their variety of herbs and shrubs, these sites are important habitat for wildlife. Trees

may be large, with heights >150 feet and diameters >4 feet, and several different tree canopies

may occur under the dominants. This diversity in arboreal habitat may be important to spotted

owls and other wildlife that require large trees and a variety of structures. Elk are known to use

these areas for cover and food. They sometimes remove the leaves and inflorescences of vanilla

leaf, leaving just the stems spaced at intervals above the ground and following the pattern of

their underground rhizomes.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: A number of types described for the

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie, Mt. Hood and Gifford Pinchot NFs have vanilla leaf in their species

list. However, organization of these classifications has resulted in types that are different from

the ABAM/ACTR Association described on the Wenatchee (Henderson 1992; Brockway 1983;

Hemstrom and others 1982). Vanilla leaf is a very restricted species on the Wenatchee NF and

consequently is a more important indicator here than west of the Cascades where it is wide

spread.
160

ABAM/MEFE WEN ASSOCIATION CFS542

Abies amabilis/Menziesia ferruginea

Pacific silver fir/rusty menziesia

SLIDE 43

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 2510-4820 (3539) ft.

Aspect: mostly north to northeast

Slope: 8-70 (36) %

Slope position: ridge, U, M, L 1/3, bottoms, benches

Special: cool, moist, maritime

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 27)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

ABAM Pacific silver fir 93 25

TSHE western hemlock 89 31

PSME Douglas-fir 44 10

THPL western redcedar 26 9

TSME mountain hemlock 19 5

CHNO Alaska yellow cedar 15 21

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABAM Pacific silver fir 100 14

TSHE western hemlock 89 31

THPL western redcedar 26 9

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

MEFE rusty menziesia 100 14

VAME big huckleberry 89 11

PYSE sidebells pyrola 81 3

RULA dwarf bramble 74 3

VAAL Alaska huckleberry 67 8

RHAL Cascade azalea 48 11

RUPE five-leaved bramble 41 4

XETE beargrass 33 12

COCA bunchberry dogwood 33 5

HERBS

CLUN queencup beadlily 74 5

GOOB w. rattlesnake plantain 44 1

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The ABAM/MEFE Association is best

developed on the Lake Wenatchee, Cle Elum

and Naches Districts. It often extends

northward on suitable environments along the

east slopes of the Cascades.

The ABAM/MEFE Association is

characterized by a cool maritime climate with

deep snowpacks. Elevations of sample stands

are quite variable and depend on the

relationship of the site to the movement of

maritime air masses and depth of snowpacks.

Slopes are also variable. The type is most often

in middle and lower positions. Sites have

northerly aspects or have lingering snowpacks.

All the plots are in areas once occupied

by valley glaciers and most soils are developed

in tills or glacial outwash. This is reflected by

the soil coarse fragments, which are cobblesized and average about 40% by volume in the

surface horizon.

Colder sites support the ABAM/

RHAL-VAME WEN type, or Mountain

Hemlock Series types where RHAL, VAAL

or MEFE dominate. Areas with lower

snowpacks and somewhat warmer

temperatures are in the ABAM/VAAL type.

Wetter sites often support ABAM/OPHO or

ABAM/TITRU Associations. Stands with

abundant beargrass indicate the dry end of

the type and those with Alaska huckleberry

are grading into the ABAM/VAAL

Association.
161

ABAM/MEFE WEN ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Late seral and near climax stands are fairly common. Trees from all six intensive

plots had ages over 200 years. Late seral stands are dominated by Pacific silver fir in both the

overstory and tree regeneration layers. Pacific silver fir may dominate any stage of the tree sere,

depending on local seed sources and timing, and type and intensity of disturbance. Western

hemlock is the major overstory species in mid seral stands and maintains this major role even in

the oldest stands sampled. However, Pacific silver fir will eventually dominate these stands.

Alaska yellow cedar is an important long-lived seral species on some sites on the Naches District

but is less common north of Snoqualmie Pass. Western redcedar may be common on warm sites

within the type. Douglas-fir is rarely a dominant stand component and therefore does not

appear well suited to the type.

The dense shrub layer forms at least two distinct strata. Rusty menziesia is the most common

and abundant shrub and is indicative of the type. Rusty menziesia, big huckleberry, Alaska

huckleberry and Cascade azalea may dominate the tallest shrub layer, while species such as dwarf

bramble, sidebells pyrola, five-leaved bramble and twinflower collectively make up a low shrub or

subshrub layer. A variety of other shrubs may be abundant but are irregular in occurrence.

The herb layer is more variable in species composition, cover and constancy than the shrub

layer. Queencup beadlily is the most constant herb and is usually the most abundant.

Undifferentiated mosses are present in most stands and average over 25% cover. All other herbs

are in less than half of the stands and only vanilla leaf exceeded 5% cover in the sample plots.

Stands with wet-site herbs and marginal amounts of Rusty menziesia may better fit the ABAM/

TITRU type.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: This type is at the lower end of productivity for the Pacific

Silver Fir Series. Tree growth is not particularly rapid but basal areas are high. High snow

packs, short growing seasons and cold soil temperatures are the likely reasons for relatively slow

tree growth. The Pacific silver fir site index is only 72 (base 100) and basal areas average about

350 sq. ft./ac.(Appendix C). Soil moisture is usually abundant, although the sites are well

drained. Snow pack and short growing season also limit the tree species suitable for timber

management. Pacific silver fir or western hemlock are the preferred species. If the proper

species are selected, regeneration should not be difficult, using either planted stock or natural

regeneration. Rusty menziesia and Cascade azalea are usually not problems in reforestation,

and they decrease after burning or scarification (Fielder 1982). Big and Alaska huckleberry will

typically become very abundant after harvest.

Tree ages in most stands were well over 200 years, indicating infrequent stand-replacement

fire regimes. These stands are usually moist and relatively inflammable; however, when conditions

are finally right for fires, they tend to be catastrophic.

This Association produces little or no forage for livestock (Appendix C). It has considerable

value for wildlife because of the abundance of berry-producing shrubs and the multiple shrub

and tree layers characteristic of the type.

The ABAM/MEFE Association is not suitable for campground or similar uses because of

wet, cold conditions, abundant insects and late melting snow. Recreational berrying is a potential

use, especially in early to mid-seral stands. Watershed values are high and sites often adjoin

streams or lakes.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: The Gifford Pinchot classification

includes a very similar type (Brockway and others 1983). The classification of Mt. Rainier

National Park (Franklin and others 1988) included an ABAM/MEFE type that supports both

Pacific silver fir and mountain hemlock. The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie classification (Henderson

and others 1992) includes a number of Associations that are similar in that they support rusty

menziesia. The Mt. Hood and Willamette classifications describe a similar ABAM/MEFE

Association (Hemstrom and others 1982).
162

ABAM/OPHO ASSOCIATION CFS351

Abies amabilis/Oplopanax horridum

Pacific silver fir/devil’s club

SLIDE 44

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 2610-4200 (3285) ft.

Aspect: variable

Slope: 2-55 (24) %

Slope position: U, M, L 1/3, bottoms, benches

Special: cool , wet, maritime

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 11)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

ABAM Pacific silver fir 100 31

TSHE western hemlock 91 23

THPL western redcedar 64 15

PSME Douglas-fir 36 15

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABAM Pacific silver fir 100 8

TSHE western hemlock 64 6

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

OPHO devil’s club 100 33

RULA dwarf bramble 82 4

PYSE sidebells pyrola 73 3

VAME big huckleberry 73 3

VAAL Alaska huckleberry 55 4

RUPA thimbleberry 55 2

RUPE five-leaved bramble 36 8

ACCI vine maple 27 7

HERBS

TITRU coolwort foamflower 100 12

CLUN queencup beadlily 100 11

GYDR oak fern 100 10

ATFI ladyfern 91 6

TROV trillium 82 2

GATR sweetscented bedstraw 82 2

VIGL pioneer violet 73 4

STRO rosy twistedstalk 64 6

ACRU baneberry 64 1

SMST starry solomonplume 55 8

ASCA3 wild ginger 55 5

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The ABAM/OPHO Association is a

minor type widely distributed along the

Cascade Range. Plots range from the Naches

District to west of the Cascades Crest along

Highway 20. The majority of the data are from

the Rainy Creek area of the Lake Wenatchee

District. Most plots are 5 to 6 map miles from

the Crest.

The Association is typified by cool, wetto-swampy sites. Elevations are relatively low

for the Series, with only the Okanogan plot

exceeding 4000 ft. Most sites are at elevations

between 2800 and 4000 feet. The type

typically occurs on wet bottomlands or seeps,

often as narrow “stringers.” It can also occur

on slopes or terraces with seepage. It covers

limited acreage.

Soils are wet and poorly drained and

often have standing water. Soils are usually

very dark, high in organic matter, and have

10-40% gravels and cobbles in the surface

horizons.

Microsite variation strongly affects

vegetative composition. Hummocky sites

along or between stream channels are

common. Mounds support species requiring

better drainage. Water-loving plants grow

between hummocks.

Slightly better-drained sites typically

support the ABAM/TITRU Association.

Wetter sites are usually non-forested wetlands.
163

ABAM/OPHO ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: All our stands are less than 300 years old, so late seral or near climax conditions

are not well understood. It is unlikely that a single species climax will ever be reached on these

sites because of their variable microsites and stream dynamics. Pacific silver fir and western

hemlock are present in all the plots. Engelmann spruce is absent in the data, which is surprising

because of the cool, wet conditions. Western redcedar is abundant in some stands, though most

sites appear too cool for it to thrive. Douglas-fir is found only on the driest microsites.

Many shrubs are commonly present. The shrub layer is characterized by a layer of devil’s

club, which gives it a singular appearance. Other common shrubs that are occasionally abundant

include dwarf bramble, big huckleberry, Alaska huckleberry and rusty menziesia.

The herb layer is floristically rich and variable. Coolwort foamflower, oak fern and queencup

beadlily are constant and may be abundant. Other common herbs include ladyfern, trillium,

rosy twistedstalk, pioneer violet, sweetscented bedstraw, wild ginger, baneberry and starry

solomonplume. Many other herbs may be present.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: High water tables and near riparian conditions limit

silvicultural options, although the tree growth rate is high (Appendix C). Rot is common in the

trees. The site index value for Pacific silver fir is 114 (base 100), and basal areas average 316 sq. ft./

ac. No successful method of reforesting such wet sites is known. Logs and root wads create

favorable microsites for western hemlock and other plants. The availability of water for both

plants and animals make these sites high in diversity. Stream dynamics appear to play an important

role in stand dynamics and development.

Fires are rare in this swampy habitat. Wet conditions result in large accumulations of fuel,

yet high fuel moisture makes ground fires unlikely. Any ground fires that do occur will typically

creep through the litter from hummock to hummock and rarely cause significant overstory

mortality. Stand-replacement fires are unusual and only occur if fire weather is severe.

ABAM/OPHO sites have high wildlife and watershed values, but have sensitive soils and

are difficult to regenerate after harvest. Their valley bottom locations and the old growth character

of many stands in the type make them appear appropriate for recreational development, but

they are poorly suited to such use due to their swampy conditions. Trails require special design

to be successful here and the shrubs and herbs are susceptible to trampling damage. Further,

free standing water often makes these sites a nursery for abundant mosquitos.

The sites are valuable riparian habitat for a variety of wildlife, offering water, cover and

forage. Elk relish the spiny leaves of devil’s club, and succulent herbs provide green forage

throughout the growing season. Average herbage production in the sample stands was 178 lbs./

ac.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: The ABAM/OPHO Association has

been described for many areas in the Cascades (Hemstrom and others 1982; Brockway and

others 1983; Hemstrom and others 1987; Franklin and others 1988). Henderson and others

(1992) described an ABAM/OPHO/GYDR Association for the Mt. Baker-Snowqualmie NF

which is similar.
164

ABAM/RHAL-VAME WEN ASSOCIATION CFS556

Abies amabilis/Rhododendron albiflorum/Vaccinium membranaceum

Pacific silver fir/Cascade azalea/big huckleberry

SLIDE 45

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 4160-5530 (4778) ft.

Aspect: mostly NE to NW

Slope: 1-70 (38) %

Slope position: U, M 1/3, benches

Special: cold, maritime

VEGETATION SUMMARY:

(Sample size: 12)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

ABAM Pacific silver fir 83 26

PSME Douglas-fir 67 8

ABLA2 subalpine fir 50 23

TSHE western hemlock 50 19

PIMO western white pine 42 2

CHNO Alaska yellow cedar 33 11

PIEN Engelmann spruce 25 15

PICO lodgepole pine 17 4

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABAM Pacific silver fir 83 16

TSHE western hemlock 50 4

ABLA2 subalpine fir 42 6

TSME mountain hemlock 25 3

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

RHAL Cascade azalea 100 25

PYSE sidebells pyrola 92 3

VAME big huckleberry 75 14

RULA dwarf bramble 75 10

PAMY pachistima 58 3

VAMY low huckleberry 50 3

HERBS

GOOB w. rattlesnake plantain 67 2

VIOR round-leaved violet 58 3

ARLA broadleaf arnica 50 4

CLUN queencup beadlily 33 9

ACTR vanilla leaf 33 11

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The ABAM/RHAL-VAME type is

most common on the Naches, Cle Elum and

Lake Wenatchee Districts. The farther away

from the Cascade Crest a stand is, the more

likely it is to be on steep, northerly aspects.

Sites are characterized by fairly deep

accumulations of snow that remain relatively

late. Slopes are moderate to steep. Elevations

are high for the Pacific Silver Fir Series. Sites

are on upper and middle 1/3 slope positions,

with northerly aspects. Slope configuration is

usually flat or convex.

Soils are formed in many parent

materials, but usually in material of volcanic

deposition. Soil coarse fragments are usually

gravel size and average over 20% by volume of

the surface horizons.

Subalpine fir replaces Pacific silver fir on

similar habitats with a less maritime climatic

influence. Two of the plots that key to the

ABAM/RHAL-VAME WEN Association are

in the Entiat Mountains, nearly 30 map miles

from the Cascade Crest and miles from the

nearest extensive areas of silver fir. Successional dynamics are unclear in these two

stands, but they may be transitional to the

ABLA2/RHAL Association. More strongly

maritime (and less severe) sites fit in ABAM/

MEFE. Areas with higher snowpacks nearer

the Crest will support TSME/RHAL,

TSME/MEFE or TSME/MEFE-VAAL.

Stands with marginal amounts of Cascade

azalea and wet-site herbs may better fit the

ABAM/TITRU type.
165

ABAM/RHAL-VAME WEN ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Late seral or near climax stands are rare in the data and only two stands supplied

tree growth and age information. The oldest stands are less than 300 years old. Pacific silver fir

is the most consistent and dominant species in the tree regeneration layer in the sample stands.

Other species may form part of the sere, depending on disturbance history, seed source and type

of disturbance. Subalpine fir is more successful at higher elevations away from the Crest. It also

seems favored by severe site disturbance. Early seral species include Douglas-fir, western larch,

Engelmann spruce, western white pine, subalpine fir and Alaska yellow cedar. Sites at the

upper elevation range of the type may support small amounts of mountain hemlock, but in

general, this Association is too warm or continental, or both, for mountain hemlock to thrive.

Alaska yellow cedar and Engelmann spruce are more common on wet sites.

Shrub cover is typically high and a variety of species may be abundant, but Cascade azalea

is usually the most abundant species. Other common shrubs include big huckleberry, dwarf

bramble, pachistima and sidebells pyrola. No other shrubs are present in over half the stands,

and seldom have over 5% cover when present.

Herbs are usually inconspicuous beneath the dense shrub layer. Western rattlesnake plantain

and broadleaf arnica are the most common herbs and the arnica may be well represented in

some stands.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Data are limited so it is difficult to quantify tree productivity.

The limited data and tree size and composition suggest that tree growth is low and management

opportunities limited (Appendix C). Sites are moist and well-drained, cold, and have a very

short growing season. Snowpack and short growing seasons limit the tree species suitable for

timber management. If sites have not been degraded and the proper species are selected,

regeneration should not be difficult, using either planted stock or natural regeneration. Cascade

azalea is not normally a problem in reforestation, and it decreases after burning or scarification

(Fielder 1982), but big huckleberry will likely increase in harvested stands.

Fire is infrequent in the ABAM/RHAL-VAME WEN type. The upslope position of many

of the stands within this Association may experience frequent lightning strikes, but cold, moist

and snowy northerly aspects limit the extent and frequency of fires. The limited tree age data

and anecdotal information suggest that the stand-replacement fire interval exceeds 200 years.

Watershed values are high. This Association produces little or no forage for livestock

(Appendix C), but the dense shrub layer and berry producing shrubs provide both forage and

cover for wildlife. The cold, wet sites are not desirable for campgrounds and similar uses.

Herbage production is low (Appendix C).

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: Variations of the ABAM/RHALVAME type are recognized by most workers in the Cascades (Hemstrom and others 1982;

Brockway and others 1983; Hemstrom and others 1987; Franklin and others 1988; John and

others 1988; Henderson and others 1992). Some classifications include mountain hemlock in

this type, and some use other indicator species to split the type. Stands with Alaska huckleberry

have not been separated into another type on the Wenatchee, but they do closely resemble the

ABAM/RHAL-VAAL type described on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie NF. Most of the westside classifications lack the relatively high constancy/cover of the more continental species such

as Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir found on the Wenatchee NF.
166

ABAM/RULA WEN COMMUNITY TYPE CFS413

Abies amabilis/Rubus lasiococcus

Pacific silver fir/dwarf bramble

Dwarf bramble (RULA), an indicator

of the ABAM/RULA type.

SLIDE 46

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 4950-5320 (5146) ft.

Aspect: mainly N to SE

Slope: 17-40 (26) %

Slope position: U 1/3

Special: cold, maritime influence

SUMMARY TABLE

(Sample size: 7)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

ABLA2 subalpine fir 100 11

ABAM Pacific silver fir 86 20

PSME Douglas-fir 71 20

PICO lodgepole pine 57 14

PIEN Engelmann spruce 57 10

PIMO western white pine 57 7

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABAM Pacific silver fir 86 4

ABLA2 subalpine fir 71 8

PIEN Engelmann spruce 71 1

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

RULA dwarf bramble 100 16

VAME big huckleberry 100 14

PAMY pachistima 71 4

PYSE sidebells pyrola 71 3

VASC grouse huckleberry 29 9

VAMY low huckleberry 29 2

HERBS

ARLA broadleaf arnica 100 15

VIOR2 round-leaved violet 100 4

POPU skunkleaf polemonium 86 3

HIAL white hawkweed 71 2

VASI Sitka valerian 43 6

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The ABAM/RULA Community Type

is currently represented only on the Naches

District and on Manastash Ridge on the Cle

Elum District (just north of the district

boundary with Naches).

Sites are on long ridges leading to

subalpine and alpine meadows. The type occurs

at high elevations and on upper 1/3 slopes.

Most slopes are less than 25%. Aspects are

mostly southerly. Snowpacks are high.

Soils are formed mainly in glacial

outwash with some andesite. Surface soil

horizons typically average about 10% gravels.

Soil surface litter is usually about 50%.

The successional relationships of some

of these stands were unclear. This type is

closely associated to the TSME/RULA type,

both geographically and compositionally.

ABAM/RULA occurs on slightly drier sites,

as indicated by the lack of mountain hemlock.

High elevations and dwarf bramble

suggest that a number of plots originally in

ABAM/VAME-PYSE or VAME/CLUN

types fit better here. Additional data may

better define this type. Some of the samples

have traces of smooth woodrush, but are below

the elevation of TSME/LUHI yet higher than

TSME/VAME-PYSE. Slightly more

maritime sites in similar areas will likely

support mountain hemlock and key to the

TSME/RULA type.
167

ABAM/RULA WEN COMMUNITY TYPE

VEGETATION: Lodgepole pine and subalpine fir can dominate early seral stands that have

been burned in the last 100 years. Douglas-fir is an important component of the youngest

stands. Subalpine fir is a major stand component in both the overstory and understory and as

such makes up an important part of the tree sere, entering the stands with or soon after lodgepole

pine. Pacific silver fir becomes more common as the stands become older. Apparently the

short-lived subalpine firs and lodgepole pines may go through more than one generation in the

canopy, while the same longer-lived Pacific silver firs form the major canopy.

Dwarf bramble is the most consistent shrub or subshrub, although in all stands big

huckleberry is abundant and forms a taller shrub layer. The only other shrubs found in half or

more of the plots are sidebells pyrola and pachistima. Low or grouse huckleberry was found in

some plots and can be well represented. Other shrubs are uncommon.

The herb layer is often rich, but few species occur in over half the plots. Broadleaf arnica

and other Arnica species (A. mollis?), Sitka valerian and skunkleaf polemonium are the most

common herbs. Broadleaf arnica and skunkleaf polemonium were the most abundant. Other

herbs are sporadic in occurrence and usually low in cover.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: These sites are harsh and difficult to reforest. Timber

productivity is apparently very low, but no tree age or growth data are available. The data for the

TSME/RULA type are presumed similar (Appendix C). To become established, Pacific silver

fir may need shelter from lodgepole pine or subalpine fir. Snow packs are high and top damage

is common in the trees, apparently from snow and ice. Additionally, the sites are exposed to

wind and lightning because of their position on upper slopes and ridges. After deforestation,

succession to trees is slow.

The type has a high incidence of lightning, providing the ignition source for fires, but

environmental conditions result in few fires of any extent. The data indicate that some stands

are dominated by lodgepole pine, which may result in these stands being more susceptible to

fire.

The ridges were used as livestock driveways and the plant community may reflect past

grazing use more than intrinsic environmental conditions. Most sites have a history of

overgrazing, so it is difficult to know the potential composition and productivity of the shrub

and herb layers. Herbage production in this type is unknown.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: This type is similar to some phases of

the ABAM/RULA described by Franklin and others (1988). Some high-elevation samples

from the ABAM/VAME/XETE type described on the Willamette and Mt. Hood NFs are

closely related. The TSME/VAME-RULA of Henderson and others (1992) is environmentally

similar, although in another Series.
168

ABAM/TITRU ASSOCIATION CFF162

Abies amabilis/Tiarella trifoliata var. unifoliata

Pacific silver fir/coolwort foamflower

Coolwort foamflower (TITRU), an

indicator of the ABAM/TITRU Association.

SLIDE 47

PHOTO:

S.Hahn & M.Reynolds

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 3000-4850 (3741) ft.

Aspect: northerly or easterly

Slope: 3-67 (29) %

Slope position: M, L 1/3, bench, bottom

Special: cool , moist, maritime

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 9)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

ABAM Pacific silver fir 89 26

TSHE western hemlock 78 29

PSME Douglas-fir 56 18

THPL western redcedar 56 6

PIEN Engelmann spruce 44 18

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABAM Pacific silver fir 100 9

TSHE western hemlock 67 4

THPL western redcedar 44 4

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

VAME big huckleberry 100 6

PYSE sidebells pyrola 89 3

RULA dwarf bramble 78 7

PAMY pachistima 56 2

COCA bunchberry dogwood 44 4

BENE Cascade Oregon grape 44 4

RILA prickly currant 50 2

HERBS

CLUN queencup beadlily 89 5

TITRU coolwort foamflower 89 4

GOOB w. rattlesnake plantain 76 2

SMST starry solomonplume 67 3

TROV trillium 67 2

TRCA3 false bugbane 56 10

GYDR oak fern 44 3

STRO rosy twistedstalk 33 4

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The ABAM/TITRU Association was

sampled from the Okanogan NF south to the

Naches District. It is likely that it occurs on

the Chelan, Entiat and Leavenworth Districts.

The ABAM/TITRU Association is

characterized by a relatively warm (for Pacific

silver fir), sheltered, well-watered and poorlydrained sites on deep soils. Elevations are

moderate and those approaching 5000 ft. were

from the Okanogan NF. Most slopes are gentle

to moderate (<35%). The type is best

developed on middle and lower slope positions

and in bottoms. It occupies areas of moisture

accumulation, with water very near the surface.

It is common to find this type in swales with

better-drained sites on the slopes above.

Soils are formed mainly in outwash or till.

Some ash, tephra, fluvial deposits, basalt and

colluvium were also noted. Most stands had

30% gravels and cobbles in surface soil horizons.

The ABAM/OPHO Association occurs

on wetter sites. ABAM/VAME-PYSE,

ABAM/VAME/CLUN WEN, ABAM/ACCI

or ABAM/ACTR occur on better drained sites.

Slightly warmer habitats support the TSHE/

ASCA3 Association, and cooler environments

support the ABAM/VAAL Association.
169

ABAM/TITRU ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Late seral and near climax stands are dominated by Pacific silver fir in the

overstory and tree regeneration layers. However, stands over 200 years old may still be dominated

by western hemlock or Engelmann spruce. Western hemlock and western redcedar are commonly

associated with Pacific silver fir and are especially important on warmer sites transitional to the

TSHE Series. Western hemlock, western redcedar, Engelmann spruce and Douglas-fir can all

be important components in the overstory of many stands. Early seral stands may be occupied

by a wide variety of trees, including Douglas-fir, Engelmann spruce, western larch, western

white pine and subalpine fir. Grand fir and lodgepole pine are usually absent. Alaska yellow

cedar may form part of late seral or near climax stands on some sites, particularly on the south

end of the Forest.

Big huckleberry is the most common and abundant tall shrub, although mean cover is only

6%. Rusty menziesia and Alaska huckleberry are present as a taller shrub layer in less than half

the stands. Devil’s club is one of the indicators for the type, although if it is well represented

the stand will better fit in the ABAM/OPHO Association. Other common shrubs are normally

low in stature and include dwarf bramble, sidebells pyrola, pachistima and bunchberry dogwood.

Herbs are highly visible in the undergrowth. Queencup beadlily and coolwort foamflower

are usually well represented, adding to the lush appearance of the type. Other less common

herbs include oak fern, rosy twistedstalk and false bugbane.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: These are highly productive timber sites, but the high water

tables restrict timber management opportunities and harvest may create swampy conditions.

The site index value for Pacific silver fir is 122 (base 100) and for Douglas-fir is 80 (base 50)

(Appendix C). Mean tree basal area averages 279 sq. ft./acre. Soils are subject to compaction

and displacement by heavy equipment. Frost is not a problem in natural stands, but careful

attention should be paid to local topography and air drainage patterns to keep harvest from

creating frost pockets.

Fires are infrequent in these sheltered, sub-irrigated sites. Moist conditions result in large

accumulations of fuel, yet high fuel moisture makes ground fires unlikely. Any ground fires that

do occur will typically creep through the litter and rarely cause significant overstory mortality.

Trees may be large, with heights over 150 feet and diameters over 4 feet. There may be

several different tree canopies under the dominants and this diversity in arboreal habitat may be

important to spotted owls and other wildlife that require large trees and numerous canopy

layers. The presence of water is also an important attribute, leading to greater diversity of both

plants and animals. With their variety of herbs and shrubs, these sites are important habitat for

wildlife. The type is poorly suited to recreation developments and trails because of swampy

conditions and the susceptibility of its shrubs and herbs to trampling damage.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: This type is very similar to the ABAM/

TIUN-STRO Association described for the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie NF (Henderson and others

1992). Some sample stands of other workers do support oak fern (or other type indicators) and

could be similar. In particular, the ABAM/TIUN type from the Gifford Pinchot NF (Brockway

and others 1983) and Mt. Hood NF have a high percentage of plots that support coolwort

foamflower or other indicators for this type, although their types may be somewhat more

productive.
170

ABAM/VAAL WEN ASSOCIATION CFS232

Abies amabilis/Vaccinium alaskaense

Pacific silver fir/Alaska huckleberry

SLIDE 48

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 2740-4560 (3365) ft.

Aspect: variable

Slope: 2-72 (38) %

Slope position: U, M, L 1/3, toe, bottom

Special: cool, maritime

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 22)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

TSHE western hemlock 100 32

ABAM Pacific silver fir 91 24

PSME Douglas-fir 59 15

THPL western redcedar 36 10

PIEN Engelmann spruce 14 13

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABAM Pacific silver fir 100 20

TSHE western hemlock 73 4

THPL western redcedar 36 4

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

VAAL Alaska huckleberry 100 11

VAME big huckleberry 100 9

PYSE sidebells pyrola 95 3

RULA dwarf bramble 82 2

MEFE rusty menziesia 59 3

LIBOL twinflower 55 2

VAPA red huckleberry 50 3

XETE beargrass 23 10

HERBS

CLUN queencup beadlily 86 4

MOSS mosses 59 36

GOOB w. rattlesnake plantain 41 1

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The ABAM/VAAL Association is found

on the Naches, Cle Elum and Lake Wenatchee

Districts. It may also be found along the

Cascade Crest on the Entiat and Chelan

Districts. It is normally found within 5 miles

of the Crest.

The ABAM/VAAL Association appears

to represent sites with ample moisture and

cloudy conditions, but on warm slopes with

good soil drainage. Elevations are relatively

low for the Series, with most sites well under

4000 feet. Slopes are often steep (>40%) and

aspects are variable. Only two of the sample

stands occurred on other than middle or lower

1/3 slopes.

Soils are formed in extrusive volcanic

materials, mainly tephra and ash, and often

mixed with pumice. Gravel-size rocks are

usually present in soil surface horizons.

Colder sites with more snowpack support

the ABAM/RHAL-VAME WEN type.

Wetter sites may support the ABAM/TITRU

Association. Stands with marginal amounts

of Alaska huckleberry and with wet-site herbs

may better fit the ABAM/TITRU type.
171

ABAM/VAAL WEN ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Pacific silver fir dominates the overstory and tree regeneration layers in late

seral and climax stands. Western hemlock may be co-dominant with Pacific silver fir, but

appears less able to reproduce itself. Mature stands typically have 65% or greater canopy cover.

Pacific silver fir regeneration may be so dense as to make travel through the stands difficult.

Douglas-fir, western hemlock, western redcedar, Engelmann spruce and noble fir may form

part of the tree sere and may remain in the overstory for hundreds of years, but Douglas-fir and

western hemlock are the most common and abundant seral trees in this Association. The lack

of grand fir is notable.

A rich and varied shrub layer dominates the undergrowth. Alaska huckleberry is the most

characteristic species, but big huckleberry is also well represented and dominance between these

two species varies from stand to stand. Red huckleberry is also present and has higher constancy

than in any other Association of the Pacific Silver Fir Series. Other shrubs are less conspicuous

and include dwarf bramble, rusty menziesia, sidebells pyrola and twinflower. Beargrass is well

represented in less than half the plots. It appears to indicate the dry end of the type.

Herbs are inconspicuous under the dense tree regeneration and shrub layers. Queencup

beadlily is the only herb in more than half of our plots and varies greatly in the amount of cover

from plot to plot.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Sites are moist, relatively warm, productive and sheltered.

Both stocking levels and individual tree growth are high (Appendix C), although the sample

size is limited. The total basal area averages nearly 350 sq. ft./acre and the site index value is 93

(base 100) for Pacific silver fir. The abundant Pacific silver fir regeneration suggests that moisture

is not limiting to reforestation, even in dense shrub stands. Light may limit Douglas-fir

regeneration more than moisture. Advanced Pacific silver fir regeneration will not respond to

overstory removal until approximately five years after harvest because the trees need to replace

their shade needles with needles suited to open conditions. However, this regeneration will

release if the trees are healthy, even after decades of suppression. Some Pacific silver fir in the

regeneration layers may approach 100 years in age. Soils are subject to erosion and soil compaction

because of the amount of angular, fine-textured material in the profile. Most shrubs resprout

after burning but are greatly reduced by mechanical scarification.

The limited tree age data indicate that some of the stands sampled were over 200 years old.

Age data and stand structure and composition suggest that like other Pacific Silver Fir Series sites,

this type probably burns infrequently, but burns hot when conditions allow the fire to get into the

tree crowns. Most fires started by lightning strikes never grow large nor into the crowns. Both big

and Alaska huckleberry resprout after fires if the fire does not destroy the duff layer. Their brittle

stems and shallow rhizomes are easily damaged by heavy equipment or trampling. Beargrass is

especially favored by broadcast burning, and it may increase markedly afterwards.

High shrub and tree regeneration cover, with abundant berry producing shrubs, makes

these sites valuable for a wide variety of wildlife. The two or more tree and shrub layers,

characteristic of mature stands provide a variety of habitat niches for wildlife, including arboreal

mammals and birds. Recreational huckleberry picking may be an important use of these sites

because of the amount of huckleberries produced.

These sites produce very little herbage for livestock grazing (Appendix C).

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: This ubiquitous type is recognized by

most workers in the Cascades (Hemstrom and others 1982; Brockway and others 1983;

Hemstrom and others 1987; Franklin and others 1988; Henderson and others 1992). Some

classifications include mountain hemlock in this type, and some use other indicator species to

subdivide the type.
172

ABAM/VAME/CLUN WEN ASSOCIATION CFS233

Abies amabilis/Vaccinium membranaceum/Clintonia uniflora

Pacific silver fir/big huckleberry/queencup beadlily

Big huckleberry (VAME), an indicator

of the ABAM/VAME/CLUN

Association.

SLIDE 49

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 2330-4630 (3492) ft.

Aspect: variable

Slope: 2-62 (29) %

Slope position: M, L 1/3, toe, benches

Special: cool, dry, maritime

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 30)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 77 19

ABAM Pacific silver fir 70 15

TSHE western hemlock 63 36

THPL western redcedar 50 6

PIMO western white pine 47 4

ABLA2 subalpine fir 30 16

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABAM Pacific silver fir 97 9

TSHE western hemlock 60 5

ABLA2 subalpine fir 43 6

THPL western redcedar 37 4

PIMO western white pine 30 2

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

VAME big huckleberry 97 15

PYSE sidebells pyrola 83 3

PAMY pachistima 77 5

LIBOL twinflower 63 6

CHUMO western prince’s pine 63 3

RULA dwarf bramble 60 7

BENE Cascade Oregon grape 57 6

HERBS

CLUN queencup beadlily 100 5

GOOB w. rattlesnake plantain 53 2

TITRU coolwort foamflower 37 2

MOSS mosses 40 13

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The ABAM/VAME/CLUN WEN

Association is widespread. It extends at least

from the Naches District north to the

Canadian border. Most stands are within a

few miles of the Cascade Crest, but the type

is occasionally found over ten map miles from

the Crest. Some plots that key to the ABAM/

VAME/CLUN WEN type may actually be seral

stages within ABAM/ACTR and ABAM/

MEFE Associations. Many stands that may

key to the type lack or have low cover of

indicator species such as vanilla leaf and rusty

menziesia.

These relatively dry, well-drained sites lie

on the continental end of Pacific silver fir

distribution. Elevations are fairly low for

Pacific silver fir and vary with slope and aspect.

Slope positions are variable also, and a few

stands are on ridgetops or in canyon bottoms.

Most soils are formed in a variety of

extrusive volcanic materials (ash, basalt,

andesite) or in glacial drift (outwash/till).

Coarse fragments average about 30% and are

usually gravels.

This type is a bit more moist and

sheltered than the closely associated ABAM/

VAME-PYSE Association. More moist and

cooler sites will fall in the ABAM/ACTR,

ABAM/MEFE, or ABAM/TITRU types.

The ABAM/VAAL type in particular

indicates stronger maritime influences.
173

ABAM/VAME/CLUN WEN ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Western hemlock, Douglas-fir or Pacific silver fir variously dominate the

overstory of the sample stands. When western hemlock is present, it typically has higher cover

than any other tree. The few sample stands approaching 250 years old were still dominated by

western hemlock, although Pacific silver fir was the most abundant regenerating tree. Younger

stands were always dominated by seral tree species. Early seral trees include Douglas-fir, western

white pine, western larch, subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce, lodgepole pine and noble fir. Douglasfir is the most common seral dominant after western hemlock. Alaska yellow cedar and noble

fir are uncommon in the data. Western hemlock tends to increase in stands over 100 years in

age. Pacific silver fir and western hemlock may be common in stands less than 100 years old,

depending on seed sources and disturbance history. Often, the Pacific silver fir may be as much

as 100 years younger than associated western hemlock. Lodgepole pine dominated the overstory

of two stands, which averaged 85 and 115 years old.

The shrub layer supports a wide variety. Big huckleberry is the most constant and averages

15% cover. Its cover tends to be much less in dense stands. Other common shrubs and subshrubs

include pachistima, dwarf bramble, twinflower, Cascade Oregon grape, western prince’s pine

and sidebells pyrola.

Queencup beadlily is the only constant herb and usually the most abundant. Other herbs

are typically low in cover and none were found in more than half of the sample stands. Although

mosses occur in less than half the plots, their coverage is high. Other herbs may occasionally be

well represented but are low in constancy.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: This is probably one of the least productive sites in the

Pacific Silver Fir Series, but the data on stand ages and tree growth are limited and few older

stands are recorded. This type appears to be slightly more moist and productive than the closely

related ABAM/VAME-PYSE type. Site index values for western hemlock and Douglas-fir

average 62 and 72 (base 50) , respectively, and 69 (base 100) for Pacific silver fir (Appendix C).

Lack of moisture during the growing season is probably the most limiting factor. Frost and high

water tables are normally of little concern in the type. Steep southerly slopes will be slow to

reforest after clearcutting because of high insolation rates and potential for shrub and herb

competition if the sites are not promptly reforested. To protect tree seedlings, harvest techniques

that leave a light to medium overstory are suggested. Light to moderate burning will probably

increase the potential for shrub competition with tree seedlings. Light and moderate burns

favor big huckleberry, as long as its shallow rhizomes are not damaged. A wide range of conifers

are suitable for the sites.

Many ABAM/VAME/CLUN WEN stands are less than 100 years old and occur on relatively

warm and dry upslope positions. These drier conditions and young ages suggest that fire could

be more frequent than in many other types in the Pacific Silver Fir Series.

Warm slopes and abundant big huckleberry and other shrubs make these sites important

for wildlife. Southerly slopes become snow-free sooner than most other types in the Pacific

Silver Fir Series. Most natural stands provide little suitable forage for domestic livestock

(Appendix C). These sites can be important areas for recreational berrying.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: Types of the same name have been

described for the Yakima Indian Reservation, the Gifford Pinchot NF, and the classification for

the Willamette and Mt. Hood NFs (John and others 1988; Brockway and others 1983; Hemstrom

and others 1982) and they appear to be very similar. The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie NF (Henderson

and others 1992) has a variety of ABAM Associations where VAME is part of the name and an

important indicator, but none compare to the Wenatchee’s ABAM/VAME/CLUN WEN. Most of

the west-side classifications appear to be somewhat more productive. The Yakima Reservation

classification includes a number of stands with mountain hemlock which would key to the Mountain

Hemlock Series in the Wenatchee classification.
174

ABAM/VAME-PYSE ASSOCIATION CFS234

Abies amabilis/Vaccinium membranaceum-Pyrola secunda

Pacific silver fir/big huckleberry-sidebells pyrola

Sidebells pyrola (PYSE), an indicator of the

ABAM/VAME/PYSE Association.

SLIDE 50

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 2140-4720 (3453) ft.

Aspect: variable

Slope: 1-74 (23) %

Slope position: ridge, U, M, L 1/3, bench, bottom

Special: cool, dry, maritime

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 40)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

TSHE western hemlock 95 38

ABAM Pacific silver fir 83 16

PSME Douglas-fir 75 14

PIMO western white pine 38 5

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABAM Pacific silver fir 95 9

TSHE western hemlock 78 5

THPL western redcedar 53 4

PIMO western white pine 25 2

TSME mountain hemlock 23 2

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

VAME big huckleberry 98 9

CHUMO w. prince’s pine 80 3

LIBOL twinflower 78 5

PYSE sidebells pyrola 73 2

BENE Cascade Oregon grape 70 4

GAOV slender wintergreen 65 4

PAMY pachistima 60 3

XETE beargrass 28 6

HERBS

MOSS mosses 53 20

GOOB w. rattlesnake plantain 53 1

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The ABAM/VAME-PYSE Association

is widespread. It extends at least from the

Naches District north to the Canadian border.

Most stands are within a few miles of the

Cascade Crest, but the type is occasionally

found over ten map miles from the it. Some

plots that key to the ABAM/VAME-PYSE

type may actually be seral stages of ABAM/

ACTR and ABAM/MEFE Associations.

These are relatively dry, well-drained sites

on the dry and continental end of Pacific silver

fir distribution. Elevations are fairly low for

Pacific silver fir and vary with slope and aspect.

Slope positions are variable also but there is a

tendency toward drier, southerly or westerly

aspects. A few stands are on ridgetops, upper

1/3 slopes, and in canyon bottoms, but the

majority are on middle and lower 1/3 slopes

and benches.

Most soils are formed in a variety of

extrusive volcanic materials. Some stands have

soils developed in glacial tills and outwash. In

nineteen of the sample stands a shallow soil pit

yielded an average of 35% by volume of either

gravels or cobbles in the soil surface horizons.

Slightly more moist stands will likely fall

in the ABAM/VAME/CLUN Association,

while drier sites will likely be in the Hemlock

or Grand Fir Series. More moist and cooler

sites will fall in the ABAM/ACTR, ABAM/

MEFE, or ABAM/TITRU types. The

ABAM/VAAL type in particular indicates

stronger maritime influences.
175

ABAM/VAME-PYSE ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Western hemlock was often the overstory dominant in the sample stands.

Strangely, late seral and near climax stands (>300 years old) often have less Pacific silver fir in

the overstory than stands between 100 and 300 years of age. However, Pacific silver fir normally

dominates the regeneration layers of stands from 100 to 300+ years of age and its decrease in the

overstory composition between 200 and 300 hundred years may reflect the shorter average life

span of individual Pacific silver firs compared to western hemlocks. Early seral stands may

support a variety of conifers, including Douglas-fir, western white pine, western larch, subalpine

fir, Engelmann spruce, lodgepole pine and noble fir. Douglas-fir is the most common seral

dominant after western hemlock. Alaska yellow cedar is found on a few sites transitional to the

ABAM/MEFE Association. Western hemlock tends to increase in stands over 100 years in

age. Pacific silver fir and western hemlock may be common in stands less than 100 years old,

depending on seed sources and disturbance history. Often the silver fir may be as much as 100

years younger than associated western hemlock.

The shrub layer supports a wide variety of shrubs, but only big huckleberry is constant, and

it averages nearly 10% cover. Other common shrubs and subshrubs include twinflower, Cascade

Oregon grape, slender wintergreen, western prince’s pine, sidebells pyrola and pachistima.

Herbs are typically low in cover and no one herb was in more than half of the sample

stands. Mosses occur in half the stands with high cover. Other herbs may occasionally be well

represented, but all are low in constancy.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: This is the least productive type in the Pacific Silver Fir

Series (Appendix C). Site index values for Pacific silver fir, western hemlock and Douglas-fir

average 58 (base 100) , and 53 and 58 (base 50), respectively. Mean basal area was relatively low

at 290 sq. ft./ac. Frost and high water tables are normally of little concern in the type. These

steep southerly slopes will be slow to reforest after clearcutting because of high insolation rates

and high potential for shrub and herb competition. To protect tree seedlings, harvest techniques

that leave a light to medium overstory are suggested. Burning will probably increase the potential

for shrub competition with tree seedlings. Light and moderate burns favor big huckleberry, as

long as its shallow rhizomes are not damaged. A wide range of conifers are suitable for the sites.

Tree ages indicate that stand-replacement fire is relatively infrequent. However, the relatively

dry conditions suggest that fire is still more likely than in most other types within the Series.

There were a few stands around 100 years old, but most were well over 200, and some over 300.

The oldest stands are all in sheltered lower slopes and bottoms.

Warm slopes and abundant big huckleberry and other shrubs make these sites important

for wildlife. Southerly slopes become snow-free sooner than most other types in the Pacific

Silver Fir Series. Most natural stands provide little suitable forage for domestic livestock

(Appendix C). These sites can be important areas for recreational berrying.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: The ABAM/VAME-PYSE Association

has not been described by most workers in the Cascades (Hemstrom and others 1982; Brockway

and others 1983; Hemstrom and others 1987;Franklin and others 1988). On the Mt. Baker

Snoqualmie NF, this type is depauperate (Henderson and others 1992).
176
177

MOUNTAIN

HEMLOCK

SERIES
178
179

MOUNTAIN HEMLOCK SERIES

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT: Mountain hemlock is widely distributed in the Pacific

Northwest in cold, maritime climates. It is the major upper timberline tree species along the

Cascade Crest. Its presence indicates cold, snowy habitats where snow accumulations of several

feet or more during winter are normal. These snowpacks, seldom occurring more than 15 miles

from the divide, persist well into June, resulting in a relatively short growing season. Mountain

hemlock appears to be the tree species most resistant to physical snow damage. In eastern

Washington contiguous stands of mountain hemlock are restricted to areas near the Cascade

Crest and are absent from other more continental sites. Although mountain hemlock has been

found in northeastern Washington, it is very rare ( Jay Berube, personal communication). A few

outlying stands also occur in eastern Oregon away from the Cascades. In the Rocky Mountains

of northern Idaho and Montana, mountain hemlock stands can be quite extensive but are also

limited to very snowy areas with a maritime climate.

Mountain hemlock is considered the climax species when canopy cover is predicted to

be 10% or more in stable stands (300+ years). The Draft Guide used a much more restrictive

definition of the Mountain Hemlock Series in that mountain hemlock was restricted to the

upper fringe of closed forest and extended into the subalpine parkland only as tree islands.

Consequently, in this version, many more stands have been placed in the Series. Mountain

hemlock and Pacific silver fir broadly overlap in their ecological distribution in the Washington

Cascades so that distinguishing between the two Series can be difficult. In many stands within

the Mountain Hemlock Series, when Pacific silver fir is present, it will likely never be excluded,

and is essentially a co-dominant even in climax and near-climax stands. Only on the harshest

mountain hemlock sites is Pacific silver fir absent or nearly so. As noted above, predicted or

actual canopy cover that exceeds 10% in older stands is the convention in this guide for placing

stands within this Series.

At the highest elevations, the Mountain Hemlock Series usually grades quickly into

subalpine parkland. However, subalpine larch, subalpine fir or whitebark pine Associations can be

found at the upper fringe of the Series on some sites. The controlling mechanisms of the ecotone

between forest (tree island) and non-forest are complex and still only poorly understood. Snowpack

depth and duration, and excess or insufficient soil moisture during the growing season are some of

the operating factors. Special communities often develop at the transition between forest and

non-forest and may appear as “skirts” around the base of the tree island or along the forest border.

At lower elevations, the Mountain Hemlock Series grades into the Pacific Silver Fir Series in a

complex fashion, as noted above. At its driest fringe, the Mountain Hemlock Series grades into

the Subalpine Fir or Whitebark Pine Series. Similar sites in more continental areas usually support

either the Subalpine Larch or Subalpine Fir Series.

Though they may be intense, wildfires are infrequent in these snowy habitats. Fires may

start frequently, but conditions seldom favor extensive fires. Generally there will be many small

fires and few large ones (Agee 1994). Consequently, some of the oldest stands on the Forest are

mountain hemlock stands.

Plant Associations are listed in the tables following this Series introduction. There is

one miscellaneous Association with fewer than five sample plots. The highest elevation types

within the Series sometimes used more recent plots to augment the earlier ecology plot data.

These data sets included Potential Natural Vegetation (PNV) mapping samples and non-forest

samples.

VEGETATION: Mountain hemlock is present in the overstory of most stands and averages over

20% cover. Pacific silver fir is shade tolerant, present in more than 65% of the canopies, and is
180

usually dominant where present. Subalpine fir, whitebark pine, subalpine larch and (rarely)

lodgepole pine are the only seral species within the higher elevation (often parkland) areas of

the Series. The more moderate, closed areas within the Series support a plethora of other seral

trees, including western hemlock, western redcedar, subalpine fir, Douglas-fir, western larch

and western white pine. Grand fir is notably absent in this zone and Douglas-fir is present in

only about 25% of the stands. Subalpine larch occurs only very occasionally in isolated geographic

areas. Only stands at the extreme elevational limits of the Series consist of nearly pure canopies

of mountain hemlock, with crowns heavily festooned by lichens. These stands often have a

uniform size-class structure, giving the false impression of an even-aged stand. Reproduction

can be sparse.

Undergrowth varies from dense herbaceous or shrub layers to depauparate conditions

characterized by a few scattered plants and deep litter. Dense shrub layers, including such

species as Cascade azalea, are characteristic of more mesic habitats within the Series, while

beargrass, smooth woodrush or big huckleberry are found in the drier areas.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Many sites in the Series are poorly suited for intensive

timber management. Short growing seasons and heavy snowpacks are the major limitations.

Productivity estimates for mountain hemlock are difficult to obtain. Site trees that meet the

exacting requirements of the forest biometrician are difficult to find. Most trees show extended

periods of suppressed growth when younger, or have some form of top damage. Site index

values (base 100) for Pacific silver fir and mountain hemlock ranged from 56-87 and from 41-

67, respectively. TSME/MEFE-VAME and TSME/MEFE-VAAL appear to be the most

productive sites and TSME/PHEM-VADE and TSME/LUHI the least. Pacific silver fir

becomes more successful on lower elevation sites and indicates that timber productivity is

increasing for all tree species.

The Mountain Hemlock Series is cold and wet with lingering snow. Tree ages are generally

old, suggesting that fire frequency is generally low. Ridgetop and upper slope locations favor

lightning strikes, but conditions seldom favor extensive fires. Usually fires started by lightning

will burn briefly and extinguish. Sometimes fires can get established in the duff and burn small

areas over extended periods. Typically, catastrophic fires occur only every 300-500+ years, when

regional weather conditions are exceptionally favorable for fire.

Primary root diseases include Annosum root disease and laminated root rot. Annosum

root disease attacks subalpine fire, grand fir, Engelmann spruce, Pacific silver fir, western hemlock

and mountain hemlock, typically causing root and butt rot at maturity. Laminated root rot can

be especially prevalent where mountain hemlock is abundant. Tomentosus root disease can be

present in lodgepole pine stands. Indian paint fungus is also an agent for heart rot of true firs,

western hemlock and mountain hemlock. Western white pine has been drastically affected by

white pine blister rust, and there have been dramatic increases in mountain pine beetle attacks

on this tree (Hessburg and others 1994). Dwarf mistletoe infections are a major cause of mortality

in western larch ( Jim Hadfield, personal communication).

Insect pests of note include mountain pine beetle, spruce beetle, western spruce budworm

and fir engraver. Of these, only mountain pine beetle has the potential for severe outbreaks in

this Series, mainly in the limited areas dominated by lodgepole pine. Douglas-fir tussock moth

and western spruce budworm can occur and mainly attack Douglas-fir and grand fir. Grand fir

is seldom present in sufficient quantities for extensive budworm mortality.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: The Mountain Hemlock Series has

been described by numerous authors up and down the Cascades, in northern Idaho and Montana,

and in northeastern Oregon, either as a unique type or included sometimes in the Pacific Silver

Fir Series. Some of these authors include: Daubenmire and Daubenmire 1968; Pfister and
181

others 1977; Hemstrom and others 1982; Brockway and others 1983; Williams and Lillybridge

1983; Hemstrom and others 1987; Johnson and Simon 1987; Franklin and others 1988; John

and others 1988; Henderson and others 1992; Cooper and others 1991. A variety of plant

Associations have been described, with perhaps the common link being that the Mountain

Hemlock Series requires maritime climatic regimes.

Keys to Plant Associations

of the Mountain Hemlock Series

Before using the key, the field form in Appendix E should be completed. Refer to the “Using the

Keys” section in the introduction for more information on key use and if the stand does not key.

Note: (M) refers to miscellaneous plant Associations that are described elsewhere but were

uncommon or undersampled, or both, on the Wenatchee NF.

Moss-heather, mountain heath, or Cascade

huckleberry > 5%................................................ TSME/PHEM-VADE p. 190

(Usually timberline parkland environments)

Rusty menziesia > 5%

Cascade azalea more abundant than

rusty menziesia

Alaska or oval-leaf huckleberry > 5% ........ TSME/RHAL-VAAL (M) p. 204

Otherwise ............................................ TSME/RHAL-VAME p. 192

Alaska or oval-leaf huckleberry > 5% ................ TSME/MEFE-VAAL p. 186

Otherwise ....................................................... TSME/MEFE-VAME p. 188

Cascade azalea > 5%

Alaska or oval-leaf huckleberry > 5% ................ TSME/RHAL-VAAL (M) p. 204

Otherwise ....................................................... TSME/RHAL-VAME p. 192

Smooth woodrush > 1%

Grouse or low huckleberry > 5% ...................... TSME/VASC/LUHI p. 200

Otherwise ....................................................... TSME/LUHI p. 184

Beargrass > 5% ................................................... TSME/XETE-VAMY p. 202

Alaska huckleberry and/or five-leaved

bramble > 5% ..................................................... TSME/VAAL p. 196

Dwarf bramble > 1% and elevations > 5000'.......... TSME/RULA CT p. 194

(broadleaf arnica usually present)

Big huckleberry > 1% ........................................... TSME/VAME p. 198
182

Average Summary Productivity Estimates by Type 1

# INTENSIVE #TREES/ TBA QUAD MEAN STAND DENSITY HERBAGE

TYPE PLOTS ACRE DIAM. INDEX

TSME/LUHI 2 388 216 11 389 27

TSME/MEFE-VAAL 4 346 272 17 431 13

TSME/MEFE-VAME 2 173 304 19 436 18

TSME/PHEM-VADE 3 255 205 12 344 126

TSME/RHAL-VAAL (M) 4 150 230 17 342 22

TSME/RHAL-VAME 16 336 299 13 491 22

TSME/RULA 3 265 275 15 434 39

TSME/VAAL 3 567 395 12 684 24

TSME/VAME 5 278 290 14 464 11

TSME/VASC/LUHI 7 648 268 10 504 64

TSME/XETE-VAMY 5 546 253 10 463 63

Site index, growth basal area, and GBA

volume estimates by species and type 2

TYPE SPECIES #SI TREES SI #GBA TREES GBA VOL AGE

TSME/LUHI ABLA2 8 37 8 171 45 153

TSME 3 50 3 197 43 143

TSME/MEFE-VAAL ABAM 10 81 20 269 95 226

TSME 1 67 5 280 82 381

TSME/MEFE-VAME ABAM 8 87 10 302 116 223

TSME/PHEM-VADE ABLA2 8 32 8 161 32 106

TSME 1 45 3 230 46 281

TSME/RHAL-VAAL ABAM 9 65 14 201 56 245

TSME 6 52 11 196 46 259

TSME/RHAL-VAME ABAM 30 72 32 284 92 170

ABLA2 3 56 3 212 83 58

CHNO 3 46 4 205 66 224

LAOC 4 50 9 373 55 188

PICO 4 51 4 141 50 75

PIEN 11 63 12 263 115 181

PIMO 3 46 6 206 68 123

PSME 16 59 22 272 123 150

TSME 14 41 32 242 42 295

TSME/RULA ABAM 7 69 10 257 79 240

PICO 5 46 5 128 41 80

TSME/VAAL ABAM 13 84 15 444 175 180

TSME 3 59 3 410 106 144

TSME/VAME ABAM 6 56 13 267 66 251

TSME 2 43 10 226 38 337

TSME/VASC/LUHI ABLA2 15 38 15 210 61 103

PICO 14 54 14 357 143 70

TSME 6 48 7 530 112 204

TSME/XETE-VAMY ABAM 4 67 4 347 101 152

LAOC 4 52 5 142 52 129

PICO 14 56 15 134 53 108

PSME 1 51 3 289 103 189

TSME 5 48 5 245 52 208

1 Type = Plant Association or Community Type (in alphabetical order); # Intensive plots indicates the number of plots

used to derive the values; # Trees/ac is the number of trees per acre; TBA is the total basal area in square feet per acre

based on prism counts; Quadratic mean diameter is the diameter to the nearest inch of a tree of average basal area;

Stand density index is from Reineke 1933; and Herbage is the pounds per acre of air dry herbaceous vegetation at the

time of sampling as derived from a double-sampling technique.

2 Type = Plant Association or Community Type (in alphabetical order); Species = tree species for which the estimates

are made; GBA is Growth Basal Area (Hall 1983); VOL = an estimate of wood production in cubic feet/acre/year from

an empirical formula based on site index and GBA (Hall 1983, personal communication); and SI is the average site

index (all trees base 50 except ABAM, ABPR, PIPO and TSME which are base 100-See Introduction for Site index

curve sources. #GBA trees is the number of trees used to make the GBA estimates; #SI trees is the number of trees used

to determine the Site Index values.
183

Plant Associations Groups (PAGs) are arranged so that similar ecological sites are grouped on

a temperature and moisture scale. Temperature values (from hot to cold) are hot, warm, cool

and cold while moisture values are (from dry to wet) dry, mesic, moist and wet. WEN is used to

indentify Wenatchee plant Associations that are considered ecologically different from likenamed Associations described elsewhere. (M) refers to miscellaneous plant Associations that

are described elsewhere but were uncommon or undersampled, or both, on the Wenatchee NF.

MOUNTAIN HEMLOCK

PLANT ASSOCIATION

GROUPS

1. Cool Mesic Shrub/Herb PAG

• TSME/VAME WEN

• TSME/XETE-VAMY

2. Cool Moist Shrub/Herb PAG

• TSME/MEFE-VAAL

• TSME/MEFE-VAME

• TSME/RHAL-VAAL

• TSME/VAAL WEN

3. Cold Mesic Shrub/Herb PAG

• TSME/PHEM-VADE

• TSME/RHAL-VAME

• TSME/RULA

• TSME/VASC/LUHI

4. Cold Moist Shrub/Herb PAG

• TSME/LUHI

MOUNTAIN HEMLOCK

PLANT ASSOCIATIONS

AND ECOCLASS CODES

TSME/LUHI CMG221

TSME/MEFE-VAAL CMS256

TSME/MEFE-VAME CMS257

TSME/PHEM-VADE CMS354

TSME/RHAL-VAAL (M) CMS355

TSME/RHAL-VAME CMS356

TSME/RULA CMS122

TSME/VAAL WEN CMS258

TSME/VAME WEN CMS259

TSME/VASC/LUHI CMS121

TSME/XETE-VAMY CMF131
184

TSME/LUHI ASSOCIATION CMG221

Tsuga mertensiana/Luzula hitchcockii

mountain hemlock/smooth woodrush

NEGATIVE 51

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 5340-6210 (5640) ft.

Aspect: northwest-southeast (easterly)

Slope: 17-59 (39) %

Slope position: ridgetop, U, M 1/3

Special: cold, lingering snow pack

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 6)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

TSME mountain hemlock 100 16

ABLA2 subalpine fir 83 29

ABAM Pacific silver fir 33 12

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABAM Pacific silver fir 83 6

TSME mountain hemlock 67 5

ABLA2 subalpine fir 50 1

CHNO Alaska yellow cedar 33 3

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

RULA dwarf bramble 67 14

VAME big huckleberry 60 7

VASC grouse huckleberry 50 2

RHAL Cascade azalea 33 1

HERBS

LUHI smooth woodrush 100 25

ARLA broadleaf arnica 100 5

VASI Sitka valerian 67 6

PERA sickletop pedicularis 67 1

VIGL pioneer violet 50 1

VIOR2 round-leaved violet 33 4

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The sample data are very limited for this

type. The TSME/LUHI Association occurs

at high elevations along the Cascades Crest

and on spur ridges to the east. All the sample

data are from the Naches District, but field

observations suggest that the type also occurs

to the north, at least to the Okanogan NF

boundary.

Sites lie at high elevations and are cold

with lingering snowpacks. Slopes are

moderate to steep and aspects are such that

snow does not melt off quickly. Microreliefs

are flat to concave. The type is often in areas

where wind deposits snow from more exposed

sites nearby.

Soils are formed from a wide variety of

parent materials that include andesite, granite,

other igneous extrusive material, and

colluvium. Limited data suggest that surface

horizons will contain 10-40% gravels and

cobbles.

The TSME/LUHI Association grades

into the TSME/PHEM-VADE type on more

moist sites. The TSME/VASC/LUHI

Association occurs on somewhat drier and

more exposed sites. TSME/VASC/LUHI,

TSME/LUHI, TSME/PHEM-VADE, and

alpine meadow/shrublands form a mosaic in

much of the near timberline landscape.
185

TSME/LUHI ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Few sample stands were over 150 years old, so late successional or climax

conditions must be inferred from species composition and successional dynamics. Mid seral

stands (150+ years) are dominated by mountain hemlock in the overstory, with either mountain

hemlock or Pacific silver fir as the major dominant in the regeneration layers. Subalpine fir

appears to be a primary seral dominant. Other seral trees are less common in these harsh, deepsnowpack sites. However, some lodgepole pine-dominated stands near Cash Prairie on the

Naches District key to the type. Subalpine larch and whitebark pine may occur as seral trees at

higher elevations. Alaska yellow cedar may also occur.

Shrubs and subshrubs are variable in constancy and cover. Species that may be important

in some stands are dwarf bramble and big huckleberry, and they are especially abundant on the

plots with granitic substrates.

The herb layer is characterized by smooth woodrush. Shrubs and other herbs, such as

broadleaf arnica, sickletop pedicularis and partridgefoot, may be present but are generally not as

abundant. Partridgefoot is more common on disturbed sites with soils formed in tephra or

extrusive volcanic flows.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Data are limited, but timber productivity is assumed to be

low (Appendix C). Some stands may, however, contain considerable basal area of mountain

hemlock or subalpine fir. Reforestation is impossible to assure by any known techniques and

sites are very slow to reforest. Snow damage to trees is common, and the loss of a single large

individual may greatly affect the rest of the stand by modifying snow melt and deposition patterns.

Wind damage to tree tops is common. These sites are important for scenic and watershed

values.

Fires are infrequent in these cold, moist sites. Snowbanks linger into late summer or,

some years, into early fall. Fires that do start (usually from lighting strikes) will typically burn

in the duff, stay small, do little damage, and eventually go out on their own. Every few hundred

years, however, conditions may be right for a catastrophic stand-replacing fire.

These sites are fragile, but apparently somewhat less so than the TSME/PHEM-VADE

type. Smooth woodrush is moderately resistant to trampling and mechanical injury, making

these site more suitable for campsites than the TSME/PHEM-VADE Association. All upper

timberline forests grow in a highly stressful environment where a small change may result in a

stand becoming “non-forest.”

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: John and others (1988) describe a

TSME/LUHI type for the Yakima Indian Reservation and Pfister and others (1977) describe

one for Montana. The Yakima Reservation and Montana plots without much grouse huckleberry

are similar to the Wenatchee’s TSME/LUHI. Some of R. and J. Daubenmire’s sample stands

that have mountain hemlock as climax dominant, as well as smooth woodrush, may be similar as

well (Pfister and others 1977). Both the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie and Gifford Pinchot NFs

(Brockway and others 1983; Henderson and others 1992) have mountain hemlock Associations

that contain smooth woodrush, but it has not been used as a type indicator. Some of their

samples would likely fit in the Wenatchee TSME/LUHI. The Gifford Pinchot classification

acknowledges an undescribed TSME Association with less than 5% big huckleberry that may

contain some TSME/LUHI plots. Later, unpublished work on the Gifford-Pinchot and Mt.

Hood describe a TSME/LUHI type (Topik and others, in press).
186

TSME/MEFE-VAAL ASSOCIATION CMS256

Tsuga mertensiana/Menziesia ferruginea-Vaccinium alaskaense

mountain hemlock/rusty menziesia-Alaska huckleberry

SLIDE 52

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 3040-4230 (3619) ft.

Aspect: NE or sheltered to south

Slope: 1-52 (24) %

Slope position: M, L 1/3, bench, bottom

Special: cold, moist, maritime, sheltered

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 10)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

ABAM Pacific silver fir 100 32

TSME mountain hemlock 100 18

TSHE western hemlock 70 11

THPL western redcedar 20 9

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABAM Pacific silver fir 100 15

TSME mountain hemlock 80 3

TSHE western hemlock 50 2

THPL western redcedar 10 4

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

MEFE rusty menziesia 100 16

VAAL Alaska huckleberry 100 13

VAME big huckleberry 90 16

RUPE five-leaved bramble 90 8

RULA dwarf bramble 90 3

OPHO devil’s club 60 2

RUSP salmonberry 50 2

COCA bunchberry dogwood 30 4

RHAL Cascade azalea 20 6

HERBS

CLUN queencup beadlily 90 9

MOSS mosses 60 18

STRO rosy twistedstalk 60 4

TITRU coolwort foamflower 60 4

VASI Sitka valerian 60 2

GYDR oak fern 40 9

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The TSME/MEFE-VAAL Association

was sampled only on the Lake Wenatchee

District. However, the type is known from

the Cle Elum District (PNV data) and may

extend farther north along the east slopes of

the Cascades.

The TSME/MEFE-VAAL Association

has a cool maritime climate with deep

snowpacks. Elevations are low for the

Mountain Hemlock Series. Slopes vary from

flat to moderately steep and lie largely on

middle and lower 1/3 slope positions. Most

aspects are northerly, or sites are sheltered from

the sun, such that snowpacks linger late into

the growing season.

All the plots are in areas that were

glaciated by valley glaciers and most soils are

developed in glacial till or outwash.

Consequently, soils are high in gravels and

cobbles, though somewhat poorly drained.

TSME/MEFE-VAAL grades into

TSME/MEFE-VAME on better drained

sites at higher elevation. Sites with a lower

snowpack and somewhat warmer temperatures

support ABAM/VAAL. The ABAM/

OPHO Association occurs on wetter sites.

TSME/RHAL-VAME will likely occur on

higher elevation sites with residual soils and

or other volcanic depositional material.
187

TSME/MEFE-VAAL ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Late seral and climax sample stands are fairly common. The average age from

four stands was 265 years at breast height, even including one 90-year-old stand. Pacific silver

fir may dominate any stage of the tree sere, depending on local seed sources and timing, and

type and intensity of disturbance. Late seral stands are dominated by Pacific silver fir in the

overstory and understory. Mountain hemlock is typically an important overstory component,

but its regeneration is much less abundant than Pacific silver fir. Western hemlock is often a

major overstory species in mid seral stands, but in older stands it is much less abundant than

Pacific silver fir or mountain hemlock. Western redcedar may be common on warm sites within

the type.

The shrub layer is typically dense, with shrubs forming at least two distinct layers. Rusty

menziesia, big huckleberry and Alaska huckleberry dominate the tallest shrub layer, while dwarf

bramble and five-leaf bramble dominate the low shrub or subshrub layer. The sheltered maritime

climate is reflected in the salmonberry being present in about half the samples. A variety of

other shrubs may be abundant, but occur irregularly.

The herb layer is more variable in cover and constancy than the shrub layer. Queencup

beadlily is the most constant herb and is usually the most abundant. Mosses, rosy twisted stalk,

coolwort foamflower and Sitka valerian are present in over half the samples.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Timber productivity is moderate (Appendix C). Site index

values (base 100) for mountain hemlock and Pacific silver fir average 67 and 81, respectively,

and total basal area averages 272 sq.ft./ac. Snow pack and short growing season limit the tree

species suitable for timber management. Pacific silver fir or mountain hemlock are the primary

ones. Regeneration should not be difficult, if the sites are not degraded and the proper species

are selected. Use either planted stock or natural regeneration. Rusty menziesia is not typically

a problem in reforestation, and it decreases after burning or scarification (Fielder 1982). Alaska

huckleberry, however, can form dense shrubfields in open stands (Henderson and others 1992).

Fire is infrequent in this type, as indicated by the data that show many stands over 250

years old. Fires that do start (usually from lighting strikes) will typically burn in the duff, do

little damage, and eventually go out on their own. However, every few hundred years, weather

conditions may be right for a catastrophic stand replacing fire.

This type produces little or no forage for livestock (Appendix C), but it has considerable

value for wildlife because of the abundance of berry-producing shrubs and multiple shrub and

tree layers. The TSME/MEFE-VAAL Association is not suitable for campground or similar

uses because of wet, cold conditions, abundant insects and late-melting snow. Recreational

berrying is a potential use, especially in early to mid seral stands. Watershed values are high and

sites often adjoin streams or lakes.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: TSME/MEFE Associations have been

described for northern Idaho (Daubenmire and Daubenmire 1968; Cooper and others 1991)

and Montana (Pfister and others 1977). However, none of these support either Alaska or ovalleaf huckleberry. There is additional vegetational dissimilarity between the types from northern

Idaho and Montana and the Wenatchee TSME/MEFE-VAAL type, due to the influx of strongly

Cascadian species. The Gifford Pinchot classification also includes a TSME/MEFE type

(Brockway and others 1983). Brockway’s plots with adequate Alaska or oval-leaf huckleberry

would key to the Wenatchee TSME/MEFE-VAAL. The classification of Mt. Rainier National

Park included some mountain hemlock zone samples (with Alaska huckleberry) in its ABAM/

MEFE type (Franklin and others 1988). The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie classification includes a

number of Associations that support both rusty menziesia and Alaska huckleberry but are not

identical. The Mt. Hood and Willamette classifications (Hemstrom and others 1982) describe

an ABAM/MEFE type in which some of the plots have both mountain hemlock and Alaska

huckleberry. Later unpublished work on the Mt. Hood and Gifford Pinchot NFs describe a

TSME/MEFE type which supports much more beargrass than the Wenatchee’s TSME/MEFEVAAL type.
188

TSME/MEFE-VAME ASSOCIATION CMS257

Tsuga mertensiana/Menziesia ferruginia-Vaccinium membranaceum

mountain hemlock/rusty menziesia-big huckleberry

SLIDE 53

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 3930-4640 (4239) ft.

Aspect: N to E (highest plots SW)

Slope: 22-61 (43) %

Slope position: U, M 1/3, bench

Special: cold, mesic, maritime

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 9)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

ABAM Pacific silver fir 100 32

TSME mountain hemlock 100 17

TSHE western hemlock 33 10

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABAM Pacific silver fir 100 18

TSME mountain hemlock 78 4

TSHE western hemlock 22 3

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

MEFE rusty menziesia 100 30

VAME big huckleberry 100 22

RULA dwarf bramble 67 4

PYSE sidebells pyrola 56 1

RHAL Cascade azalea 44 6

HERBS

MOSS mosses 67 13

CLUN queencup beadlily 56 5

STRO rosy twistedstalk 33 2

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The TSME/MEFE-VAME Association

is best developed on the Lake Wenatchee

District in the area of Stevens Pass. One plot

from the Okanogan suggests that the type

extends farther north along the east slopes of

the Cascades. There is one plot from near

Snoqualmie Pass as well. Influence of

maritime air is important in the distribution

of this Association.

The TSME/MEFE-VAME Association

has a cool maritime climate with deep

snowpacks. Elevations are moderate for the

Mountain Hemlock Series. Slopes are

moderately steep and lie largely on middle

1/3 slope positions. Most aspects are north

or east, or sites are sheltered from the sun, such

that snowpacks linger late into the growing

season.

Soils typically are well drained. All the

plots are in areas glaciated by valley glaciers

and most soils are developed in glacial till or

outwash. Coarse fragments average nearly

40% by volume and are usually cobbles.

Colder sites are usually in the TSME/

RHAL-VAME Association, and sites with a

lower snowpack and somewhat warmer

temperatures support ABAM/MEFE. The

TSME/MEFE-VAAL Association occurs on

wetter sites.
189

TSME/MEFE-VAME ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Late seral and near climax stands are fairly common. Late seral stands are

dominated by mountain hemlock or Pacific silver fir in their overstory and tree regeneration

layers. Mountain hemlock may be an important overstory component in all stands, but is often

much less abundant than Pacific silver fir in the tree regeneration layers. Mid seral stands may

have western hemlock as a major overstory species, but it is much less abundant in the oldest

stands than Pacific silver fir or mountain hemlock. It appears that the type is not sheltered

enough for western hemlock to do well. Western white pine was the only other tree in the

samples. Other seral trees probably occupy these sites in earlier stages of succession, but heavy

snow makes it difficult for them to remain. Pacific silver fir may dominate any stage of the tree

sere, depending on local seed sources and timing, type and intensity of disturbance.

The shrub layer is typically dense, with shrubs forming at least two distinct layers. Rusty

menziesia and big huckleberry typically dominate the tallest shrub layer. Dwarf bramble or

sidebells pyrola, or both, usually make up a low shrub or subshrub layer, although with low

cover. Cascade azalea may be fairly abundant in some stands. Few other shrubs are common.

The herb layer is more variable in cover and constancy than the shrub layer. The most

abundant and constant “herb” noted was moss. Queencup beadlily is the next most constant

herb and is usually the next most abundant. Other herbs are in less than half of the stands and

none exceeded 5% cover in the samples.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Timber productivity is low (Appendix C). Snow pack and

short growing season limit the tree species suitable for timber management. If the sites have not

been degraded and the proper species are selected, regeneration should not be difficult, using

either planted stock or natural regeneration. Rusty menziesia is not a problem in reforestation

and decreases after burning or scarification (Fielder 1982). Watershed values are high and the

type serves as a major source of late moisture input to drainages.

Most sample stands were over 250 years old, indicating that fire is infrequent in this type.

Fires that do start (usually from lighting strikes) will typically burn in the duff, do little damage,

and eventually go out on their own. Every few hundred years, however, weather conditions may

be right for a catastrophic stand-replacing fire.

This Association produces little or no forage for livestock (Appendix C). Abundant berryproducing shrubs and multiple shrub and tree layers provide valuable wildlife habitat.

The TSME/MEFE-VAME Association is not suitable for campgrounds or similar uses

because of wet, cold conditions, steep slopes, abundant insects and late melting snow. Recreational

berrying is a potential use, especially in early to mid-seral stands.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: TSME/MEFE Associations have been

described for northern Idaho (Daubenmire and Daubenmire 1968; Cooper and others 1991) and

Montana (Pfister and others 1977). There is vegetational dissimilarity between the types from

northern Idaho and Montana and the Wenatchee TSME/MEFE-VAAL type, due to the influx

of strongly Cascadian species. The Gifford Pinchot classification also includes a TSME/MEFE

type (Brockway and others 1983). Brockway’s plots with little Alaska or oval-leaf huckleberry

would key to the Wenatchee TSME/MEFE-VAME. The classification of Mt. Rainier National

Park included some mountain hemlock zone samples (with Alaska huckleberry) in its ABAM/

MEFE type (Franklin and others 1988). The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie classification includes a

number of Associations that support both rusty menziesia and big huckleberry, but are not identical.

The Mt. Hood and Willamette classifications (Hemstrom and others 1982) describe an ABAM/

MEFE type in which some plots that have both mountain hemlock and big huckleberry, but that

lack Alaska huckleberry, would fit the TSME/MEFE-VAME. Later unpublished work on the

Gifford Pinchot and Mt. Hood NFs describe a similar mountain hemlock type with more beargrass

and fewer moist-site herbs (Topik and others, in press).
190

TSME/PHEM-VADE ASSOCIATION CMS354

Tsuga mertensiana/Phyllodoce empetriformis-Vaccinium deliciosum

mountain hemlock/red mountain heath-Cascade huckleberry

SLIDE 54

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 5480-6680 (5995) ft.

Aspect: northeast to southeast

Slope: 8-39 (24) %

Slope position: ridgetop, U 1/3

Special: cold, moist, snowy, maritime,

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 10)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

ABLA2 subalpine fir 100 14

TSME mountain hemlock 100 13

PIAL whitebark pine 60 3

ABAM Pacific silver fir 10 25

PICO lodgepole pine 10 15

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABLA2 subalpine fir 90 10

TSME mountain hemlock 90 5

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

VADE Cascade huckleberry 70 20

PHEM red mountain heath 70 23

VASC grouse huckleberry 60 6

RULA dwarf bramble 40 19

LUPE partridgefoot 40 17

VAME big huckleberry 20 13

HERBS

LUHI smooth woodrush 90 14

ARLA broadleaf arnica 60 2

LUPIN lupines 30 11

VASI Sitka valerian 30 8

FEVI green fescue 20 8

ARNIC arnica spp. 10 45

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

Field observations indicate that the

TSME/PHEM-VADE Association is limited

in acres but extends north and south along the

Cascade Crest. The limited sample data are

only from the Naches District and indicate

both the limited extent of the type and its

inaccessibility.

This type is near the limits of the upper

continuous tree line. Conditions are cold and

maritime. Elevations are high and aspects are

easterly. Slopes appear moderate (from the

limited samples), but field observations

indicate they can be much steeper.

Soils are formed in a variety of parent

materials, including andesite, basalt, tephra,

and other igneous extrusives. Field

observations suggest that coarse fragments and

surface rock are common. Most of these sites

are in areas of glaciation, suggesting that glacial

till or outwash may be present.

More severe sites either lack continuous

tree cover and form part of the meadow-forest

transition or may support subalpine larch or

whitebark pine Associations. More moist sites

likely support this type, although the ecological

relationships between TSME/LUHI and

TSME/PHEM-VADE types are not well

understood. These types will be studied in

greater detail in future work.
191

TSME/PHEM-VADE ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Late seral and near climax stands are dominated by mountain hemlock in the

overstory. Subalpine fir is the major seral tree, although whitebark pine and lodgepole pine

were present in one or more plots. Subalpine fir and mountain hemlock are important overstory

components in all sample stands. Subalpine fir decreases in importance in the overstory as

stands age. Few other trees are adapted to the sites. Initial stages of succession may be started

by whitebark pine, but as subalpine fir increases, the highly intolerant whitebark pine is inhibited

from regenerating. Mountain hemlock normally enters the sere after subalpine fir is well

established. Mountain hemlock and subalpine fir are the most constant and abundant trees in

the understory. Alaska yellow cedar dominated the understory and overstory of one sample

stand.

Cascade huckleberry is the characteristic shrub and it often extends into adjacent alpine

shrub meadows. Other associated shrubs include dwarf bramble, grouse huckleberry, big huckleberry,

red mountain heath and other heather, and moss-heather species.

The herb layer is variable. Smooth woodrush is in most stands and indicates the presence

of late-melting snowpacks. Other herbs that may be well represented include lupines, broadleaf arnica, partridgefoot, Sitka valerian and green fescue. Green fescue presence and abundance

may be somewhat related to past livestock grazing intensity and timing, although sites with

abundant green fescue may be transitional to fescue meadows.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Tree growth rates and stocking levels are very low (Appendix

C). Site indexes for mountain hemlock and subalpine fir are 45 (base 100) and 32 (base 50),

respectively, and total basal area averages 205 sq. ft./ac. Tree form is poor and defects high.

These sites are very cold and harsh. They are very slow to reforest after deforestation, and

reforestation is impossible to assure by any known techniques. Environmental limitations on

plants are such that the sites are fragile and are easily altered by perturbations. Snow damage to

trees is common and the loss of a single large individual may alter the snow deposition and

melting patterns around it. Relatively small changes in a site have major ecological affects in its

ability to support trees or other vegetation. The stands are very important for scenic and watershed

values.

Tree age data were limited, but one stand was nearly 300 years old. Fire frequency is

probably low in these stands even though lightning strikes are common. Fires that start typically

do not burn long and stand-replacement fires are rare. Though fires are infrequent, these upper

timberline forests may not recover for decades or even centuries after an intense fire.

Herbage production is the highest of the Mountain Hemlock Series (Appendix C), but

the type is really not well suited to much livestock use. The heathers and huckleberries have

brittle stems and roots and are especially subject to trampling damage from hikers, livestock or

mechanical equipment.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: The TSME/PHEM-VADE Association

has been described for the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie, Mt. Hood and Gifford Pinchot NFs

(Henderson and others 1992; Topik and others, in press). The mean elevation of the TSME/

PHEM-VADE type on the Wenatchee is over 1000 feet higher than described by Henderson

and others (1992). This type likely occurs on the Okanogan NF, although it was not described

(Williams and Lillybridge 1983).
192

TSME/RHAL-VAME ASSOCIATION CMS356

Tsuga mertensiana/Rhododendron albiflorum-Vaccinium membranaceum

mountain hemlock/Cascades azalea-big huckleberry

SLIDE 55

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 4000-5540 (4887) ft.

Aspect: northerly (few east or west)

Slope: 4-69 (28) %

Slope position: ridge, U, M, L 1/3

Special: cold, snowy, maritime

VEGETATION SUMMARY:

(Sample size: 22)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

TSME mountain hemlock 95 26

ABAM Pacific silver fir 77 26

PSME Douglas-fir 45 8

PIMO western white pine 45 6

PIEN Engelmann spruce 41 8

LAOC western larch 36 11

TSHE western hemlock 32 9

ABLA2 subalpine fir 27 9

PICO lodgepole pine 18 13

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABAM Pacific silver fir 95 16

TSME mountain hemlock 68 8

ABLA2 subalpine fir 36 5

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

RHAL Cascade azalea 100 30

VAME big huckleberry 100 18

PYSE sidebells pyrola 86 9

RULA dwarf bramble 77 12

XETE beargrass 59 8

VAMY low huckleberry 41 13

VASC grouse huckleberry 27 10

HERBS

ARLA broadleaf arnica 64 12

GOOB w. rattlesnake plantain 45 4

PERA sickletop pedicularis 27 2

ACTR vanilla leaf 18 5

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The TSME/RHAL-VAME Association

is a widespread type that is most common on

the Naches, Cle Elum and Lake Wenatchee

Districts. The farther away from the Cascade

Crest a stand is, the more likely it is to be on

steep, northerly aspects or be part of the Pacific

Silver Fir Series. Seldom does the TSME/

RHAL-VAME type occupy sites over 15 miles

from the Cascade Crest.

Sites are characterized by deep

accumulations of snow that remain relatively

late into the year. Mountain hemlock requires

a strongly maritime climatic pattern with

abundant precipitation. Slopes are moderate

to steep. Elevations are moderately high and

aspects typically northerly.

Soils appear well-drained and are formed

in a wide variety of parent materials, often with

ash or volcanic depositional material. Few

stands are on till or outwash.

The ABAM/RHAL type replaces the

TSME/RHAL-VAME on similar sites with

less maritime influence. Continental sites in

similar environments may support the ABLA2/

RHAL type. Warmer and even more maritime

sites (usually very near passes) will be occupied

by the TSME/RHAL-VAAL Association.

More harsh environments will support TSME/

PHEM-VADE, TSME/LUHI or TSME/

VASC-LUHI Associations. Drier sites often

support the TSME/XETE-VAMY type.

TSME/MEFE-VAME and TSME/MEFEVAAL types indicate lower elevations sites on

similar aspects on the north end of the Forest.
193

TSME/RHAL-VAME ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Mountain hemlock is at least co-dominant in the overstory of most stands.

Pacific silver fir is the most consistent and dominant species in the tree regeneration layer, with

mountain hemlock next. Other species may form part of the sere, depending on disturbance

history, seed sources and type of disturbance. Early seral species include Douglas-fir, western

larch, Engelmann spruce, western white pine, subalpine fir and Alaska yellow cedar. When

seral trees are present, several species will often have significant cover, with no one clearly

dominant. Sites are usually too harsh for western hemlock to be a dominant stand component.

Lower elevational stands in the TSME/RHAL-VAME type may be too warm for mountain

hemlock to thrive. However, as site elevations increase it does particularly well. On less frosty

sites, Pacific silver fir is often nearly the same age at breast height as other species, indicating

that shelter is not necessary for it to regenerate there. However, on frosty sites, the development

of a mountain hemlock canopy may be needed for it to regenerate. Subalpine fir is especially

important in the sere if site disturbance has been severe.

The dense shrub layer supports a rich variety of species. Cascade azalea is usually the most

abundant species but big huckleberry is a close second. Other common shrubs include sidebells

pyrola, dwarf bramble and beargrass. Less constant species such as Alaska huckleberry, low

huckleberry and pachistima may be well represented in some stands.

Herbs are usually inconspicuous under the dense shrub layer. Broadleaf arnica and western

rattlesnake plantain are the most common herbs and may be well represented in some stands.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Timber productivity is fairly low (Appendix C). Site index

values for mountain hemlock, Pacific silver fir and subalpine fir are 41 and 72 (base 100), and 56

(base 50), respectively. Basal area averages 299 sq. ft./ac. Watershed values are high and the

shrubs provide forage and cover for a wide variety of wildlife in the summer. Snowpack and the

short growing season limit the tree species suitable for timber management. If sites have not

been degraded and the proper species are selected, regeneration should not be difficult, using

either planted stock or natural regeneration. Cascade azalea is not normally a problem in

reforestation and it decreases after burning or scarification (Fielder 1982). Big huckleberry,

however, may form dense stands after burning and canopy removal.

Fire is very infrequent in these stands. Tree ages are commonly over 200 years old in most

stands. In fact, of 16 intensive plots, 4 exceeded 300 years old and one was over 500. When

lightning strikes occur in these habitats, fires typically do not burn long nor burn much area.

This Association produces little or no forage for livestock (Appendix C). The dense shrub

layer and berry-producing species provide both forage and cover for wildlife and recreational

opportunities for huckleberry pickers. The cold, wet sites are not desirable for campgrounds

and similar uses.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: This Association is very similar to the

TSME/RHAL-VAME types described for the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie NF (Henderson and

others 1992). A TSME/RHAL type was described for the Gifford Pinchot NF (Brockway and

others 1983). Some of the samples included in the ABAM/RHAL Association on the Okanogan

NF (Williams and Lillybridge 1983) and for the Yakima Indian Reservation ( John and others

1988) are similar to the TSME/RHAL-VAME type described here. Franklin and others (1988)

on Mt. Rainier and Hemstrom and others( 1982) on the Mt. Hood and Willamette NFs also

described ABAM/RHAL types that had mountain hemlock in their samples. Later unpublished

work on the Mt. Hood and Gifford Pinchot NFs describes a TSME/RHAL type that includes

the Wenatchee TSME/RHAL-VAME and TSME/RHAL-VAAL types (Topik and others, in

press).
194

TSME/RULA COMMUNITY TYPE CMS122

Tsuga mertensiana/Rubus lasiococcus

mountain hemlock/dwarf bramble

NEGATIVE 56

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 5020-5540 (5189) ft.

Aspect: northerly to east

Slope: 7-30 (16) %

Slope position: ridgetops, U 1/3, toe

Special: cold, maritime influence

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 7)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

TSME mountain hemlock 86 24

ABAM Pacific silver fir 71 21

ABLA2 subalpine fir 71 16

PIEN Engelmann spruce 43 10

PSME Douglas-fir 29 15

PICO lodgepole pine 29 21

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABAM Pacific silver fir 86 12

TSME mountain hemlock 86 6

ABLA2 subalpine fir 71 6

PIEN Engelmann spruce 43 1

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

RULA dwarf bramble 100 13

VASC grouse huckleberry 71 5

PYSE sidebells pyrola 71 2

VAMY low huckleberry 57 13

XETE beargrass 57 2

VAME big huckleberry 43 8

HERBS

ARLA broadleaf arnica 57 11

HIAL white hawkweed 43 2

LUHI smooth woodrush 43 1

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The TSME/RULA Community Type

has been sampled on the Naches District and

on Manastash Ridge on the Cle Elum District.

All plots are on long ridges leading to

subalpine and alpine meadows. The ridges

were once used as livestock driveways and the

community may reflect past grazing use more

than intrinsic environmental conditions.

These sites are cold and maritime.

Elevations are moderately high and usually on

ridgetops or upper slopes. Most slopes are

less than 20%. Aspects are northerly to east.

Snowpacks are deep and may last well into

summer.

Soils are formed mainly in andesite or

glacial outwash. A few sites were listed as

granitic or tephra. Surface soil horizons

average about 10% gravels. Soil surface litter

is usually about 50%.

The successional relationships of some

of these stands were unclear. High elevations

with dwarf bramble suggested that a number

of plots originally placed in ABAM/VAME

or ABAM/VAME/CLUN WEN types fit better

in the TSME/RULA type. Additional data

may better define this type. Some of the

samples have traces of smooth woodrush, but

are below the elevational range of TSME/

LUHI, and yet higher than the TSME/

VAME type.
195

TSME/RULA COMMUNITY TYPE

VEGETATION: The oldest trees sampled on the type were 250+ year-old mountain hemlocks,

but data are very limited. Lodgepole pine can dominate early seral stands that have been burned

in the last 100 years. Minor amounts of western larch and Douglas-fir were found in the

youngest stands. Subalpine fir is often a major stand component in both the overstory and

understory, and as such makes up an important part of the tree sere, entering the stands with or

soon after lodgepole pine. Mountain hemlock and Pacific silver fir become more common as

the stands become older. In the oldest sample stand mountain hemlock was more than 100

years older than associated subalpine fir. Also, on one plot, Pacific silver fir was 150 years older

than associated lodgepole pine. Apparently, short-lived subalpine firs and lodgepole pines may

go through more than one generation in the canopy during one lifetime of the longer-lived

mountain hemlocks or Pacific silver firs forming the major canopy.

Dwarf bramble is the most consistent shrub or subshrub. Either low or grouse huckleberry

was found in every plot and can be well represented. The only other shrubs found in half or

more of the plots are sidebells pyrola and beargrass. Big huckleberry is present in some sample

stands and never exceeds 10% cover. Other shrubs are uncommon.

Broadleaf arnica, including Arnica species (A. mollis?), is the only herb that occurs in over

half the stands sampled, but it can be abundant. Other herbs occur sporadically and are usually

low in cover.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: These sites are harsh and difficult to reforest. Although data

are limited, it appears that timber productivity is very low (Appendix C). To become established,

mountain hemlock and Pacific silver fir may need shelter from lodgepole pine or subalpine fir.

Snow packs are high and top damage, apparently from snow and ice, is common in the trees.

Additionally, the sites are exposed to wind and lightning because of their position on the slope.

Succession to trees after deforestation is slow.

High incidence of lightning provides the ignition source for fires, but environmental

conditions result in few fires of any extent. The data indicate that some stands are dominated by

lodgepole pine, which may cause stands to be more susceptible to fire.

Herbage production in this type is low (Appendix C). Most sites have a history of

overgrazing, so it is difficult to know the potential composition and productivity of the shrub

and herb layers.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: This type was described in the

Wenatchee Draft Guide (Williams and Smith 1991). Re-evaluation of the data and subsequent

changes in the classification have changed the Association. Samples in the old TSME/RULA

type that contain much smooth woodrush now key to TSME/LUHI or TSME/VASC/LUHI

types. The Wenatchee TSME/RULA type is similar to some of the phases of the ABAM/

RULA Association described by Franklin and others (1988). Some of the high-elevation samples

from the ABAM/VAME/XETE type described on the Willamette and Mt. Hood National

Forests (Hemstrom and others 1982) are closely related. The TSME/VAME-RULA described

by Henderson and others (1992) is very similar, although the constancy of big huckleberry is

less on the Wenatchee, while total cover of all understory plants is higher.
196

TSME/VAAL WEN ASSOCIATION CMS258

Tsuga mertensiana/Vaccinium alaskaense

mountain hemlock/Alaska huckleberry

Alaska huckleberry (VAAL), an

indicator of the TSME/VAAL

Association.

SLIDE 57

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 3210-4190 (3618) ft.

Aspect: NE to S to NW

Slope: 4-45 (23) %

Slope position: ridgetop, M, L 1/3, bench

Special: cool, rocky; maritime influence

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 6)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

ABAM Pacific silver fir 100 38

TSME mountain hemlock 100 14

TSHE western hemlock 67 25

PSME Douglas-fir 17 3

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABAM Pacific silver fir 100 14

TSME mountain hemlock 67 6

TSHE western hemlock 33 4

PSME Douglas-fir 17 6

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

VAAL Alaska huckleberry 100 5

VAME big huckleberry 100 12

PYSE sidebells pyrola 83 2

SOSI Sitka mountain ash 83 2

RULA dwarf bramble 67 4

RUPE five-leaved bramble 50 5

MEFE rusty menziesia 50 4

HERBS

CLUN queencup beadlily 67 5

MOSS mosses 50 22

STRO rosy twistedstalk 50 3

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The TSME/VAAL Association was

sampled on the Lake Wenatchee District. It

may also be found in other areas near the

Cascade Crest, especially in areas of extreme

maritime influence, such as in mountain pass

corridors. It is normally 5 miles or less east of

the Crest.

The TSME/VAAL Association appears

to represent sites with ample moisture and

cloudy conditions, but on cool slopes with good

soil drainage. Elevations are very low for the

Mountain Hemlock Series. Most sites are

under 4000 feet elevation. Slopes are often

moderate (<40%) and aspects are variable.

Soils are formed mainly in mixed glacial

drift, with one plot having breccia. Most

stands have abundant surface rock and coarse

fragments in the surface soil horizons.

Somewhat warmer sites with less

snowpack support the closely related ABAM/

VAAL type. Sites that are cooler and more

moist commonly support the TSME/MEFEVAAL type. As sites become more

continental, Alaska huckleberry will decline

and types like TSME/VAME and TSME/

RHAL-VAME become more likely. Stands

with both rusty menziesia and Alaska

huckleberry may better fit the ABAM/

MEFE-VAAL type, particularly if they have

oak fern or ladyfern as well, and even though

they do not have the requisite 5% cover of rusty

menziesia.
197

TSME/VAAL WEN ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Few sample stands were over 150 years old, so late successional or climax

conditions must be inferred from species composition and successional dynamics. Late seral

and climax stands are dominated by Pacific silver fir in the overstory and regeneration tree

layers. Pacific silver fir regeneration may be so dense as to make travel through the stands

difficult. Mature stands typically have 65% or greater canopy cover. Western hemlock is codominant with Pacific silver fir in some stands, but appears less able to reproduce itself. Mountain

hemlock did not dominate the overstory in any sample stand. Douglas-fir is only a minor

component in the sample stands. No other trees were present.

Shrubs dominate the undergrowth. Alaska huckleberry is the most characteristic species,

although big huckleberry is typically more abundant. Other less conspicuous but common

shrubs include dwarf bramble and sidebells pyrola.

Herbs are inconspicuous in the dense tree regeneration and shrub layers. Queencup beadlily

is the only herb in more than half of the plots and varies greatly in cover. Moss can be abundant

in some stands. Stands with ladyfern, oak fern, or both, were common in a few plots at the wet

end of the type but were not prominent enough to define a separate Association.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Sites are moist, relatively warm, productive and sheltered.

Timber productivity is fairly high for the Mountain Hemlock Series, but generally moderate

when compared to other Series. Site index for Pacific silver fir was 84 (base 100) and total basal

area averaged 395 sq. ft./ac. (Appendix C). Soils are subject to erosion and soil compaction

because of the amount of angular, fine-textured materials in the profile. The abundant Pacific

silver fir regeneration suggests that moisture is not limiting to reforestation, even in dense shrub

stands. Light may limit Pacific silver fir regeneration more than moisture. Advanced silver fir

regeneration will not respond to overstory removal until approximately five years after harvest

because the trees need to replace their shade needles with needles suited to open conditions.

However, advanced regeneration will release if the trees are healthy. Small Pacific silver firs in

the regeneration layers can be over 100 years old. Both huckleberry species resprout after fires

if the fire does not destroy the duff layer. However, their brittle stems and shallow rhizomes are

easily damaged by heavy equipment or trampling. Most other shrubs also resprout after burning.

Fire is infrequent here, although their moderate elevations make these sites somewhat

more fire-susceptible than many of the higher elevation Mountain Hemlock Associations. Fires

will typically not be underburns in this type, although the duff layer can burn for long periods

without much area being burned or much damage done.

Multi-canopy stands with high shrub and tree regeneration cover and abundant berryproducing shrubs makes these sites valuable for a wide variety of wildlife. Recreational huckleberry

picking may be an important use of these sites because of the amount of huckleberries they

produce.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie classification

uses Alaska huckleberry as a major indicator for several plant Associations in the Mountain

Hemlock Series (Henderson and others 1992). However, less emphasis is placed on the

dominance of Alaska huckleberry than in this classification. Consequently, the types overlap

but are not the same. The Gifford Pinchot classification (Brockway and others 1983) does not

use Alaska huckleberry as an indicator in the Mountain Hemlock Series. This Wenatchee NF

type is somewhat similar to the ABAM/VAAL type described for Mt. Rainier (Franklin and

others 1988), except that that type apparently contains little mountain hemlock. Some of the

ABAM/VAAL/COCA Association plots in the Mt. Hood and Willamette classifications

(Hemstrom and others 1982) are similar.
198

TSME/VAME WEN ASSOCIATION CMS259

Tsuga mertensiana/Vaccinium membranaceum

mountain hemlock/big huckleberry

SLIDE 58

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 3280-4500 (3925) ft.

Aspect: variable

Slope: 1-58 (18) %

Slope position: ridge, U, M, L 1/3, benches

Special: cold, maritime, relatively dry

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 15)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

TSME mountain hemlock 93 18

ABAM Pacific silver fir 87 22

TSHE western hemlock 73 21

PSME Douglas-fir 53 10

PIMO western white pine 53 6

LAOC western larch 40 9

PICO lodgepole pine 27 8

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABAM Pacific silver fir 100 10

TSHE western hemlock 80 4

TSME mountain hemlock 67 4

PIMO western white pine 40 2

CHNO Alaska yellow cedar 33 7

ABLA2 subalpine fir 13 5

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

VAME big huckleberry 100 16

CHUMO western prince’s pine 67 3

GAOV slender wintergreen 53 7

VASC grouse huckleberry 53 6

PYSE sidebells pyrola 47 3

PAMY pachistima 47 3

LIBOL twinflower 40 4

HERBS

MOSS mosses 53 15

GOOB w. rattlesnake plantain 33 1

CLUN queencup beadlily 20 4

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The TSME/VAME Association has

been sampled only on the Naches and Lake

Wenatchee Districts. Inspection of the PNV

data suggests that this type may also occur on

the Cle Elum District and it is logical to

assume that the type may be found all along

the Cascades. Most stands are within a few

miles of the Cascade Crest, but the type is

occasionally found over ten map miles away.

This is probably the least maritimeinfluenced type in the Mountain Hemlock

Series and one of the driest. Elevations are

third lowest for the Series. Slope positions

are variable, but generally suggest well-drained

situations without excessive moisture

accumulation. Aspects can be south or west,

contributing to the dryness of these sites.

Most soils are formed in a variety of

extrusive volcanic materials. Some stands had

soils developed in glacial tills and outwash,

while others formed in basalt or andesite. One

plot had an ash surface. Coarse fragments

(both cobbles and gravels) average about 25%

in the soil surface horizons.

More moist sites will support TSME/

VAAL, TSME/MEFE-VAME or TSME/

MEFE-VAAL types. Warmer sites will

generally support the Pacific Silver Fir Series.
199

TSME/VAME WEN ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Mountain hemlock, Pacific silver fir and western hemlock are co-dominants in

the overstory of most sample stands. Western hemlock and mountain hemlock tend to increase

in stands over 100 years in age. Pacific silver fir and the two hemlocks may be common in

stands less than 100 years old, depending on seed sources and disturbance history. Mountain

hemlock was often the oldest species found in a given stand. There is often less Pacific silver fir

in the overstory of late seral and near climax stands (>300 years old) than in stands between 100

and 300 years old. Yet silver fir normally dominates the regeneration layers of stands from 100

to 300+ years. This decline in overstory composition between 200 and 300 hundred years may

reflect the shorter average life-span of individual Pacific silver firs, as compared to western or

mountain hemlocks, which live longer than one individual Pacific silver fir life-span. Pacific

silver fir may often be as much as 100 years younger than associated hemlocks. Early seral

stands often support a variety of conifers, including Douglas-fir, western white pine, western

larch, subalpine fir and lodgepole pine, often with no one species clearly dominant. Alaska

yellow cedar is found on a few sites.

The shrub layer is characterized by a wide variety of shrubs. Big huckleberry is constant

and dominates the understory of most stands. Other common shrubs and subshrubs include

western prince’s pine, slender wintergreen, grouse huckleberry, sidebells pyrola and pachistima.

Herbs are typically low in cover. Various mosses occurred in over half the stands and

dominated the herb layer. No other herb was in more than half of the stands.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Tree growth rates are low for the Mountain Hemlock Series,

although average basal area is near 300 sq. ft./ac. (Appendix C). Site index values for mountain

hemlock and Pacific silver fir are 43 and 56 (base 100), respectively. Frost and high water tables

are normally of little concern in the type. Steep southerly slopes will be slow to reforest after

clearcutting because of high insolation rates and the potential for shrub and herb competition if

the sites are not promptly reforested. To protect tree seedlings, harvest techniques that leave a

light to medium overstory are suggested. Burning will probably increase the potential for shrub

competition with tree seedlings. Burning favors big huckleberry as long as its shallow rhizomes

are not damaged. A wide range of conifers are suitable for the sites.

Although this type appear to be one of the warmest and least maritime of all the mountain

hemlock Associations, sample stand ages average 300 years, which suggests long fire-free periods.

Warm slopes and abundant big huckleberry and other shrubs make these sites important

for wildlife. Southerly slopes become snow-free sooner than most other types in the Mountain

Hemlock Series. Most natural stands provide little suitable forage for domestic livestock

(Appendix C). These sites can be important areas for recreational berrying.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: A TSME/VAME Association that

appears nearly identical has been described on the Yakima Indian Reservation ( John and others

1988). Both the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie and the Gifford Pinchot NFs have described TSHE/

VAME types (Henderson and others 1992; Brockway and others 1983). Although not identical

to the Wenatchee type, they are similar in some respects. On the Wenatchee, big huckleberry is

so ubiquitous that it is used as an indicator late in the key. On the west side of the Cascades, this

species has much more indicator value and consequently comes out earlier in the key. The

TSME/VAME/XETE and TSME/VAME/Forb types described on the MT. Hood and Gifford

Pinchot NFs have much more beargrass and forbs than stands on the Wenatchee. Johnson and

Simon (1987) describe a TSME/VAME Association for the Wallowa-Snake Province in

northeastern Oregon.
200

TSME/VASC/LUHI ASSOCIATION CMS121

Tsuga mertensiana/Vaccinium scoparium/Luzula hitchcockii

mountain hemlock/grouse huckleberry/smooth woodrush

Smooth woodrush (LUHI), an indicator of

the TSME/VASC/LUHI Association.

SLIDE 59

PHOTO:

S.Hahn and M.Reynolds.

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 5300-6480 (5931) ft.

Aspect: northeast-west (NE)

Slope: 7-61 (27) %

Slope position: ridge, U, M 1/3

Special: cold, harsh, maritime

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 17)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

TSME mountain hemlock 94 30

ABLA2 subalpine fir 88 19

PICO lodgepole pine 29 20

ABAM Pacific silver fir 29 16

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

TSME mountain hemlock 100 5

ABLA2 subalpine fir 76 7

ABAM Pacific silver fir 53 8

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

VASC grouse huckleberry 76 20

RULA dwarf bramble 65 19

VAME big huckleberry 41 8

VAMY low huckleberry 35 34

HERBS

LUHI smooth woodrush 100 9

ARLA broadleaf arnica 88 11

CAGE elk sedge 59 3

VASI Sitka valerian 47 14

POPU skunkleaf polemonium 47 5

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The TSME/VASC/LUHI Association

extends north and south along the Cascades

Crest and on high elevation spur ridges to the

east. The type has been sampled only on the

Naches and Lake Wenatchee Districts. The

type is limited in extent.

These are cold, harsh and rocky sites in

areas of maritime influence. Elevations are

some of the highest in the Mountain Hemlock

Series. Slopes are variable, but usually under

30% in the sample stands. Aspects are mainly

northeast and the sites are in areas of latemelting snowpacks. The stands are often in

areas of snow deposition brought by winds

from nearby exposed sites.

Tephra and basalt are the usual soil parent

materials. Coarse fragments are fairly high

on most sites.

The TSME/VASC/LUHI Association

is often on ridges above the TSME/LUHI

type, in somewhat more exposed and harsh

conditions. Snow packs do not endure as long

as on the TSME/LUHI type. The TSME/

VASC/LUHI, TSME/LUHI, TSME/

CAME/LUPE, TSME/PHEM-VADE, and

alpine meadow/shrublands form a mosaic in

much of the near timberline landscape.

The original sample data are very limited

in this type. New un-analyzed data (PNV)

and further sampling will better characterize

this type and its relationship to adjacent ones.
201

TSME/VASC/LUHI ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: No sample stands were over 150 years old, so late successional or climax

conditions must be inferred from species composition and successional dynamics. Mid seral

stands (150+ years) are typified by mountain hemlock dominating the overstory, with mountain

hemlock, Pacific silver fir or subalpine fir as the major components in the regeneration layers.

Subalpine fir is the primary seral tree dominant. Pacific silver fir occurred in the overstory of

some stands. Other seral trees are less often seen in these harsh, deep snowpack sites. Some

lodgepole-pine-dominated stands near Cash Prairie on the Naches District key to the type, but

they may be a stage within the sere of the ABAM/VAME Association.

Low huckleberry, grouse huckleberry and dwarf bramble are the dominant shrubs. Shrubs

other than these are uncommon. Big huckleberry was abundant in only one stand.

In the herb layer, smooth woodrush is well represented and commonly associated with

broadleaf arnica, Sitka valerian, elk sedge and skunkleaf polemonium. Broadleaf arnica, Sitka

valerian and smooth woodrush typically dominate the understory. Smooth woodrush is the

characteristic herb, but is not usually the most abundant plant.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Timber productivity is low (Appendix C). It is impossible

to assure regeneration within five years on these sites. Average total basal area is 268 sq. ft./ac.,

and site index values for subalpine fir, lodgepole pine and mountain hemlock are 38, 54 (base

50) and 48 (base 100) respectively. Reforestation is impossible to assure by any known techniques

and sites are very slow to reforest after deforestation. Snow damage to trees is common and the

loss of a single large individual may greatly affect the rest of the stand by modifying snow melt

and deposition patterns. Wind damage to tree tops is common. These sites are fragile, though

somewhat less so than the TSME/PHEM-VADE type. All upper timberline forests grow in a

highly stressful environment, where a small change may affect whether a site remains forested.

Fires are infrequent on these sites, which may retain snowbanks into late summer, or even

in some years into early fall. Fires that do start (usually from lighting strikes) will typically burn

in the duff, do little damage, stay small, and eventually go out on their own. Every few hundred

years, however, weather conditions may be right for a catastrophic stand-replacing fire. The

data indicate that some stands are dominated by lodgepole pine. This may result in stands

being prone to more frequent stand-replacing fire.

Smooth woodrush is moderately resistant to trampling and mechanical injury and these

sites are more suitable for campsites than the fragile vegetation characteristic of TSME/PHEMVADE sites. Scenic and watershed values are important in these TSME/VASC/LUHI stands.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: Pfister and others (1977) described a

TSME/LUHI/VASC Habitat Type and phase for Montana that is similar. All of the sample

stands in the TSME/LUHI type on the Yakima Indian Reservation contain enough low

huckleberry to fit the Wenatchee’s TSME/VASC/LUHI type and their type appears identical

( John and others 1990). Both the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie, MT. Hood and Gifford Pinchot

NFs (Henderson and others 1992; Topik and others, in press; Brockway and others 1983) have

mountain hemlock Associations that contain smooth woodrush, but don’t list grouse huckleberry

in keys or summary tables. Some of their samples may fit the Wenatchee TSME/VASC/LUHI,

but are likely to be outliers in their data. The Gifford Pinchot classification acknowledges an

undescribed TSME Association with less than 5% big huckleberry that may contain a few

TSME/VASC/LUHI plots. The Mt. Hood and Willamette classification (Hemstrom and

others 1982) describes a TSME/VASC that appears to characterize a similar environment and

Johnson and Simon (1987) describe a TSME/VASC Association for the Wallowa-Snake Province

in northeastern Oregon. Neither Hemstrom and others (1982) nor Johnson and Simon (1987)

list smooth woodrush in their types.
202

TSME/XETE-VAMY ASSOCIATION CMF131

Tsuga mertensiana/Xerophyllum tenax-Vaccinium myrtilus

mountain hemlock/beargrass-low huckleberry

NEGATIVE 60

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 4300-5680 (5153) ft.

Aspect: N-SW (mostly E to SW)

Slope: 1-40 (19) %

Slope position: ridgetop, U, M 1/3

Special: cold, dry, rocky maritime influence

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 12)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

TSME mountain hemlock 100 29

LAOC western larch 75 8

PICO lodgepole pine 58 19

ABAM Pacific silver fir 50 15

ABLA2 subalpine fir 42 18

PIMO western white pine 33 8

PSME Douglas-fir 33 7

PIEN Engelmann spruce 17 10

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

TSME mountain hemlock 92 10

ABLA2 subalpine fir 75 10

ABAM Pacific silver fir 67 10

PIMO western white pine 33 2

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

XETE beargrass 100 19

VAMY low huckleberry 67 18

PAMY pachistima 67 4

PYSE sidebells pyrola 50 5

VAME big huckleberry 58 14

RULA dwarf bramble 42 8

VASC grouse huckleberry 33 5

HERBS

ARMA3 bigleaf sandwort 33 6

ARCO heartleaf arnica 25 9

POPU skunkleaf polemonium 25 4

VASI Sitka valerian 25 4

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The TSME/XETE-VAMY Association

has been sampled on only the Naches and Cle

Elum Districts. The majority of the plots are

from the Pinegrass Ridge, Cash Prairie and

Timberwolf Lookout areas, on the Naches

District. Some of the samples from the Cash

Prairie and Timberwolf Lookout areas are

floristically richer than most of the other plots

included in the type. These may be separated

after further analysis.

The sites have heavy snow accumulation,

are cool to cold, and are dry for the Mountain

Hemlock Series. Elevations are in the middle

range for the Series. Aspects are variable and

most sites have less than 25% slope. The

TSME/XETE-VAMY Association is

typically on upper slopes or ridgetops.

The type is commonly found on andesite

or basalt flows. One stand occurred on granite

and one on tephra. Soils are relatively shallow

and well drained. Limited data suggest that

the surface horizons contain 10-40% gravels

and cobbles.

Colder, higher-elevation sites commonly

support the TSME/VASC/LUHI Association.

Warmer sites fall within the TSME/VAME

or TSME/RULA types, or fall within the

ABAM Series. Areas with more moisture will

commonly be in TSME/VAAL or TSME/

MEFE Associations.
203

TSME/XETE-VAMY ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Few sample stands were over 200 years old, so late successional or climax

conditions must be inferred from species composition and successional dynamics. Mountain

hemlock dominates most stands, but as the distance east of the Crest increases it is less able to

reproduce itself. Pacific silver fir is present in the overstory of only half the stands and is usually

subordinate to other seral trees. Western larch, lodgepole pine, and subalpine fir are all important

seral species that can dominate the overstory. In early seral stands lodgepole pine or subalpine

fir often dominate. Only mountain hemlock, Pacific silver fir and subalpine fir regenerate much

in closed stands. Other conifers that may be important in the sere are western white pine,

Douglas-fir and Engelmann spruce.

Beargrass is the most common and abundant shrub or subshrub. Other prominent shrubs

include low huckleberry, big huckleberry, pachistima and dwarf bramble.

Herbs are highly variable in composition and abundance. Early seral stands, where much

of the tree canopy is made up of western larch and lodgepole pine, have more herbs compared to

older stands where mountain hemlock is dominant. The crown of mountain hemlock lets through

much less light than crowns of western larch or lodgepole. These heavily shaded stands may

contain few shrubs and herbs besides beargrass and sidebells pyrola.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Timber productivity is fairly low (Appendix C). Site index

values for Pacific silver fir and mountain hemlock are 67 and 48 (base 100), respectively. Total

basal area averages 253 sq. ft./ac. Mature natural stands with closed canopies are not especially

frost-prone, but frost pockets often develop after deforestation. Frost is caused mainly by cold

air concentrations, though re-radiation cooling may also be a factor. Careful attention should

be paid to local topography and air drainage patterns. Soils are apparently low in nutrients, and

subject to compaction by heavy equipment.

Fire frequency is low in this type, although ridgetop positions predispose many stands to

lightning strikes. The data also indicate that some stands are dominated by lodgepole pine,

which may result in their being more prone to stand-replacement fire.

Gentle slopes and vegetation that is relatively resistant to trampling damage make these

sites suitable for campgrounds and similar uses. Mature stands provide little forage for livestock

or ungulates.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: A number of workers have described

TSME/XETE Associations (Cooper and others 1991; Pfister and others 1977; Daubenmire

and Daubenmire 1968). It is, however, difficult to interpret the equivalence of types when

spanning hundreds of miles and comparing several physiographic provinces. Elevational ranges

for Rocky Mountain samples are quite similar to those found on the Wenatchee, albeit a little

higher. In contrast, the fairly floristically similar TSME/VAME/XETE Association described

for the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie NF (Henderson and others 1992) is much lower in mean elevation.

The TSME/VAME type on the Gifford Pinchot Forest (Brockway and others 1983) includes

a number of stands with enough beargrass to fit the TSME/XETE-VAMY type on the

Wenatchee. The ABAM/XETE, TSME phase, described on Mt. Rainier (Franklin and others

1988) and the TSME/VAME/XETE from the Mt. Hood and Willamette NFs (Hemstrom

and others 1982) are similar to the Wenatchee TSME/XETE-VAMY type.
204

MISCELLANEOUS MOUNTAIN HEMLOCK ASSOCIATION

(less than 5 Wenatchee sample plots)

TSME/RHAL-VAAL CMS355

This Association, widely distributed on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest (Henderson

and others 1992), is less common on the Wenatchee (only 4 sample stands). The type was

sampled near both Snoqualmie and Stevens Passes on upper and middle slopes and benches.

The mean elevation for the samples is about 4000 feet, nearly 1000 feet below TSME/RHALVAME stands that support little or no Alaska or oval-leaf huckleberry. Slopes range from 10-

40% and aspects range from east through north to west. Mountain hemlock and Pacific silver

fir dominate all sample stands. The understory is dominated by tall shrubs, and big and Cascade

azalea are abundant. The presence of at least 5% cover of both Cascade azalea and Alaska or

oval-leaf huckleberry separates this type from all others. Stand ages for the 4 sample stands

averaged over 250 years, suggesting a long fire-free period. The location of the samples in pass

corridors where precipitation is high and snow is heavy and lingering, also supports this conclusion.

A TSME/RHAL type was described for the Gifford Pinchot NF (Brockway and others 1983).

Some of the samples included in the ABAM/RHAL Association on the Okanogan NF (Williams

and Lillybridge 1983) are similar to the TSME/RHAL-VAAL type described here. Franklin

and others (1988) on Mt. Rainier, John and others (1988) on the Yakima Indian Reservation,

and Hemstrom and others( 1982) on the Mt. Hood and Willamette NFs, also described ABAM/

RHAL types that contained some mountain hemlock in their samples. More recent unpublished

work on the Mt. Hood and Gifford Pinchot NFs describes a TSME/RHAL type that includes

the Wenatchee TSME/RHAL-VAME and TSME/RHAL-VAAL types (Topik and others, in

press). Refer to the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie classification for a more detailed description of this

type.
205

SUBALPINE

FIR

SERIES
206
207

SUBALPINE FIR SERIES

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT: The Subalpine Fir Series includes all forested upland

stands potentially dominated at climax by subalpine fir or Engelmann spruce, or both. Single

species climax may be difficult to project in part of the area because many stands are young. Given

the autecological characteristics of the two species and lacking ancient stands as benchmarks, it is

difficult to assume that one species will completely replace the other over time. Subalpine fir is

more shade tolerant than Engelmann spruce, but the latter is more disease resistant and longerlived (Minore 1979). Subalpine fir is better able to establish in litter than is Engelmann spruce

(Knapp and Smith 1982). Engelmann spruce bark and litter leachates may also limit reproduction

and growth of associated conifers (Taylor and Shaw 1982). Daubenmire and Daubenmire (1968)

and Pfister and others (1977) consider Engelmann spruce a persistent seral species or a minor coclimax in their Subalpine Fir Series. We follow tradition in using subalpine fir as the inferred

climax dominant, but consider Engelmann spruce of equal value for indicating the Subalpine Fir

Series, at least in uplands. However, riparian studies in both Oregon (Kovalchik 1987) and eastern

Washington (Kovalchik 1993) show that Engelmann spruce is climax in some riparian zones.

Additionally, according to more recent observations, limited uplands areas on the Okanogan NF

are clearly spruce climax. Consequently, spruce should be used with care as an upland subalpine

fir zone indicator. Subalpine fir becomes the climax dominant when sites are too cold for more

shade tolerant species to reproduce. In this Guide, subalpine fir is considered a climax species on

all upland forest sites where it or Engelmann spruce occur, if more shade tolerant species such as

Pacific silver fir, mountain hemlock, grand fir, western redcedar or western hemlock are absent or

unable to reproduce successfully.

The Subalpine Fir Series extends from mid-elevations to upper timberline. Consequently,

temperatures are lower than in most other climax tree Series. When the Subalpine Fir Series is

found at elevations below Pacific Silver Fir, Western Hemlock, Grand Fir or Douglas-Fir Series,

it indicates cold air drainage and frost pockets. In continental areas north of the Entiat River

and well east of the Cascade Crest, the Subalpine Fir Series often extends from climax Douglasfir forests to upper timberline. South of the Entiat River, subalpine fir and Douglas-fir climax

forests are normally separated by other climax tree Series, such as Grand Fir, Pacific Silver Fir

or Western Hemlock.

The Subalpine Fir Series has been sampled on all Districts on the Wenatchee NF. The

Series may be most widely distributed on the Entiat and Chelan Districts. However, there were

not enough plots in the Wenatchee Draft classification to adequately describe the Series, especially

from the Entiat and Lake Chelan Districts, where recent fires limited the area available for

sampling. Therefore, plots were borrowed from the lower Methow and Twisp River drainages

(Okanogan NF) to supplement plots from the Wenatchee NF. These and more recent highelevation samples roughly double the number of plots used in this classification compared to the

Draft, which has allowed a more reliable analysis. It also expands the classification into the

poorly sampled Districts by using data from similar country immediately to the north.

As in the Douglas-fir and Ponderosa Pine Series, the Subalpine Fir Series has been reanalyzed and restructured to parallel subalpine fir Associations described on the Colville NF.

The present classification is somewhat different than the Draft (Williams and others 1991),

but the changes that occur will make the classification more satisfying to the user, especially in

the northern third of the Forest. Several high-elevation subalpine types have also been added.

The use of Okanogan data also begins the development of a uniform subalpine fir classification

across eastern Washington. The Wenatchee subalpine fir types are now more similar to the

Colville classification, as well as to classifications in the Rocky Mountains. However, there are

still many Wenatchee types that are unique to the Cascade Range. Okanogan workers may find

the Wenatchee classification more useful than their present classification. Description of riparian
208

subalpine fir Associations is being delayed until the riparian classification is published (about

1997).

Eighteen plant Associations are listed in the tables following this Series introduction. Eight

of them have limited occurrence on the Wenatchee NF (generally, these types have fewer than 5

plots actually located on the Wenatchee NF) and are described as miscellaneous types. These

poorly defined types are PIEN/EQUIS, ABLA2/LIBOL, ABLA2/PAMY, ABLA2/PAMY/

CARU, ABLA2/TRCA3, ABLA2/VACA, ABLA2/VAME, and ABLA2/VASC/CARU. Some

of them may be elevated to major status as more data are collected or when a three-Forest

classification is developed. The types described include data for, and are also applicable to, the

southwestern portion of the Okanogan NF.

VEGETATION: Douglas-fir is an important seral species on warmer, drier environments at mid to

lower elevations in the Series. Western larch is more common on sites south of the Entiat River

and east of the Chewauk River (Okanogan NF), and it is uncommon on much of Entiat and

Chelan Districts. Lodgepole pine is found throughout most types in the Series and is an important

component of many stands. It is especially representative of stands burned in the last 100 years.

Intensive burns at less than 200 year intervals strongly favor the development of dense lodgepole

pine stands. This is a common pattern in parts of the Subalpine Fir Series, especially in ABLA2/

VASC, ABLA2/PAMY and ABLA2/RHAL Associations. Ponderosa pine is poorly represented

and is not well adapted to subalpine fir sites (Cooper and others 1991). Engelmann spruce is best

developed on more moist habitats, is often the stand dominant in more mature stands in ABLA2/

LIBOL, ABLA2/RULA and ABLA2/ARLA Associations, and is especially prevalent in the

riparian Associations to be described later (Kovalchik 1993). Lodgepole pine is one of the trees

most susceptible to spruce litter leachates, while subalpine fir is less affected (Taylor and Shaw

1982). Engelmann spruce is less common on drier habitats in the Series. Whitebark pine and

subalpine larch are found in higher-elevation subalpine fir Associations such as ABLA2/VADE,

ABLA2/RHAL/LUHI, ABLA2/VASC/LUHI and ABLA2/LUHI. These Associations are

more or less capable of forming closed canopies in mature stands. Therefore, shade intolerant

whitebark pine and subalpine larch are considered seral trees and depend on occasional standreplacement fires to maintain their stands in early to mid seral conditions. At or near timberline,

stands become open and key to Associations in the Subalpine Larch or Whitebark Pine Series.

Examination of stands with living, mature subalpine fir present before the 1988 White

Mountain Fire on the Colville NF, shows near total consumption of relatively large (>12 inches

at DBH) subalpine fir. This suggests that in the absence of seed sources, and after subalpine fir

is eliminated from extensive areas by intense wildfire, development of a subalpine fir climax may

take centuries. Such areas may be dominated by lodgepole pine, western larch or Douglas-fir,

with little evidence of either Engelmann spruce or subalpine fir.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: A cold temperature regime is the major limiting factor to

tree growth in the Subalpine Fir Series. Some of the highest elevation Associations are poorly

suited for intensive timber management. Slope position and topography are important

considerations for frost pocket development. These are discussed in more detail in the specific

Association descriptions. Species such as pachistima or pinegrass indicate warm sites, while

grouse or low huckleberry indicate colder ones. Species such as whitebark pine, smooth woodrush,

red mountain heath and Cascade huckleberry indicate high-elevation sites with extreme

snowpack. Seasonal, moderately high water tables are common in Associations such as ABLA2/

ARLA-POPU, ABLA2/RHAL and ABLA2/LIBOL.

Plant growth is not normally limited by lack of growing season moisture, though ABLA2/

CARU and ABLA2/PAMY are the Associations that could be compared using such a limitation,

as described in the Douglas-fir Series. Subalpine fir sites generally have moderate or better

timber productivity, due to sites being relatively mesic. The average stand basal area ranged
209

from 180 to 324 sq. ft./ac. The average stand site index for Douglas-fir and lodgepole pine

ranged from 36 to 82 and 33 to 59 feet (base 50), respectively. More mesic Associations do not

necessarily have faster growth rates, but have higher stocking levels.

Many herbs and shrubs in the Series are rhizomatous and respond quickly to disturbances.

Such a vegetative reproduction strategy gives species such as pinegrass, elk sedge, northwestern

sedge, common snowberry and shiny-leaf spirea a competitive advantage over species that rely

entirely on seeds. Invasion by introduced alien weeds is not normally as serious a problem in the

colder and more harsh end of the Subalpine Fir Series, when compared to warmer habitats, such

as the Douglas-Fir Series. Observations on the White Mountain Fire and other fires indicate

that mixtures of exotic grass seed have germinated and established extremely well in the more

moderate sites within the Series. Grass seeding may be successful to help maintain proper stocking

in lodgepole pine-dominated stands, but may hinder establishment of native vegetation.

Both Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir are easily killed by fire. Thin, resinous bark,

branches close to the ground, and high stand densities all contribute to the species’ vulnerability.

Lodgepole pine is also easily killed by fire, but its closed, often serotinous cones insure quick reestablishment on severely burned sites. Therefore, many subalpine fir sites are dominated by

lodgepole pine communities. Of the common seral species, only Douglas-fir and western larch

are resistant to ground fires, due to their thick, fire-resistant bark and they may dominate sites

with a past pattern of ground fire. In general, stand-replacement fires may be the rule rather the

exception in this Series although some types such as the ABLA2/CARU and ABLA/VASC/

CARU can underburn.

Usually, the Associations in the Subalpine Fir Series provide little herbage for livestock.

For example, herbage production on the ABLA2/LIBOL, ABLA2/RHAL, ABLA2/RULA

and ABLA2/VASC types averaged 37, 79, 76 and 27 lbs./ac., respectively. In contrast, herbage

on the ABLA2/ARLA-POPU, ABLA2/CARU and ABLA2/VASC/ARLA types averaged

152, 230 and 106 lbs./ac. Dense, lower-elevation lodgepole pine stands may be important

components of Canadian lynx habitat because of the relative abundance of snowshoe hares.

Primary root diseases in the Series include S-group Annosum root disease, laminated

root rot, Indian paint fungus, brown cubical rot, Tomentosus root disease and Armillaria root rot

(Hessburg and others 1994). These rots were scattered before the era of intensive resource

management, but have increased dramatically by attacking through stumps associated with

logging, and because of the increase of subalpine fir associated with fire control. Dwarf mistletoe

infestations are particularly severe in lodgepole pine, Douglas-fir and western larch, although

other species may be infected. Dwarf mistletoe infections are a major cause of mortality in

western larch ( Jim Hadfield, personal communication). These levels are likely elevated from

historical times because lack of wildfires has resulted in denser stands, facilitating the spread of

mistletoe.

Bark beetles associated with the Subalpine Fir Series include the western balsam bark

beetle, fir engraver, spruce beetle, Douglas-fir beetle and mountain pine beetle (Hessburg and

others 1994; Flanagan personal communication). The mountain pine beetle infests lodgepole

pine and has killed hundreds of thousands of acres in the Cascades and in the Rocky Mountains

in the past 20 years. The spruce beetle and Douglas-fir beetle have the potential for outbreaks

in Engelmann spruce and Douglas-fir respectively. Western spruce budworm and Douglas-fir

tussock moth infestations have expanded due to the expanded food base associated with fire

control. The introduced pest balsam woolly adelgid occasionally kills true firs.

White pine blister rust occurs at higher elevations in the Subalpine Fir Series. Flagging

and dead whitebark pine are beginning to appear in the North Cascades (personal observations).

In twenty years it appears the Cascade stands will likely be as ravaged as Rocky Mountain

whitebark pine stands unless trees genetically resistant to blister rust are developed and introduced

to these sites.
210

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: The Subalpine Fir Series has been

described by numerous authors up and down the Cascades and eastward into the northern

Rocky Mountains. Some authors from other areas are: Pfister and others 1977 (Montana);

Cooper and others 1991 (Idaho); Williams and others 1990 (Colville NF); Williams and

Lillybridge 1983 (Okanogan NF); Williams and others 1991 (Wenatchee NF Draft); Clausnitzer

and Zamora 1987 (Colville Indian Res.); Zamora 1983 (Spokane Ind. Res.); John and others

1988 (Yakima Ind. Res.); and, Johnson and Clausnitzer 1992 (northeastern Oregon).

Keys to Plant Associations

of the Subalpine Fir Series

Before using the key, the field form in Appendix E should be completed. Refer to the “Using the

Keys” section in the introduction for more information on key use and if the stand does not key.

Note: (M) refers to miscellaneous plant Associations that are described elsewhere but were

uncommon or undersampled, or both, on the Wenatchee NF.

Cascade huckleberry > 5%.................................... ABLA2/VADE p. 226

Smooth woodrush > 1%

Cascade azalea > 5% ..................................... ABLA2/RHAL/LUHI p. 222

Grouse or low huckleberry > 5% ....................... ABLA2/VASC/LUHI p. 232

Not as above .................................................. ABLA2/LUHI p. 218

Common or wood horsetail > 5%........................... PIEN/EQUIS (M) p. 236

Cascade azalea > 5% ........................................... ABLA2/RHAL p. 220

False bugbane > 5% ............................................ ABLA2/TRCA3 (M) p. 235

Dwarf bramble > 5% ............................................ ABLA2/RULA p. 224

Dwarf huckleberry > 5%, cold air drainage on

glacial terraces and outwash (use bearberry

only if site requirements are met) ........................... ABLA2/VACA (M) p. 235

Big huckleberry > 5% ........................................... ABLA2/VAME (M) p. 235

Twinflower > 5% .................................................. ABLA2/LIBOL (M) p. 234

Grouse or low huckleberry > 5%

Broadleaf arnica or western polemonium > 1% .... ABLA2/VASC/ARLA p. 230

Pinegrass or elk sedge > 5%............................ ABLA2/VASC/CARU (M) p. 236

Not as above .................................................. ABLA2/VASC p. 228

Broadleaf arnica, western polemonium, or Sitka

valerian > 1%

(or heartleaf arnica > 1% and pinegrass < 5%) ....... ABLA2/ARLA-POPU p. 214

Pachistima > 5%

Pinegrass > 5% ............................................. ABLA2/PAMY/CARU (M) p. 235

Not as above .................................................. ABLA2/PAMY (M) p. 234

Pinegrass > 5% ................................................... ABLA2/CARU p. 216
211

Average Summary Productivity Estimates by Type 1

# INTENSIVE #TREES/ TBA QUAD MEAN STAND DENSITY HERBAGE

TYPE PLOTS ACRE DIAM. INDEX

ABLA2/ARLA-POPU 11 719 324 12 594 152

ABLA2/CARU 3 497 228 11 409 230

ABLA2/LIBOL (M) 3 565 267 11 481 37

ABLA2/LUHI 2 284 252 13 418 38

ABLA2/PAMY (M) 2 516 201 9 386 9

ABLA2/RHAL 6 656 242 10 459 79

ABLA2/RHAL/LUHI 2 363 180 9 335 61

ABLA2/RULA 8 534 301 11 535 76

ABLA2/VAME(M) 2 239 294 15 458 47

ABLA2/VASC 2 358 214 10 374 27

ABLA2/VASC/ARLA 7 1075 255 9 530 106

ABLA2/VASC/LUHI 3 514 189 9 362 201

1 Type = Plant Association or Community Type (in alphabetical order); # Intensive plots indicates the number of plots

used to derive the values; # Trees/ac is the number of trees per acre; TBA is the total basal area in square feet per acre

based on prism counts; Quadratic mean diameter is the diameter to the nearest inch of a tree of average basal area;

Stand density index is from Reineke 1933; and Herbage is the pounds per acre of air dry herbaceous vegetation at the

time of sampling as derived from a double-sampling technique.
212

Site index, growth basal area, and GBA

volume estimates by species and type 2

TYPE SPECIES #SI TREES SI #GBA TREES GBA VOL AGE

ABLA2/ARLA-POPU ABAM 5 74 5 214 69 102

ABGR 8 63 10 348 155 81

ABLA2 15 42 15 261 77 124

LAOC 7 54 18 238 83 174

PICO 20 56 20 231 90 88

PIEN 18 55 18 318 122 110

PSME 19 50 25 295 104 167

ABLA2/CARU ABLA2 3 46 3 199 64 93

PICO 10 58 10 143 56 78

PSME 15 58 15 237 102 131

ABLA2/LIBOL (M) LAOC 10 58 10 186 80 163

PICO 10 59 10 160 67 80

PIEN 5 62 5 298 129 78

PSME 7 78 8 325 181 134

ABLA2/LUHI ABLA2 8 42 8 264 89 160

PIEN 5 65 5 309 141 193

ABLA2/PAMY (M) PIEN 5 74 5 254 131 67

PIMO 3 70 3 439 215 70

PIPO 5 124 5 319 173 77

PSME 10 82 10 216 124 74

ABLA2/RHAL ABLA2 23 32 23 176 40 200

PICO 4 33 4 173 40 170

PIEN 21 33 23 206 50 226

PSME 8 39 18 184 42 210

ABLA2/RHAL/LUHI ABLA2 5 39 5 198 54 116

PICO 10 41 10 151 45 99

ABLA2/RULA ABGR 5 98 5 558 383 58

ABLA2 11 57 11 276 112 97

PICO 13 54 13 167 63 106

PIEN 5 57 5 325 129 210

PSME 3 82 3 477 273 61

ABLA2/VACA LAOC 5 62 5 127 55 96

PICO 5 55 5 96 37 100

ABLA2/VAME (M) PSME 10 68 10 265 126 108

ABLA2/VASC LAOC 5 41 5 97 28 173

PSME 5 64 5 423 190 102

ABLA2/VASC/ARLA ABGR 3 45 3 253 80 73

ABLA2 15 31 15 249 55 119

LAOC 5 51 5 226 80 78

PICO 18 47 18 193 62 81

PSME 13 41 18 253 75 146

ABLA2/VASC/CARU (M) LAOC 5 51 5 143 51 120

PICO 5 35 5 114 28 127

PIEN 5 38 5 133 35 125

PSME 5 36 5 144 37 154

ABLA2/VASC/LUHI ABLA2 9 42 9 146 44 102

PICO 5 42 5 175 51 112

2 Type = Plant Association or Community Type (in alphabetical order); Species = tree species for which the estimates

are made; GBA is Growth Basal Area (Hall 1983); VOL = an estimate of wood production in cubic feet/acre/year from

an empirical formula based on site index and GBA (Hall 1983, personal communication); and SI is the average site

index (all trees base 50 except ABAM, ABPR, PIPO and TSME which are base 100-See Introduction for Site index

curve sources. #GBA trees is the number of trees used to make the GBA estimates; #SI trees is the number of trees used

to determine the Site Index values.
213

Plant Associations Groups (PAGs) are arranged so that similar ecological sites are grouped on

a temperature and moisture scale. Temperature values (from hot to cold) are hot, warm, cool

and cold while moisture values are (from dry to wet) dry, mesic, moist and wet. WEN is used to

indentify Wenatchee plant Associations that are considered ecologically different from likenamed Associations described elsewhere. (M) refers to miscellaneous plant Associations that

are described elsewhere but were uncommon or undersampled, or both, on the Wenatchee NF.

SUBALPINE FIR

PLANT ASSOCIATION

GROUPS

1. Cool Dry Grass PAG

• ABLA2/CARU

• ABLA2/PAMY WEN (M)

• ABLA2/PAMY/CARU (M)

2. Cool Mesic Shrub/Herb PAG

• ABLA2/LIBOL WEN (M)

• ABLA2/VACA (M)

• ABLA2/VAME WEN (M)

3. Cold Dry Shrub/Herb PAG

• ABLA2/VASC WEN

• ABLA2/VASC/CARU (M)

4. Cold Mesic Shrub/Herb PAG

• ABLA2/RHAL

• ABLA2/RHAL/LUHI

• ABLA2/VADE

• ABLA2/VASC/ARLA

• ABLA2/VASC/LUHI

5. Cold Moist Shrub/Herb PAG

• ABLA2/ARLA-POPU

• ABLA2/LUHI

• ABLA2/RULA

6. Wet Shrub/Herb PAG

• PIEN/EQUIS (M)

• ABLA2/TRCA3 (M)

SUBALPINE FIR

PLANT ASSOCIATIONS

AND ECOCLASS CODES

ABLA2/ARLA-POPU CEF424

ABLA2/CARU CEG311

ABLA2/LIBOL WEN (M) CEF222

ABLA2/LUHI WEN CEG121

ABLA2/PAMY WEN (M) CES113

ABLA2/PAMY/CARU (M) CES112

ABLA2/RHAL CES211

ABLA2/RHAL/LUHI CES213

ABLA2/RULA CES423

ABLA2/TRCA3 (M) CEF422

ABLA2/VACA (M) CES422

ABLA2/VADE CES341

ABLA2/VAME WEN (M) CES342

ABLA2/VASC WEN CES426

ABLA2/VASC/ARLA CES424

ABLA2/VASC/CARU (M) CES413

ABLA2/VASC/LUHI CES425

PIEN/EQUIS (M) CEM211
214

ABLA2/ARLA-POPU ASSOCIATION CEF424

Abies lasiocarpa/Arnica latifolia-Polemonium pulcherimum

subalpine fir/broadleaf arnica-skunkleaf polemonium

Broadleaf arnica (ARLA), an indicator

of the ABLA2/ARLA-POPU type.

SLIDE 61

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 4900-5810 (5362) ft.

Aspect: all aspects

Slope: gentle to moderate

Slope position: ridge, U, M 1/3, bench, bottoms

Special: cool, moist, snow accumulation

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 22)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

ABLA2 subalpine fir 91 21

PSME Douglas-fir 64 27

PICO lodgepole pine 59 19

LAOC western larch 36 16

PIEN Engelmann spruce 32 18

ABGR grand fir 27 24

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABLA2 subalpine fir 100 15

ABGR grand fir 41 4

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

PAMY pachistima 86 4

PYSE sidebells pyrola 64 2

VAMY low huckleberry 39 2

RIVI sticky currant 39 2

HERBS

POPU skunkleaf polemonium 86 3

LUPIN lupines 73 6

ARLA broadleaf arnica 68 7

CAGE elk sedge 68 6

ARCO heartleaf arnica 64 4

VASI Sitka valerian 36 3

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

This limited but well-documented

Association was sampled only on the Entiat,

Leavenworth and Cle Elum Districts. It is

most common in the Entiat Ridge and

Wenatchee Mountains areas. One plot was

on Manastash Ridge. Its status on other

districts is unknown.

ABLA2/ARLA-POPU is characterized

by moist sites, moderately high snow loads and

moderately high elevations. Most slopes are

gentle to moderate, but some are over 40%.

Aspects and slope positions are variable, but

northerly aspects and mid to upper slopes are

most common.

Most soils are formed in ash or pumice over

basalt, andesite and metamorphic rocks. Soils

are generally well-developed and remain

relatively moist through the growing season.

Surface rock and coarse fragments range from

scarce to abundant. Litter is often very abundant.

These moist sites often contain small

zones of seeps or swales that better fit types

such as ABLA2/TRCA3 or ABLA2/RULA,

and which better fit into the coming riparian

classification (Kovalchik 1993). Somewhat

warmer sites are usually within the Grand Fir

Series. This type closely resembles ABLA2/

VASC/ARLA and ABLA2/LUHI, but the

former has low or grouse huckleberry, or both,

well represented, while the latter is at higher

elevations and smooth woodrush is at least

common.
215

ABLA2/ARLA-POPU ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Subalpine fir increases in the tree regeneration layer as stands age. Early seral

species such as Douglas-fir and western larch may persist for several hundred years, forming an

open canopy over a dense, short canopy of subalpine fir and Engelmann spruce. Lodgepole

pine often dominates stands that regenerated following stand-replacement fire, but it declines

rapidly in importance as stands exceed 125 years of age. Repeated conflagration fires at less

than 125-year intervals lead to the development of persistent lodgepole pine-dominated

communities. Grand fir may form part of the sere, but appears incapable of consistently

reproducing in the relatively cool conditions of closed canopy stands.

ABLA2/ARLA-POPU species composition and abundance is variable. Some of the variation

appears related to the amount of ungulate grazing. Some of the sites (such as Table Mountain)

have been heavily grazed in the past by domestic sheep and cattle. However, elk and deer use may

be the largest current impact on species composition. Shrubs are inconspicuous members of the

community except in early seral stands. In general, shrubs are not well represented and only

pachistima has high constancy. Broadleaf arnica, skunkleaf polemonium and Sitka valerian

characterize the moist herb layer. Heartleaf arnica can also be used to identify the type, as long as

pinegrass is poorly represented. Other herbs include asters, lupines, sidebells pyrola and elk sedge.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Eleven intensively sampled plots indicate moderate to high

tree stocking and growth. These plots averaged 719 trees per acre and 324 sq. ft. total basal area.

Site index values averaged 42, 55, 56, 54 and 50 (base 50) for subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce,

lodgepole pine, western larch and Douglas-fir (Appendix C). Soils formed in volcanic ash or

from basalts are especially subject to compaction. Frost is not a problem in natural stands, but

harvest may create frost pockets. Frost is possible nearly any time of the year and may result

from either re-radiation cooling or cold air concentrations. Pay attention to topography and air

drainage to keep harvest from creating frost pockets. Even though natural stands may have

little shrub and herb development, the shrub and herb layers respond vigorously to tree removal.

Hood’s sedge, elk sedge, Sitka alder, Scouler willow and sticky currant often increase dramatically

after logging and broadcast burning. Hood’s sedge is not abundant under closed forests, but

responds to canopy openings, where it may compete strongly with tree seedlings. Examination

of areas with reforestation problems reveals that soil compaction, frost and vegetation competition

all hinder reforestation. Soil compaction and frost are the most serious problems. These are

compounded by the development through time of dense shrub and herb communities. Unless

sites are properly managed for soil and frost protection, efforts to reduce shrub and herb

competition rarely succeed.

Fire frequency may be relatively low compared to drier subalpine fir types. Stand

composition and ages indicate that ground fires are uncommon, while most stands originated

following stand-replacement fires (200-300 year fire frequency). Some mature subalpine fir

and Engelmann spruce sample stands are 150 to 200 years old or older.

Two-or even three-tree canopy layers are common in mid and late seral stands, providing

a diverse habitat for arboreal species. They also provide thermal and hiding cover for elk and

deer. The common occurrence of moist swales also provides wallows for elk. Wildlife values are

high in this type because of forest structure, and because non-forest openings are often nearby.

ABLA2/ARLA-POPU has been heavily grazed in the past and can provide moderate herbage

for livestock. Ten clipped plots averaged 152 pounds of herbage per acre (Appendix C). Soils

may be compacted by livestock grazing.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: ABLA2/ARLA-POPU is similar to

the ABLA2/ARLA-CAGE Association described in the Wenatchee Draft (Williams and others

1991), except that huckleberries are not well represented in any of the plots described here. The

ABLA2/VASI described for the Yakima Indian Reservation ( John and others 1988) is also very

similar. The type has not been described elsewhere.
216

ABLA2/CARU ASSOCIATION CEG311

Abies lasiocarpa/Calamagrostis rubescens

subalpine fir/pinegrass

SLIDE 62

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 5060-5740 (5320) ft.

Aspect: all aspects

Slope: 3-55 (32) %

Slope position: ridge, U, M 1/3, bench

Special: cold, dry sites, pinegrass sod

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 9)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 67 34

PICO lodgepole pine 67 30

ABLA2 subalpine fir 67 7

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABLA2 subalpine fir 67 3

PSME Douglas-fir 56 4

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

PAMY pachistima 78 4

PYSE sidebells pyrola 44 2

VAMY low huckleberry 44 3

HERBS

CARU pinegrass 100 33

LULA broadleaf lupine 56 14

ARCO heartleaf arnica 67 5

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

Five sample plots are located on the

Wenatchee NF, on the Chelan and Naches

Districts. Four plots were borrowed from

Okanogan data in the vicinity of Twisp. The

type is considered widespread on the

Okanogan, Colville and Wenatchee NFs.

ABLA2/CARU typifies an environment

with high insolation rates and wide diurnal

temperature ranges. Snow removal by wind is

an important environmental characteristic.

The type occurs at moderately high elevations

on a wide variety of slopes and aspects. It

usually occurs on steep, upper slopes with

southeast to west exposures, but is also found

on gentle, north facing upper slopes and ridges.

The regolith is colluvium derived from a

variety of rock types. Basalt is most common

south of Entiat Ridge while granites prevail

to the north. Soil coarse fragments range from

common to abundant. Litter is usually

abundant.

This is a relatively dry environment for

subalpine fir. ABLA2/CARU grades

downslope into the PSME/CARU and

PSME/CAGE Associations. It may be

bounded by mountain meadows or shrublands

containing bunchgrasses, mountain snowberry,

or even mountain big sagebrush. Some

ABLA2/CARU sites adjoin PIAL/CARU

stands.
217

ABLA2/CARU ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Late seral and near climax stands are absent from the data. However, stands of

large, old Douglas-fir are not uncommon. Based on the amount of charred bark and fire scars

on old Douglas-firs trees, the understory was frequently reduced by frequent ground fire and

the stands were open and parklike before the advent of fire control. Now, most stands have one

or more different age classes present below the old canopy of Douglas-fir. Presumably, subalpine

fir will dominate the tree overstory and understory if sufficient time (2 or 3 centuries) passes

between fires. Douglas-fir is a long-lived seral species in the type and it normally dominates the

understory and overstory in the plots. Only small amounts of subalpine fir are present in the

data. Stands and sites may resemble those of the PSME/CARU or PSME/CAGE Associations.

However, the presence of subalpine fir or Engelmann spruce indicates ABLA2 Series sites. It

is unlikely that subalpine fir will completely replace Douglas-fir, because dense pinegrass and

the dry, exposed nature of the sites limit subalpine fir regeneration. Intense wildfires may

remove all evidence of subalpine fir or Engelmann spruce for decades, and these sites will key

erroneously to PSME/CARU or possibly ABGR/CARU WEN.

Shrubs are normally inconspicuous. Pachistima is common in many of the plots. If

Pachistima is well represented, the user should have keyed to the ABLA2/PAMY/CARU type.

Low huckleberry, sticky current, Scouler willow, shiny-leaf spirea, and princes-pine were present

in one or more stands. Pinegrass dominates the undergrowth, though a large number of other

herbs occur that vary in constancy and cover. The most common are asters, raceme pussytoes,

sidebells pyrola, lupines, heartleaf arnica, western meadowrue, northwestern sedge, white

hawkweed and sweetroot.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Tree growth is moderate. Three intensive plots averaged

497 trees per acre and 228 sq. ft./ac. total basal area. Site indexes averaged 46, 58 and 58 (base

50) for subalpine fir, lodgepole pine and Douglas-fir (Appendix C). Basal areas are often fairly

high, but site indexes are not exceptional and most trees exhibit considerable stem taper. Tree

tops damaged from a combination of wind, snow and winter kill are common. Extremes in

environmental conditions make tree regeneration difficult. Problems include large diurnal

temperature ranges, heavy pinegrass competition, droughty soils, and winter kill by desiccation.

Young trees need shelter from excessive sun, high daytime soil temperatures, and re-radiation

frost at night. Pistol-butted trees are common, suggesting snow creep or soil movement. Douglasfir is the most dependable species for timber management. Expect severe regeneration problems

on clearcuts due to lack of shelter and severe pinegrass competition. Broadcast burning may

cause mortality to planted trees because blackened soil surfaces may raise air temperatures near

the soil surface to lethal levels.

“Fire intervals tend to lengthen to exceed 100 years and fire intensities tend to increase in

subalpine fir and mountain hemlock forests” (Agee, 1994). In this type, one of the driest in the

Subalpine Fir Series, fire intervals probably are nearer 50-100 years. Repeated low-intensity

fire would tend to favor dominance by Douglas-fir, while high intensity fire could lead to lodgepole

pine dominance and subsequently increase fire intensities

ABLA2/CARU sites provide moderate grazing values for livestock. Three clipped plots

averaged 230 pounds of herbage per acre (Appendix C). Lupines, strawberry, pussytoes, heartleaf

arnica and asters increase with heavy grazing. South to west aspects, steep slopes and wind

removal of snow make these sites important wintering and forage areas for wildlife. Blue grouse

are favored by the occurrence of large, wolfy Douglas-firs and the lack of snowpack. As to

recreation potential, pinegrass is relatively resistant to trampling and the grassy sward beneath

the trees is attractive, but most sites are too steep.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: ABLA2/CARU is widespread and

reported in both the Colville (Williams and others 1990) and Okanogan (Williams and

Lillybridge 1983) NFs’ classifications, in the Wenatchee Draft (Williams and others 1991),

and on the Yakima Indian Reservation ( John and others 1988). It is also abundant in northern

Idaho (Cooper and others 1991), Montana (Pfister and others 1977), and northeastern Oregon

( Johnson and Clausnitzer 1992).
218

ABLA2/LUHI WEN ASSOCIATION CEG121

Abies lasiocarpa/Luzula hitchcockii

subalpine fir/smooth woodrush

SLIDE 63

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 4930-6540 (5795) ft.

Aspect: north to east (all)

Slope: 2-38 (18) %

Slope position: ridge, U, L 1/3 ,bench

Special: cold, snow accumulation

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 11)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

ABLA2 subalpine fir 100 40

PIEN Engelmann spruce 55 18

PICO lodgepole pine 27 5

PIAL whitebark pine 18 7

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABLA2 subalpine fir 91 7

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

VASC grouse huckleberry 64 3

VAMY low huckleberry 36 3

HERBS

LUHI smooth woodrush 100 21

ARLA broadleaf arnica 73 8

VASI Sitka valerian 73 4

POPU skunkleaf polemonium 55 3

PYSE sidebells pyrola 45 2

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The ABLA2/LUHI Association is widely

distributed but covers limited acreage. It has

been sampled on all but the Leavenworth

District and occurs on the Okanogan NF. It is

found near the Cascade Crest and further east

on high ridges and slopes. Plots were located

on Manastash and Nason Ridges and on the

Wenatchee, Entiat, Chelan and Sawtooth

Mountains on the Wenatchee NF, and near

Hart’s Pass on the Okanogan NF.

Wind and snow deposition by wind are

important characteristics of ABLA2/LUHI

sites. It is found on a variety of slopes and aspects.

All sites are near upper timberline and are in

areas of deep snow accumulation. The sample

plots are high. Only one stand was located below

5000 feet, in a cold air drainage.

Soils are probably deeper, finer textured

and less stony than ABLA2/VASC/LUHI.

Surface rock is uncommon, while litter is

abundant. Coarse fragments ranged from 10-

20 % in the soil surface horizons. The type

occurs north of Entiat Ridge on glacial

material or residual soils derived from granitic

and sandstone rock types. To the south it

occurs on basalt, tephra, andesite and schist.

PIAL/VASC/LUHI occurs on more

exposed, drier sites. Higher elevation sites

support the PIAL or LALY Series. Steep,

north slopes often support denser tree canopies

and ABLA2/RHAL/LUHI. Sites with more

maritime climate or deeper snowpack will

support the TSME Series.
219

ABLA2/LUHI WEN ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Late seral or near climax stands are characterized by the dominance of subalpine

fir in the tree overstory and regeneration layers. Engelmann spruce may co-dominate in some

stands. Whitebark pine may form an important early to mid seral dominant. This very longlived tree may persist as scattered large trees well into subalpine fir dominance. After standreplacement fires, it may also act as a nurse tree where subalpine fir and spruce regenerate in the

lee of whitebark pine until continuous forest cover is re-established. It may be hard to determine

the exact boundary between ABLA2/LUHI and the Whitebark Pine and Subalpine Larch

Series. ABLA2/LUHI occurs on more-protected sites with the potential to develop closed

forest canopies. The PIAL and LALY Series occur on sites too harsh to allow the development

of a dense tree canopy. Stands remain open, thus allowing whitebark and subalpine larch to

regenerate, even in old stands.

Shrubs are variable in abundance and occurrence. Grouse or low huckleberry, or both, and

pachistima are often the most common species, but their cover is low. Dwarf bramble was abundant

on two plots transitional to the ABLA2/RULA type. Smooth woodrush is usually well represented

and may be abundant. The herb layer often has a wide variety of forbs mixed with the discontinuous

sward of smooth woodrush. Common herbs include broadleaf arnica, skunkleaf polemonium, Sitka

valerian, bracted pedicularis, round-leaved violet and sidebells pyrola.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Even though stocking and growth rates are moderate, these

sites are not suitable for timber production because of cold temperatures, heavy snowpacks and

short growing seasons. Two intensive plots were very different in production and averaged 284

trees per acre and 252 sq. ft./ac. total basal area. The site index for subalpine fir and Engelmann

spruce averaged 42 and 65 feet (base 50), respectively (Appendix C). The subalpine fir site index

on one plot averaged only 23 feet at 50 years. The site index for spruce on another intensive plot

averaged a surprising 63 feet at 50 years. This productive plot had lots of dwarf bramble, indicating

a xero-riparian site perhaps deserving of separate classification. Snow damage to trees is common

and openings in the forest may alter snow deposition and melting patterns, thereby changing

vegetation development on the sites. Frost is possible any night of the year. No known silvicultural

techniques will assure tree regeneration within 5 years.

The lingering snowpack and relatively inflammable understory indicate that this type will

burn very infrequently. Fires that burn here would tend to creep slowly through the duff or,

when conditions are just right, be intense and replace the stand.

Watershed values are very high and preservation of the tree canopy is essential to maintain

snowpacks. Many streams have their headwaters just downslope from this Association. Melting

snow from the ABLA2/LUHI type provides late season runoff.

Values for livestock grazing are low. Two clipped plots averaged only 38 pounds of herbage

per acre (Appendix C). The sites provide important summer range for both deer and elk.

Scenic values within the stand are generally lower than in the more open habitats that

often adjoin the type. However the ABLA2/LUHI Association makes favored campsites for

backpackers. Smooth woodrush is moderately tolerant of trampling damage. It is more resistant

to such use than most of the associated herbs and shrubs.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: ABLA2/LUHI is similar to the ABLA2/

LUHI Association described in the Wenatchee Draft (Williams and others 1991) and to the

ABLA2/LUHI described for the Yakima Indian Reservation ( John and others 1988). It was not

described in the Okanogan and Colville classifications (Williams and Lillybridge 1983; Williams

and Lillybridge 1990). However, it has been observed and sampled on the Okanogan NF. ABLA2/

LUHI may be a part of the broad ABLA2/LUHI Habitat Type described for northern Idaho

(Cooper and others 1991) and Montana (Pfister and others 1977).
220

ABLA2/RHAL ASSOCIATION CES211

Abies lasiocarpa/Rhododendron albiflorum

subalpine fir/Cascade azalea

Cascade azalea (RHAL), an indicator of

the ABLA2/RHAL Association.

SLIDE 64

PHOTO:

R.Harrod

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 4600-6300 (5550) ft.

Aspect: northerly

Slope: 17-68 (42) %

Slope position: U, M 1/3

Special: cold, moist, deep snowpack

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 10)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

ABLA2 subalpine fir 100 20

PIEN Engelmann spruce 70 25

PICO lodgepole pine 70 9

PSME Douglas-fir 40 28

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABLA2 subalpine fir 100 14

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

RHAL Cascade azalea 100 33

PYSE sidebells pyrola 90 3

PAMY pachistima 70 5

VAMY low huckleberry 60 9

VASC grouse huckleberry 50 11

VAME big huckleberry 30 18

HERBS

LULA broadleaf lupine 50 5

OSCH sweetroot 50 1

CACO northwestrn sedge 40 5

GOOB w. rattlesnake plantain 40 3

CARU pinegrass 30 12

ARLA broadleaf arnica 30 4

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

Four Wenatchee ABLA2/RHAL plots

were sampled in the Wenatchee, Entiat and

Chelan Mountains. Six plots were borrowed

from Okanogan data in the Twisp District. It

has been seen as far south as the Naches

District and is common on both the Okanogan

and Colville NFs.

The ABLA2/RHAL Association is

typified by cool, moist sites with deep, slowmelting snowpacks. Slopes are moderate to

steep (17-68%) and aspects northerly, unless

associated with riparian zones. Elevations are

high.

Soils often have abundant coarse

fragments in the surface horizons. Litter is

very abundant. They are formed in a wide

variety of parent materials, including tephra,

ash and sandstone. Granite is prominent north

of Entiat Ridge.

ABLA2/RHAL occupies somewhat

colder, drier sites than the ABAM/RHAL

Association. It grades into ABLA2/RHAL/

LUHI at higher elevations and into the

TSME Series in areas of deeper snowpack.

Types such as ABLA2/VASC or ABLA2/

CARU occur on drier slopes.
221

ABLA2/RHAL ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Late seral and near climax stands are typically dominated by subalpine fir (in

terms of individuals). Engelmann spruce is a long-lived seral dominant and increases in

prominence with elevation (>5700 feet) and stand age. Individual spruce are significantly larger

and longer lived than subalpine fir. Species such as western larch, white pine, Douglas-fir and

lodgepole pine may be important components of younger stands, but diminish in importance as

stands approach 200 years of age. Douglas-fir is restricted to the driest, warmest, low-elevation

(<5300 feet) sites.

The undergrowth has a moderate to dense layer of Cascade azalea. Several other shrub

species may be important and represent potential phases of ABLA2/RHAL. Big huckleberry

was co-dominant with Cascade azalea on two plots. Grouse and low huckleberry had high cover

on other stands. There are not enough plots to divide this type into finer Associations at this

time. Herbs are poorly represented and no herbs occur in more than half of the plots.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Cold temperatures and heavy snow accumulations limit

growth rates. Tree production information was available on six plots. These plots averaged 656

trees per acre and 242 sq. ft. total basal area. The average site index was 32, 33, 33 and 39 (base

50) for subalpine fir, lodgepole pine, Engelmann spruce and Douglas-fir (Appendix C). Subalpine

fir and Engelmann spruce are adapted to nearly all sites. Engelmann spruce is suggested for

higher elevation, wet, or very frosty sites. Lodgepole pine is adapted to all but the wettest sites.

Western larch is restricted to warm sites. Douglas-fir is poorly suited to the type and should be

considered only on the warmest and best drained sites. Although not usually a problem, shrubs

can on occasion compete strongly with tree regeneration. Tree harvest may create swamps on

gentler, wetter sites due to reduced evapo-transpiration. These swampy sites reforest very slowly.

Ash soils can be compacted when wet. Selective harvest favors subalpine fir and predisposes

stands to blowdown. Clearcutting is suggested even though this may increase snowpacks. Similar

sites in northern Idaho have a high probably of success with natural regeneration (Cooper and

others 1991).

Fires are relatively infrequent in these cold, moist sites. Stand ages and structures indicate

very long fire intervals, but with most stands burning before they reached 300 years of age.

Cascade azalea decreases with scarification or burning. Moderate burns may cause an increase

in huckleberries, while scarification and soil disturbances normally reduce the cover and amounts

of huckleberry species. One Colville ABLA2/RHAL plot burned in the White Mountain Fire

(1987). It burned very intensely and most trees, shrubs and herbs were completely consumed.

One year after the burn, there was little evidence of shrubs or herbs. Eight years later, Cascade

azalea and grouse huckleberry were just becoming common in the stand (personal observations).

Many streams headwater in ABLA2/RHAL and watershed and recreation values are high.

Moist conditions, heavy snowpacks and susceptibility of shrubs to mechanical damage makes

these sites of limited value for recreation developments or trails.

Forage for livestock is low in natural stands. Six clipped plots averaged 79 pounds of herbage

per acre (Appendix C). Some use is made of shade and water. Wildlife values are high because of

the abundance of shrubs, some of which produce fruits. Elk wallows are common.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: ABLA2/RHAL and ABLA2/RHAL/

LUHI are, respectively, the low- and higher-elevation parts of the ABLA2/RHAL Association

described in the Okanogan (Williams and Lillybridge 1983) and Colville (Williams and others

1990) classifications. ABLA2/RHAL is very similar to lower elevation sites (with smooth

woodrush absent or uncommon) in the broad ABLA2/RHAL Association described in the

Wenatchee Draft (Williams and others 1991). It is somewhat similar to the ABLA2/MEFE

Habitat Type described for northern Idaho (Cooper and others 1991) and Montana (Pfister

and others 1977).
222

ABLA2/RHAL/LUHI ASSOCIATION CES213

Abies lasiocarpa/Rhododendron albiflorum/Luzula hitchcockii

subalpine fir/Cascade azalea/smooth woodrush

NEGATIVE 65

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 5140-6820 (5950) ft.

Aspect: north to east

Slope: 18-70 (46) %

Slope position: U, M, L 1/3

Special: moist soils, heavy snowpack

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 6)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

ABLA2 subalpine fir 100 26

PICO lodgepole pine 50 28

PIEN Engelmann spruce 50 18

PIAL whitebark pine 50 3

LALY subalpine larch 33 1

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABLA2 subalpine fir 100 9

PIEN Engelmann spruce 50 2

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

RHAL Cascade azalea 100 38

VASC grouse huckleberry 67 7

PYSE sidebells pyrola 67 2

VAMY low huckleberry 50 35

PHEM red mountain heath 50 2

PAMY pachistima 33 7

HERBS

LUHI smooth woodrush 100 6

ARLA broadleaf arnica 67 3

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The limited Wenatchee samples are

located in the Entiat and Chelan Mountains.

Three additional plots are located in the

Pasayten Wilderness Area on the Okanogan

NF. The type has been observed on the

Colville NF. It is probably found at higher

elevations throughout the Wenatchee and

Okanogan NFs.

The climate of the ABLA2/RHAL/

LUHI Association is characterized by short,

cool summers and short growing seasons.

Snowfall and snow accumulation surpass those

of ABLA2/RHAL. Slopes are steep (>40%),

on northerly aspects, with deep, slow-melting

snowpacks. Sample plot elevations are high.

Soils are formed in a wide variety of

parent materials. The Okanogan soils were

derived from granite and the Wenatchee soils

were derived from tephra and gneiss. Surface

rock and coarse fragments are scarce to wellrepresented. Litter is very abundant.

Subalpine larch Associations may

dominate rocky sites or convex micropositions

within ABLA2/RHAL/LUHI stands. The

Whitebark Pine Series may dominate

southern exposures, while the Subalpine Larch

Series may occur at higher elevations.

ABLA2/RHAL/LUHI will grade into

ABLA2/RHAL at lower elevations. TSME/

RHAL occurs in areas with deeper snowpacks

or a more maritime climate.
223

ABLA2/RHAL/LUHI ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Late seral and near climax stands are typically dominated by subalpine fir.

Douglas-fir, western larch and white pine are usually absent. Engelmann spruce is a long-lived

seral dominant and increases in prominence as stands age. It is especially prevalent in colder

stands supporting subalpine larch and red mountain heath. Individual spruce are significantly

larger than other tree species. Lodgepole pine is generally a seral dominant at lower elevations,

but it diminishes in importance as stands exceed 100 years of age. It is apparently absent on

colder sites that support subalpine larch and red mountain heath. Because Engelmann spruce

and subalpine fir are capable of forming closed canopies, subalpine larch and whitebark pine are

both seral trees. Whitebark pine is less frequent on these shady aspects, compared to adjacent

south slopes supporting ABLA2/VASC/LUHI. Subalpine larch may drop to unusually low

elevations on these sites. Both subalpine larch and whitebark pine are long-lived and will remain

as scattered, large trees in old stands of subalpine fir and spruce.

The undergrowth typically has a dense layer of Cascade azalea, but other shrubs such as

grouse huckleberry and low huckleberry may also be well represented. Pachistima may be common

following wildfire on warmer sites, while red mountain heath is common on colder sites. The

herb layer is not diverse (except in wet areas that will be described as ABLA2/RHAL/SETR in

the riparian classification; Kovalchik 1993). Smooth woodrush is common. Other herbs include

broadleaf arnica and Sitka valerian.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Cold temperatures and heavy snow accumulations limit

growth rates. Production data is available from two plots that averaged 363 trees per acre and

180 sq. ft./ac. total basal area. The site index for subalpine fir and lodgepole pine averaged 39

and 41 feet (base 50), respectively (Appendix C). Lodgepole pine is restricted to warmer sites.

Western larch, Douglas-fir, and western white pine are poorly suited to the type. Engelmann

spruce is best adapted to cold, moist, or very frosty sites. High water tables are common in the

vicinity of springs and riparian areas, and tree harvest may increase wet areas due to reduced

evapo-transpiration. These swampy zones reforest very slowly. Ash soils can be compacted

when wet. Partial removal of trees, whether natural or man-caused, will predispose stands to

blowdown. Overstory removal will increase snowpacks.

These sites lie in zones of frequent lightning strikes. However, due to the moist nature of

these stands, stand-replacement fires are unusual. Stand ages and structures indicate that most

stands burn before reaching 300 years of age. Cascade azalea decreases with burning. Moderate

burns may cause an increase in huckleberries. Intense fires may totally consume the duff layer

and the roots of the shrubs and herbs.

ABLA2/RHAL/LUHI sites lie in zones that have high watershed and scenic values.

However, recreationists seldom visit these steep, brushy sites, except along trails. Moist conditions

and heavy snowpacks make them of limited value for recreation developments such as campsites

or trails.

Wildlife values are high because of the abundance of shrubs, some of which produce fruits.

Elk wallows may be common. Forage for livestock is poor in natural stands. Two clipped plots

averaged 61 pounds of herbage per acre (Appendix C). Some use is made of this type for shade

and water.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: ABLA2/RHAL/LUHI plots were

located in the upper elevations of the ABLA2/RHAL Association described in the Okanogan

(Williams and Lillybridge 1983) and Colville (Williams and others 1990) NFs’ classifications

and the Wenatchee Draft (Williams and others 1991). It is somewhat similar to the ABLA2/

LUHI Habitat Type, MEFE Phase, described for northern Idaho (Cooper and others 1991)

and Montana (Pfister and others 1977).
224

ABLA2/RULA ASSOCIATION CES423

Abies lasiocarpa/Rubus lasiococcus

subalpine fir/dwarf bramble

Dwarf bramble (RULA), an indicator

of the ABLA2/RULA type.

SLIDE 65A

(USE SLIDE # 46 OF RULA

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 2580-5420 (5041) ft.

Aspect: east to west

Slope: 7-55 (22) %

Slope position: ridge, U, M 1/3, toeslopes

Special: old, windy, snow accumulation

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 12)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PSME Douglas-fir 83 16

ABLA2 subalpine fir 75 28

PICO lodgepole pine 67 20

PIEN Engelmann spruce 67 11

ABGR grand fir 58 9

PIMO western white pine 42 5

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABLA2 subalpine fir 92 12

ABGR grand fir 67 2

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

RULA dwarf bramble 100 20

PAMY pachistima 100 3

PYSE sidebells pyrola 73 3

VASC grouse huckleberry 50 14

VAME big huckleberry 50 7

CHUMO western prince’s pine 50 2

VAMY low huckleberry 33 14

HERBS

POPU skunkleaf polemonium 83 5

ARLA broadleaf arnica 73 13

VIOR2 round-leaved violet 42 3

CAGE elk sedge 42 3

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

Most of the Wenatchee plots are located

in the upper reaches of the Naches River and

along Manastash Ridge. ABLA2/RULA was

also sampled on the Cle Elum and Lake

Wenatchee Districts.

Elevations of most sample plots ranged

from 4700 to 5400 feet. One unusual, lowelevation plot (2580 feet) was located in a cold

air drainage along the Chiwawa River. Most

plots lie on mid to upper slope positions and

wind is an important influence on stand

development. Many trees have forked tops and

field notes mention wind shear damage to

stands. Soil moisture is good, based on the

abundance of moist site herbs. Slopes are gentle

to moderate, with east to west aspects.

Soils are formed in basalts, or andesite

flows with tephra. Tills and outwash from

mountain glaciation are also important in the

Raven’s Roost area. Sites often have

considerable microsite variation, in part from

the complex pattern of basalt dikes interfingering with tephra deposits. Coarse

fragments are not abundant. Litter is abundant.

The forb layer indicates sites are

somewhat similar to the ABLA2/LUHI

Association, except ABLA2/RULA sites

appear to be more moist and at slightly lower

elevations. It is also similar to ABLA2/

ARLA-POPU. More maritime sites may be

in the ABAM/RULA or TSME/RULA

types.
225

ABLA2/RULA ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Successional patterns are not fully understood, but late seral or near climax

stands will apparently be dominated by subalpine fir in the overstory and tree regeneration

layers. The oldest stand had relict western larch nearly 500 years old. Younger stands are often

dominated by lodgepole pine. Most of the associated lodgepole pine and subalpine fir were

between 80 and 120 years old. If fire has been absent for hundreds of years, late seral or near

climax stands would be dominated by subalpine fir and Engelmann spruce in the overstory and

tree regeneration layers, with scattered relicts of long-lived fire-tolerant species such as western

larch, Douglas-fir and western white pine. If perturbations have been absent for centuries,

subalpine fir will be virtually the only species present. Stand-replacement fire intervals of less

than 200 years favor development of dense stands of lodgepole pine.

Dwarf bramble is the characteristic subshrub species. Other shrubs that may be abundant

in early to mid seral stands include pachistima and big, low, and grouse huckleberry. The

huckleberries diminish in cover and vigor as stands become more densely shaded through time,

until only very shade-tolerant species such as dwarf bramble remain. Common herbs include

skunk-leaved polemonium, broadleaf arnica, heartleaf arnica and white hawkweed. These appear

to show a similarity between ABLA2/RULA and the ABLA2/LUHI and ABLA2/ARLAPOPU Associations. Moist swales may support such moisture-loving shrubs and herbs as Sitka

alder, false bugbane, ladyfern and American false hellebore. These moist swales represent different

habitats than ABLA2/RULA and better fit types that will be described in the riparian

classification (Kovalchik 1993).

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Eight intensive plots indicate moderately high timber

production. The site index for subalpine fir, lodgepole pine, Engelmann spruce and Douglas-fir

averaged 57, 54, 57 and 82 feet (base 50)(Appendix C). These stands averaged 534 trees per

acre and a relatively high 301 sq. ft./ac. total basal area. Snow packs are deep and deforestation

may lead to development of meadows that persist for years. This may be especially true on steep

southerly slopes. Sites on more sheltered aspects are easier to reforest, and tree establishment

and growth is rapid. However, most stands have trees with forked tops or other signs of crown

damage. Ice, wind or snow appear to be the damaging agents. Charred bark and fire scars are

common and some individuals have rotten centers.

Most of common herbs are relatively unpalatable to livestock. Herbage production appears

low. Seven clipped plots averaged 76 pounds of herbage per acre (Appendix C). It appears that

grazing has not had a significant impact on these sites, except for local damage where livestock

use the type for cover and shade.

These sites are important for wildlife cover as well as forage, and the shrub and herb layers

may be altered by elk grazing pressure. Elk trails, beds, and other sign were common in or near

the plots. Moist microsites may also be used for wallows. Big, low, and grouse huckleberry may

be abundant in early seral stands, providing forage and cover for a wide variety of wildlife.

The ABLA2/RULA Association is of limited value for recreation developments because

of moist soils, high elevation, and vegetation that is easily damaged by trampling. Huckleberries

are well represented and attract berry pickers.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: The ABLA2/RULA Association has

not been described in other classifications.
226

ABLA2/VADE ASSOCIATION CES341

Abies lasiocarpa/Vaccinium deliciosum

subalpine fir/Cascade huckleberry

Cascade huckleberry (VADE), an

indicator of the ABLA2/VADE

Association.

SLIDE 66

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 4700-6240 (5733) ft.

Aspect: east to west

Slope: 8-53 (27) %

Slope position: toe slopes to ridges

Special: cold, moist, maritime climate

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 6)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

ABLA2 subalpine fir 100 30

PIAL whitebark pine 33 4

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABLA2 subalpine fir 100 9

PIAL whitebark pine 33 1

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

VADE Cascade huckleberry 100 24

PHEM red mountain heath 83 21

PAMY pachistima 50 3

LUPE partridgefoot 50 1

RULA dwarf bramble 33 14

CAME Mertens’ moss-heather 17 8

HERBS

LUHI smooth woodrush 50 41

HIGR slender hawkweed 50 1

CAGE elk sedge 33 8

VASI Sitka valerian 33 5

POPU skunkleaf polemonium 33 1

DEAT mountain hairgrass 33 1

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The ABLA2/VADE Association is found

along the more maritime portions of the

Cascade Crest from the Naches District north

to the Canadian border. Plots were located in

the Lake Wenatchee and Leavenworth

Districts and near Rainy Pass on the Okanogan

NF. The data are somewhat limited, but work

is continuing in high elevation subalpine fir

habitats. ABLA2/VADE is widely distributed

in the relatively broad maritime areas associated

with the Wenatchee NF, but on the Okanogan

NF it is restricted to the immediate vicinity of

the Cascade Crest.

The type is at or above the continuous

treeline and it and associated forest communities

form woodlands, parklands or islands of trees.

The lowest sample plot (4700 ft.) was located in

an area of extreme maritime influence near

Stevens Pass. ABLA2/VADE occurs on all

aspects and on all but the steepest slopes.

The regolith is largely composed of

glacial till and drift formed in basalt and

granitic rock types, including granodiorite.

Granite is most prominent north of Entiat

Ridge, while basalt is common to the south.

Soils appear to be poorly developed. Coarse

fragments, surface rock, litter and bare soil are

well represented to abundant.

ABLA2/VASC/LUHI occurs on drier

slopes, while ABLA2/RHAL/LUHI may occur

on very steep north slopes. The LALY Series

occurs at higher elevations and the PIAL Series

on more severe, southerly exposures. The TSME

Series occurs in more maritime climates or in

zones of higher snowpack.
227

ABLA2/VADE ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: ABLA2/VADE canopies range from open parklands to closed canopies. The

open parklands are dominated by subalpine fir, sometimes mixed with small amounts of mountain

hemlock, subalpine larch or whitebark pine. Here, the undergrowth is characterized by Cascade

huckleberry and red mountain heath, with small amounts of Mertens’ moss-heather and

partridgefoot. More moderate sites support relatively dense canopies of subalpine fir, and other

conifers are more or less absent, at least in the stands. Here, Cascade huckleberry and smooth

woodrush are abundant and the previously mentioned indicators scarce. Two sites were initially

assigned to ABLA2/VADE-CAME and ABLA2/VADE/LUHI types following initial analysis,

but were later lumped because of insufficient plot numbers. They may be identified in later

versions of the classification after more plots are sampled. Pachistima was well represented on

two of the drier sites, while dwarf bramble was abundant on one of the smooth-woodrushdominated sites. Herbs include mountain hairgrass, Sitka valerian and slender hawkweed.

Arno and Habeck (1972) state that red mountain heath indicates sites poor in ions of

magnesium and calcium.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: There are no timber production data available for ABLA2/

VADE. Stocking is usually somewhat open, but may be relatively dense in some islands of trees.

Harsh sites with cold temperatures and heavy snow accumulation limit growth rates. No known

silvicultural techniques will assure tree regeneration. After deforestation, sites may remain in a

shrub meadow condition for decades. Productivity is presumed low in the mountain heath

variant and moderate in the woodrush variant.

ABLA2/VADE sites are very important for watershed and scenic values. The tree canopy

is essential to preserving snowpack, and melting snow from this zone is important to stream

maintenance. The sites also provide important forage for wildlife, including blue grouse,

ptarmigan, mountain goats, pika and deer. They are favorite areas for berry pickers, hikers,

backpackers and horsemen.

ABLA2/VADE stands lie in zones of very frequent lightning strikes. However, standreplacement fires are rare in the more open stands, identified by the presence red mountain heath.

Crown fires are likely somewhat more common in the closed stands with woodrush. In addition,

communities in this zone are often interrupted by areas of meadow, riparian conditions and cliff,

talus and rock that further restrict the spread of canopy fires. Most fires are restricted to the

immediate vicinity of the lightning-struck tree.

Presumably, Armillaria root rot will be found in these stands. It is much more likely to

occur in closed stands with woodrush.

Cascade huckleberry is moderately resistant to damage by trampling, and severe damage is

unusual. Heaths and moss-heathers are very sensitive to trampling. If sites have been denuded of

vegetation, they will heal slowly and establishment of tree, shrub and herb cover may take decades.

Partridgefoot is the native species that appears best able to colonize disturbed areas on mountain

heath sites, while woodrush is probably the best colonizer on woodrush variants. Mountain hairgrass,

skunkleaf polemonium, arnicas, asters, lupines and pussytoes are native herbs that may also be

useful in revegetation efforts.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: ABLA2/VADE has not been described

in previous classifications because the various authors described very broad timberline types. Plots

belonging to ABLA2/VADE were not sampled on the Wenatchee and Okanogan NFs until

recent excursions into the high country. Wooten and Morrison (unpublished draft) have identified

ABLA2/VADE parklands in the North Cascades.
228

ABLA2/VASC WEN ASSOCIATION CES426

Abies lasiocarpa/Vaccinium scoparium

subalpine fir/grouse huckleberry

SLIDE 67

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 3300-6230 (5048) ft.

Aspect: all aspects

Slope: 6-55 (19) %

Slope position: benches, mid, upper, ridges

Special: cold, dry , shallow soils

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 11)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PICO lodgepole pine 91 26

ABLA2 subalpine fir 73 10

PSME Douglas-fir 36 26

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABLA2 subalpine fir 91 9

PICO lodgepole pine 64 2

PSME Douglas-fir 45 4

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

VAMY low huckleberry 73 22

PAMY pachistima 45 4

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea 45 3

VASC grouse huckleberry 36 34

HERBS

CACO northwestrn sedge 27 3

ARLA broadleaf arnica 27 2

GOOB w. rattlesnake plantain 27 2

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The ABLA2/VASC Association occurs

throughout the Wenatchee and Okanogan

NFs. Seven Wenatchee plots were located on

the Manastash, Wenatchee, Entiat and Chelan

Mountains. Four plots were borrowed from

Okanogan data. ABLA2/VASC is also

present in higher mountains on the Colville

NF.

ABLA2/VASC is typified by cold,

relatively dry sites. Most plot elevations

ranged from 4300 to almost 6000 feet on

slopes, but followed cold drainages down to

3300. Most plots were on northeast or

southwest aspects. This is likely an aberration

of plot distribution and not a difference

between ecological areas. The type should

occur on all aspects. Slopes were gentle in

valley bottoms and moderate in uplands.

Soils are cold, shallow, droughty and

poorly developed. Coarse fragments and litter

are usually abundant. Parent materials were

largely granite north of Entiat Ridge and

schist, cinders and gneiss to the south.

ABLA2/VASC is usually bounded on

steep north slopes by ABLA2/RHAL.

ABLA2/VASC/CARU or ABLA2/CARU

occur on warmer slopes, while ABLA2/

VASC/ARLA occupies moist sites. Drier,

windy, and otherwise harsh sites may support

the PSME or PIAL Series.
229

ABLA2/VASC WEN ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Late seral or near climax stands are unusual. Species compositions and

successional patterns indicate that subalpine fir increases in importance as stands age and it

typically dominates the regeneration layer in older stands. Engelmann spruce is largely absent

on these relatively dry sites. Succession to a subalpine fir climax is slow and most stands burn

before reaching 200 years of age. Lodgepole pine is the most common tree and dominates most

stands. Sites are generally too harsh for western white pine and western larch. Douglas-fir is

found on warmer sites.

The undergrowth is floristically poor. Low or grouse huckleberry, or both, are the dominant,

characteristic shrubs. There is considerable debate on whether low huckleberry is an ecological

equivalent to big or grouse huckleberries. Generally, low huckleberry has a rather wide elevational

range and appears to occupy sites intermediate between grouse and big huckleberry. Big

huckleberry represents moderate environments and is not common on sites above 5000 feet,

while grouse huckleberry is prominent in harsher, colder environments, flourishes in various

high-elevation Associations, and may be found at elevations well in excess of 7000 feet. Low

huckleberry is often associated with big huckleberry zones, but also continues with grouse

huckleberry to elevations exceeding 7500 feet. In fact, in some areas (such as the Alpine Lakes

Wilderness Area) low huckleberry is the prominent huckleberry all the way to the edge of the

alpine zone at roughly 7500 feet (recent observations and samples). Other shrubs are relatively

uncommon. Herbs are minor components of most stands, except in early seral stages. The

most constant herbs are broadleaf arnica, western rattlesnake plantain, northwestern sedge and

sidebells pyrola.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Timber production is moderate. Two intensive plots

averaged 358 trees per acre and 214 sq. ft./ac. total basal area (Appendix C). The average site

index for western larch and Douglas-fir was 41 and 64 (base 50). After overstory removal, frost

pockets often develop. Frost may occur any day of the year, either from re-radiation cooling or

cold air ponding. Lodgepole pine is the most reliable species for timber management, although

Douglas-fir and western larch perform well on warmer sites. Clearcutting and burning are not

an ecological substitute for the crown fires typical of the Association. Snags give protection

from the sun and frost. Burned areas often have excessive regeneration, but harvest units may

have little or none. Most roots are concentrated in the upper 20 cm. or less of soil, suggesting

low nutrient availability. Disturbance or removal of the upper soil horizons will greatly reduce

productivity. Soil scarification may increase frost heaving. Shallow soils can be easily displaced.

Stocking level control is needed to maintain reasonable growth rates on lodgepole pine.

Unmanaged lodgepole stands often quickly stagnate, so thinning before stagnation is necessary

to insure good response.

Fire is typically infrequent but may be catastrophic when it occurs. Stands dominated by

lodgepole will often burn hot because of the flammable nature of the trees and the fuels they

create. Stands without lodgepole should burn less frequently and have some potential for creeping

ground fires.

Natural stands produce relatively little forage for ungulates. Two clipped plots averaged

27 pounds of herbage per acre (Appendix C). Dense lodgepole pine stands in this type are

important components of Canadian lynx habitat because of the relative abundance of snowshoe

hares. Grouse huckleberry is sensitive to mechanical or trampling damage, so this type is a poor

choice for campgrounds if the natural vegetation is to be maintained.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: ABLA2/VASC is widespread. It was

described in the Colville (Williams and others 1990) and Okanogan (Williams and Lillybridge

1983) NF classifications, as well as on the Colville Indian Reservation (Clausnitzer and Zamora

1987). It is also described in north Idaho (Cooper and others 1991), Montana (Pfister and

others 1977), and northeast Oregon (Johnson and Clausnitzer 1992).
230

ABLA2/VASC/ARLA ASSOCIATION CES424

Abies lasiocarpa/Vaccinium scoparium/Arnica latifolia

subalpine fir/grouse huckleberry/broadleaf arnica

SLIDE 68

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 4830-6080 (5399) ft.

Aspect: west to east

Slope: 7-66 (32) %

Slope position: ridges, U, M 1/3

Special: cool, shallow, moist soils

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 16)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PICO lodgepole pine 100 27

ABLA2 subalpine fir 75 20

PSME Douglas-fir 50 16

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABLA2 subalpine fir 100 17

PICO lodgepole pine 25 2

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

PAMY pachistima 88 6

VAMY low huckleberry 75 16

VASC grouse huckleberry 56 10

HERBS

POPU skunkleaf polemonium 81 5

CAGE elk sedge 63 13

LUPIN lupines 56 11

ARLA broadleaf arnica 56 4

CARU pinegrass 31 12

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The ABLA2/VASC/ARLA Association

is common on the Wenatchee NF. It has not

been sampled on the Okanogan NF. The plots

were located on the Entiat, Chelan, Wenatchee

and Manastash Mountains, and the type

occurs on all Districts. It is generally located

on moist sites in drier portions of the Forest.

ABLA2/VASC/ARLA is typified by

cool, moist slopes at moderately high

elevations. Elevations range from 4800 to over

6000 feet but average nearly a thousand feet

lower than ABLA2/VASC/LUHI. Slopes are

gentle to steep. Most sample plots were on

west to east aspects.

Most soils are formed in ash or pumice

over basalt, granite, tephra and schist. Surface

coarse fragments range from well represented

to abundant. However, soils are probably

moister, deeper, less stony and finer textured

than ABLA2/VASC. Litter is abundant.

ABLA2/VASC is found on drier sites,

ABLA2/VASC/CARU on warmer sites, while

ABLA2/RHAL occurs on steep north aspects.

Drier, warmer sites may support the PSME/

CARU or ABLA2/CARU types.
231

ABLA2/VASC/ARLA ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Sample plots ranged from mid seral stands dominated by lodgepole pine to

subalpine fir climax. Late seral or near climax stands are not as rare as in ABLA2/VASC and

ABLA2/VASC/CARU, reflecting moister sites with longer intervals between stand-replacement

fires. Species composition and successional patterns indicate that subalpine fir increases in

importance as stands age. Subalpine fir dominates the regeneration layer in older stands.

Succession to a subalpine fir climax is moderately slow, yet some of our stands exceed 200 years

of age. For some reason, Engelmann spruce is absent in the plot data. It should occur on these

relatively cool moist sites. Lodgepole pine dominates many early to mid seral stands. Western

larch and western white pine are common in a few plots. Douglas-fir is found on warmer sites.

Whitebark pine and subalpine larch are absent.

The undergrowth represents slightly warmer and slightly moister sites than ABLA2/VASC.

Grouse or low huckleberry, or both, are at least well represented. Pachistima was common in

many plots, especially young stands of fire origin.

Skunkleaf polemonium and broadleaf arnica are the characteristic herbs. Other herbs

include lupines, broadleaf arnica, and elk sedge. Pinegrass is absent on most plots. These cool,

moist herbs show a close relationship to the ABLA2/ARLA-POPU and ABLA2/VASC/LUHI

Associations.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Timber production is moderate. Seven intensive plots

averaged 1075 trees per acre and 255 sq. ft./ac. total basal area (Appendix C). Site index values for

subalpine fir, western larch, lodgepole pine and Douglas-fir are 31, 51, 47 and 41 feet (base 50).

Frost pockets often develop after overstory removal. Frost may occur any day of the year, either

from re-radiation cooling or cold air ponding. Lodgepole pine is the most reliable species for

timber management. Douglas fir does well on warmer sites. Clearcutting and burning are not an

ecological substitute for the stand-replacement fires typical of the Association. Snags give protection

from sun and frost. Burned areas often have excessive regeneration, but harvest units may have

little or none. Maintaining dead shade, snags or slash will help reduce radiation cooling. Most

roots are concentrated in the upper 20 cm. or less of soil, suggesting low nutrient availability.

Disturbance or removal of the upper soil horizons will greatly reduce productivity as well as stimulate

the growth of pinegrass or elk sedge sod. Soil scarification may increase frost heaving and

displacement of the shallow, moist soils. Stocking level control is needed to maintain reasonable

growth rates on lodgepole pine.

Fire is typically infrequent, but may be catastrophic when it occurs. Stands dominated by

lodgepole pine will often burn hot because of the flammable nature of those trees and the fuels

they create. Stands without lodgepole should burn less frequently and have some potential for

creeping ground fires.

Natural stands produce low to moderate forage for ungulates. Seven clipped plots averaged

106 pounds of herbage per acre(Appendix C). Grass seeding with standard pasture mixes is

usually very successful, especially if combined with fertilizer, but may hinder reestablishment of

native plants. Dense lodgepole pine stands in this type are important components of Canadian

lynx habitat because of the relative abundance of snowshoe hares. Grouse and low huckleberry

are sensitive to mechanical or trampling damage and, when combined with moist soils, make

this type a poor choice for campgrounds if natural vegetation is to be maintained.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: ABLA2/VASC/ARLA is the dry end

of the ABLA2/ARLA-CAGE described in the Wenatchee Draft (Williams and others 1991).

It has not been described elsewhere.
232

ABLA2/VASC/LUHI ASSOCIATION CES425

Abies lasiocarpa/Vaccinium scoparium/Luzula hitchcockii

Subalpine fir/grouse huckleberry/smooth woodrush

SLIDE 69

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 5200-7120 (6026) ft.

Aspect: all aspects

Slope: 2-43 (18) %

Slope position: ridge, U, M 1/3

Special: cold, heavy snowpack

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 10)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

ABLA2 subalpine fir 80 28

PIEN Engelmann spruce 70 16

PIAL whitebark pine 50 10

PICO lodgepole pine 50 26

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABLA2 subalpine fir 90 9

PIAL whitebark pine 50 3

PIEN Engelmann spruce 50 3

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

VASC grouse huckleberry 100 25

VAMY low huckleberry 30 12

RULA dwarf bramble 20 28

HERBS

LUHI smooth woodrush 100 10

LUPIN lupines 90 13

POPU skunkleaf polemonium 90 5

ARLA broadleaf arnica 70 12

VASI Sitka valerian 60 6

CAGE elk sedge 60 3

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

Seven sample plots were located on the

Naches and Cle Elum Districts. Three

additional plots were located in the Pasayten

Wilderness Area. The ABLA2/VASC/LUHI

type has been observed on all Districts on the

Okanogan and Wenatchee NFs. It occurs on

the Colville NF, but has not been described.

The climate of ABLA2/VASC/LUHI is

characterized by short, cool summers,

moderately deep snowpacks, and short

growing seasons. Plot elevations ranged from

5200 to over 5900 feet on the Wenatchee NF

and 6500 to 7120 feet on the Okanogan. It

occurs on gentle to moderately steep mid and

upper slopes and ridges on all aspects.

Soils are cold, shallow, droughty and

poorly developed. Parent materials are largely

rocks of volcanic origin on the south end of

the Wenatchee NF and granites north of the

Entiat Ridge. Soil coarse fragments and

surface litter are usually abundant.

ABLA2/VASC/LUHI is at higher

elevations, cooler, and has deeper snowpacks

when compared to ABLA2/VASC. Moist,

north aspects support ABLA2/RHAL/

LUHI. Drier, more wind-exposed sites may

support the PIAL Series. ABLA2/VASC/

CARU occurs on warmer, lower elevation sites.

Higher elevation sites often support the PIAL

and LALY Series.
233

ABLA2/VASC/LUHI ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Late seral or near climax stands are unusual, but are typically dominated by

subalpine fir and Engelmann spruce, which also typically dominate the regeneration layer.

Succession to subalpine fir or Engelmann spruce climax is slow and most stands burn before

they are 200 years old. Engelmann spruce is a long-lived seral dominant that increases in

importance as stands age. Individual spruce are generally larger than other species, and species

composition and successional patterns indicate that it increases in importance as stands age.

Sites are generally too harsh for Douglas-fir, western white pine and western larch. Lodgepole

pine is a seral dominant at lower elevations but diminishes in importance as stands exceed 100

years of age, and in colder stands where whitebark pine is well represented. Whitebark pine is

also a seral dominant on many of the plots, especially at higher elevations. This long-lived tree

will remain as scattered, large trees in old stands of subalpine fir and spruce. It is sometimes

difficult to distinguish the boundary between ABLA2/VASC/LUHI and PIAL/VASC/LUHI.

Stands of PIAL/VASC/LUHI are similar in species composition, but the canopy stays open,

allowing permanent dominance by whitebark pine.

Grouse huckleberry or low huckleberry, or both, are the dominant, characteristic shrubs.

Shrubs other than grouse or low huckleberry are relatively uncommon. Dwarf bramble was well

represented in three plots that are transitional to ABLA2/RULA. Smooth woodrush is common

to well represented, but if absent or uncommon, whitebark pine helps identify the type. Other

herbs include skunkleaf polemonium, broadleaf arnica, Sitka valerian and elk sedge. These

forbs indicate a relatively moist site that has similarities with the ABLA2/VASC/ARLA and

ABLA2/ARLA-POPU Associations.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Cold temperatures, deep snow and a short growing season

limit growth rates and regeneration success. Timber production data are limited. Three intensive

plots averaged 514 trees per acre and 189 sq. ft./ac. total basal area (Appendix C). The average

site index for subalpine fir and lodgepole pine were both 42 feet (base 50).

Fire is typically infrequent, but may be catastrophic when it occurs. Stands dominated by

lodgepole will often burn hot because of the flammable nature of those trees and the fuels they

create. Stands without lodgepole should burn less frequently, and have some potential for creeping

ground fires.

ABLA2/VASC/LUHI lies in zones that have high watershed and scenic values. The

relatively open nature of the stands and their low undergrowth make them favorite recreation

areas, as well as good sites for trails. However, grouse and low huckleberry are sensitive to

mechanical or trampling damage, so the type is a poor choice for campgrounds. Smooth woodrush

is moderately tolerant of trampling. Dense, lower-elevation lodgepole pine stands may be

important components of Canadian lynx habitat because of the relative abundance of snowshoe

hares. Whitebark pine is prevalent at higher elevations, where its seeds are important food for

Clark’s nutcrackers, grizzly bears and squirrels. The berries of huckleberries are important food

for birds and mammals.

Natural stands produce moderate forage for ungulates. Three clipped plots averaged 201

pounds of herbage per acre. Most stands in ABLA2/VASC/LUHI lie outside existing grazing

allotments. When grazed, damage is largely associated with livestock trailing and bedding.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: ABLA2/VASC/LUHI lies in the upper

elevations of the ABLA2/VASC Association described in previous eastern Washington classifications

(Williams and others 1991; Williams and Lillybridge 1983; Williams and others 1990). It is similar

to the ABLA2/LUHI Association, VASC phase, described for northern Idaho (Cooper and others

1991) and Montana (Pfister and others 1977). A similar ABLA2/VAMY/LUHI community is

described in the Enchantment Lakes Basin (del Moral unpublished draft).
234

MISCELLANEOUS SUBALPINE FIR ASSOCIATIONS

(less than 5 Wenatchee sample plots)

ABLA2/LIBOL WEN CEF222

The ABLA2/LIBOL Association is represented by one plot on the Wenatchee NF located on

Manastash Ridge on the Cle Elum District. The data are supplemented with eight plots borrowed

from the Twisp District. The type described in this Guide differs from the ABLA2/LIBOL

type in the Okanogan NF classification. As described here, ABLA2/LIBOL describes moist

stands with twinflower well represented. It is probably most common north of the Entiat

Mountains. The type occurs mostly on lower, north slopes, but may also occur on toeslopes,

benches and river terraces with different aspects. Slopes are usually less than 30%. Soils are

relatively deep, moist, and well-drained. Coarse fragments range from uncommon to abundant.

Surface rock is uncommon, while litter is very abundant. The regolith on the Okanogan plots is

generally glacial material derived from granite. Stand composition and known successional

relationships indicate that mature stands are characterized by Engelmann spruce and subalpine

fir dominating both the overstory and understory. Engelmann spruce is often the major tree in

older stands, while early to mid seral stands are dominated by western larch, lodgepole pine and

Douglas-fir. Larch and Douglas-fir are long-lived and may persist for centuries over an understory

dominated by subalpine fir and spruce. Regeneration is often sparse, apparently because of the

dense shade characteristic of many stands. The undergrowth is characterized as sparse, and is

composed mainly of shrubs and subshrubs such as twinflower, pachistima, prickly current or

sidebells pyrola. Low huckleberry is prominent on several plots. The exact composition of the

shrubs depends on stand history, stand density, and the type, timing and amount of disturbance.

The herb layer is also sparse, and includes species such as pinegrass, western rattlesnake plantain,

white hawkweed and strawberries.

ABLA2/PAMY WEN CES113

Two plots were located on the Entiat District of the Wenatchee NF. Nine additional plots

were borrowed from Okanogan data in the Twisp River drainage. The ABLA2/PAMY

Association has been observed north of Lake Chelan and is very common in the Twisp River

Drainage of the Okanogan NF. Additional field work may confirm that it is common on the

Chelan and Entiat Districts. It may not occur south of the Entiat Mountains. ABLA2/PAMY

represents one of the warmest habitats in the Subalpine Fir Series. Elevations range from under

2800 feet on north aspects to more than 5700 feet on warm south to west slopes. Most slopes

are moderate, but some sites have slopes over 50%. Surface rock and soil coarse fragments range

from common to abundant. Litter is abundant. Some sites may have a surface layer of fine

pumice or coarse volcanic ash. The stands are often difficult to tell from PSME/PAMY stands,

especially when Douglas-fir dominates and subalpine fir is poorly represented. Some ABLA2/

PAMY stands with weak subalpine fir may be misclassified as PSME/PAMY. Late seral or

near climax compositions must be based on current species compositions and successional

dynamics in the tree strata. Subalpine fir is the most shade-tolerant species on the site and is

the indicated climax species. Subalpine fir dominates the tree regeneration layer in the oldest

stands. Engelmann spruce, Douglas-fir, lodgepole pine, western white pine, quaking aspen and

ponderosa pine may form part of the tree sere. This and the ABLA2/PAMY/CARU type are

the only Associations in the Subalpine Fir Series in which ponderosa pine is more than a minor

stand component, but this occurs only on the warmest sites. The undergrowth is a mixture of

shrubs. Pachistima is often abundant and may exceed two feet or more in height. Other shrubs

rarely dominate stands, but include shiny-leaf spirea, Scouler willow, serviceberry, russet

buffaloberry, big huckleberry and baldhip rose. The herbaceous layer is sparse. Only sidebells

pyrola is present in more than half of the plots.
235

ABLA2/PAMY/CARU CES112

Two ABLA2/PAMY/CARU plots were sampled on the Wenatchee NF, in the Sawtooth and

Entiat Mountains. An additional four plots were borrowed from Okanogan data in the Twisp River

drainage. This type is common on the Okanogan NF. Additional field work may confirm that it is

also common on the Chelan and Entiat Districts, but it may not occur south of the Entiat Mountains.

This type represents one of the warmest habitats in the Subalpine Fir Series. Elevations range from

under 2800 feet on north aspects to more than 5700 feet on warm south to west slopes. Slopes are

gentle to moderate. Sites are most often on mid and upper slopes. On the Okanogan, soils are

typically formed in sedimentary deposits, often in glacial outwash or glacial till. Many sites also have

a surface layer of fine pumice or coarse volcanic ash. Coarse fragments and surface rock range from

common to abundant. Litter is often abundant. Late seral or climax compositions must be based on

current species compositions and successional dynamics in the tree strata. Subalpine fir is the most

shade-tolerant species capable of reproducing on the sites, and is the indicated climax species. The

site may be too warm and dry for Engelmann spruce. Douglas-fir, lodgepole pine and ponderosa

pine may form part of the tree sere. This and the ABLA2/PAMY Association are the only types in

the Subalpine Fir Series warm enough for ponderosa pine to be more than a minor stand component.

Most stands contain a variety of conifers, most of which are capable of dominating, depending on

age, disturbance history and seed sources. Pachistima is often abundant and over two feet tall. Other

shrubs include Scouler willow, shiny-leaf spiraea, serviceberry, big huckleberry and Douglas maple.

Pinegrass is well represented. Of other herbs, only sidebells pyrola and western prince’s pine are

present in half of the plots.

ABLA2/TRCA3 CEF422

This type is common on the east half of the Okanogan NF and on all of the Colville NF (Kovalchik

1993; Williams and others 1990; Williams and Lillybridge 1983). Only one of the three plots

assigned to this type in the Wenatchee Draft remain in this Association. ABLA2/TRCA3 is

reported here only because it was described in the Wenatchee Draft, and may be reported in the

Wenatchee NF riparian classification. Sites are typically at moderately high elevations, within

narrow stringers along streams, and in swales. Soils are seasonally saturated. Young stands are

usually dominated by lodgepole pine, while subalpine fir dominates old stands. The undergrowth

is characteristically dominated by false bugbane and other moisture-loving herbs.

ABLA2/VACA CES422

This type is common on the Okanogan and Colville NFs (Kovalchik 1993; Williams and others

1990), but has not been sampled on the Wenatchee NF. It has been reported from the Lake

Chelan District. It is associated with gentle slopes and cold air drainage on glacial outwash

terraces slopes. Young stands are usually dominated by lodgepole pine and western larch. We

have few old stands, but stand composition and seral relationships suggest they will be dominated

by subalpine fir and Engelmann spruce. Dwarf huckleberry characterizes the undergrowth.

Bearberry can be used as an indicator only if the site is associated with cold air drainage. Other

common shrubs and herbs include twinflower, low and grouse huckleberry, pachistima and

pinegrass. Sites with bunchberry dogwood or five-leaved bramble key to ABLA2/COCA.

ABLA2/VAME WEN CES342

Three plots were sampled in the Entiat Mountains. An additional three plots were borrowed

from Okanogan data. The type should be somewhat common on the Lake Chelan, Lake

Wenatchee and Entiat Districts, but its status further south is unknown. It is also found on the

Okanogan and Colville NFs. The site is typified by cool, moderate sites within the Subalpine

Fir Series. Elevations ranged from 2950 feet on a northeast slope to 4810 feet on a west slope.

Most of the sample plots are on moderate to steep slopes on east to west aspects. Soils north of

the Entiat Ridge are derived largely from granite. Soil coarse fragments and litter are abundant.

None of the sample stands were more than 200 years old. Species composition and successional
236

relationships indicate mature stands will be dominated by subalpine fir and Engelmann spruce

in the overstory and understory. Subalpine fir increases in prominence as stands exceed 100

years of age, but this pattern is variable, depending on types and intensity of past disturbance.

Lodgepole pine commonly dominates early to mid seral stands (<100 years old), especially

those that originated after stand-replacement fires. Long-lived seral species such as western

white pine and Douglas-fir may be seral dominants. In the absence of ground fire, they eventually

form an open canopy of large, old individuals over a much denser canopy of subalpine fir and

spruce. In other cases, ground fire may result in a younger layer of lodgepole pine under these

old, parklike stands. Ponderosa pine is not generally suited to this type. The undergrowth of

ABLA2/VAME is characterized by a shrub layer with pachistima and big huckleberry as the

most constant and abundant species. Species richness is better than many other subalpine fir

types. A wide variety of other shrubs may be common, including Douglas maple, baldhip rose,

western prince’s pine, sidebells pyrola and shiny-leaf spirea. The presence of low huckleberry

indicates somewhat cooler sites transitional to the ABLA2/VASC Association. Common herbs

include pinegrass, whitevein pyrola, western rattlesnake plantain, queencup beadlilly, pathfinder,

raceme pussytoes, white hawkweed, starry solomonplume and yellow violet. Stands may

superficially resemble the ABLA2/VASC Association, but differ in being generally at lower

elevations, on deeper soils, dominated by big huckleberry, and floristically richer.

ABLA2/VASC/CARU CES413

Though five plots may indicate ABLA2/VASC/CARU is less common than ABLA2/VASC

and ABLA2/VASC/ARLA, this type is well documented throughout the Pacific Northwest

and is common on the Okanogan NF (Williams and Lillybridge 1983). The ABLA2/VAMY

type described for the Yakima Indian Reservation ( John and others 1988) appears identical.

The only Wenatchee plot was from the northeast corner of the Leavenworth District. The type

has been seen on the Leavenworth District and is likely to occur on the Entiat and Lake

Chelan Districts. ABLA2/VASC/CARU is typified by cool, well-drained slopes at moderate

elevations. They average over a thousand feet lower than ABLA2/VASC/LUHI and 600 feet

lower than ABLA2/VASC/ARLA. Slopes are generally moderate and most sample plots were

on west to east aspects. Soils are generally cool, shallow, droughty and poorly developed. However,

they are probably deeper, less stony and finer textured compared to ABLA2/VASC. Coarse

fragments range from common to abundant. Litter is usually abundant. Late seral or near

climax stands are rare. Subalpine fir increases in importance as stands age, usually dominating

the regeneration layer in older stands. Succession to a subalpine fir climax is slow and most

stands burn before reaching 200 years of age. Engelmann spruce is much less important in this

type, compared to ABLA2/VASC/LUHI. Douglas-fir and lodgepole pine are the most common

trees and dominate most stands. Western larch was found in the Okanogan plots east of the

Chewuch River and can be expected in stands south of the Entiat River. Whitebark pine and

subalpine larch are absent. The undergrowth represents slightly warmer and drier sites than

ABLA2/VASC and ABLA2/VASC/ARLA. Grouse or low huckleberry, or both, and pinegrass

are at least well represented. Pachistima and buffaloberry are common on many plots, indicating

young stands of fire origin, although buffaloberry is not often found on the Wenatchee plots.

Other herbs include heartleaf arnica, western rattlesnake plantain, hawkweed and raceme

pussytoes. These cold, dry site herbs indicate sites drier than ABLA2/ARLA.

PIEN/EQUIS CEM211

Only two plots have been sampled in the North Cascades and both of these were on the Okanogan

NF. The Association has been reported on the Lake Chelan District. This wetland type will be

described in detail in the riparian classification (Kovalchik 1993) and is reported here only

because it was described in the Wenatchee Draft. It is associated with flat, wet sites along

streams or seeps, on gentle, sub-irrigated slopes. Engelmann spruce usually dominates the open

overstory. In these plots, subalpine fir is nearly co-dominant with spruce. Lodgepole may be a

seral dominant. Common or wood horsetail and moisture-loving herbs and shrubs characterize

the undergrowth.
237

WHITEBARK

PINE

SERIES
238

WHITEBARK PINE SERIES

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT: Whitebark pine is distributed over a wide geographic

area. It is found throughout the Wenatchee NF and continues north through the Okanogan

NF into Canada. The PIAL Series is very limited in extent on the Colville NF, but is common

in the northern Rocky Mountains, where it has a great north-south as well as east-west range.

It is restricted to upper slopes, ridges and mountain tops on exposed sites, at or near upper

timberline where stands do not form closed canopies. The Series indicates sites where the

combination of cold, wind, late summer drought, and snow removal by wind creates conditions

too severe to form a closed forest. Most aspects are south or west, but the Series can occur on

northerly aspects in drier mountain ranges. Frost is possible any night of the year and diurnal

temperature ranges are great. On the exposed slopes typical of the Series, insolation rates are very

high on sunny days. Elevations range from 5600 feet on the Wenatchee NF to over 7000 ft. near

the Canadian border. Very recent sampling in the Enchantment Basin (not in this report) included

whitebark pine plots ranging from 5600 by Colchuck Lake to well over 7500 feet near Asgaard

Pass.

Snow movement and removal by wind are important characteristics of sites within PIAL/

CARU, PIAL/JUCO4 and PIAL/FEVI Associations. Conversely PIAL/VASC and PIAL/

CAME-LUPE types occur in areas where snow accumulates, or at least is slower to melt. In

comparison, sites in the Subalpine Larch and Mountain Hemlock Series accumulate more snow

than any site in the Whitebark Pine Series.

Soils are coarse-textured and very rocky. Litter layers are abundant to thin or absent.

Rock, gravel and exposed soil are common on many sites. Most soils are formed in granites and

basalts. Nutrients and moisture-holding capacity are low.

A limited number of whitebark pine plots were available during the writing of the

Wenatchee Draft (twelve plots), allowing the description of only two very broad plant

Associations. Additional plots have been added from more recent data from both the Okanogan

and Wenatchee NFs, increasing plot numbers to 27 for the PIAL Series, and allowing full

descriptions for four major types. Two other plant Associations are described as miscellaneous,

due to limited plot numbers (PIAL/DROC and PIAL/CAME-LUPE). Both types may be

elevated to major status after more data are collected. The PIAL/LUHI Association is no

longer described (Wenatchee Draft 1991). Most of the plots in that broad type were dominated

by grouse huckleberry and have been moved to the new PIAL/VASC/LUHI Association. Other

plots have been moved to ABLA2/LUHI and ABLA2/VASC/LUHI. Additional field work

may show a PIAL/LUHI type without the presence of grouse or low huckleberry. The whitebark

pine classification is usable throughout the Wenatchee and Okanogan NFs.

VEGETATION: Open-grown whitebark pine typify the tree layer. Subalpine larch, if present, is

clearly subordinate to whitebark pine. Lodgepole pine, Douglas-fir or rare ponderosa pines

may be present in drier PIAL Associations. Subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce and mountain

hemlock may be present, especially on moister PIAL types, but are also clearly subordinate to

whitebark pine. Conifers other than whitebark pine and subalpine larch are near their upper

elevation limits and are minor stand components. They are almost invariably deformed by the

cold, windy environment. Whitebark pine is generally the only tree capable of establishing on

the sites without shelter from other trees. It often forms the base of a tree island, with less hardy

species growing in the shelter of established pines. Seed caches buried by Clark’s nutcracker are

important in establishing these trees and these seed-eating birds may be an essential part of the

ecology of whitebark pine stands.

The Whitebark Pine Series is often adjacent to the Subalpine Larch Series in the northern

Cascades. Subalpine larch is not found south of the Mt. Stewart area and whitebark pine may
239

occupy sites similar to those which subalpine larch dominates to the north. Whitebark pine is

often considered characteristic of south and westerly slopes and subalpine larch of northerly

aspects. While true in a general sense, especially at lower elevations in the timberline Series,

this is partly an artifact of the limited plot numbers in earlier classifications and not necessarily

true when looking at the whole range of subalpine larch and whitebark pine. Subalpine larch

types have been observed on all aspects at higher elevations where whitebark pine dominates

only the most dry southerly exposures. The two species tend to be complementary in distribution

rather than competitive, because whitebark pine can grow on droughty sites while subalpine

larch does not tolerate soil drought. Whitebark pine is less able to endure the high snow packs

associated with subalpine larch. Whitebark pine is also less tolerant of damage from wind and

ice. Timberline mountain hemlock Associations become frequent in areas of higher snowfall or

more maritime climates.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Tree growth rates and stocking are very low. The average

stand basal area for the various whitebark pine Associations ranged from 41 to 69 sq. ft./ac.

(Appendix C). The site index for subalpine fir, lodgepole pine and Douglas-fir for the only type

with tree growth data ( PIAL/VASC/LUHI) averaged 29, 32 and 44 feet (base 50), respectively.

Sites are too harsh to manage for timber production, as no known technique will assure

reforestation.

Whitebark pine wood is highly flammable, even when green, and the upper slope locations

are frequently struck by lightning. Only the discontinuous nature of the vegetation and the

rocky sites limit the extent of wildfire and allow stands to develop to maturity. Otherwise,

frequent fires would preclude the development of mature forests in these lightning-prone

environments. Fire frequency is higher in the PIAL Series than in any other subalpine community

(Agee 1994).

Whitebark pine sites often adjoin or are intimately intermixed with subalpine and alpine

shrublands and meadows. Mountain big sagebrush and green fescue stands are often ringed by

open woodlands dominated by whitebark. The great diversity of plant communities and habitats

associated with this mix of communities makes these sites very important for a variety of wildlife.

Whitebark pines have edible seeds (pine nuts) that is important forage for animals,

including Clark’s nutcrackers and grizzly bears. Whitebark pine stands may become snow-free

early in the spring ( June), thus providing early forage for ungulates, other mammals or birds.

Herb cover and composition are quite variable among Associations. Herbage production

ranged from a low of 22 pounds per acre in the PIAL/VASC/LUHI type to a high of 204

pounds per acre on PIAL/CARU (Appendix C). Species richness is especially high on the dry,

grassy PIAL/CARU and PIAL/FEVI types, in part because many stands were subject to intensive

grazing in the past. These stands are often located on old stock driveways and may have fed

sheep in the hundreds of thousands each year. Because of shallow rocky soils, drought, and the

short growing season, these sites are slow to recover after abusive grazing.

Sites are sufficiently harsh that management should concentrate on limiting site disturbance

from recreation use. Resistance to trampling of the herb layer is also variable. The severe PIAL/

DROC site is extremely sensitive to disturbance by both hikers and horses. Recovery may take

centuries. The soil of both the PIAL/JUCO4 and PIAL/FEVI types is easily displaced by

trampling. Grouse and low huckleberry (in PIAL/VASC/LUHI) are very sensitive to trampling

and soil compaction and are quickly obliterated in areas of concentrated trail or camping use.

PIAL/CARU is the only type in the Whitebark Pine Series where the herb layer is relatively

resistant to trampling damage from recreation or horse use.

White pine blister rust (secondarily aggravated by mountain pine beetle) is causing severe

damage to stands of whitebark pine in the Rocky Mountains (Keane and Arno 1993).

Comparable damage extends westward through the Colville NF (personal observations). Trees

with dead limbs (flagging) and dead trees are beginning to appear all through the northern
240

Cascades. It is likely that in twenty years the Cascade stands will be as damaged as Colville NF

stands, unless genetically resistant trees are developed and introduced.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: The Whitebark Pine Series has been

described by numerous authors up and down the Cascades and east into the northern Rocky

Mountains. Some of the authors are: Pfister and others 1977 (Montana); Cooper and others

1991 (Idaho); Williams and others 1990 (Colville NF); Williams and Lillybridge 1983

(Okanogan NF); Williams and others 1991 (Wenatchee NF Draft); Johnson and Clausnitzer

1992 (northeast Oregon); Clausnitzer and Zamora 1987 (Colville Ind. Res.); del Moral

unpublished draft (Enchantment Lakes); and Wooten and Morrison unpublished draft (North

Cascades).

Keys to Plant Associations

of the Whitebark Pine Series

Before using the key, the field form in Appendix E should be completed. Refer to the “Using the

Keys” section in the introduction for more information on key use and if the stand does not key.

Note: (M) refers to miscellaneous plant Associations that are described elsewhere but were

uncommon or undersampled, or both, on the Wenatchee NF.

Western dryad > 5%............................................. PIAL/DROC (M) p. 250

Moss-heathers or partridgefoot > 5% ..................... PIAL/CAME-LUPE (M) p. 250

Grouse huckleberry or low huckleberry > 5% .......... PIAL/VASC/LUHI p. 248

Common juniper > 5% ......................................... PIAL/JUCO4 p. 246

Pinegrass or elk sedge > 5% ................................. PIAL/CARU p. 242

Green fescue, Idaho fescue or mountain big

sagebrush > 5% .................................................. PIAL/FEVI p. 244

Average Summary Productivity Estimates by Type 1

# INTENSIVE #TREES/ TBA QUAD MEAN STAND DENSITY HERBAGE

TYPE PLOTS ACRE DIAM. INDEX

PIAL/CARU 3 202 69 9 129 204

PIAL/FEVI 2 143 41 8 84 115

1 Type = Plant Association or Community Type (in alphabetical order); # Intensive plots indicates the number of plots

used to derive the values; # Trees/ac is the number of trees per acre; TBA is the total basal area in square feet per acre

based on prism counts; Quadratic mean diameter is the diameter to the nearest inch of a tree of average basal area;

Stand density index is from Reineke 1933; and Herbage is the pounds per acre of air dry herbaceous vegetation at the

time of sampling as derived from a double-sampling technique.
241

Site index, growth basal area, and GBA

volume estimates by species and type 2

TYPE SPECIES #SI TREES SI #GBA TREES GBA VOL AGE

PIAL/VASC/LUHI ABLA2 3 29 3 65 13 101

PICO 3 32 3 48 11 78

PSME 3 45 3 89 28 74

2 Type = Plant Association or Community Type (in alphabetical order); Species = tree species for which the estimates

are made; GBA is Growth Basal Area (Hall 1983); VOL = an estimate of wood production in cubic feet/acre/year from

an empirical formula based on site index and GBA (Hall 1983, personal communication); and SI is the average site

index (all trees base 50 except ABAM, ABPR, PIPO and TSME which are base 100-See Introduction for Site index

curve sources. #GBA trees is the number of trees used to make the GBA estimates; #SI trees is the number of trees used

to determine the Site Index values.

Plant Associations Groups (PAGs) are arranged so that similar ecological sites are grouped on

a temperature and moisture scale. Temperature values (from hot to cold) are hot, warm, cool

and cold while moisture values are (from dry to wet) dry, mesic, moist and wet. WEN is used to

indentify Wenatchee plant Associations that are considered ecologically different from likenamed Associations described elsewhere. (M) refers to miscellaneous plant Associations that

are described elsewhere but were uncommon or undersampled, or both, on the Wenatchee NF.

WHITEBARK PINE

PLANT ASSOCIATION

GROUPS

1. Cold Dry Shrub/Herb PAG

• PIAL/CARU

• PIAL/DROC (M)

• PIAL/FEVI

• PIAL/JUCO4

2. Cold Mesic Shrub/Herb PAG

• PIAL/CAME-LUPE (M)

• PIAL/VASC/LUHI

WHITEBARK PINE

PLANT ASSOCIATIONS

AND ECOCLASS CODES

PIAL/CAME-LUPE (M) CAS221

PIAL/CARU CAG112

PIAL/DROC (M) CAF321

PIAL/FEVI CAG221

PIAL/JUCO4 CAS421

PIAL/VASC/LUHI CAS311
242

PIAL/CARU ASSOCIATION CAG112

Pinus albicaulis/Calamagrostis rubescens

whitebark pine/pinegrass

SLIDE 70

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 5720-6510 (6190) ft.

Aspect: southeast to southwest

Slope: 19-68 (40)%

Slope position: upper slopes and ridges

Special: hot, dry sites, difficult to regenerate

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 7)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PIAL whitebark pine 100 14

ABLA2 subalpine fir 71 4

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

PIAL whitebark pine 100 2

ABLA2 subalpine fir 57 2

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

PAMY pachistima 71 8

VASC,

VAMY grouse & low huckleberry 57 3

HERBS

ACMI yarrow 86 4

CARU pinegrass 57 28

CAGE elk sedge 57 25

FEVI green fescue 57 1

CARO Ross’ sedge 43 5

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

Wenatchee plots were located on the

Entiat, Lake Wenatchee and Naches Districts.

The type will occur elsewhere on the

Wenatchee NF. Data from two Okanogan NF

plots are used to help describe the type. It is

also found on the Colville NF.

PIAL/CARU defines sites towards the

lower elevational range of the PIAL Series,

on dry, windswept slopes and southerly

exposures. Severe insolation, winter

desiccation and net snow removal by wind and

evaporation are characteristics of these sites.

Elevations of sample plots ranged from 5700

to over 6500 feet. The moderate to steep slopes

face southeast to southwest.

Soil data are unavailable for these plots,

but soils appear to be moderately welldeveloped and well-drained, relative to the rest

of the PIAL Series. They are largely derived

from granite north of Entiat Ridge and from

basalt and igneous parent materials to the

south. Coarse fragments are well represented

and litter is usually abundant.

PIAL/CARU is often mixed with or

adjacent to mountain big sagebrush, green

fescue or Idaho fescue grasslands. At lower

elevations the type may grade into ABLA2/

CARU or PSME/CARU. PIAL/VASC/

LUHI, ABLA2/RHAL/LUHI or ABLA2/

VASC/LUHI may occur on sites where snow

accumulates.
243

PIAL/CARU ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Because of the harsh environment, stands rarely develop a closed canopy. Multistemmed whitebark pine trees are common. Conditions are often so severe that even nearclimax stands of whitebark pine have open canopies. Whitebark pine dominates most stands,

and most other tree species develop in their shelter. Snow accumulations are greater and melting

is delayed on the lee side of existing whitebark trees, thereby creating more favorable microsites

than the stand as a whole. Although whitebark pine is the dominant tree, subalpine fir, Engelmann

spruce, Douglas-fir and lodgepole pine may be present, depending on local conditions and

elevations. Of these trees, subalpine fir is most common. Douglas-fir and lodgepole pine are

common only on warmer, lower sites. On parts of the Forest, Whitebark pine is best represented

by old burned skeletons on the tops of some of the higher peaks, while living trees are scarce or

absent. As in other PIAL Associations, forest development on high-elevation, windswept slopes

often requires hardy whitebark pines to form sheltered microsites for other conifers. Individual

subalpine firs are not as stunted as on more severe PIAL Associations, but they still reproduce

mainly by layering. Many PIAL/CARU stands are rather uniform (less than the normal

heterogeneity associated with woodlands) with a rather continuous undergrowth of pinegrass or

elk sedge, or both. In other cases, the whitebark pine may occur in “islands” within mountain

shrubland and grassland. These mixed communities form complex mosaics with high community

diversity.

Shrubs are relatively scarce and most individuals are sheltered by rocks. Pachistima, low

huckleberry and grouse huckleberry are the only constant (but low-canopy cover) shrubs. The

herb layer can be quite rich. The diversity is explained in part by the intergradation of the

mosaic of communities that may exist on these sites and by past livestock grazing. Pinegrass or

elk sedge, or both, are the more prominent herbs and characterize the ground layer. Other

herbs are variable in constancy and cover, with Idaho fescue, green fescue, western yarrow, lupines,

asters and Ross’ sedge being most common.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Site index information is not available. Tree growth and

stocking appear to be low to very low. One plot supported 202 trees per acre and 69 sq. ft./ac. total

basal area (Appendix C). These sites are not recommended for timber production as no techniques

are known to assure reforestation. Overstory removal increases the potential for severe frost heaving,

winter desiccation and drought, and alters snow pack patterns and melting regimes.

Whitebark pines have edible seeds (pine nuts) which serve as important forage for a wide

variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears and Clark’s nutcrackers. These slopes are among the

first to green up in the spring (June), making them important forage areas for many wildlife

species.

Whitebark pine wood is highly flammable even when green, and the dry, windswept, upper

slope locations are predisposed to lightning strikes. In fact, whitebark pine forests appear to

have the shortest fire-return intervals of eastside subalpine forests (Agee 1994). Although fire

frequency may be high, stand-replacement fires are very unusual because of the sparse,

discontinuous cover typical of the habitat.

Three clipped plots averaged 204 pounds of herbage per acre (Appendix C). Livestock, if

present, may make moderate use of the grasses, sedges and herbs typical of the type. Sites are

slow to recover from damage caused by grazing because of shallow, rocky soils, drought and the

short growing season.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: PIAL/CARU is widespread. The type

is part of the PIAL/CARU and PIAL types described for the Okanogan (Williams and

Lillybridge 1983) and Colville (Williams and others 1990) NFs. It is also part of the broad

PIAL Habitat Type described in Montana (Pfister and others 1977). Wooten and Morrison

(unpublished draft) describe a PIAL/CARU community for the North Cascades.
244

PIAL/FEVI ASSOCIATION CAG221

Pinus albicaulis/Festuca viridula

whitebark pine/green fescue

A typical green fescue (FEVI)

understory.

SLIDE 71

PHOTO:

J. Engle

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 6440-7340 (6930) ft.

Aspect: south to west

Slope: 11-48 (33) %

Slope position: upper, ridges

Special: hot, dry, poor regeneration

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 6)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PIAL whitebark pine 100 8

ABLA2 subalpine fir 50 6

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

PIAL whitebark pine 83 2

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

VASC grouse huckleberry 50 1

ARTRV mountain big sagebrush 33 25

HERBS

FEVI green fescue 83 22

ACMI yarrow 83 3

LUPIN lupines 67 17

LUHI smooth woodrush 67 2

ARENA sandworts 67 4

CARU pinegrass 50 3

SEDUM stonecrops 50 1

CARO Ross’ sedge 33 5

FEID Idaho fescue 17 8

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The dry PIAL/FEVI Association occurs

from the Naches District north into the

Okanogan NF. Wenatchee sample plots were

on Sawtooth Ridge, the Entiat Mountains and

near Rimrock Lake. Three plots were borrowed

from Okanogan data. The type should be widely

distributed on high, dry mountain ranges on both

the Wenatchee and Okanogan NFs, but cover

limited areas. It has not been seen or sampled

on the Colville NF.

PIAL/FEVI is most often found at high

elevations on exposed, dry, windblown slopes

with south to west aspects. Slopes are gentle to

moderate (11-48%). Insolation rates and diurnal

temperature ranges are great. Wind and removal

of snow are important site characteristics. Most

snow is blown onto more protected sites that

support more mesic types. Some snow collects

in the lee of whitebark pines, creating a more

mesic microsite. Even the death of a single tree

can alter a site significantly.

Soil plots are not available, but soils appear

moderately well-developed and well-drained.

Parent materials are largely granite north of

Entiat Ridge, while Basalt and other

metamorphic rocks are prominent to the south.

Coarse fragments, bare soil and litter are wellrepresented to abundant.

PIAL/FEVI often occurs in mosaic

patterns within communities dominated by

mountain big sagebrush or green fescue, or both.

PIAL/CARU occurs on similar but more

moderate sites. ABLA2/VASC/LUHI or

PIAL/VASC/LUHI may be on adjoining north

to east aspects. Steep north slopes may support

ABLA2/RHAL/LUHI.
245

PIAL/FEVI ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Whitebark pine is the species that best defines the tree layer and the conditions

associated with it. It is the first tree species found on sites after deforestation from fire or some

other agent. Seed caches buried by Clark’s nutcracker are important in initially establishing

whitebark pine stands. After a discontinuous cover of whitebark pine is established, less hardy

species such as subalpine fir regenerate in the shelter of the established pines. Sometimes the

regeneration of subalpine fir exceeds that of whitebark pine. The subalpine firs often increase in

cover because of layering of the limbs of established trees. However, sites are too harsh to ever

develop a closed canopy, and most stands are composed of little clumps or islands (atolls) of

trees within mountain big sagebrush and green fescue meadows. Many of the plots in PIAL/

FEVI barely qualify as forest. These clumps may have the oldest whitebark pines in the center,

with younger pines or subalpine firs or other species gathered around them. The oldest stands

may have dead whitebark pine in their centers. Species composition of sites is quite variable

because of the close mosaic of PIAL/FEVI with meadow communities. Early seral stands may

not support trees for a long period and will closely resemble big mountain sagebrush or green

fescue communities. Additional work will be done in subalpine timberlines to add to our

understanding of these complex environments.

Undergrowth is characterized by green fescue, although one plot had Idaho fescue instead.

Mountain big sagebrush was abundant on two plots. Present plot numbers do not justify creating

a separate PIAL/ARTRV Association. Shrubs such as grouse huckleberry are scarce, and

sheltered by trees or large rocks. Smooth woodrush and pinegrass may be locally common in

snow deposition areas, such as in the shelter of trees, but they are not good indicators of the site

as a whole. Other common herbs include yarrow, sandworts, lupines, Ross’ sedge and stonecrops.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Tree growth and stocking appear very low. Timber

production data is available from one intensive plot with 143 trees per acre and 41 sq. ft/ac. total

basal area (Appendix C). No site index information is available. These sites are not recommended

for timber production as no technique is known to assure reforestation. Overstory removal

increases the potential for severe frost heaving, winter desiccation and drought, and these alter

snow pack patterns and melting regimes.

Whitebark pine wood is highly flammable even when green and the dry, and windswept

upper slope locations are predisposed to lightning strikes. Fire frequency is high (Agee 1990)

but stand-replacement fires are very rare because of the sparse, discontinuous cover typical of

the habitat.

Whitebark pines have edible seeds (pine nuts) which serve as important forage for a wide

variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears and Clark’s nutcrackers. These slopes are among the

first to green up in the spring (May and June), making them important forage areas for many

species of wildlife.

Livestock, if present, will make heavy use of the grasses, sedges and herbs typical of the

PIAL/FEVI type. Herbage production is moderately low. Two clipped plots averaged 115

pounds of herbage per acre (Appendix C). Sites are slow to recover from heavy grazing because

of the shallow, rocky soils, drought and the short growing season. The unstable soils are easily

raveled by trampling.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: The PIAL/FEVI type is part of the

broad PIAL/CARU Association previously described in the Okanogan classification (Williams

and Lillybridge 1983) and Wenatchee Draft (Williams and others 1991). The broad PIAL

HabitatType in Montana (Pfister and others 1977) has similar stands, with Idaho or sheep

fescue in the undergrowth.
246

PIAL/JUCO4 ASSOCIATION CAS421

Pinus albicaulis/Juniperus communis

whitebark pine/common juniper

NEGATIVE 72

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 6820-7860 (7200) ft.

Aspect: southeast to southwest

Slope: 30-65 (51)%

Slope position: mid to upper

Special: high, rocky, dry, snow removal

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 4)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PIAL whitebark pine 100 25

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

PIAL whitebark pine 75 4

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

JUCO4 common juniper 100 20

ARTRV mountain big sagebrush 50 3

VASC,

VAMY grouse & low huckleberry 50 3

HERBS

ACMI yarrow 75 2

CARO Ross’ sedge 50 5

CARU pinegrass 50 4

CACO northwestern sedge 50 4

PENST penstemon spp. 50 4

FEID Idaho fescue 50 3

HECY roundleaf alumroot 50 2

SELA lance-leaved stonecrop 50 2

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

Although all four PIAL/JUCO4 sample

plots are located on the Okanogan NF, this

type probably occurs on the Entiat and Chelan

Districts, as well as on dry high mountain

ranges to the south. For instance, it has

recently been observed to be very common in

the Enchantment Basin area. This question

will be resolved with additional sampling in

timberline environments. Sample plots were

located near Tiffany Mt. in the “Meadows”

area and on the Chelan-Sawtooth divide.

Sites are steep, dry and windswept, with

south to west exposure. Severe solar insolation,

winter desiccation, summer drought and snow

removal by wind are characteristic of the sites.

Soil data are not available. Soils appear to

be poorly developed and excessively well-drained.

Surface rock, coarse fragments and litter are

abundant. One plot was located where bedrock

was prominent, with deep soil layered between

bands of rock. Large stones and boulders mixed

with deep layers of sand or glacial flour typify

the other plots. The regolith is granite.

PIAL/JUCO4 plots sampled to date are

on harsh, dry sites scattered within the subalpine

larch zone. On less harsh sites, they may be

bounded by LALY/CAME-LUPE or LALY/

VASC/LUHI. PIAL/DROC occurs on even

more severe sites, while mountain big sagebrush,

green fescue, Washington dryad, black alpine

sedge and Cascade willow communities are seen

on non-forest sites.
247

PIAL/JUCO4 ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Stands develop a very open canopy because of the harsh conditions. Three

plots were dominated by old, large, multi-stemmed whitebark pine. Whitebark pine saplings

dominated the other plot and based on site similarities and vegetation, in time they will become

tree-size. Most other tree species are scarce. Subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce, Douglas-fir and

lodgepole pine may be present, depending on local conditions and elevations. At extreme

elevations individual subalpine firs are often stunted and reproduce mainly by layering. Subalpine

fir were scarce on the plots, except at Oval Peak, where there were dense patches of subalpine fir

krumholz under the protection of large whitebark pine. Occasional spruce and subalpine firs

may have developed into erect trees under the protection of large whitebark nurse trees. Only

the lowest elevation plot had a few Douglas-fir and lodgepole pine.

Snow accumulations, shade and delayed melting of snow on the lee side of existing whitebark

pine create favorable microsites for common juniper and other ground cover. Between trees,

ground vegetation is significantly less, and rock and bare soil abundant. Common juniper is the

dominant shrub. Other shrubs are relatively scarce. Herbs are variable in constancy and cover.

They include pinegrass, roundleaf alumroot, Idaho fescue, lance-leaf stonecrop, penstemons,

Ross’ sedge and northwestern sedge. Other than yarrow, no single herb occurs on more than

half the plots.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Tree growth and stocking are very low. Trees are stunted

and wind-deformed. One intensive plot had 252 trees per acre and 56 sq. ft./ac. total basal area

(Appendix C). Site index information is not available but height growth is assumed to be

extremely slow. These sites are not recommended for timber production as no techniques are

known to assure reforestation. Frost is possible any night of the year. Overstory removal increases

the potential for severe frost heaving, winter desiccation and drought, and alters snow pack

patterns and melting regimes.

Whitebark pines have edible seeds (pine nuts) which serve as important forage for a wide

variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears and Clark’s nutcrackers. These slopes are among the

first to green up in the spring ( June) making them important forage areas for many wildlife

species. Common juniper is not favored forage, although the fruits are likely important for

small birds and mammals. Both livestock and other ungulate use is low, except perhaps for

cover and shade. However, in the Enchantment Basin area mountain goats make heavy use of

these sites for both forage and escape cover.

Livestock make little use of the relatively sparse grass, sedge and herb cover typical of the

type. One clipped plot had only 53 pounds of herbage per acre (Appendix C). If damaged,

these sites are very slow to recover from grazing because of shallow, rocky soil, drought, and the

short growing season.

Whitebark pine wood is highly flammable, even when green, and the dry and windswept

upper slope locations are predisposed to lightning strikes. However, because of the sparse,

discontinuous cover and surface rock typical of the PIAL/JUCO4 type, stand-replacement fires

are extremely rare. Sites may be relatively free of wildfire compared to PIAL/VASC/LUHI,

PIAL/FEVI and PIAL/CARU. If burned, these severe sites may remain virtually free of living

trees for decades, while old snags give mute evidence of former wooded stands.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: The PIAL/JUCO4 type has been

previously described only by Wooten and Morrison (unpublished draft) for the North Cascades.

It appears that part of the PIAL Habitat Type described in Montana (Pfister and others 1977)

may be dominated by common juniper in the undergrowth. They also described a PIFL/JUCO4

(limber pine/common juniper) Habitat Type that is similar to PIAL/JUCO4 in terms of

environment and JUCO4 undergrowth, but occupies limestone soils. A PIAL/JUCO4/PEDA

community has been described in the Enchantment Basin (del Moral unpublished draft).
248

PIAL/VASC/LUHI ASSOCIATION CAS311

Pinus albicaulis/Vaccinium scoparium/Luzula hitchcockii

whitebark pine/grouse huckleberry/smooth woodrush

SLIDE 73

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 5600-7400 (6400) ft.

Aspect: north to southeast (west)

Slope: 9-58 (7)%

Slope position: upper slopes, ridges

Special: high, cold, windswept, snow accumulation

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 8)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

PIAL whitebark pine 100 29

ABLA2 subalpine fir 88 6

TSME mountain hemlock 38 3

PICO lodgepole pine 38 6

PSME Douglas-fir 38 8

PIEN Engelmann spruce 25 5

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABLA2 subalpine fir 88 3

PIAL whitebark pine 63 3

TSME mountain hemlock 38 2

PIEN Engelmann spruce 25 7

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

VASC grouse huckleberry 88 36

VAMY low huckleberry 38 11

HERBS

LUHI smooth woodrush 50 15

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The PIAL/VASC/LUHI Association is

widely distributed on the east slopes of the

Cascades and extends eastward to the Rocky

Mountains. It has been sampled from the

southwest end of the Naches District

northward to the Canadian border. It is

especially common in the numerous wilderness

areas located on the Wenatchee and Okanogan

NFs.

It is most often found on moderate to

steep slopes with north to southeast aspects.

Only one plot had gentle slopes on a west

aspect. Elevations range from 5600 ft. in

maritime areas of the Naches District to over

7300 ft. near the Canadian border. Insolation

rates are high and diurnal temperature ranges

great. Severe wind, winter desiccation, and

snow deposition are important site

characteristics. PIAL/VASC/LUHI tends to

accumulate the snow blown off more exposed

communities on the south and west sides of

its ridges. Snow deposition in the lee of the

trees is an important site characteristic, and

the site may be altered by the death or removal

of an individual tree.

Data are unavailable, but soils appear to

be shallow and moderately well drained. They

are largely derived from granite north of the

Entiat Ridge, while basalt and igneous rocks

are common to the south. Surface rock, coarse

fragments, and litter range from well

represented to abundant.

The PIAL/CARU, PIAL/JUCO4 and

PIAL/FEVI Associations occupy more

southerly, wind-blown exposures. The LALY

Series occurs at higher elevations, or on

adjacent sites with more snow accumulation.

The TSME Series occurs in areas with more

maritime climate.
249

PIAL/VASC/LUHI ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Whitebark pine is the species that best defines the tree layer and the conditions

associated with it. Seed caches buried by Clark’s nutcracker are important in the initial

establishment of whitebark pine stands, and whitebark pine is the first tree found on the sites

after deforestation by fire or some other agent. After a discontinuous cover of whitebark pine is

established, less hardy species such as subalpine fir and spruce regenerate in the shelter of the

pines. Under this shelter, subalpine fir cover often increases because of layering of the limbs on

the established trees. On PIAL/VASC/LUHI, the regeneration of subalpine fir and spruce

often exceeds that of whitebark pine. Where present, Engelmann spruce has the ability to

assume a normal tree shape as it grows through the whitebark canopy. These sites are too harsh

to ever develop a closed canopy and most stands are composed of open woodlands or islands of

trees. The oldest whitebark pines often occur at the center of these clumps, with younger pines

and other conifers gathered around them. Sometimes the oldest pines may be dead and the

center of the stand may have an opening in it.

The understory is not very diverse. Grouse huckleberry or low huckleberry, or both, are

usually abundant and characterize the site. Smooth woodrush is common on half the plots in

snow deposition areas (where snow melts slowly), and is often only on the sheltered sides of

trees or tree clumps. It is absent on other plots, perhaps reflecting slightly drier and more

continental sites. An additional (and nearly equivalent) PIAL/VASC Association could have

been described, but limited data and need precluded this.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: There is little data available on tree production. In general,

tree growth and stocking appear low. The one intensive plot had 185 trees per acre and 88 sq.

ft./ac. total basal area (Appendix C). The average site index for subalpine fir, lodgepole pine

and Douglas-fir were 29, 32 and 45 feet (base 50). These sites are not recommended for timber

production as no techniques are known to assure reforestation. Overstory removal increases the

potential for severe frost heaving, winter desiccation and drought, and alters snow pack patterns

and melting regimes.

Whitebark pines have edible seeds (pine nuts), which serve as important forage for a wide

variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears and Clark’s nutcrackers. These sites green up later than

other whitebark pine types but are still very important forage areas for many wildlife species.

Whitebark pine wood is highly flammable, even when green, and the dry, windswept upper

slope locations are predisposed to lightning strikes. Fire frequency is high (Agee 1990), but

stand-replacement fires are rare. Only the sparse, discontinuous cover typical of the habitat

allows stands to reach maturity.

Livestock are no longer present in many of the timberline sites, although use in the past

was heavy, especially by sheep. Herbage production is generally low. One clipped plot had only

22 pounds of herbage per acre. Therefore, when grazing allotments include the PIAL/VASC/

LUHI type, livestock seldom make heavy use of the shrubs and herbs typical of the type. However,

livestock may use the type for shade and bedding and can affect the sites severely with trampling

and soil compaction. Heavy horse and foot traffic near trails and campsites also damage the

undergrowth. Because of drought, shallow soils and the short growing season, sites are very

slow to recover from these abuses.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: PIAL/VASC/LUHI is part of the PIAL/

LUHI Association described in the Wenatchee Draft (Williams and others 1991). It is also

part of the very broad PIAL/CARU and PIAL Associations in the Okanogan (Williams and

Lillybridge 1983) and Colville (Williams and others 1990) classifications. PIAL/VASC/LUHI

is part of the PIAL and PIAL-ABLA2 Habitat Types in Montana (Pfister and others 1977).

A similar PIAL-ABLA2/VAMY community is described in the Enchantment Lakes Basin

(del Moral unpublished draft).
250

MISCELLANEOUS WHITEBARK PINE ASSOCIATIONS

(less than 5 Wenatchee sample plots)

PIAL/CAME-LUPE CAS221

The one plot in this Association was located on an east-facing, upper slope near Little Bald

Mountain on the Naches District. The tree layer is dominated by open whitebark pine and

subalpine fir, while the undergrowth closely resembles the LALY/CAME-LUPE type. However,

the plot is well south of the distribution of subalpine larch, and whitebark pine is occupying a site

that, to the north, would otherwise be dominated by subalpine larch. The undergrowth in this

plot is dominated by partridgefoot, one of the indicators used for the high, cold CAME-LUPE

zone. Grouse huckleberry and smooth woodrush are barely well-represented in this plot.

PIAL/DROC CAF321

Only one plot has been assigned to this plant Association. However, it has been recognized by

Wooten and Morrison (unpublished draft) for the North Cascades. The site is a very severe

windswept ridge at 7310 feet in the Pasayten Wilderness Area. The overstory was a winddeformed mix of whitebark pine, Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir. Its Washington dryad

undergrowth closely resembles a fellfield. Additional plots are needed to understand both forest

and non-forest Associations in timberline and alpine environments.
251

SUBALPINE

LARCH

SERIES
252
253

SUBALPINE LARCH SERIES

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT: The Subalpine Larch Series extends from the Mount

Stuart area northward along the Cascade Range through the Okanogan NF into Canada. The

Series is absent on the Colville NF, but is common in the northern Rocky Mountains, where it

has a greater north-south range and total extent.

The Series is restricted to high-elevation sites at or above the upper limits of continuous

forest cover. Sites are very harsh with deep snowpacks, high winds, high insolation, poor soils

and a very short growing season. Abrasion by wind-driven snow and ice is an important winter

feature. The deciduous nature of subalpine larch protects it over winter from foliage damage

from ice and snow. Subalpine larch is more resistant to damage than whitebark pine and maintains

tree form long after other species become prostrate. Diurnal temperature ranges are great and

frost is possible any night of the year. Insolation rates are high on clear, sunny days in the thin

air of these high elevation sites.

Elevations of sample plots range from 6600 to 7600 feet (average, 7330 ft.) on the relatively

dry mountains of the Okanogan NF. Sample plots elevations are somewhat lower on the the

Wenatchee NF, ranging from 5800 to 7340 feet (average, 6640 ft.). Very recent sampling (not

used here) in the Enchantment Lakes Basin included subalpine larch plots from under 6000 feet

to over 7800 feet. Subalpine larch appears restricted to acid substrates and is found primarily on

granitic rock types. There are huge areas on the Okanogan NF, in the Pasayten Wilderness and

vicinity, in which subalpine larch communities are abundant on the many high peaks and plateaus.

To the south, it is restricted a little more to the vicinity of the Cascade Crest, although it does

extend to the east on high ridges.

The number of subalpine larch plots was limited in the Wenatchee Draft (seven plots),

allowing the description of only two very broad plant Associations. Additional plots have been

added from more recent data from both the Okanogan and Wenatchee NFs, increasing the plot

number to 28 for the LALY Series, and allowing full descriptions for three major types. Two

additional plant Associations are described as miscellaneous Associations: LALY/DROC and

LALY/JUCO4. The types are listed in the tables following this Series introduction. The subalpine

larch Associations are usable throughout the Wenatchee and Okanogan NFs. Work is still

continuing and that recent sampling near the Enchantments confirmed the existence of LALY/

RHAL and LALY/LUHI Associations there.

VEGETATION: Subalpine larch sites are diverse and variable. Some stands are located on cliffs

or talus and show little if any development of shrubs and herbs. At the other extreme are

meadow-like sites with a rich assemblage of herbaceous species. Subalpine larch maintains its

erect tree form better than any other tree in these areas. At lower elevations in the Series,

Engelmann spruce and whitebark pine can maintain tree form. Subalpine fir is found throughout

lower elevations, while mountain hemlock and Pacific silver fir are associates in zones with

heavy more maritime climates. At higher elevations, many of these associated trees, if present at

all, are represented as stunted, shrub-like individuals (krumholz) because they are unable to

grow erect except where sheltered from wind-driven ice and snow.

The Whitebark Pine Series is often found adjacent to the Subalpine Larch Series. At

lower elevations, whitebark pine is generally characteristic of dry south and westerly slopes,

while subalpine larch is restricted to more mesic sites. However, at the highest elevations,

subalpine larch can be found on all aspects and whitebark pine dominates only extremely dry

sites. The two species tend to be complementary in distribution rather than competitive because

whitebark pine can grow on droughty sites while subalpine larch does not tolerate soil drought.

Whitebark pine is less able to endure high snow packs and is much more subject to damage

from wind and ice than subalpine larch.
254

Subalpine larch is extremely long-lived (500-1000 years) and may outlive several

generations of associated species, such as subalpine fir. The largest individual subalpine larch is

reported to be from the Chelan Mountains above upper Lake Chelan (Arno and Habeck 1972).

Subalpine larch regeneration is absent most years and regeneration may occur in waves, every

few decades or even centuries, when conditions and seed crops combine to initiate new stands.

Once subalpine larch is established and tree-sized, it is common for less hardy but more

competitive species such as subalpine fir and Engelmann spruce to establish in the lee of the

larch. Presence or absence of a single tree may profoundly affect plant succession in certain

areas. However, there are many examples in the data where other conifers are essentially absent.

Many sites have an understory of fragile shrubs and herbs and are easily damaged by

recreational traffic and livestock. Degraded sites heal very slowly because of the severe cold,

frost and wind, and high insolation rates. Establishment of vegetation cover may require centuries

or, if soils have been lost, never.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Tree production data are not available for the Subalpine

Larch Series, but natural conditions are so harsh that timber production should be very low and

management should concentrate on limiting any form of site disturbance. Destruction of

vegetation cover may initiate erosion that may continue for decades after the disturbing agents

are removed. Examination of areas within the Series that were used as sheep bed grounds

revealed that erosion is still common, even though the sites have not had sheep on them for

decades. The short growing season further limits vegetation recovery. Some years may be so

cold that plants do not have time to fully complete their life cycles.

Subalpine larch stands lie in zones of very frequent lightning strikes. However, standreplacement fires are extremely rare because of the open nature of the larch stands. In addition,

stands are often interrupted by vast areas of cliff, talus and rock. Most fires are restricted to the

immediate vicinity of the lightning-struck tree.

Subalpine larch is relatively disease-free compared to other trees. No known threats

exist for subalpine larch stands. Associated whitebark pine is presently threatened by blister

rust and mountain pine beetles.

Subalpine larch forms a distinctive zone of open forests at upper treeline. Heavy, latemelting snowpacks form the headwaters of many streams. Summer recreational use is often

high because of the rugged beauty of this country, with subalpine larch being an attractive

feature of these landscapes. Watershed and recreation values are extremely high, but these

fragile and valuable habitats need to be carefully managed to protect their soils and vegetation.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: The Subalpine Larch Series has been

described by numerous authors up and down the Cascades and east into the northern Rocky

Mountains. Some of the authors are: Pfister and others 1977 (Montana); Cooper and others

1991 (Idaho); Williams and Lillybridge 1983 (Okanogan NF); Williams and others 1991

(Wenatchee NF Draft); del Moral unpublished draft (Enchantment Lakes); Wooten and

Morrison unpublished draft (North Cascades).
255

Keys to Plant Associations

of the Subalpine Larch Series

Before using the key, the field form in Appendix E should be completed. Refer to the “Using the

Keys” section in the introduction for more information on key use and if the stand does not key.

Note: (M) refers to miscellaneous plant Associations that are described elsewhere but were

uncommon or undersampled, or both, on the Wenatchee NF.

Western dryad > 5%............................................. LALY/DROC (M) p. 262

Cascade huckleberry > 5%.................................... LALY/VADE-CAME p. 258

Moss-heathers, mountain heaths, or

partridgefoot > 5% ............................................... LALY/CAME-LUPE p. 256

Grouse huckleberry or low huckleberry > 5% ........... LALY/VASC/LUHI p. 260

Common juniper > 5% ......................................... LALY/JUCO4 (M) p. 262

Plant Associations Groups (PAGs) are arranged so that similar ecological sites are grouped on

a temperature and moisture scale. Temperature values (from hot to cold) are hot, warm, cool

and cold while moisture values are (from dry to wet) dry, mesic, moist and wet. WEN is used to

indentify Wenatchee plant Associations that are considered ecologically different from likenamed Associations described elsewhere. (M) refers to miscellaneous plant Associations that

are described elsewhere but were uncommon or undersampled, or both, on the Wenatchee NF.

SUBALPINE LARCH

PLANT ASSOCIATION

GROUPS

1. Cold Dry Shrub/Herb PAG

• LALY/DROC (M)

• LALY/JUCO4 (M)

2. Cold Mesic Shrub/Herb PAG

• LALY/CAME-LUPE

• LALY/VADE-CAME

• LALY/VASC/LUHI

SUBALPINE LARCH

PLANT ASSOCIATIONS

AND ECOCLASS CODES

LALY/CAME-LUPE CAC111

LALY/DROC (M) CAC112

LALY/JUCO4 (M) CAC113

LALY/VADE-CAME CAC114

LALY/VASC/LUHI CAC115
256

LALY/CAME-LUPE ASSOCIATION CAC111

Larix lyalli/Cassiope mertensiana-Lutkea pectinata

subalpine larch/Mertens’ moss-heather-partridgefoot

SLIDE 74

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 6330-7600 (6830) ft.

Aspect: all aspects

Slope: 1-75+ %

Slope position: toeslopes to ridges

Special: high, cold sites

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 11)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

LALY subalpine larch 73 21

ABLA2 subalpine fir 64 7

PIAL whitebark pine 45 3

PIEN Engelmann spruce 36 10

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

LALY subalpine larch 100 7

ABLA2 subalpine fir 73 5

PIEN Engelmann spruce 55 4

PIAL whitebark pine 36 2

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

LUPE partridgefoot 73 20

PHEM red mountain heath 73 8

VASC grouse huckleberry 73 8

CATE2 four-angled moss-heather 45 44

LEGL labrador tea 45 7

CAME Mertens’ moss-heather 36 29

HERBS

LUHI smooth woodrush 82 8

CANI2 black alpine sedge 82 4

DEAT mountain hairgrass 55 1

VASI Sitka valerian 45 5

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The LALY/CAME-LUPE Association

is widespread in the subalpine larch zone.

Sample plots were on the Sawtooth-Chelan

Divide, Entiat Mountains and Alpine Lakes

Wilderness Area on the Wenatchee NF. Six

plots in the Chelan-Sawtooth and Pasayten

Wilderness Areas and near Tiffany Mt. were

borrowed from the Okanogan NF. This type

is characterized by sites with somewhat lower

snowpacks than LALY/VADE and tends to be

more prominent in drier mountain ranges in

the North Cascades. It is by no means absent

in the vicinity of LALY/VADE-CAME, where

it simply occupies slightly drier sites. Field

observations suggest a relatively wide

geographic distribution.

Sites are harsh, with high winds, short

summers, and deep snowpacks. Plot elevations

ranged from 6880 to 7600 feet on the Okanogan

NF and 6330 to 6720 ft. on the Wenatchee.

Recent samples in the Enchantment Basin are

over 7200 feet. The type occurs on all aspects,

especially at higher elevations. Slopes ranged

from 1% on plots transitional to wetlands to over

75% on cirque headwalls.

Soils are poorly developed, and formed in

granitic rock types. Soils associated with the

riparian plots are deeper, finer textured, and

have less rock. Litter is generally abundant on

all plots. Surface rock and coarse fragments

within the soil are very abundant on steep slopes

and cirque headwalls.

LALY/VADE-CAME is more

prominent in maritime areas, while LALY/

VASC/LUHI occupies more moderate slopes.

Dry, harsh sites may support the PIAL Series.
257

LALY/CAME-LUPE ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Stands of LALY/CAME-LUPE develop open canopies. Dominance of subalpine

larch is based on its superior hardiness instead of its competitive ability. Sites are characterized by

open stands of subalpine larch over a prostrate, shrub-and herb-dominated forest floor. At higher

elevations, other conifers, especially subalpine fir, may be represented by stunted individuals, or

krumholz, or be completely absent. At lower elevations these conifers may develop into short trees,

but are widely scattered compared to subalpine larch. Sites of this type are so harsh that subalpine fir

or mountain hemlock can never form a closed canopy of tall trees, which helps distinguish this type

from lower elevation types, such as ABLA2/VASC/LUHI. A few plots, especially those on the edges

of riparian zones, do not have any trees over 5 inches DBH. The stands are composed of numerous,

old, small-stemmed, short, yet erect trees. Subalpine larch is very long-lived and regeneration needs

to occur only every few hundred years for the sites to remain forested.

The undergrowth is dominated by heaths, heathers and partridgefoot. Heaths and heathers

include Mertens moss-heather, four-angled moss-heather and red mountain heath. Although not on

the sample plots, Alaska moss-heather and cream mountain heath can also be used to identify the

type. Other common herbs include smooth woodrush, black alpine sedge, mountain hairgrass, Sitka

valerian and slender hawkweed. Some caution must be used when the plot has only red mountain

heath as an indicator. Moss-heathers and partridgefoot best characterize CAME-LUPE, whereas

red mountain heath occurs in small amounts at lower elevations in many of the high-elevation, but

potentially closed-forest types such as ABLA2/VASC/LUHI.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Tree production data are not available for LALY/CAME-LUPE,

but tree growth and stocking are assumed to be very low. For instance, on recent samples in the

Enchantment Basin, just three inches of core (the trees had rotten centers) were ranging from 150 to

200 years in age. These sites are not recommended for timber production as no techniques are known

to assure reforestation. Overstory removal increases the potential for severe frost heaving, winter

desiccation and drought, and these alter snowpack patterns and melting regimes. Snow deposition in

the lee of the trees is an important site characteristic, and sites may be altered by the death or removal

of an individual subalpine larch.

LALY/CAME-LUPE sites are important for watershed and scenic values. They are favorite

areas for energetic hikers, climbers, backpackers and horsemen. The type also provides habitat for a

variety of wildlife species, including deer, mountain goats, ptarmigan, blue grouse, pika and marmots.

Subalpine larch stands lie in zones of very frequent lightning strikes. However, stand-replacement

fires are extremely rare in LALY/CAME-LUPE because of the open nature of the larch stands. In

addition, the stands are often interrupted by vast areas of cliff, talus and rock that further restrict the

spread of canopy fires. Most fires are limited to the immediate vicinity of the lightning-struck tree.

Subalpine larch is relatively disease-free compared to other trees. No known threats exist for these

stands except for the potential removal of associated whitebark pine by blister rust.

Heathers associated with LALY/CAME-LUPE sites are rather intolerant of trampling. Once

damaged, it will take centuries for the site to recover. Sites that have been denuded of vegetation heal

very slowly, and reestablishment of tree, shrub and herb cover may take centuries. Partridgefoot is the

native species that appears best able to colonize disturbed areas. Alpine timothy, mountain hairgrass,

alpine bluegrass, arnicas, asters, lupines and wooly pussytoes are native herbs which may be useful in

revegetation efforts.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: LALY/CAME-LUPE has not been previously

described because earlier classifications treated timberline sites so broadly. Plots belonging to this type

were located in both the LALY/LUHI and LALY/VADE types described in the Wenatchee Draft

(Williams and others 1991). It is also a major part of the LALY Association in the Okanogan classification

(Williams and Lillybridge 1983). It may also be part of the very general LALY-ABLA2 Habitat Types

discussed in the north Idaho (Cooper and others 1991) and Montana (Pfister and others 1977)

classifications, and may be similar to the LALY-PIEN/PHEM/LUHI type described by Wooten and

Morrison (unpublished draft). It is similar to the LALY/CAME and LALY-ABLA2/CAME-LEGL

communities described in the Enchantment Lakes Basin (del Moral unpublished draft).
258

LALY/VADE-CAME ASSOCIATION CAC114

Larix lyalli/Vaccinium deliciosum-Cassiope mertensiana

subalpine larch/Cascade huckleberry-Mertens moss-heather

SLIDE 75

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 6020-7580 (6875) ft.

Aspect: all aspects

Slope: 10-70 (35) %

Slope position: lower slopes to ridges

Special: cold, moist, maritime climate

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 7)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

LALY subalpine larch 100 15

ABLA2 subalpine fir 86 4

PIAL whitebark pine 43 3

PIEN Engelmann spruce 43 4

TSME mountain hemlock 29 2

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

ABLA2 subalpine fir 86 7

LALY subalpine larch 71 3

PIAL whitebark pine 57 2

TSME mountain hemlock 29 1

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

VADE Cascade huckleberry 100 16

CAME Mertens’ moss-heather 100 12

PHEM red mountain heath 86 14

LUPE partridgefoot 86 12

VASC grouse huckleberry 71 20

HERBS

LUHI smooth woodrush 71 16

CANI2 black alpine sedge 57 4

DEAT mountain hairgrass 43 5

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The LALY/VADE-CAME Association

is found from the Mount Stuart area north to

the Canadian border. It is widely distributed

in the more maritime climates found on the

Leavenworth and Lake Wenatchee Districts,

but is restricted to the immediate vicinity of

the Cascade Crest on the Okanogan NF. Plots

were in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area,

Entiat Mountains, and on the Okanogan NF

near Hart’s Pass. The type is at or above the

continuous treeline, and it forms woodlands,

parklands or islands of trees. Plot data are

somewhat limited, but work is continuing in

the subalpine and alpine habitats that support

subalpine larch.

LALY/VADE-CAME is characterized

by harsh, windy, high-elevation sites with

deeper snowpacks than LALY/CAMELUPE. Plot elevations range from 6000 to

nearly 7600 feet. It occurs on all slopes and

aspects. Gentler plots were adjacent to

wetlands or on benches.

The regolith north of the Entiat Ridge is

composed of relatively acid materials formed

in granitic rock types, including granodiorite.

No soil data are available, but soils are poorly

developed. Coarse fragments, litter and surface

rock are usually abundant, except on gentle

slopes in the vicinity of wetlands.

LALY/CAME-LUPE is more prominent

on slopes with less snowpack or in areas away

from maritime climates. LALY/VASC/LUHI

occurs on more moderate slopes. The PIAL

Series may occur on extreme south to west slopes.
259

LALY/VADE-CAME ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Stands of LALY/VADE-CAME develop open canopies. Dominance of

subalpine larch is based on its superior hardiness instead of its competitive ability. Open stands

of subalpine larch are often mixed with stunted subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce, mountain

hemlock and whitebark pine. Sites are sufficiently harsh that conifers other than subalpine

larch may have difficulty in maintaining erect growth form and may be better represented by

stunted, or krumholz, individuals. This is especially true of subalpine fir, although at lower

elevations it, mountain hemlock, spruce and whitebark pine often maintain some semblance of

tree form. Subalpine larch is extremely long-lived (500 to 1000 years) and may outlive several

generations of species such as subalpine fir. On more moderate, lower-elevation sites, subalpine

fir or other conifers can form a closed canopy, and both subalpine larch and whitebark pine are

seral dominants that are shaded out as other species attain climax.

The general appearance of the ground vegetation is a low shrub layer, covering up to 50% of

the ground surface. The rest of the cover is provided by herbs, grasses and grass-like plants.

LALY/VADE-CAME is characterized by the constant presence of Cascade huckleberry, red

mountain heath, Mertens’ moss-heather and partridgefoot. Four-angled moss-heather and creamy

mountain heath were not found on the plots, but may help characterize the type elsewhere. Arno

and Habeck (1972) state that red mountain heath indicates sites poor in ions of magnesium and

calcium. Other herbs include smooth woodrush, mountain hairgrass, black alpine sedge, green

fescue, fan-leaf potentilla, Sitka valerian and slender hawkweed.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: Tree production data are not available for LALY/VADECAME, but tree growth and stocking are assumed to be very low. These sites are not

recommended for timber production as no techniques are known to assure reforestation.

Overstory removal increases the potential for severe frost heaving, winter desiccation and drought,

and these alter snow pack patterns and melting regimes. Snow deposition in the lee of the trees

is an important site characteristic, and sites may be altered by the death or removal of an individual

subalpine larch or whitebark pine.

The shrubs are very brittle and easily damaged by trampling. Sites that have been denuded

of vegetation heal very slowly and establishment of tree, shrub and herb cover may take centuries.

Partridgefoot is the native species that appears best able to colonize disturbed areas. Alpine

timothy, mountain hairgrass, alpine bluegrass, arnicas, asters, lupines and wooly pussytoes are

native herbs which may be useful in revegetation efforts.

Subalpine larch stands lie in zones of very frequent lightning strikes. However, standreplacement fires are extremely rare because of the open nature of the larch stands. Stands are

often interrupted by vast areas of cliff, talus and rock that help restrict the spread of canopy fires.

Most fires are limited to the immediate vicinity of the lightning-struck tree.

Subalpine larch is relatively disease-free compared to other trees. No known threats exist

for these stands, except for the potential removal of whitebark pine by blister rust. However, the

larch case bearer is infesting alpine larch in stands below 6000 feet on slopes above Colchuck

Lake (personal observations).

LALY/VADE-CAME sites are very important for watershed and scenic values. Sites

would not support erect trees if it were not for the very hardy nature of subalpine larch. The

type also provides important forage for wildlife, including blue grouse, ptarmigan, mountain

goats, pika and deer. They are favorite areas for energetic berry pickers, climbers, hikers,

backpackers and equestrians.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: Plots belonging to this type were located in

the LALY/VADE Association described in the Wenatchee Draft (Williams and others 1990). It is

also a minor part of the LALY Association in the Okanogan classification (Williams and Lillybridge

1983). It is not described by Wooten and Morrison (unpublished draft), nor does it occur in north

Idaho or Montana (Cooper and others 1991; Pfister and others 1977).
260

LALY/VASC/LUHI ASSOCIATION CAC115

Larix layalii/Vaccinium scoparium/Luzula hitchcockii

subalpine larch/grouse huckleberry/smooth woodrush

SLIDE 76

ENVIRONMENT

Elevation: 6600-7400 (7066) ft.

Aspect: all aspects

Slope: 10-54 (29)%

Slope position: lower to mid slopes

Special: high elev., cold, snow accumulation

VEGETATION SUMMARY

(Sample size: 5)

CON COV

TREE OVERSTORY LAYER

LALY subalpine larch 100 30

PIEN Engelmann spruce 100 13

PIAL whitebark pine 40 7

ABLA2 subalpine fir 40 8

PICO lodgepole pine 20 5

TREE UNDERSTORY LAYER

LALY subalpine larch 100 2

PIEN Engelmann spruce 60 1

ABLA2 subalpine fir 40 8

PIAL whitebark pine 40 2

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

VASC grouse huckleberry 80 31

PHEM red mountain heath 60 3

VAMY low huckleberry 40 1

HERBS

LUHI smooth woodrush 80 15

DISTRIBUTION AND ENVIRONMENT:

The LALY/VASC/LUHI Association is

represented by five plots on the Okanogan NF.

It is widely distributed on the east side of the

Cascades and is common in the Rocky

Mountains. It was sampled in the ChelanSawtooth and Pasayten Wilderness areas, and

near Tiffany Mt. The type should occur in the

similar dry, largely-granitic mountain ranges on

the Entiat and Chelan Districts and has been

observed in the Enchantment Basin area.

High winds, intense insolation, large

diurnal temperature ranges, and moderately

deep snow are characteristic of the site.

LALY/VASC/LUHI is most often found at

high elevations on moderate to steep slopes

and occurs on all aspects.

Soil data are not available, but soils

should be relatively shallow and well-drained.

Coarse fragments and surface rock are not as

abundant as on LALY/CAME-LUPE and

LALY/VADE-CAME. Parent materials are

glacial till or colluvium derived largely from

granite.

This type is generally more moderate than

LALY/VADE-CAME and LALY/CAMELUPE. They generally have shorter summers

and deeper snowpack. ABLA2/RHAL/LUHI

can occur on adjacent steep north slopes. The

PIAL Series may occur on severe south to west

exposures. TSME types occur in areas with

more maritime climate.
261

LALY/VASC/LUHI ASSOCIATION

VEGETATION: Stands of LALY/VASC/LUHI do not develop dense canopies, and dominance

of subalpine larch is based on its superior hardiness instead of its competitive ability. Open stands

of subalpine larch are often mixed with subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce, mountain hemlock (in its

range) and whitebark pine. In our experience, sites are less harsh than LALY/VADE-CAME

and LALY/CAME-LUPE sites, and these conifers often attain erect growth, although subalpine

fir certainly exhibits layering. Engelmann spruce is a very prominent feature of these stands, when

compared to other subalpine larch Associations. Krumholz probably occurs only on the most

severe sites. It is somewhat difficult to say where to draw the line between open subalpine larch

Associations and closed subalpine fir or mountain hemlock types. For instance, a plot at 6600 feet

was near the lower elevation of subalpine larch, and larch cover was significantly less than spruce.

However, even in this old-growth stand it was likely that closed canopies would never occur and

larch would always maintain its status in the stand. It could have been judged either way. Subalpine

larch is extremely long-lived (500 to 1000 years) and may outlive several generations of species

such as subalpine fir. In more moderate, lower-elevation types such as ABLA2/VASC/LUHI,

subalpine fir or other conifers can form a closed canopy where subalpine larch and whitebark pine

are seral dominants but are shaded out as other species gain dominance.

The general appearance of the ground vegetation is a rather continuous, though open, low

shrub layer dominated by grouse huckleberry. Although not in the data, low huckleberry was

very recently observed to dominate this type near the Enchantment Lakes Basin. The rest of

the cover is provided by herbs, grasses and grass-like plants. Cascade huckleberry, red mountain

heath, Mertens’ moss-heather and partridgefoot are scarce. However, red mountain heath can

be found through much of this type. Smooth woodrush is the most dominant herb on most

sites. It and pussytoes may increase in cover on disturbed sites. Other common herbs include

broadleaf arnica, lupines and Ross’ sedge. Mountain hairgrass, black alpine sedge, alpine bluegrass,

fan-leaf potentilla and slender hawkweed, common on the LALY/VADE-CAME and LALY/

VADE-CAME types, are apparently uncommon on this type.

PRODUCTIVITY/MANAGEMENT: There are no data available for tree production, but tree growth

and stocking are assumed very low. These sites are not recommended for timber production as no

techniques are known to assure reforestation. Overstory removal increases the potential for severe

frost heaving, winter desiccation and drought, and alters snow pack patterns and melting regimes.

Snow deposition in the lee of the trees is an important site characteristic that may be altered by the

death or removal of an individual subalpine larch or whitebark pine.

These sites are very important for their watershed and scenic values. The type also provides

important forage for wildlife, including blue grouse, ptarmigan, mountain goats, pika and deer.

Data is not available on herbage production but it is assumed to be very low. Livestock, where

present, use these sites for shade and bedding. They are favorite areas for hikers, climbers,

backpackers and horse riders. The shrubs are very brittle and easily damaged by trampling.

Damage is especially severe in areas of long-term campsite use. Sites that have been denuded of

vegetation heal very slowly, and establishment of tree, shrub and herb cover may take decades, if

not centuries. Smooth woodrush, alpine timothy, arnicas, asters, lupines and pussytoes are

native herbs which may be useful in revegetation efforts.

Subalpine larch stands lie in zones of very frequent lightning strikes. Stand-replacement

fires are unusual because of the open nature of the stands and the relatively non-flammable

undergrowth. However, such fires may be more frequent on LALY/VASC/LUHI than on

LALY/VADE-CAME and LALY/CAME-LUPE. Still, most fires are restricted to the

immediate vicinity of the lightning-struck tree.

RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS: LALY/VASC/LUHI has not been

described in previous classifications because they treat timberline sites so broadly. Plots fitting

this type were a major part of the LALY Association in the Okanogan classification (Williams

and Lillybridge 1983) and of the very general LALY-ABLA2 Habitat Types described for

northern Idaho (Cooper and others 1991) and Montana (Pfister and others 1977). It is also a

likely part of the LALY-PIEN/PHEM/LUHI community described by Wooten and Morrison

(unpublished draft). It may be similar to the LALY/PHEM/LUHI community described for

the Enchantment Basin (del Moral unpublished draft).
262

MISCELLANEOUS SUBALPINE LARCH ASSOCIATIONS

(less than 5 Wenatchee sample plots)

LALY/DROC CAC112

Two plots on the Okanogan NF have been assigned to this plant Association. They are very

inaccessible, but similar sites occur on the Chelan-Sawtooth Ridge and the Entiat Mountains

to the south and it seems reasonable that this type is present elsewhere in the northern Cascades.

In fact, this type was very recently sampled in the Enchantment Lakes Basin (not in the data).

The two plots were located on very severe windswept ridges at 7400 to 7700 feet in the vicinity

of Mt. Tiffany. The overstory is a wind-deformed mix of subalpine larch, whitebark pine and

Engelmann spruce. The Washington dryad undergrowth averages 35% cover and closely

resembles a fellfield. Additional plots are needed to understand both forest and non-forest

Associations in very high timberline and alpine environments.

LALY/JUCO4 CAC113

Three plots in this Association were located near Mt. Tiffany and Oval Peak on the Okanogan

NF. We presume it can occur on similar high, dry mountain ranges on the Entiat and Chelan

Districts and perhaps in the Enchantment Lakes area. Sites are very steep, windy, mid to upper

slopes with very dry, extremely well drained soils. The tree layer is dominated by open subalpine

larch. Whitebark pine, Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir are scattered. Common juniper is

well represented to abundant and the undergrowth closely resembles PIAL/JUCO4.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Many people have contributed to the development of this publication. The vision of Fred

Hall that provided the impetus for the USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region Ecology

Program is gratefully acknowledged. His ability to provide a different and insightful perspective

has been very helpful for this publication and over the years as well.

In addition to the authors, many people have assisted in the field sampling. Sonny Paz and

Peter Morrison collected most of the intensive plot data. Glen Sachet collected most of the

soils data from the early intensive plots.

Most of the computer programs used in analysis were developed or modified by Margaret

Connelly, Leonard Volland or Brad Smith. Brad Smith’s conversion of many of the analysis

programs to a PC platform really helped improve the analysis process.

The efforts of Steve Rust and Jodi Engle to classify some series provided a different view

and new insight for this guide. Jodi Engle, Steve Hahn, Marlene Reynolds and Richy Harrod

provided some needed photographs at the last minute. Dan O’Connor did the majority of the

layout to produce the camera-ready copy. Eve Ponder created the cover illustration. The willing

and able help of Del Thompson and Karen Esterholdt to edit and make suggestions about the

printing process is greatly appreciated. Finally, the senior author is grateful to Richard Carter

for his assistance and guidance in editing and layout.
263

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269

GLOSSARY

Abundant When relating to plant canopy cover in association descriptions or key, any species with

25% or more cover (after Pfister and others 1977).

Accidental A species unusual in a particular habitat and present only because of accident or fluke

of establishment.

Allelopathy The influence on one plant from products of another plant’s metabolism. “Chemical

warfare of plants.”

Alluvium A soil that has been deposited by water transport.

Alpine A Zone: the part of a mountain above the tree line. Also refers to plants that grow in that

environment. By definition there is no such thing as an alpine tree because alpine means “above the

tree line.”

Annual A plant that grows, matures, produces seed and dies each year.

Ash (volcanic) Fine pyroclastic fragments under 4.0 mm diameter, usually produced by explosive,

aerial ejection from a volcanic vent, i.e., an eruption.

Association a. A unit of a vegetation classification based on the projected climax community type.;

b. A group of plants growing together in a climax state; c. An assemblage of species defined and

recognized by certain characteristic dominants; d. “...a particular combination of climax tree and

understory dominants....” (Daubenmire 1968).

Biennial A plant that completes its life cycle in two years and then dies.

Bunchgrass A grass that grows in a bunch or clump (see caespitose). Contrast with rhizomatous.

Caespitose (also cespitose) Growing in dense tufts, e.g., bunchgrass.

Climax A self-replacing association or species; with no evidence of replacement by other plants.

Climax community The stable community in an ecological succession which, in the absence of

disturbance, is able to reproduce itself indefinitely under existing environmental conditions. Accepted

as the final stage or end-point in plant succession for a site. The climax community develops and

maintains itself in steady state conditions (without disturbance). Often termed the association.

Climax species Species that in the absence of disturbance are self perpetuating, with no evidence

of replacement by other species. Usually considered the most shade tolerant and competitive species.

Climax vegetation The pattern or complex of climax communities in a landscape, corresponding to

the pattern of environmental gradients or habitats (Gabriel and Talbot 1984).

Colluvium Unconsolidated earth material deposited on or at the base of steep slopes by mass

wasting (direct gravitational action) and local unconcentrated runoff.

Common When used in association descriptions or keys, any species with 1% or more cover in the stand

[several individuals present] (after Pfister and others 1977). Often might include species with cover

values somewhat less than 1%, since “trace” was not recorded in the Colville NF data.

Community A general term for an assemblage of plants living together and interacting in a specific

location; no particular ecological status is implied.

Community type A conceptual synthesis of all plant communities with similar structure and floristic

composition. A unit of vegetation within a classification with no particular successional status implied.
270

Constancy The number of occurrences of a species in a series of same-size plots divided by the

total number of plots (expressed as a percentage). IFor instance, if a particular association has 10

plots and a species is found in 8 of the 10, its constancy is 80%.

Cover Usually meant as canopy cover, which is the gross outline of the foliage of an individual plant

or group of plants within a stand or plot. Expressed as a percent of the total area of the plot and may

exceed 100% if more than one vegetation layer is considered.

Depauperate Poorly developed in terms of both species and cover of individuals.

Dominant A taxon or group of taxa which by their collective size, mass, or numbers exert the most

influence on other components of the ecosystem (Daubenmire 1978).

Ecotone The boundary or transition zone between plant communities.

Ephemeral Lasting only a short time.

Evergreen Foliage remains green throughout the year; not deciduous.

Forb An herb. Any herbaceous plant that is not grasslike.

Genus A taxonomic class below a family and above a species (e.g., all pines are of one genus).

Graminoid Refers to an herb with long narrow leaves such as grasses and grass-like plants (sedges

and rushes).

Grass Any member of the family Gramineae.

Grasslike Includes plants such as sedges and rushes that resemble grasses in gross morphology but

are not part of the family Gramineae. See graminoid.

Habitat The area or type of environment in which an organism or population normally lives or occurs.

Habitat type Defined originally by R. Daubenmire (1968) to mean: “All the area that now supports,

or within recent time has supported, and presumably is still capable of supporting, one plant

association....” An aggregation of all land areas capable of supporting similar plant communities at

climax (Pfister and others 1977).

Herb A plant with a fleshy stem that dies back to ground level each year. A non-woody plant.

Herbaceous Leaflike in color and texture; non-woody.

Hydric A relative term used with xeric and mesic to denote the wetness of a site. Xeric-mesic-hydric

indicates dry to wet. Hygric is a synonymous term that is probably more appropriate (or correct).

Hygric See hydric.

Increaser A native plant that increases under disturbance (usually grazing). It carries a negative

connotation for determination of range condition.

Indicator species A species which is sensitive to important environmental feature of a site, such

that its constancy or abundance reflect significant changes in environmental factors. A plant whose

presence indicates specific site conditions or a type.

Invader An introduced plant that increases after its introduction into a site, generally after some

type of disturbance. As used in range management, the term carries the connotation of being

undesirable for grazing.
271

Layering The ability of a plant to form roots where its stem comes in contact with the ground. (e.g.

Western redcedar or Pacific yew.)

Loess Fine grained, wind-deposited material predominantly of silt-size particles.

Mesic A relative term used with xeric and hydric to denote the wetness of a site. Xeric-mesic-hydric

indicates dry to wet.

Meso-, Mes- A prefix used to indicate a middle or intermediate condition, such as mesic (intermediate

in terms of moisture or temperature; or along a gradient of riparian conditions such as riparian, mesoriparian, xero-riparian to non-riparian communities or species.)

Microsite A small area (usually only a few square feet) of different site or habitat conditions from

that surrounding it. (E.g., a small concave area within a larger area of convex slope.)

Moderate Used in the context of not extreme in terms of temperature, elevation and moisture.

Plant Association A unit of a vegetation classification based on the projected climax community

type.

Plant Community A general term for an assemblage of plants living together and interacting among

themselves in a specific location; no particular successional status implied.

Plant Community Type An conceptual synthesis of all plant communities with similar structure and

floristic composition. A unit of vegetation within a classification, with no particular ecological status

implied.

Plot A measured, circumscribed sampling area for vegetation (Lincoln and others 1982).

Poorly represented When relating to plant coverage in association descriptions or keys, includes

any species with less than 5% cover, including absent. In practice, often indicates species that are

not especially apparent (after Pfister and others 1977).

Presence The state or fact of being present; or, similar to constancy except that all the plots need

not be the same size.

Present Found in the plot [but not obviously restricted to atypical microsites] (after Pfister and

others 1977).

Principal layer The layer which defines the characteristic physiognomy of the vegetation (at any

geographic or classification scale) being considered.

Prostrate Growing flat along the ground.

Regolith “All loose earth material above the underlying solid rock; more or less equivalent to the

term soil...” (Lincoln and others 1982).

Reproducing successfully An evaluation of the reproductive success of trees, when a species

appears capable of reproducing itself under current conditions (mainly applied to closed canopy

conditions). Generally, 10 or more individuals per acre is used as an arbitrary starting point for

evaluation. Other items normally considered include the health and vigor of individuals, the species

concerned is not restricted to atypical microsites, and individuals are usually in more than one size

class in the understory (after Pfister and others 1977).

Residuum A soil that has developed in place from the local geologic formation. Usually, residual

soils have been formed from weathering and have not been significantly transported from the parent

location.

Rhizomatous Having rhizomes.
272

Rhizome A root-like underground stem that sends out shoots from its upper surface and roots from

the under surface.

Riparian relating to that land, next to water, where plants dependent on a perpetual source of water

occur (Kovalchik 1987).

Riparian ecosystem Interacting system between aquatic and terrestrial conditions, identified by

soil characteristics and distinctive vegetation that requires or tolerates free or unbound water

(Youngblood and others 1985).

Riparian species Plant species occurring within a riparian zone. Obligate species require the

environmental conditions within the riparian zone; facultative species tolerate the conditions and

therefore may also occur away from the riparian zone (Youngblood and others 1985).

Riparian zone A geographically delineated portion of the riparian ecosystem (Youngblood and others

1985).

Rosette A basal cluster of leaves, flowers, etc., arranged in a circle or disc.

Rush Grasslike plants of the family Juncaceae, with hollow or pithy, round stems without nodes.

Scarce When relating to plant coverage in association descriptions or keys, includes any species

absent or with less than 1% cover [only one or two small plants].

Sedge A grasslike plant of the family Cyperaceae that resembles a grass but has solid (often

triangular) stems without nodes.

Seral A species or plant community that is replaced by another as succession progresses. See

sere.

Sere The complete sequence of ecological communities successively occupying an area.

Series A conceptual synthesis of taxonomically related associations that takes the name of the

climax species that dominates the principal layer (Driscoll and others 1984). A group of associations

or habitat types with the same dominant climax species.

Shrub A woody perennial that differs from trees in that it is typically smaller in stature and has

multiple stems from the ground. Shrubs tend to be categorized as follows: Low shrubs are up to 2

feet tall; Medium shrubs are 2 to 6 feet high; and Tall shrubs are more than 6 feet tall. See also

subshrub.

Site An area delimited by fairly uniform climatic and soil conditions. Similar to habitat.

Species A taxonomic class below that of genus; generally refers to organisms capable of interbreeding.

Stable The condition of little or no perceived change; used for plant communities that are in relative

equilibrium with existing environmental conditions. Describes persistent but not necessarily culminating

stages [climax] in plant succession (Youngblood and others 1985).

Stand Vegetation occupying a specific area and sufficiently uniform in species composition, age

arrangement, structure and condition to be distinguished from the vegetation in adjoining areas. Stands

are real entities and can be sampled. Compare association, habitat type, community.

Stolon A creeping stem above the ground that roots at the nodes. Compare to rhizome.

Stoloniferous Having or bearing stolons.
273

Subalpine A forested zone just below the treeless (alpine) zone. See alpine.

Subshrub A very low (usually less than 1 foot tall) and semi-woody plant with a persistent, somewhat

woody base. Some consider them as woody herbs. PYSE, CHUMO and LIBOL are examples of

subshrubs. (Suffrutescent is the proper botanical term for semi-shrubby plants.)

Succession The replacement of one type of community or species by another. (Often given the

connotation of leading towards the climax, but this is not necessarily so in all uses.)

Timberline The upper or lower limit above which trees do not grow. The lower timberline is usually

related to drought and the upper to low temperatures. See tree line.

Trailing Prostrate, but not rooting.

Tree A woody plant with a single stem (usually) and more than eight feet tall.

Tree line The limit beyond which trees do not grow except perhaps in a stunted form. Compare with

timberline.

Type A general term for class, synonymous with any classified unit, and used in the text to facilitate

readability.

Ungulate Cloven-hoofed animals

Undergrowth A generalized term that refers to the plants under a taller canopy of vegetation, such

as shrubs under a canopy of trees. See understory.

Understory Sometimes has the same meaning as undergrowth but usually carries the connotation

of being small trees.

Well represented When relating to plant coverage in association descriptions or keys, any species

with more than 5% canopy cover [readily apparent] (after Pfister and others 1977).

Wintergreen Green throughout the year. Evergreen, but without the connotation evergreen carries

of being specific to tree foliage.

Xero- A Greek prefix meaning dry. E.g., xerophyte = a dryness-enduring or drought-tolerant plant.

Compare with mesic and hydric (hygric).

Xeric Characterized by or adapted to a dry habitat. See explanation under hydric.

Zone The geographic area of uniform macroclimate where the climatic associations share the same

characteristic species of the principal layer. Note: the zone has been used by Daubenmire (1978) to

describe the geographical area over which one association is climatic climax. His definition is more

specific than the definition given above. The definition as used herein approximates the geographical

area of a Series, or possibly portions of other Series, rather than the area of one Association.
274
275

APPENDIX A

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

SCIENTIFIC AND COMMON NAMES

OF

TREES, SHRUBS, SUBSHRUBS AND HERBS

APPENDIX B

MEAN COVER AND CONSTANCY

OF

IMPORTANT SPECIES BY TYPE
276

APPENDIX A

Species alphabetized by code

TREES

CODE SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME

ABAM Abies amabilis silver fir

ABGR Abies grandis grand fir

ABLA2 Abies lasiocarpa subalpine fir

ABPR Abies procera noble fir

ACMA Acer macrophyllum bigleaf maple

ALRU Alnus rubra red alder

BEOC Betula occidentalis western water birch

BEPA Betula papyrifera paper birch

CHNO Chamaecyparis nootkatensis Alaska yellow cedar

LALY Larix lyalli subalpine larch

LAOC Larix occidentalis western larch

PIEN Picea engelmannii Engelmann spruce

PIGL Picea glauca white spruce

PIAL Pinus albicaulis whitebark pine

PICO Pinus contorta lodgepole pine

PIMO Pinus monticola western white pine

PIPO Pinus ponderosa ponderosa pine

POTR Populus tremuloides quaking aspen

POTR2 Populus trichocarpa black cottonwood

PSME Pseudotsuga menziesii Douglas-fir

QUGA Quercus garryana Oregon white oak

THPL Thuja plicata western redcedar

TSHE Tsuga heterophylla western hemlock

TSME Tsuga mertensiana mountain hemlock

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS

CODE SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME

ACCI Acer circinatum vine maple

ACGLD Acer glabrum var. douglasii Douglas maple

ALSI Alnus sinuata Sitka alder

AMAL Amelanchier alnifolia serviceberry

ARNE Arctostaphylos nevadensis pinemat manzanita

ARTRV Artemisia tridentata vaseyana mountain big sagebrush

ARUV Arctostaphylos uva-ursi bearberry

BEAQ Berberis aquifolium Oregon grape

BENE Berberis nervosa Cascade Oregon grape

CAME Cassiope mertensiana Mertens’ moss-heather

CATR2 Cassiope tetrogona four-angled moss-heather

CESA Ceanothus sanguineus redstem ceanothus

CEVE Ceanothus velutinus snowbrush ceanothus

CHME Chimaphila menziesii little prince’s pine

CHUMO Chimaphila umbellata var. occidentalis western prince’s pine

COCA Cornus canadensis bunchberry dogwood
277

APPENDIX A cont’d

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS cont’d

CODE SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME

COCO2 Corylus cornuta California hazel

COST Cornus stolonifera red-osier dogwood

DROC Dryas octapetela Washington dryad

GAOV Gaultheria ovatifolia slender wintergreen

HODI Holodiscus discolor ocean-spray

JUCO4 Juniperus communis common juniper

LEGL Ledum glandulosum Labrador tea

LIBOL Linnaea borealis var. longiflora twinflower

LOCI Lonicera ciliosa trumpet honesuckle

LOIN Lonicera involucrata bearberry honeysuckle

LOUT Lonicera utahensis Utah honeysuckle

LUPE Luetkea pectinata partridgefoot

MEFE Menziesia ferruginea rusty menziesia

OPHO Oplopanax horridum devil’s club

PAMY Pachistima myrsinities pachistima

PEFR3 Penstemon fruiticosus shrubby penstemon

PHLE2 Philadelphus lewisii mockorange

PHEM Phyllodoce empetriformis red mountain heath

PHMA Physocarpus malvaceus ninebark

PREM Prunus emarginata bitter cherry

PRVI Prunus virginiana chokecherry

PUTR Purshia tridentata bitterbrush

PYAS Pyrola asarifolia alpine pyrola

PYCH Pyrola chlorantha green pyrola

PYPI Pyrola picta whitevein pyrola

PYSE Pyrola secunda sidebells pyrola

PYUN Pyrola uniflora woodnymph pyrola

RHAL Rhododendron albiflorum Cascade azalea

RICE Ribes cereum wax currant

RILA Ribes lacustre prickly currant

RIVI Ribes viscosissimum sticky currant

ROGY Rosa gymnocarpa baldhip rose

RONUH Rosa nutkana var. hispida bristly nootka rose

ROSA Rosa spp. rose species

ROWO Rosa woodsii Wood’s rose

RULA Rubus lasiococcus dwarf bramble

RUPA Rubus parviflorus western thimbleberry

RUPE Rubus pedatus five-leaved bramble

RUSP Rubus spectabalis salmonberry

RUUR Rubus ursinus Pacific blackberry

SACE Sambucus cerulea blue elderberry

SALIX Salix spp. willow species

SASC Salix scouleriana Scouler willow

SHCA Shepherdia canadensis russet buffaloberry

SOSC2 Sorbus scopulina mountain ash

SOSI Sorbus sitchensis Sitka mountain ash
278

APPENDIX A cont’d

SHRUBS AND SUBSHRUBS cont’d

CODE SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME

SPBEL Spirea betulifolia var. lucida shiny-leaf spirea

SYAL Symphoricarpos albus common snowberry

SYMOH Symphoricarpos mollis var. hesperius creeping snowberry

SYOR Symphoricarpos oreophilus mountain snowberry

TABR Taxus brevifolia Pacific yew

VAAL Vaccinium alaskaense Alaska huckleberry

VACA Vaccinium caespitosum dwarf huckleberry

VADE Vaccinium deliciosum Cascade huckleberry

VACCI Vaccinium spp. huckleberry species

VAME Vaccinium membranaceum big huckleberry

VAMY Vaccinium myrtillus low huckleberry

VAOV Vaccinium ovatifolium oval-leaf huckleberry

VAPA Vaccinium parvifolium red huckleberry

VASC Vaccinium scoparium grouse huckleberry

XETE Xerophyllum tenax beargrass

HERBS

CODE SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME

ACTR Achylys triphylla vanilla leaf

ACMI Achillea millefolium yarrow

ACRU Actaea rubra baneberry

ADBI Adenocaulon bicolor pathfinder

AGSP Agropyron spicatum bluebunch wheatgrass

AGIN Agropyron spicatum var. inerme beardless bluebunch wheatgrass

ALLIU Allium spp. onion species

ANOR Anemone oregana Oregon anemone

ANTEN Antennaria spp. pussytoes species

ANAN Antennaria anaphaloides tall pussytoes

ANLA Antennaria lanata woolly pussytoes

ANMI Antennaria microphylla rose pussytoes

ANRA Antennaria racemosa raceme pussytoes

ANUM Antennaria umbrinella umber pussytoes

APAN Apocynum androsaemifolium spreading dogbane

AQUIL Aquilegia spp. columbine species

ARNU3 Aralia nudicaulis wild sarsaparilla

ARMA3 Arenaria macrophyllum bigleaf sandwort

ARENA Arenaria spp. sandwort species

ARNIC Arnica spp. arnica species

ARCO Arnica cordifolia heartleaf arnica

ARLA Arnica latifolia broadleaf arnica

ASCA3 Asarum caudatum wild ginger

ASDE Aspidotis densa podfern

ASMI Astragalus miser starved milkvetch

ASCO Aster conspicuus showy aster

ASTER Aster spp. aster species
279

APPENDIX A cont’d

HERBS cont’d

CODE SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME

ATFI Athyrium filix-femina ladyfern

BACA Balsamorhiza careyana Carey balsamroot

BADE Balsamorhiza deltoidea Puget balsamroot

BAHO Balsamorhiza hookeri Hooker balsamroot

BASA Balsamorhiza sagittata arrowleaf balsamroot

BRHY Brodiaea hycinthina hycinth brodiaea

BROMU Bromus spp. bromegrass species

BRTE Bromus tectorum cheatgrass

BRSU Bromus suksdorfii Suksdorf brome

BRVU Bromus vulgaris Columbia brome

CABI Caltha biflora white marshmarigold

CACO Carex concinnoides northwestern sedge

CAGE Carex geyeri elk sedge

CAHO Carex hoodii Hood sedge

CAREX Carex spp. sedge species

CANI2 Carex nigricans black alpine sedge

CARO Carex rossii Ross sedge

CACA Calamagrostis canadensis bluejoint reedgrass

CARU Calamagrostis rubescens pinegrass

CASTI Castilleja spp. paintbrush species

CEDI Centaurea diffusa diffuse knapweed

CIAL Circaea alpina circaea

CLLA Claytonia lanceolata lanceleaf springbeauty

CLCO Clematis columbiana rock clematis

CLUN Clintonia uniflora queencup beadlily

COGR Collinsia grandiflora bluetips collinsia

COPA Collinsia parviflora little flower collinsia

COGR2 Collomia grandiflora large-flowered collomia

CRAT Crepis atrabarba slender hawksbeard

DEDE Delphinium depauperatum slim or dwarf larkspur

DENU3 Delphinium nuttallianum upland larkspur

DEAT Deschampsia atropurpurea mountain hairgrass

DIHO Disporum hookeri Hooker fairybells

DITR Disporum trachycarpum wartberry fairybells

ELGL Elymus glaucus blue wildrye

EPAN Epilobium angustifolium fireweed

EQUIS Equisetum spp. horsetail species

EQAR Equisetum arvense common horsetail

EQSC Equisetum scirpoides sedgelike horsetail

ERCO5 Eriogonum compositum northern buckwheat

ERHE Eriogonum heracleoides Wyeth buckwheat

ERGR Erythronium grandiflorum glacier lily

ERMO Erythronium montanum avalanche lilly

FEID Festuca idahoensis Idaho fescue

FEOC Festuca occidentalis western fescue

FEVI Festuca viridula green fescue
280

APPENDIX A cont’d

HERBS cont’d

CODE SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME

FRAGA Fragaria spp. strawberry species

FRSP Frasera speciosa showy frasera

GAMU Galium multiflorum many-flowered bedstraw

GATR Galium triflorum sweetscented bedstraw

GIAG Gilia aggregata scarlet gilia

GOOB Goodyera oblongifolia w. rattlesnake plantain

GYDR Gymnocarpium dryopteris oak fern

HECY Heuchera cylindrica roundleaf alumroot

HIAL Hieracium albiflorum white hawkweed

HIERA Hieracium spp. hawkweed species

HICY Hieracium cynoglossoides houndstongue hawkweed

HIGR Hieracium gracile slender hawkweed

HISC Hieracium scouleri woolly hawkweed

HYCA Hydrophyllum capitatum ballhead waterleaf

HYMO Hypopitys monotropa pinesap

KOCR Koeleria cristata prairie junegrass

LAPA2 Lathyrus pauciflorus few-flowered peavine

LICHE Lichen spp. lichen species

LIPA Lithophragma parviflora smallflower fringecup

LIRU Lithospermum ruderale wayside gromwell

LODI Lomatium dissectum fern-leaved lomatium

LOMA2 Lomatium martindalei Martindale’s lomatium

LONU Lomatium nudicaule barestem lomatium

LOTR Lomatium triternatum nine-leaf lomatium

LUHI Luzula hitchcockii smooth woodrush

LUNA2 Luina nardosima silvercrown luina

LUST Luina stricta tongue-leaf luina

LUPIN Lupinus spp. lupine species

LUCA Lupinus caudatus tailcup lupine

LULA Lupinus latifolius broadleaf lupine

LULAP Lupinus laxiflorus var. pseudoparviflorus spurred lupine

LULE2 Lupinus lepidus prairie lupine

LUPOB Lupinus polyphyllus var. burkeii bigleaf lupine

LUSE Lupinus sericeus silky lupine

LUSUS Lupinus suphureus var. subsaccatus sulfur lupine

LUWY Lupinus wyethii Wyeth lupine

LYAM Lysichitum americanum skunk cabbage

MITEL Mitella spp. miterwort species

MOPE Montia perfoliata miner’s lettuce

OSCHO smorhiza chilensis sweetroot

OSOCO smorhiza occidentalis western sweetroot

OSPUO smorhiza purpurea purple sweetroot

PEBR Pedicularis bracteosa bracted pedicularis

PENST Penstemon spp. penstemon species

PERA Pedicularis racemosa sickletop pedicularis

PEPR2 Penstemon pruinosus prickleaf penstemon
281

APPENDIX A cont’d

HERBS cont’d

CODE SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME

PHHA Phacelia hastata silverleaf phacelia

PHLOX Phlox spp. phlox

PHSP Phlox speciosa showy phlox

POA Poa spp. bluegrass species

POCU Poa cusickii Cusick bluegrass

PONE Poa nervosa Wheeler bluegrass

POPR Poa pratensis Kentucky bluegrass

POSA3 Poa sandbergii Sandberg bluegrass

POPU Polemonium pulcherrimum skunkleaf polemonium

POLO2 Polystichum lonchitis mountain hollyfern

POMU Polystichum munitum western swordfern

POTEN Potentilla spp. cinquefoil

POFL2 Potentilla flabellifolia fan-leaf cinquefoil

PTAQ Pteridium aquilinum bracken fern

SAXIF Saxifraga spp. saxifrage

SEDUM Sedum spp. stonecrop

SEIN Senecio integerrimus western groundsel

SELA Sedum lanceolatum lance-leaved stonecrop

SETR Senecio triangularis arrowleaf groundsel

SIHY Sitanion hystrix bottlebrush squirreltail

SMRA Smilacina racemosa feather solomonplume

SMST Smilacina stellata starry solomonplume

STAM Streptopus amplexifolius claspleaf twistedstalk

STRO Streptopus roseus rosy twistedstalk

TAOF Taraxacum officinale common dandelion

THOC Thalictrum occidentale western meadowrue

TITRU Tiarella trifoliata var. unifoliata coolwort foamflower

TRCA3 Trautvetteria caroliniensis false bugbane

TRLA2 Trientalis latifolia western starflower

TROV Trillium ovatum trillium

VASI Valeriana sitchensis Sitka valerian

VECA Veratrum californicum California false hellebore

VEVI Veratrum viride American false hellebore

VIAD Viola adunca Hook violet

VIGL Viola glabrella pioneer violet

VIOR2 Viola orbiculata round-leaved violet

VIPU Viola purpurea goosefoot violet

VITR2 Viola trinervata three-nerved violet

ZIVE Zigadenus venenosus meadow death-camas
282
283

APPENDIX B

MEAN COVER AND CONSTANCY

OF

IMPORTANT SPECIES BY TYPE
284

SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

QUGA/AGSP QUGA/CARU-CAGE QUGA/COCO2-SYAL PIPO/AGSP PIPO/CARU-AGSP 6 Plots 6 Plots 6 Plots 7 Plots 7 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Tree Overstory Layer

ABAM silver fir . . . . . . . . . .

ABGR grand fir . . . . . . . . . .

ABLA2 subalpine fir . . . . . . . . . .

ABPR noble fir . . . . . . . . . .

ACMA bigleaf maple . . . . . . . . . .

CHNO yellow cedar . . . . . . . . . .

LALY subalpine larch . . . . . . . . . .

LAOC western larch . . . . . . . . . .

PIEN Engelmann spruce . . . . . . . . . .

PIAL whitebark pine . . . . . . . . . .

PICO lodgepole pine . . . . . . . . . .

PIMO western white pine . . . . . . . . . .

PIPO ponderosa pine 17 5 100 5 67 20 100 29 100 33

POTR quaking aspen . . . . 17 20 . . . .

POTR2 black cottonwood . . . . 17 2 . . . .

PSME Douglas-fir . . 83 13 67 17 14 1 29 2

QUGA Oregon white oak 100 25 100 20 83 50 . . . .

THPL western redcedar . . . . . . . . . .

TSHE western hemlock . . . . . . . . . .

TSME mountain hemlock . . . . . . . . . .

Tree Understory Layer

ABAM silver fir . . . . . . . . . .

ABGR grand fir . . . . . . . . . .

ABLA2 subalpine fir . . . . . . . . . .

LALY subalpine larch . . . . . . . . . .

PIAL whitebark pine . . . . . . . . . .

PIPO pinus ponderosa . . 33 3 17 1 57 5 86 2

PSME Douglas-fir . . 50 1 17 5 . . 43 1

QUGA Oregon white oak 100 7 100 6 83 13 . . . .

TSHE western hemlock . . . . . . . . . .

TSME mountain hemlock . . . . . . . . . .

Shrubs and Subshrubs

ACCI vine maple . . . . . . . . . .

ARNE pinemat manzanita . . . . . . . . . .

ARTRV mountain big sagebrush . . . . . . 14 2 . .

ARUV bearberry . . . . . . . . 14 1

BEAQ Oregon grape . . 50 3 33 1 14 1 . .

BENE Cascade Oregon grape . . . . . . . . . .

CAME Mertens’ moss-heather . . . . . . . . . .

CATR four-angled moss-heather . . . . . . . . . .

CEVE snowbrush ceanothus . . 50 5 . . 14 1 29 1

CHUMO western prince’s pine . . . . . . . . . .

COCA bunchberry dogwood . . . . . . . . . .

COCO2 California hazel . . . . 83 17 . . . .

DROC Washington dryad . . . . . . . . . .

GAOV slender wintergreen . . . . . . . . . .

HODI oceanspray 17 1 33 4 50 3 . . . .

JUCO4 common juniper . . . . . . . . . .

LIBOL twinflower . . . . . . . . . .

LUPE partridgfoot . . . . . . . . . .

MEFE rusty menziesia . . . . . . . . . .

OPHO devil’s club . . . . . . . . . .

PAMY pachistima 17 1 . . 33 1 . . . .

PEFR3 shrubby penstemon . . . . . . . . . .

PHEM red mountain heath . . . . . . . . . .

PUTR bitterbrush 100 4 67 2 . . 71 3 57 3

PYSE sidebells pyrola . . . . . . . . . .

RHAL Cascade azalea . . . . . . . . . .

APPENDIX B
285

SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

QUGA/AGSP QUGA/CARU-CAGE QUGA/COCO2-SYAL PIPO/AGSP PIPO/CARU-AGSP 6 Plots 6 Plots 6 Plots 7 Plots 7 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Shrubs and Subshrubs cont’d.

ROGY baldhip rose . . . . 17 10 . . . .

ROWOU Wood’s rose . . . . . . . . . .

RULA dwarf bramble . . . . . . . . . .

RUPE five-leaved bramble . . . . . . . . . .

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea . . 83 4 17 5 . . 14 1

SYAL common snowberry 17 5 50 2 83 47 14 1 14 1

SYMOH creeping snowberry . . . . 17 3 . . . .

SYOR mountain snowberry . . . . . . . . . .

TABR Pacific yew . . . . . . . . . .

VAAL Alaska huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VACA dwarf huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VADE Cascade huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VAME big huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VAMY low huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VASC grouse huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

XETE beargrass . . . . . . . . . .

Herbs

ACTR vanilla leaf . . . . . . . . . .

AGSP bluebunch wheatgrass 100 17 67 5 17 1 86 23 86 22

ARCO heartleaf arnica . . 50 4 . . . . 14 4

ARLA broadleaf arnica . . . . . . . . . .

ASCA3 wild ginger . . . . . . . . . .

ASDE podfern . . . . . . . . 14 3

ATFI ladyfern . . . . . . . . . .

BASA arrowleaf balsamroot 17 5 17 8 . . 71 6 57 4

BRTE cheatgrass 100 16 83 9 50 Tr 71 4 14 2

CACO northwestern sedge . . . . . . . . . .

CAGE elk sedge 17 6 100 12 67 4 . . 57 11

CARO Ross sedge . . . . . . 29 2 29 2

CARU pinegrass . . 100 19 33 8 43 2 86 21

CLUN queencup beadlily . . . . . . . . . .

EQUIS horsetail species . . . . . . . . . .

EQAR common horsetail . . . . . . . . . .

FEID Idaho fescue 17 3 . . . . 57 13 43 14

FEOC western fescue . . . . . . . . 14 2

FEVI green fescue . . . . . . . . . .

GYDR oak fern . . . . . . . . . .

LUHI smooth woodrush . . . . . . . . . .

LUNA2 silvercrown luina 17 2 50 23 . . . . . .

LULA broadleaf lupine . . 17 3 . . . . 14 1

LUSE silky lupine . . . . . . 29 6 43 4

LUPIN lupine species . . 17 5 17 Tr 29 2 43 8

LUSU sulfur lupine 100 8 50 8 . . . . . .

MOSS Undifferentiated Moss . . . . . . 14 1 . .

PEBR bracted pedicularis . . . . . . . . . .

PERA sickletop pedicularis . . . . . . . . . .

POPU skunkleaf polemonium . . . . . . . . . .

PTAQ bracken fern . . . . . . . . . .

SMRA feather solomonplume . . . . . . . . . .

SMST starry solomonplume . . . . 17 10 . . . .

STRO rosy twistedstalk . . . . . . . . . .

TITRU coolwort foamflower . . . . . . . . . .

TRCA3 false bugbane . . . . . . . . . .

TRLA2 western starflower . . . . . . . . . .

VASI Sitka valerian . . . . . . . . . .

VIGL pioneer violet . . . . . . . . . .

VIOR2 round-leaved violet . . . . . . . . . .

APPENDIX B
286

SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

PIPO/PUTR/AGSP PSME/AGSP PSME/AGSP-ASDE PSME/ARUV 13 Plots 10 Plots 3 Plots 5 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Tree Overstory Layer

ABAM silver fir . . . . . . . .

ABGR grand fir . . . . . . . .

ABLA2 subalpine fir . . . . . . . .

ABPR noble fir . . . . . . . .

ACMA bigleaf maple . . . . . . . .

CHNO yellow cedar . . . . . . . .

LALY subalpine larch . . . . . . . .

LAOC western larch . . . . . . 40 7

PIEN Engelmann spruce . . . . . . . .

PIAL whitebark pine . . . . . . . .

PICO lodgepole pine . . . . . . 80 11

PIMO western white pine . . . . . . 20 3

PIPO ponderosa pine 100 29 80 17 100 9 60 10

POTR quaking aspen . . . . . . . .

POTR2 black cottonwood . . . . . . . .

PSME Douglas-fir 46 1 100 19 100 10 100 26

QUGA Oregon white oak . . . . . . . .

THPL western redcedar . . . . . . . .

TSHE western hemlock . . . . . . . .

TSME mountain hemlock . . . . . . . .

Tree Understory Layer

ABAM silver fir . . . . . . . .

ABGR grand fir . . . . . . . .

ABLA2 subalpine fir . . . . . . . .

LALY subalpine larch . . . . . . . .

PIAL whitebark pine . . . . . . 40 2

PIPO pinus ponderosa 38 5 30 5 33 1 . .

PSME Douglas-fir 23 1 60 2 67 1 100 5

QUGA Oregon white oak . . . . . . . .

TSHE western hemlock . . . . . . . .

TSME mountain hemlock . . . . . . . .

Shrubs and Subshrubs

ACCI vine maple . . . . . . . .

ARNE pinemat manzanita . . . . . . . .

ARTRV mountain big sagebrush . . . . . . . .

ARUV bearberry 8 1 10 1 . . 100 21

BEAQ Oregon grape 8 3 10 2 33 1 . .

BENE Cascade Oregon grape 8 2 10 1 . . . .

CAME Mertens’ moss-heather . . . . . . . .

CATR four-angled moss-heather . . . . . . . .

CEVE snowbrush ceanothus . . 10 1 . . 40 4

CHUMO western prince’s pine . . . . . . 20 20

COCA bunchberry dogwood . . . . . . . .

COCO2 California hazel . . . . . . . .

DROC Washington dryad . . . . . . . .

GAOV slender wintergreen . . . . . . . .

HODI oceanspray . . . . . . . .

JUCO4 common juniper . . 10 5 . . 40 3

LIBOL twinflower . . . . . . . .

LUPE partridgfoot . . . . . . . .

MEFE rusty menziesia . . . . . . . .

OPHO devil’s club . . . . . . . .

PAMY pachistima 8 3 20 2 . . 80 7

PEFR3 shrubby penstemon . . 10 1 . . . .

PHEM red mountain heath . . . . . . . .

PUTR bitterbrush 100 19 50 3 33 1 . .

PYSE sidebells pyrola . . . . . . 20 5

RHAL Cascade azalea . . . . . . . .

APPENDIX B
287

SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

PIPO/PUTR/AGSP PSME/AGSP PSME/AGSP-ASDE PSME/ARUV 13 Plots 10 Plots 3 Plots 5 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Shrubs and Subshrubs cont’d.

ROGY baldhip rose . . . . . . . .

ROWOU Wood’s rose 8 3 . . . . . .

RULA dwarf bramble . . . . . . . .

RUPE five-leaved bramble . . . . . . . .

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea . . 10 1 67 6 60 4

SYAL common snowberry 15 3 20 3 . . . .

SYMOH creeping snowberry . . 10 2 . . . .

SYOR mountain snowberry . . . . . . . .

TABR Pacific yew . . . . . . . .

VAAL Alaska huckleberry . . . . . . . .

VACA dwarf huckleberry . . . . . . . .

VADE Cascade huckleberry . . . . . . . .

VAME big huckleberry . . . . . . . .

VAMY low huckleberry . . . . . . . .

VASC grouse huckleberry . . . . . . 20 1

XETE beargrass . . . . . . . .

Herbs

ACTR vanilla leaf . . . . . . . .

AGSP bluebunch wheatgrass 77 19 70 19 100 28 . .

ARCO heartleaf arnica . . . . . . 20 7

ARLA broadleaf arnica . . . . . . . .

ASCA3 wild ginger . . . . . . . .

ASDE podfern . . . . 100 3 . .

ATFI ladyfern . . . . . . . .

BASA arrowleaf balsamroot 77 9 50 7 67 10 . .

BRTE cheatgrass 62 10 40 6 33 4 . .

CACO northwestern sedge . . . . . . 40 2

CAGE elk sedge 15 6 30 2 . . . .

CARO Ross sedge 23 2 30 2 . . 40 2

CARU pinegrass 46 13 30 3 . . 60 2

CLUN queencup beadlily . . . . . . . .

EQUIS horsetail species . . . . . . . .

EQAR common horsetail . . . . . . . .

FEID Idaho fescue 46 23 50 13 . . . .

FEOC western fescue . . 20 6 . . . .

FEVI green fescue . . . . . . . .

GYDR oak fern . . . . . . . .

LUHI smooth woodrush . . . . . . . .

LUNA2 silvercrown luina . . 10 4 . . . .

LULA broadleaf lupine . . . . . . . .

LUSE silky lupine 46 3 20 1 33 15 . .

LUPIN lupine species 23 6 20 9 33 10 20 1

LUSU sulfur lupine . . 20 6 . . . .

MOSS Undifferentiated Moss . . . . . . . .

PEBR bracted pedicularis . . . . . . . .

PERA sickletop pedicularis . . . . . . . .

POPU skunkleaf polemonium . . . . . . . .

PTAQ bracken fern . . . . 67 10 . .

SMRA feather solomonplume . . . . . . . .

SMST starry solomonplume . . . . . . . .

STRO rosy twistedstalk . . . . . . . .

TITRU coolwort foamflower . . . . . . . .

TRCA3 false bugbane . . . . . . . .

TRLA2 western starflower . . . . 33 2 . .

VASI Sitka valerian . . . . . . . .

VIGL pioneer violet . . . . . . . .

VIOR2 round-leaved violet . . . . . . . .

APPENDIX B
288

SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

PSME/ARUV-PUTR PSME/ARUV/CARU PSME/CAGE PSME/CARU PSME/CARU-AGSP 6 Plots 27 Plots 12 Plots 76 Plots 12 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Tree Overstory Layer

ABAM silver fir . . . . . . . . . .

ABGR grand fir . . . . . . 1 2 . .

ABLA2 subalpine fir . . . . . . . . . .

ABPR noble fir . . . . . . . . . .

ACMA bigleaf maple . . . . . . . . 8 5

CHNO yellow cedar . . . . . . . . . .

LALY subalpine larch . . . . . . . . . .

LAOC western larch . . 37 15 . . 21 17 . .

PIEN Engelmann spruce . . . . . . . . . .

PIAL whitebark pine . . . . . . . . . .

PICO lodgepole pine 50 18 63 8 . . 22 17 . .

PIMO western white pine . . . . . . . . . .

PIPO ponderosa pine 100 31 85 14 92 12 68 16 100 17

POTR quaking aspen . . . . . . . . . .

POTR2 black cottonwood . . . . . . . . . .

PSME Douglas-fir 100 12 100 27 100 45 96 31 100 15

QUGA Oregon white oak . . . . . . 4 8 . .

THPL western redcedar . . . . . . . . . .

TSHE western hemlock . . . . . . . . . .

TSME mountain hemlock . . . . . . . . . .

Tree Understory Layer

ABAM silver fir . . . . . . . . . .

ABGR grand fir . . . . . . . . . .

ABLA2 subalpine fir . . . . . . 1 2 . .

LALY subalpine larch . . . . . . . . . .

PIAL whitebark pine . . . . . . . . . .

PIPO pinus ponderosa 50 1 33 2 17 6 26 2 58 3

PSME Douglas-fir 100 5 100 6 83 3 86 5 75 3

QUGA Oregon white oak . . . . . . 5 3 . .

TSHE western hemlock . . . . . . . . . .

TSME mountain hemlock . . . . . . . . . .

Shrubs and Subshrubs

ACCI vine maple . . . . . . . . . .

ARNE pinemat manzanita . . . . . . 1 1 17 3

ARTRV mountain big sagebrush . . . . . . . . . .

ARUV bearberry 100 15 100 16 . . 18 2 . .

BEAQ Oregon grape . . . . 42 2 16 2 8 2

BENE Cascade Oregon grape . . . . 8 1 . . . .

CAME Mertens’ moss-heather . . . . . . . . . .

CATR four-angled moss-heather . . . . . . . . . .

CEVE snowbrush ceanothus 50 4 44 6 . . 9 3 50 3

CHUMO western prince’s pine . . 4 3 . . 5 1 . .

COCA bunchberry dogwood . . . . . . . . . .

COCO2 California hazel . . . . . . 4 2 . .

DROC Washington dryad . . . . . . . . . .

GAOV slender wintergreen . . . . . . . . . .

HODI oceanspray . . . . 25 2 25 3 17 1

JUCO4 common juniper . . 22 1 . . 1 1 . .

LIBOL twinflower . . . . . . 3 1 . .

LUPE partridgfoot . . . . . . . . . .

MEFE rusty menziesia . . . . . . . . . .

OPHO devil’s club . . . . . . . . . .

PAMY pachistima 83 1 81 3 25 1 57 3 25 2

PEFR3 shrubby penstemon 17 1 15 1 8 3 7 1 8 1

PHEM red mountain heath . . . . . . . . . .

PUTR bitterbrush 100 15 26 2 17 2 14 2 67 3

PYSE sidebells pyrola . . . . . . . . . .

RHAL Cascade azalea . . . . . . . . . .

APPENDIX B
289

SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

PSME/ARUV-PUTR PSME/ARUV/CARU PSME/CAGE PSME/CARU PSME/CARU-AGSP 6 Plots 27 Plots 12 Plots 76 Plots 12 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Shrubs and Subshrubs cont’d.

ROGY baldhip rose . . . . 8 3 4 3 . .

ROWOU Wood’s rose . . . . 8 2 1 2 . .

RULA dwarf bramble . . . . . . . . . .

RUPE five-leaved bramble . . . . . . . . . .

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea 50 1 78 4 58 3 51 3 33 8

SYAL common snowberry . . 7 1 58 2 20 2 50 3

SYMOH creeping snowberry . . . . 8 1 1 1 . .

SYOR mountain snowberry . . 4 2 8 1 4 3 8 5

TABR Pacific yew . . . . . . . . . .

VAAL Alaska huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VACA dwarf huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VADE Cascade huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VAME big huckleberry . . 4 1 . . . . . .

VAMY low huckleberry . . 22 3 . . 9 1 . .

VASC grouse huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

XETE beargrass . . . . . . . . . .

Herbs

ACTR vanilla leaf . . . . . . . . . .

AGSP bluebunch wheatgrass 50 8 . . 17 1 1 1 100 18

ARCO heartleaf arnica 17 2 63 5 58 5 83 8 8 4

ARLA broadleaf arnica . . . . . . . . . .

ASCA3 wild ginger . . . . . . . . . .

ASDE podfern . . . . . . . . . .

ATFI ladyfern . . . . . . . . . .

BASA arrowleaf balsamroot . . . . 8 3 14 2 92 7

BRTE cheatgrass . . . . . . 3 2 33 5

CACO northwestern sedge 67 1 52 4 . . 18 3 . .

CAGE elk sedge . . . . 100 11 43 12 75 16

CARO Ross sedge 50 2 37 2 . . 21 2 17 2

CARU pinegrass 100 18 100 20 50 2 100 38 58 23

CLUN queencup beadlily . . . . . . . . . .

EQUIS horsetail species . . . . . . . . . .

EQAR common horsetail . . . . . . . . . .

FEID Idaho fescue . . 7 1 8 1 3 3 17 6

FEOC western fescue . . . . 8 2 8 2 8 2

FEVI green fescue . . . . . . . . . .

GYDR oak fern . . . . . . . . . .

LUHI smooth woodrush . . . . . . . . . .

LUNA2 silvercrown luina . . . . 42 8 13 3 8 7

LULA broadleaf lupine . . 4 15 8 1 28 11 . .

LUSE silky lupine . . 4 4 . . 11 6 33 5

LUPIN lupine species . . 7 6 33 2 24 6 42 6

LUSU sulfur lupine . . . . 17 4 16 6 . .

MOSS Undifferentiated Moss . . . . . . . . . .

PEBR bracted pedicularis . . . . . . . . . .

PERA sickletop pedicularis . . . . . . 1 1 . .

POPU skunkleaf polemonium . . . . . . 1 3 . .

PTAQ bracken fern . . . . . . . . . .

SMRA feather solomonplume . . . . 17 1 8 1 8 1

SMST starry solomonplume . . . . . . 1 1 . .

STRO rosy twistedstalk . . . . . . . . . .

TITRU coolwort foamflower . . . . . . . . . .

TRCA3 false bugbane . . . . . . . . . .

TRLA2 western starflower . . . . 17 2 . . . .

VASI Sitka valerian . . . . . . . . . .

VIGL pioneer violet . . . . . . . . . .

VIOR2 round-leaved violet . . . . . . . . . .

APPENDIX B
290

SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

PSME/PAMY PSME/PAMY/CARU PSME/PEFR3 PSME/PUTR PSME/PUTR/AGSP 2 Plots 8 Plots 4 Plots 4 Plots 10 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Tree Overstory Layer

ABAM silver fir . . . . . . . . . .

ABGR grand fir . . . . 25 1 . . . .

ABLA2 subalpine fir . . . . . . . . . .

ABPR noble fir . . . . . . . . . .

ACMA bigleaf maple . . . . . . . . . .

CHNO yellow cedar . . . . . . . . . .

LALY subalpine larch . . . . . . . . . .

LAOC western larch . . . . . . . . . .

PIEN Engelmann spruce . . 13 2 . . . . . .

PIAL whitebark pine . . . . . . . . . .

PICO lodgepole pine 100 20 50 13 . . . . . .

PIMO western white pine . . . . 25 1 . . . .

PIPO ponderosa pine . . 50 14 100 16 100 16 100 23

POTR quaking aspen . . . . . . . . . .

POTR2 black cottonwood . . . . . . . . . .

PSME Douglas-fir 100 38 100 35 100 11 100 10 100 14

QUGA Oregon white oak . . . . . . . . . .

THPL western redcedar . . . . . . . . . .

TSHE western hemlock . . . . . . . . . .

TSME mountain hemlock . . . . . . . . . .

Tree Understory Layer

ABAM silver fir . . . . . . . . . .

ABGR grand fir . . . . . . . . . .

ABLA2 subalpine fir 100 1 . . . . . . . .

LALY subalpine larch . . . . . . . . . .

PIAL whitebark pine . . . . . . . . . .

PIPO pinus ponderosa . . 13 1 50 3 75 2 60 2

PSME Douglas-fir 50 1 88 4 100 2 100 3 70 3

QUGA Oregon white oak . . . . . . . . . .

TSHE western hemlock . . . . . . . . . .

TSME mountain hemlock . . . . . . . . . .

Shrubs and Subshrubs

ACCI vine maple . . . . . . . . . .

ARNE pinemat manzanita . . . . . . . . . .

ARTRV mountain big sagebrush . . . . . . . . . .

ARUV bearberry . . 13 3 . . . . . .

BEAQ Oregon grape . . 13 2 100 1 75 1 20 3

BENE Cascade Oregon grape . . . . . . . . . .

CAME Mertens’ moss-heather . . . . . . . . . .

CATR four-angled moss-heather . . . . . . . . . .

CEVE snowbrush ceanothus . . 38 6 100 7 . . 30 4

CHUMO western prince’s pine . . . . . . . . . .

COCA bunchberry dogwood . . . . . . . . . .

COCO2 California hazel . . . . . . . . . .

DROC Washington dryad . . . . . . . . . .

GAOV slender wintergreen . . . . . . . . . .

HODI oceanspray . . 25 3 75 2 25 2 10 1

JUCO4 common juniper . . . . . . . . . .

LIBOL twinflower . . . . . . . . . .

LUPE partridgfoot . . . . . . . . . .

MEFE rusty menziesia . . . . . . . . . .

OPHO devil’s club . . . . . . . . . .

PAMY pachistima 100 25 100 24 50 1 25 1 10 6

PEFR3 shrubby penstemon . . 25 1 100 4 75 1 10 1

PHEM red mountain heath . . . . . . . . . .

PUTR bitterbrush . . . . . . 100 23 100 15

PYSE sidebells pyrola 50 2 13 1 . . . . . .

RHAL Cascade azalea . . . . . . . . . .

APPENDIX B
291

SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

PSME/PAMY PSME/PAMY/CARU PSME/PEFR3 PSME/PUTR PSME/PUTR/AGSP 2 Plots 8 Plots 4 Plots 4 Plots 10 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Shrubs and Subshrubs cont’d.

ROGY baldhip rose . . 13 3 25 1 25 1 . .

ROWOU Wood’s rose . . . . 25 1 . . . .

RULA dwarf bramble . . . . . . . . . .

RUPE five-leaved bramble . . . . . . . . . .

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea . . 25 2 75 2 50 2 20 3

SYAL common snowberry 50 1 13 1 50 3 . . 20 3

SYMOH creeping snowberry . . . . . . . . . .

SYOR mountain snowberry . . 25 3 . . . . 10 2

TABR Pacific yew . . . . . . . . . .

VAAL Alaska huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VACA dwarf huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VADE Cascade huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VAME big huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VAMY low huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VASC grouse huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

XETE beargrass . . . . . . . . . .

Herbs

ACTR vanilla leaf . . . . . . 25 2 . .

AGSP bluebunch wheatgrass . . . . 25 5 25 1 70 21

ARCO heartleaf arnica 50 2 38 6 . . . . 20 2

ARLA broadleaf arnica . . . . . . . . . .

ASCA3 wild ginger . . . . . . . . . .

ASDE podfern . . . . . . . . . .

ATFI ladyfern . . . . . . . . . .

BASA arrowleaf balsamroot . . 25 1 100 3 50 3 90 10

BRTE cheatgrass . . . . . . 75 2 40 13

CACO northwestern sedge . . 13 2 . . . . . .

CAGE elk sedge . . 38 15 75 2 50 1 30 17

CARO Ross sedge . . . . . . . . 40 2

CARU pinegrass 100 2 88 21 25 3 . . 70 8

CLUN queencup beadlily . . . . . . . . . .

EQUIS horsetail species . . . . . . . . . .

EQAR common horsetail . . . . . . . . . .

FEID Idaho fescue . . . . . . . . 40 4

FEOC western fescue . . . . . . . . . .

FEVI green fescue . . . . . . . . 10 3

GYDR oak fern . . . . . . . . . .

LUHI smooth woodrush . . . . . . . . . .

LUNA2 silvercrown luina . . 25 7 25 1 . . . .

LULA broadleaf lupine . . 25 5 . . . . . .

LUSE silky lupine . . . . . . . . 20 7

LUPIN lupine species . . 25 11 . . . . 50 5

LUSU sulfur lupine . . . . . . . . . .

MOSS Undifferentiated Moss . . . . . . 25 5 . .

PEBR bracted pedicularis . . . . . . . . . .

PERA sickletop pedicularis . . . . . . . . . .

POPU skunkleaf polemonium . . . . . . . . . .

PTAQ bracken fern . . . . . . . . . .

SMRA feather solomonplume . . . . 25 2 . . 10 1

SMST starry solomonplume . . 13 1 . . . . . .

STRO rosy twistedstalk . . . . . . . . . .

TITRU coolwort foamflower . . . . . . . . . .

TRCA3 false bugbane . . . . . . . . . .

TRLA2 western starflower . . . . . . . . . .

VASI Sitka valerian . . . . . . . . . .

VIGL pioneer violet . . . . . . . . . .

VIOR2 round-leaved violet . . . . . . . . . .

APPENDIX B
292

 SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

PSME/PUTR/CARU PSME/SPBEL PSME/SPBEL/CARU PSME/SYAL PSME/SYAL/AGSP 7 Plots 11 Plots 38 Plots 16 Plots 7 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Tree Overstory Layer

ABAM silver fir . . . . . . . . . .

ABGR grand fir . . . . . . . . . .

ABLA2 subalpine fir . . . . . . . . . .

ABPR noble fir . . . . . . . . . .

ACMA bigleaf maple . . . . . . . . . .

CHNO yellow cedar . . . . . . . . . .

LALY subalpine larch . . . . . . . . . .

LAOC western larch . . . . 11 12 . . . .

PIEN Engelmann spruce . . . . . . . . . .

PIAL whitebark pine . . . . . . . . . .

PICO lodgepole pine . . 27 4 . . 6 10 . .

PIMO western white pine . . . . . . . . . .

PIPO ponderosa pine 100 34 100 9 95 21 69 21 86 24

POTR quaking aspen . . 9 10 . . 31 5 . .

POTR2 black cottonwood . . . . . . 19 4 . .

PSME Douglas-fir 86 12 100 38 100 28 94 53 100 12

QUGA Oregon white oak . . . . 3 1 . . . .

THPL western redcedar . . . . . . . . . .

TSHE western hemlock . . . . . . . . . .

TSME mountain hemlock . . . . . . . . . .

Tree Understory Layer

ABAM silver fir . . . . . . . . . .

ABGR grand fir 14 1 . . 13 1 . . . .

ABLA2 subalpine fir . . 27 1 3 2 6 1 . .

LALY subalpine larch . . . . . . . . . .

PIAL whitebark pine . . . . . . . . . .

PIPO pinus ponderosa 86 2 18 1 29 2 19 1 71 3

PSME Douglas-fir 100 5 100 4 87 4 63 3 71 3

QUGA Oregon white oak . . . . . . 6 1 . .

TSHE western hemlock . . . . . . . . . .

TSME mountain hemlock . . . . . . . . . .

Shrubs and Subshrubs

ACCI vine maple . . . . . . . . . .

ARNE pinemat manzanita . . . . 8 1 . . . .

ARTRV mountain big sagebrush . . . . . . . . 14 3

ARUV bearberry 29 3 . . 8 2 . . . .

BEAQ Oregon grape 43 2 45 2 42 3 75 3 57 6

BENE Cascade Oregon grape . . 18 2 5 1 6 1 . .

CAME Mertens’ moss-heather . . . . . . . . . .

CATR four-angled moss-heather . . . . . . . . . .

CEVE snowbrush ceanothus 43 3 9 1 18 10 . . 29 2

CHUMO western prince’s pine . . 18 1 5 1 6 1 . .

COCA bunchberry dogwood . . . . . . . . . .

COCO2 California hazel . . . . 3 1 6 2 . .

DROC Washington dryad . . . . . . . . . .

GAOV slender wintergreen . . . . . . . . . .

HODI oceanspray 43 1 18 3 45 4 19 3 29 8

JUCO4 common juniper . . . . 3 1 . . . .

LIBOL twinflower . . . . . . . . . .

LUPE partridgfoot . . . . . . . . . .

MEFE rusty menziesia . . . . . . . . . .

OPHO devil’s club . . . . . . . . . .

PAMY pachistima 43 1 91 28 63 10 69 5 14 2

PEFR3 shrubby penstemon . . . . 5 1 . . . .

PHEM red mountain heath . . . . . . . . . .

PUTR bitterbrush 100 9 . . 5 1 . . 57 8

PYSE sidebells pyrola . . 27 1 3 1 . . . .

RHAL Cascade azalea . . . . . . . . . .

APPENDIX B
293

 SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

PSME/PUTR/CARU PSME/SPBEL PSME/SPBEL/CARU PSME/SYAL PSME/SYAL/AGSP 7 Plots 11 Plots 38 Plots 16 Plots 7 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Shrubs and Subshrubs cont’d.

ROGY baldhip rose 14 2 18 2 26 3 25 5 . .

ROWOU Wood’s rose 14 3 . . 5 3 6 4 14 2

RULA dwarf bramble . . . . . . . . . .

RUPE five-leaved bramble . . . . . . . . . .

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea 43 3 100 19 97 12 50 5 43 2

SYAL common snowberry 43 2 36 3 13 3 100 39 100 10

SYMOH creeping snowberry . . . . 3 5 . . . .

SYOR mountain snowberry . . . . 11 4 13 1 14 2

TABR Pacific yew . . . . . . . . . .

VAAL Alaska huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VACA dwarf huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VADE Cascade huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VAME big huckleberry . . 9 2 3 2 . . . .

VAMY low huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VASC grouse huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

XETE beargrass . . . . . . . . . .

Herbs

ACTR vanilla leaf . . . . . . . . . .

AGSP bluebunch wheatgrass 43 2 . . 3 3 . . 71 13

ARCO heartleaf arnica 57 1 9 1 47 4 44 3 14 1

ARLA broadleaf arnica . . . . . . . . . .

ASCA3 wild ginger . . . . . . . . . .

ASDE podfern . . . . . . . . . .

ATFI ladyfern . . . . . . 6 Tr . .

BASA arrowleaf balsamroot 71 2 . . 24 3 13 1 71 10

BRTE cheatgrass 14 1 . . . . . . 14 20

CACO northwestern sedge . . . . 16 3 6 1 . .

CAGE elk sedge 57 15 . . 66 8 19 2 57 3

CARO Ross sedge 29 2 9 3 8 2 . . 14 2

CARU pinegrass 100 21 91 2 92 23 38 2 57 10

CLUN queencup beadlily . . . . . . . . . .

EQUIS horsetail species . . . . . . 6 1 . .

EQAR common horsetail . . . . . . . . . .

FEID Idaho fescue . . . . 3 2 . . 14 7

FEOC western fescue . . 18 1 3 2 13 3 . .

FEVI green fescue . . . . . . . . . .

GYDR oak fern . . . . . . . . . .

LUHI smooth woodrush . . . . . . . . . .

LUNA2 silvercrown luina 14 2 . . 32 6 25 2 29 3

LULA broadleaf lupine 14 3 27 1 24 6 . . . .

LUSE silky lupine . . . . 8 6 13 11 14 15

LUPIN lupine species 43 1 . . 24 4 6 2 29 2

LUSU sulfur lupine . . . . 3 3 . . . .

MOSS Undifferentiated Moss . . . . 5 2 . . . .

PEBR bracted pedicularis . . . . . . . . . .

PERA sickletop pedicularis . . . . . . . . . .

POPU skunkleaf polemonium . . . . . . . . . .

PTAQ bracken fern . . . . 8 7 6 4 . .

SMRA feather solomonplume 14 1 9 1 11 2 31 3 . .

SMST starry solomonplume 14 1 18 1 3 1 31 Tr . .

STRO rosy twistedstalk . . . . . . . . . .

TITRU coolwort foamflower . . . . . . . . . .

TRCA3 false bugbane . . . . . . . . . .

TRLA2 western starflower . . . . 3 3 6 1 . .

VASI Sitka valerian . . . . . . . . . .

VIGL pioneer violet . . . . 3 1 19 3 . .

VIOR2 round-leaved violet . . . . . . . . . .

APPENDIX B
294

 SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

PSME/SYAL/CARU PSME/SYOR PSME/VACA PSME/VAMY PSME/VAMY/CARU 11 Plots 7 Plots 3 Plots 6 Plots 17 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Tree Overstory Layer

ABAM silver fir . . . . . . . . . .

ABGR grand fir . . . . . . . . . .

ABLA2 subalpine fir . . . . . . . . . .

ABPR noble fir . . . . . . . . . .

ACMA bigleaf maple . . . . . . . . . .

CHNO yellow cedar . . . . . . . . . .

LALY subalpine larch . . . . . . . . . .

LAOC western larch . . . . 100 22 50 27 71 25

PIEN Engelmann spruce . . . . . . . . . .

PIAL whitebark pine . . . . . . . . . .

PICO lodgepole pine . . . . 100 29 67 19 88 8

PIMO western white pine . . . . . . 17 1 . .

PIPO ponderosa pine 91 14 86 28 67 1 50 24 24 7

POTR quaking aspen . . . . 33 2 . . . .

POTR2 black cottonwood . . . . . . . . . .

PSME Douglas-fir 100 49 86 27 100 22 100 8 100 25

QUGA Oregon white oak 9 3 . . . . . . . .

THPL western redcedar . . . . . . . . . .

TSHE western hemlock . . . . . . . . . .

TSME mountain hemlock . . . . . . . . . .

Tree Understory Layer

ABAM silver fir . . . . . . . . . .

ABGR grand fir . . 14 1 . . . . . .

ABLA2 subalpine fir . . . . . . . . . .

LALY subalpine larch . . . . . . . . . .

PIAL whitebark pine . . . . . . . . . .

PIPO pinus ponderosa 36 2 71 2 33 1 . . 12 1

PSME Douglas-fir 64 6 57 2 100 18 83 16 100 7

QUGA Oregon white oak . . . . . . . . . .

TSHE western hemlock . . . . . . . . . .

TSME mountain hemlock . . . . . . . . . .

Shrubs and Subshrubs

ACCI vine maple . . . . . . . . . .

ARNE pinemat manzanita 9 2 29 7 . . 17 2 . .

ARTRV mountain big sagebrush . . 57 9 . . . . . .

ARUV bearberry . . . . 100 9 50 17 88 10

BEAQ Oregon grape 64 2 29 6 . . 17 1 6 2

BENE Cascade Oregon grape . . . . . . . . . .

CAME Mertens’ moss-heather . . . . . . . . . .

CATR four-angled moss-heather . . . . . . . . . .

CEVE snowbrush ceanothus . . . . . . 33 2 12 1

CHUMO western prince’s pine 9 3 . . 33 2 33 2 . .

COCA bunchberry dogwood . . . . . . . . . .

COCO2 California hazel 9 2 . . . . . . . .

DROC Washington dryad . . . . . . . . . .

GAOV slender wintergreen . . . . . . . . . .

HODI oceanspray 73 2 43 1 . . . . . .

JUCO4 common juniper . . . . . . 17 1 12 3

LIBOL twinflower . . . . 67 7 . . 12 3

LUPE partridgfoot . . . . . . . . . .

MEFE rusty menziesia . . . . . . . . . .

OPHO devil’s club . . . . . . . . . .

PAMY pachistima 18 1 14 6 100 8 83 4 88 6

PEFR3 shrubby penstemon 9 1 14 4 . . . . . .

PHEM red mountain heath . . . . . . . . . .

PUTR bitterbrush 9 2 43 5 . . . . . .

PYSE sidebells pyrola . . . . . . 33 2 6 3

RHAL Cascade azalea . . . . . . . . . .

APPENDIX B
295

 SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

PSME/SYAL/CARU PSME/SYOR PSME/VACA PSME/VAMY PSME/VAMY/CARU 11 Plots 7 Plots 3 Plots 6 Plots 17 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Shrubs and Subshrubs cont’d.

ROGY baldhip rose 18 2 . . . . 17 2 . .

ROWOU Wood’s rose 9 1 29 1 . . . . . .

RULA dwarf bramble . . . . . . . . . .

RUPE five-leaved bramble . . . . . . . . . .

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea 36 4 . . 100 6 83 6 94 5

SYAL common snowberry 82 11 . . 33 2 . . . .

SYMOH creeping snowberry 27 12 . . . . . . . .

SYOR mountain snowberry . . 100 11 . . . . . .

TABR Pacific yew . . . . . . . . . .

VAAL Alaska huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VACA dwarf huckleberry . . . . 100 2 . . 6 1

VADE Cascade huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VAME big huckleberry . . . . 33 3 17 5 12 9

VAMY low huckleberry . . . . 100 8 83 26 94 14

VASC grouse huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

XETE beargrass . . . . . . . . . .

Herbs

ACTR vanilla leaf 9 2 . . . . . . . .

AGSP bluebunch wheatgrass 18 2 57 6 . . . . . .

ARCO heartleaf arnica 36 3 14 2 33 2 17 8 41 7

ARLA broadleaf arnica . . . . . . . . . .

ASCA3 wild ginger . . . . . . . . . .

ASDE podfern . . . . . . . . . .

ATFI ladyfern . . . . . . . . . .

BASA arrowleaf balsamroot 18 2 71 10 . . . . . .

BRTE cheatgrass . . 14 1 . . . . . .

CACO northwestern sedge . . . . 67 4 17 3 53 3

CAGE elk sedge 82 11 57 7 . . . . 12 10

CARO Ross sedge . . 14 2 . . 33 1 35 3

CARU pinegrass 64 7 43 4 100 37 100 2 100 24

CLUN queencup beadlily . . . . . . . . . .

EQUIS horsetail species . . . . . . . . . .

EQAR common horsetail . . . . . . . . . .

FEID Idaho fescue . . 29 4 . . . . . .

FEOC western fescue 9 2 14 1 . . 17 1 . .

FEVI green fescue . . . . . . . . . .

GYDR oak fern . . . . . . . . . .

LUHI smooth woodrush . . . . . . . . . .

LUNA2 silvercrown luina 36 2 43 5 . . . . . .

LULA broadleaf lupine . . . . . . 17 15 . .

LUSE silky lupine . . 14 5 33 5 . . . .

LUPIN lupine species 9 1 57 4 33 1 17 3 18 12

LUSU sulfur lupine . . 14 5 . . . . . .

MOSS Undifferentiated Moss . . . . 33 5 . . . .

PEBR bracted pedicularis . . . . 67 3 . . 6 2

PERA sickletop pedicularis . . . . . . . . . .

POPU skunkleaf polemonium . . . . . . . . . .

PTAQ bracken fern 9 1 . . . . 17 3 . .

SMRA feather solomonplume . . 29 3 . . . . . .

SMST starry solomonplume . . . . . . . . . .

STRO rosy twistedstalk . . . . . . . . . .

TITRU coolwort foamflower . . . . . . . . . .

TRCA3 false bugbane . . . . . . . . . .

TRLA2 western starflower . . . . . . . . . .

VASI Sitka valerian . . . . . . . . . .

VIGL pioneer violet . . . . . . . . . .

VIOR2 round-leaved violet . . . . . . . . . .

APPENDIX B
296

 SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

ABGR/ACCI ABGR/ACCI-CHUM ABGR/ACCI/CLUN ABGR/ACTR ABGR/ARCO

13 Plots 12 Plots 21 Plots 43 Plots 24 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Tree Overstory Layer

ABAM silver fir . . . . . . . . . .

ABGR grand fir 77 13 92 19 95 36 95 31 96 37

ABLA2 subalpine fir . . . . 5 1 2 5 8 3

ABPR noble fir . . . . . . . . . .

ACMA bigleaf maple 8 15 . . 10 2 . . . .

CHNO yellow cedar . . . . . . . . . .

LALY subalpine larch . . . . . . . . . .

LAOC western larch . . . . . . 40 8 63 5

PIEN Engelmann spruce . . 25 10 10 2 9 18 8 13

PIAL whitebark pine . . . . . . . . . .

PICO lodgepole pine . . 50 9 19 3 16 12 8 4

PIMO western white pine . . 33 4 19 2 30 4 13 5

PIPO ponderosa pine 54 12 75 11 33 8 26 6 58 11

POTR quaking aspen . . . . . . . . . .

POTR2 black cottonwood . . . . . . . . . .

PSME Douglas-fir 100 48 100 31 95 36 91 31 100 24

QUGA Oregon white oak . . . . . . . . . .

THPL western redcedar 8 5 8 1 14 4 . . . .

TSHE western hemlock . . . . . . 5 1 . .

TSME mountain hemlock . . . . . . . . . .

Tree Understory Layer

ABAM silver fir . . . . . . . . . .

ABGR grand fir 77 3 100 6 71 4 98 9 100 13

ABLA2 subalpine fir . . 8 2 5 1 7 2 4 1

LALY subalpine larch . . . . . . . . . .

PIAL whitebark pine . . . . . . . . . .

PIPO pinus ponderosa . . 8 4 . . . . 4 1

PSME Douglas-fir 23 1 42 3 10 1 37 2 54 5

QUGA Oregon white oak . . . . . . . . . .

TSHE western hemlock . . . . 5 1 5 1 . .

TSME mountain hemlock . . . . . . . . . .

Shrubs and Subshrubs

ACCI vine maple 100 43 100 36 100 43 12 11 . .

ARNE pinemat manzanita . . . . . . 2 2 8 2

ARTRV mountain big sagebrush . . . . . . . . . .

ARUV bearberry . . . . . . . . . .

BEAQ Oregon grape 62 4 50 3 29 2 35 2 38 2

BENE Cascade Oregon grape 69 4 67 4 100 5 84 9 17 1

CAME Mertens’ moss-heather . . . . . . . . . .

CATR four-angled moss-heather . . . . . . . . . .

CEVE snowbrush ceanothus . . 8 3 . . . . . .

CHUMO western prince’s pine 15 2 100 5 43 3 79 4 50 3

COCA bunchberry dogwood . . . . 5 1 5 3 . .

COCO2 California hazel 38 3 . . 5 2 23 3 . .

DROC Washington dryad . . . . . . . . . .

GAOV slender wintergreen . . 8 2 . . 2 2 . .

HODI oceanspray 38 5 17 5 19 1 30 2 4 2

JUCO4 common juniper . . . . . . . . . .

LIBOL twinflower . . 50 6 38 3 63 11 17 3

LUPE partridgfoot . . . . . . . . . .

MEFE rusty menziesia . . . . . . . . . .

OPHO devil’s club . . . . 5 1 . . . .

PAMY pachistima 77 5 100 9 81 4 67 3 63 3

PEFR3 shrubby penstemon . . . . . . . . 8 1

PHEM red mountain heath . . . . . . . . . .

PUTR bitterbrush . . . . . . . . . .

PYSE sidebells pyrola 15 2 50 3 38 3 60 2 54 1

RHAL Cascade azalea . . . . . . . . . .

APPENDIX B
297

 SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

ABGR/ACCI ABGR/ACCI-CHUM ABGR/ACCI/CLUN ABGR/ACTR ABGR/ARCO

13 Plots 12 Plots 21 Plots 43 Plots 24 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Shrubs and Subshrubs cont’d.

ROGY baldhip rose 92 4 92 3 81 3 86 7 33 2

ROWOU Wood’s rose . . . . . . . . 4 4

RULA dwarf bramble . . . . . . 7 2 . .

RUPE five-leaved bramble . . . . . . . . . .

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea 54 5 100 6 38 2 58 4 50 3

SYAL common snowberry 15 3 8 2 14 1 33 4 4 1

SYMOH creeping snowberry 54 6 8 5 19 3 51 5 . .

SYOR mountain snowberry . . . . . . . . 4 1

TABR Pacific yew . . . . . . 2 2 . .

VAAL Alaska huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VACA dwarf huckleberry . . 17 4 . . . . . .

VADE Cascade huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VAME big huckleberry . . 58 11 29 1 37 6 4 2

VAMY low huckleberry 8 15 8 7 5 1 12 2 42 3

VASC grouse huckleberry . . . . . . 7 8 13 1

XETE beargrass . . . . . . 2 2 . .

Herbs

ACTR vanilla leaf . . 8 1 10 2 100 14 8 1

AGSP bluebunch wheatgrass . . . . . . . . . .

ARCO heartleaf arnica 23 4 17 1 5 2 40 4 96 3

ARLA broadleaf arnica . . . . . . 14 7 17 3

ASCA3 wild ginger . . . . 38 4 . . . .

ASDE podfern . . . . . . . . . .

ATFI ladyfern . . . . 5 1 5 6 4 1

BASA arrowleaf balsamroot 15 3 . . . . . . 4 2

BRTE cheatgrass . . . . . . . . . .

CACO northwestern sedge . . 17 2 5 2 9 3 33 2

CAGE elk sedge 23 5 25 2 5 2 40 3 100 5

CARO Ross sedge . . 8 1 . . 2 1 8 1

CARU pinegrass 54 8 50 11 5 10 30 5 46 3

CLUN queencup beadlily . . 58 8 86 7 44 3 . .

EQUIS horsetail species . . . . . . . . . .

EQAR common horsetail 8 1 8 3 . . 2 2 . .

FEID Idaho fescue . . . . . . . . . .

FEOC western fescue 23 2 . . 10 3 16 1 33 2

FEVI green fescue . . . . . . . . . .

GYDR oak fern . . . . . . 2 3 . .

LUHI smooth woodrush . . . . . . 2 1 . .

LUNA2 silvercrown luina 31 3 . . . . 12 8 42 7

LULA broadleaf lupine . . . . . . . . 4 4

LUSE silky lupine . . . . . . . . . .

LUPIN lupine species 8 5 17 4 5 1 5 1 38 5

LUSU sulfur lupine . . . . . . . . . .

MOSS Undifferentiated Moss 15 3 17 3 . . 30 12 13 10

PEBR bracted pedicularis . . . . . . 2 5 13 2

PERA sickletop pedicularis . . . . . . 12 1 4 1

POPU skunkleaf polemonium . . . . . . 2 2 21 2

PTAQ bracken fern 31 2 100 4 43 3 7 4 . .

SMRA feather solomonplume 23 2 33 2 67 4 35 1 21 1

SMST starry solomonplume . . 92 5 71 6 40 3 13 2

STRO rosy twistedstalk . . 8 1 5 1 5 2 . .

TITRU coolwort foamflower . . . . 5 1 9 2 4 2

TRCA3 false bugbane . . . . . . 2 2 . .

TRLA2 western starflower 85 4 67 4 38 3 47 4 . .

VASI Sitka valerian . . . . . . 5 3 8 1

VIGL pioneer violet 8 1 17 2 33 2 19 2 8 1

VIOR2 round-leaved violet . . . . 5 1 9 2 4 1

APPENDIX B
298

 SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

ABGR/ARNE ABGR/BENE ABGR/BENE/CARU ABGR/CARU ABGR/CARU-LUPIN

10 Plots 66 Plots 28 Plots 32 Plots 28 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Tree Overstory Layer

ABAM silver fir . . . . . . . . . .

ABGR grand fir 60 7 95 25 86 14 66 10 61 10

ABLA2 subalpine fir 10 2 5 9 4 5 6 3 14 3

ABPR noble fir . . . . . . . . . .

ACMA bigleaf maple . . 3 3 . . . . . .

CHNO yellow cedar . . . . . . . . . .

LALY subalpine larch . . . . . . . . . .

LAOC western larch 40 5 39 13 50 9 6 3 36 15

PIEN Engelmann spruce 10 2 3 4 4 5 . . . .

PIAL whitebark pine . . . . . . . . . .

PICO lodgepole pine 40 6 30 10 54 18 22 15 50 18

PIMO western white pine 10 2 35 5 25 4 3 6 4 3

PIPO ponderosa pine 70 19 35 6 43 15 91 16 61 13

POTR quaking aspen . . . . . . . . . .

POTR2 black cottonwood . . 2 2 . . . . . .

PSME Douglas-fir 100 22 100 34 100 24 97 31 100 23

QUGA Oregon white oak . . . . . . . . . .

THPL western redcedar . . 6 1 . . . . . .

TSHE western hemlock . . 2 5 4 1 . . . .

TSME mountain hemlock . . . . . . . . . .

Tree Understory Layer

ABAM silver fir . . 2 1 . . . . . .

ABGR grand fir 90 5 97 8 100 8 94 5 96 4

ABLA2 subalpine fir 20 2 9 1 11 2 13 2 14 2

LALY subalpine larch . . . . . . . . . .

PIAL whitebark pine . . . . . . . . . .

PIPO pinus ponderosa 20 2 . . . . 25 4 14 1

PSME Douglas-fir 90 3 23 2 64 5 75 5 93 5

QUGA Oregon white oak . . . . . . . . . .

TSHE western hemlock . . 17 1 . . 3 1 . .

TSME mountain hemlock . . . . 4 1 . . . .

Shrubs and Subshrubs

ACCI vine maple . . 15 2 7 2 13 2 . .

ARNE pinemat manzanita 80 28 3 2 7 4 22 2 18 2

ARTRV mountain big sagebrush . . . . . . . . . .

ARUV bearberry 20 15 . . 7 5 3 3 11 3

BEAQ Oregon grape 20 3 23 1 54 3 59 3 11 2

BENE Cascade Oregon grape 40 2 100 13 100 6 3 1 18 1

CAME Mertens’ moss-heather . . . . . . . . . .

CATR four-angled moss-heather . . . . . . . . . .

CEVE snowbrush ceanothus 10 1 2 1 4 2 19 4 11 2

CHUMO western prince’s pine 30 3 76 4 61 3 44 4 71 4

COCA bunchberry dogwood . . 3 4 . . . . . .

COCO2 California hazel . . 5 2 . . 3 5 . .

DROC Washington dryad . . . . . . . . . .

GAOV slender wintergreen 20 1 . . . . . . . .

HODI oceanspray 30 2 32 3 18 2 47 2 21 2

JUCO4 common juniper . . 2 1 4 1 . . . .

LIBOL twinflower 30 4 48 8 29 13 6 3 7 4

LUPE partridgfoot . . . . . . . . . .

MEFE rusty menziesia . . . . . . . . . .

OPHO devil’s club . . . . . . . . . .

PAMY pachistima 60 3 85 5 75 4 63 6 82 8

PEFR3 shrubby penstemon 20 2 . . . . 6 1 . .

PHEM red mountain heath . . . . . . . . . .

PUTR bitterbrush . . . . . . 3 5 . .

PYSE sidebells pyrola . . 48 2 21 2 9 1 39 3

RHAL Cascade azalea . . . . . . . . . .

APPENDIX B
299

 SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

ABGR/ARNE ABGR/BENE ABGR/BENE/CARU ABGR/CARU ABGR/CARU-LUPIN

10 Plots 66 Plots 28 Plots 32 Plots 28 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Shrubs and Subshrubs cont’d.

ROGY baldhip rose 40 2 92 7 86 6 44 5 14 6

ROWOU Wood’s rose . . . . 7 3 9 3 . .

RULA dwarf bramble . . 3 2 4 1 . . . .

RUPE five-leaved bramble . . . . . . . . . .

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea 70 4 82 4 82 5 78 9 54 3

SYAL common snowberry 10 2 21 9 7 3 19 2 7 1

SYMOH creeping snowberry 10 3 41 4 57 4 . . 7 2

SYOR mountain snowberry . . . . . . . . 4 2

TABR Pacific yew . . 2 10 . . . . . .

VAAL Alaska huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VACA dwarf huckleberry 20 13 . . . . 3 3 . .

VADE Cascade huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VAME big huckleberry 40 10 41 4 43 5 3 3 7 4

VAMY low huckleberry 10 2 17 2 25 7 16 6 50 13

VASC grouse huckleberry . . 3 2 14 14 6 40 7 3

XETE beargrass . . . . . . . . . .

Herbs

ACTR vanilla leaf . . 64 2 25 2 . . . .

AGSP bluebunch wheatgrass . . . . . . 9 2 . .

ARCO heartleaf arnica 30 1 24 2 46 5 50 5 64 6

ARLA broadleaf arnica . . 3 3 . . 3 1 4 1

ASCA3 wild ginger . . 2 2 . . . . . .

ASDE podfern . . . . . . . . . .

ATFI ladyfern . . . . 4 1 . . . .

BASA arrowleaf balsamroot 30 2 . . . . 25 2 11 3

BRTE cheatgrass . . . . . . . . . .

CACO northwestern sedge 20 1 14 2 14 2 9 3 18 3

CAGE elk sedge 70 6 38 2 64 5 81 8 54 9

CARO Ross sedge 20 2 3 2 7 2 3 2 7 1

CARU pinegrass 80 23 50 2 100 17 100 23 100 36

CLUN queencup beadlily . . 18 3 14 2 . . 7 1

EQUIS horsetail species . . . . . . . . . .

EQAR common horsetail . . . . . . . . . .

FEID Idaho fescue 10 1 2 1 . . . . . .

FEOC western fescue 80 2 30 1 32 3 19 2 18 2

FEVI green fescue . . . . . . . . . .

GYDR oak fern . . . . . . . . . .

LUHI smooth woodrush . . . . . . . . . .

LUNA2 silvercrown luina 10 2 17 1 18 11 31 4 14 1

LULA broadleaf lupine . . . . 18 2 6 2 36 13

LUSE silky lupine . . . . . . . . . .

LUPIN lupine species 60 5 11 2 46 4 28 3 64 11

LUSU sulfur lupine . . . . . . 3 2 . .

MOSS Undifferentiated Moss . . 20 7 25 14 3 15 21 7

PEBR bracted pedicularis 30 1 5 1 11 1 6 3 29 2

PERA sickletop pedicularis 10 1 6 1 14 2 . . 21 3

POPU skunkleaf polemonium . . . . 4 4 3 1 4 1

PTAQ bracken fern 30 3 14 4 18 6 6 7 . .

SMRA feather solomonplume . . 20 1 11 1 13 2 14 2

SMST starry solomonplume 10 2 23 2 14 2 9 1 . .

STRO rosy twistedstalk . . . . . . . . . .

TITRU coolwort foamflower . . 3 2 . . . . . .

TRCA3 false bugbane . . . . . . . . . .

TRLA2 western starflower 10 2 27 3 11 2 3 1 . .

VASI Sitka valerian . . . . . . . . 4 3

VIGL pioneer violet . . 3 2 18 2 . . 4 2

VIOR2 round-leaved violet . . 15 1 18 2 . . 4 2

APPENDIX B
300

 SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

ABGR/HODI/CARU ABGR/SPBEL/PTAQ ABGR/SYAL/CARU ABGR/SYOR TSHE/ACCI/ACTR 10 Plots 30 Plots 42 Plots 5 Plots 10 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Tree Overstory Layer

ABAM silver fir . . . . . . . . . .

ABGR grand fir 90 15 67 9 83 14 40 3 60 16

ABLA2 subalpine fir . . 10 1 . . . . 20 10

ABPR noble fir . . . . . . . . . .

ACMA bigleaf maple . . . . . . . . . .

CHNO yellow cedar . . . . . . . . . .

LALY subalpine larch . . . . . . . . . .

LAOC western larch 20 4 . . 24 8 . . 20 12

PIEN Engelmann spruce . . 10 2 5 23 . . . .

PIAL whitebark pine . . . . . . . . . .

PICO lodgepole pine . . 43 12 2 5 . . 20 15

PIMO western white pine 10 5 50 4 5 5 . . 40 7

PIPO ponderosa pine 70 14 80 15 74 15 100 29 . .

POTR quaking aspen . . . . . . . . . .

POTR2 black cottonwood . . . . . . . . . .

PSME Douglas-fir 100 32 100 36 98 40 100 29 100 24

QUGA Oregon white oak . . . . . . . . . .

THPL western redcedar . . 3 1 . . . . 50 10

TSHE western hemlock . . 3 1 . . . . 80 23

TSME mountain hemlock . . . . . . . . . .

Tree Understory Layer

ABAM silver fir . . 10 1 . . . . 30 1

ABGR grand fir 100 6 97 4 88 5 60 2 60 7

ABLA2 subalpine fir . . 33 2 2 1 . . 20 6

LALY subalpine larch . . . . . . . . . .

PIAL whitebark pine . . . . . . . . . .

PIPO pinus ponderosa 40 1 7 3 2 1 60 3 . .

PSME Douglas-fir 50 3 77 4 67 3 100 2 . .

QUGA Oregon white oak . . . . . . . . . .

TSHE western hemlock . . 3 1 . . . . 80 5

TSME mountain hemlock . . 3 1 . . . . . .

Shrubs and Subshrubs

ACCI vine maple . . 17 2 5 2 . . 100 20

ARNE pinemat manzanita . . 7 4 . . . . . .

ARTRV mountain big sagebrush . . . . . . . . . .

ARUV bearberry . . 3 1 . . . . . .

BEAQ Oregon grape 70 4 40 2 71 4 100 2 10 1

BENE Cascade Oregon grape 10 1 50 2 36 2 . . 90 8

CAME Mertens’ moss-heather . . . . . . . . . .

CATR four-angled moss-heather . . . . . . . . . .

CEVE snowbrush ceanothus . . 20 3 2 1 . . . .

CHUMO western prince’s pine 30 2 93 5 31 2 . . 80 3

COCA bunchberry dogwood . . . . . . . . 20 4

COCO2 California hazel 10 8 . . 14 3 . . 30 2

DROC Washington dryad . . . . . . . . . .

GAOV slender wintergreen . . 7 2 . . . . 40 3

HODI oceanspray 100 10 13 2 64 6 20 1 . .

JUCO4 common juniper . . . . 2 1 . . . .

LIBOL twinflower 10 1 13 5 10 5 . . 80 9

LUPE partridgfoot . . . . . . . . . .

MEFE rusty menziesia . . . . . . . . 10 3

OPHO devil’s club . . . . . . . . . .

PAMY pachistima 40 4 97 8 40 2 . . 90 8

PEFR3 shrubby penstemon . . . . . . . . . .

PHEM red mountain heath . . . . . . . . . .

PUTR bitterbrush . . . . . . 20 1 . .

PYSE sidebells pyrola 20 1 73 3 2 2 . . 70 2

RHAL Cascade azalea . . . . . . . . . .

APPENDIX B
301

 SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

ABGR/HODI/CARU ABGR/SPBEL/PTAQ ABGR/SYAL/CARU ABGR/SYOR TSHE/ACCI/ACTR 10 Plots 30 Plots 42 Plots 5 Plots 10 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Shrubs and Subshrubs cont’d.

ROGY baldhip rose 100 12 60 3 83 5 20 3 100 4

ROWOU Wood’s rose 10 2 . . 12 4 40 3 . .

RULA dwarf bramble . . . . . . . . 30 3

RUPE five-leaved bramble . . . . . . . . . .

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea 80 10 100 7 71 5 40 9 40 3

SYAL common snowberry 10 1 7 1 69 8 60 9 . .

SYMOH creeping snowberry . . . . 48 7 . . 60 3

SYOR mountain snowberry . . . . . . 100 5 . .

TABR Pacific yew . . . . . . . . 50 4

VAAL Alaska huckleberry . . . . . . . . 20 2

VACA dwarf huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VADE Cascade huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VAME big huckleberry 20 1 43 2 5 2 . . 90 8

VAMY low huckleberry 10 1 27 5 . . . . 10 2

VASC grouse huckleberry . . . . 2 2 . . . .

XETE beargrass . . . . . . . . 40 5

Herbs

ACTR vanilla leaf 20 1 7 2 26 2 . . 100 4

AGSP bluebunch wheatgrass . . . . 2 1 20 1 . .

ARCO heartleaf arnica 60 4 13 2 55 3 80 4 . .

ARLA broadleaf arnica 10 5 3 1 . . . . . .

ASCA3 wild ginger . . . . . . . . . .

ASDE podfern . . . . . . . . . .

ATFI ladyfern . . . . . . . . . .

BASA arrowleaf balsamroot 20 1 3 6 14 3 80 5 . .

BRTE cheatgrass . . . . . . . . . .

CACO northwestern sedge 10 1 7 4 2 1 . . . .

CAGE elk sedge 80 9 23 5 79 6 100 8 . .

CARO Ross sedge . . 10 1 2 2 . . . .

CARU pinegrass 90 10 73 18 86 9 60 6 10 2

CLUN queencup beadlily . . 17 10 5 1 . . 50 6

EQUIS horsetail species . . . . . . . . . .

EQAR common horsetail . . . . . . . . . .

FEID Idaho fescue . . . . 2 1 . . . .

FEOC western fescue 30 2 3 1 38 2 40 2 . .

FEVI green fescue . . . . . . . . . .

GYDR oak fern . . . . . . . . . .

LUHI smooth woodrush . . . . . . . . . .

LUNA2 silvercrown luina 20 2 . . 55 5 80 7 . .

LULA broadleaf lupine 20 5 . . 2 6 20 10 . .

LUSE silky lupine . . . . . . . . . .

LUPIN lupine species . . 20 2 14 2 60 5 . .

LUSU sulfur lupine . . . . . . . . . .

MOSS Undifferentiated Moss 20 4 . . 5 2 . . 40 21

PEBR bracted pedicularis 10 1 . . . . . . . .

PERA sickletop pedicularis . . . . 2 1 . . 10 1

POPU skunkleaf polemonium . . . . . . . . . .

PTAQ bracken fern 20 2 100 8 19 2 . . 80 3

SMRA feather solomonplume 10 2 27 1 33 2 . . 10 1

SMST starry solomonplume . . 33 4 14 3 . . 30 2

STRO rosy twistedstalk . . . . . . . . 20 1

TITRU coolwort foamflower . . . . 2 1 . . 10 2

TRCA3 false bugbane . . . . . . . . . .

TRLA2 western starflower 20 4 10 2 29 2 . . 60 6

VASI Sitka valerian 10 1 . . . . . . . .

VIGL pioneer violet . . 7 2 5 1 . . . .

VIOR2 round-leaved violet . . 3 2 2 1 . . 50 2

APPENDIX B
302

 SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

TSHE/ACCI/ASCA3 TSHE/ACCI/CLUN TSHE/ACTR TSHE/ARNE TSHE/ASCA3 9 Plots 7 Plots 41 Plots 6 Plots 12 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Tree Overstory Layer

ABAM silver fir 11 2 . . 10 2 17 1 33 2

ABGR grand fir 78 22 86 33 73 21 33 4 83 21

ABLA2 subalpine fir 11 1 . . 12 8 50 4 8 2

ABPR noble fir . . . . 2 1 . . . .

ACMA bigleaf maple 11 8 . . . . . . 8 15

CHNO yellow cedar . . . . . . . . . .

LALY subalpine larch . . . . . . . . . .

LAOC western larch . . 29 10 61 10 33 13 25 6

PIEN Engelmann spruce 11 5 29 4 22 7 . . 33 9

PIAL whitebark pine . . . . . . . . . .

PICO lodgepole pine . . 14 2 27 5 83 15 8 2

PIMO western white pine 56 3 86 4 54 6 67 5 25 5

PIPO ponderosa pine . . . . 5 6 17 2 8 10

POTR quaking aspen 11 1 . . . . . . . .

POTR2 black cottonwood . . . . 2 10 . . 25 12

PSME Douglas-fir 100 27 100 11 95 21 83 18 92 21

QUGA Oregon white oak . . . . . . . . . .

THPL western redcedar 78 15 86 19 54 11 . . 100 32

TSHE western hemlock 89 12 86 17 85 18 67 7 75 11

TSME mountain hemlock . . . . 2 2 17 1 . .

Tree Understory Layer

ABAM silver fir 33 2 14 1 29 2 17 1 25 3

ABGR grand fir 89 2 71 8 80 8 33 4 50 2

ABLA2 subalpine fir 11 1 14 1 17 3 50 5 . .

LALY subalpine larch . . . . . . . . . .

PIAL whitebark pine . . . . . . 17 1 . .

PIPO pinus ponderosa . . . . 2 1 . . . .

PSME Douglas-fir . . 14 1 20 3 33 7 8 6

QUGA Oregon white oak . . . . . . . . . .

TSHE western hemlock 78 4 71 6 88 4 67 3 58 6

TSME mountain hemlock 11 1 . . 5 2 33 2 . .

Shrubs and Subshrubs

ACCI vine maple 100 23 100 25 20 4 . . 33 1

ARNE pinemat manzanita . . . . 2 2 100 28 . .

ARTRV mountain big sagebrush . . . . . . . . . .

ARUV bearberry . . . . . . . . . .

BEAQ Oregon grape 22 1 14 1 . . . . 8 1

BENE Cascade Oregon grape 89 5 86 7 98 9 67 4 92 4

CAME Mertens’ moss-heather . . . . . . . . . .

CATR four-angled moss-heather . . . . . . . . . .

CEVE snowbrush ceanothus . . . . . . . . . .

CHUMO western prince’s pine 67 3 71 6 88 3 83 5 58 2

COCA bunchberry dogwood 22 3 43 14 5 5 . . 42 3

COCO2 California hazel 22 2 . . 2 5 . . . .

DROC Washington dryad . . . . . . . . . .

GAOV slender wintergreen 33 2 57 2 29 4 67 8 33 2

HODI oceanspray . . 14 1 5 1 . . . .

JUCO4 common juniper . . . . . . 17 4 . .

LIBOL twinflower 67 5 100 11 95 8 67 9 50 6

LUPE partridgfoot . . . . . . . . . .

MEFE rusty menziesia . . 14 2 . . . . 42 1

OPHO devil’s club 33 2 . . . . . . 42 2

PAMY pachistima 67 2 86 6 80 5 83 3 50 2

PEFR3 shrubby penstemon . . . . . . . . . .

PHEM red mountain heath . . . . . . . . . .

PUTR bitterbrush . . . . . . . . . .

PYSE sidebells pyrola 67 2 43 2 73 2 17 1 50 2

RHAL Cascade azalea . . . . . . . . . .

APPENDIX B
303

 SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

TSHE/ACCI/ASCA3 TSHE/ACCI/CLUN TSHE/ACTR TSHE/ARNE TSHE/ASCA3 9 Plots 7 Plots 41 Plots 6 Plots 12 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Shrubs and Subshrubs cont’d.

ROGY baldhip rose 67 2 86 3 85 5 67 2 42 4

ROWOU Wood’s rose . . . . . . . . . .

RULA dwarf bramble 33 3 14 1 39 3 17 1 17 7

RUPE five-leaved bramble . . . . . . . . . .

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea 22 2 43 3 34 3 83 4 8 1

SYAL common snowberry 22 3 . . 15 2 . . 8 2

SYMOH creeping snowberry 44 8 14 2 54 4 . . 8 2

SYOR mountain snowberry . . . . . . . . . .

TABR Pacific yew 33 3 . . 24 2 33 3 17 2

VAAL Alaska huckleberry 11 2 . . 2 1 . . . .

VACA dwarf huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VADE Cascade huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VAME big huckleberry 56 2 71 2 76 4 83 16 42 3

VAMY low huckleberry . . 29 2 12 2 17 15 8 1

VASC grouse huckleberry . . . . 10 3 33 5 . .

XETE beargrass 11 1 . . 10 7 33 4 . .

Herbs

ACTR vanilla leaf 78 16 . . 100 10 17 3 33 13

AGSP bluebunch wheatgrass . . . . . . 17 15 . .

ARCO heartleaf arnica . . . . 12 5 . . . .

ARLA broadleaf arnica . . . . 5 3 . . . .

ASCA3 wild ginger 100 2 . . . . . . 100 5

ASDE podfern . . . . . . 17 2 . .

ATFI ladyfern 11 2 . . 2 1 . . 42 3

BASA arrowleaf balsamroot . . . . . . . . . .

BRTE cheatgrass . . . . . . . . . .

CACO northwestern sedge 11 1 14 3 10 2 . . . .

CAGE elk sedge . . 29 3 15 1 . . . .

CARO Ross sedge . . . . 2 1 17 1 . .

CARU pinegrass . . 14 2 12 2 67 6 . .

CLUN queencup beadlily 89 5 100 9 59 5 17 2 92 4

EQUIS horsetail species 22 1 . . 2 2 . . 8 1

EQAR common horsetail . . 14 1 5 4 . . . .

FEID Idaho fescue . . . . . . . . . .

FEOC western fescue 11 2 . . 12 1 . . . .

FEVI green fescue . . . . . . . . . .

GYDR oak fern 11 1 14 3 . . . . 17 4

LUHI smooth woodrush . . . . . . . . . .

LUNA2 silvercrown luina . . . . 5 1 . . . .

LULA broadleaf lupine . . . . 5 9 . . . .

LUSE silky lupine . . . . . . . . . .

LUPIN lupine species . . 14 1 5 8 . . . .

LUSU sulfur lupine . . . . . . . . . .

MOSS Undifferentiated Moss 11 10 14 10 29 14 17 1 25 6

PEBR bracted pedicularis . . . . 2 2 . . . .

PERA sickletop pedicularis 22 1 14 1 20 1 . . . .

POPU skunkleaf polemonium . . . . 2 2 . . . .

PTAQ bracken fern 78 3 57 2 32 3 50 12 33 3

SMRA feather solomonplume 56 1 57 2 12 1 . . 17 2

SMST starry solomonplume 100 3 71 4 34 2 . . 100 3

STRO rosy twistedstalk 11 3 14 1 . . . . . .

TITRU coolwort foamflower 56 2 29 2 24 2 . . 50 4

TRCA3 false bugbane 11 2 . . 2 2 . . 8 2

TRLA2 western starflower 67 4 . . 29 3 . . 33 2

VASI Sitka valerian . . . . 5 1 . . 17 2

VIGL pioneer violet 22 2 . . 22 2 . . 58 4

VIOR2 round-leaved violet 22 4 43 2 34 3 . . 25 3

APPENDIX B
304

 SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

TSHE/BENE TSHE/PAMY/CLUN THPL/OPHO ABAM/ACCI ABAM/ACTR

31 Plots 12 Plots 10 Plots 24 Plots 56 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Tree Overstory Layer

ABAM silver fir 16 3 8 1 20 1 88 19 80 18

ABGR grand fir 61 19 83 13 80 24 8 25 21 12

ABLA2 subalpine fir 6 2 25 3 . . 8 3 30 10

ABPR noble fir 3 5 . . . . 8 6 13 14

ACMA bigleaf maple . . . . . . . . . .

CHNO yellow cedar . . . . . . . . 21 7

LALY subalpine larch . . . . . . . . . .

LAOC western larch 29 9 42 12 . . . . 36 12

PIEN Engelmann spruce 23 5 42 6 30 17 4 1 45 5

PIAL whitebark pine . . . . . . . . . .

PICO lodgepole pine 29 8 17 2 . . . . 9 9

PIMO western white pine 65 5 58 4 30 4 25 1 45 7

PIPO ponderosa pine 10 2 8 15 . . . . . .

POTR quaking aspen . . . . 10 1 . . . .

POTR2 black cottonwood 3 3 . . 10 5 . . . .

PSME Douglas-fir 94 18 100 24 80 14 100 26 93 20

QUGA Oregon white oak . . . . . . . . . .

THPL western redcedar 45 8 50 6 90 28 42 7 30 10

TSHE western hemlock 77 32 58 13 60 15 88 23 79 19

TSME mountain hemlock . . . . . . 4 2 7 4

Tree Understory Layer

ABAM silver fir 32 2 33 2 10 1 96 13 95 12

ABGR grand fir 55 6 58 8 30 2 8 2 34 3

ABLA2 subalpine fir 16 1 25 2 . . 8 3 25 4

LALY subalpine larch . . . . . . . . . .

PIAL whitebark pine . . . . . . . . . .

PIPO pinus ponderosa . . . . . . . . . .

PSME Douglas-fir 23 2 17 2 10 1 . . 18 2

QUGA Oregon white oak . . . . . . . . . .

TSHE western hemlock 84 4 50 2 40 3 79 5 84 6

TSME mountain hemlock 3 1 8 2 . . 4 1 16 2

Shrubs and Subshrubs

ACCI vine maple 32 5 42 2 90 15 100 19 5 3

ARNE pinemat manzanita 3 1 . . . . . . . .

ARTRV mountain big sagebrush . . . . . . . . . .

ARUV bearberry 3 1 . . . . . . . .

BEAQ Oregon grape 6 2 8 1 . . . . . .

BENE Cascade Oregon grape 100 6 75 10 80 3 79 7 71 8

CAME Mertens’ moss-heather . . . . . . . . . .

CATR four-angled moss-heather . . . . . . . . . .

CEVE snowbrush ceanothus . . . . . . . . . .

CHUMO western prince’s pine 81 4 75 6 40 2 88 3 66 4

COCA bunchberry dogwood . . 8 5 30 2 17 4 27 9

COCO2 California hazel 6 3 . . . . 4 4 . .

DROC Washington dryad . . . . . . . . . .

GAOV slender wintergreen 32 2 25 2 20 3 50 3 20 6

HODI oceanspray 3 5 17 3 . . . . . .

JUCO4 common juniper . . 8 1 . . . . . .

LIBOL twinflower 77 7 58 15 40 4 79 7 68 7

LUPE partridgfoot . . . . . . . . . .

MEFE rusty menziesia 10 2 8 3 30 1 25 3 14 2

OPHO devil’s club . . . . 80 13 13 1 5 2

PAMY pachistima 74 3 100 10 20 1 79 3 79 6

PEFR3 shrubby penstemon . . . . . . . . . .

PHEM red mountain heath . . . . . . . . . .

PUTR bitterbrush . . . . . . . . . .

PYSE sidebells pyrola 71 2 83 2 50 2 75 4 86 4

RHAL Cascade azalea . . . . . . 4 2 13 2

APPENDIX B
305

 SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

TSHE/BENE TSHE/PAMY/CLUN THPL/OPHO ABAM/ACCI ABAM/ACTR

31 Plots 12 Plots 10 Plots 24 Plots 56 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Shrubs and Subshrubs cont’d.

ROGY baldhip rose 55 4 92 5 60 3 71 3 59 4

ROWOU Wood’s rose . . . . . . . . . .

RULA dwarf bramble 10 1 75 2 20 6 88 4 84 6

RUPE five-leaved bramble . . . . . . 13 1 5 3

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea 39 2 67 4 . . 13 2 16 2

SYAL common snowberry 3 10 . . 10 2 4 3 4 3

SYMOH creeping snowberry 19 8 33 7 30 4 21 2 13 4

SYOR mountain snowberry . . . . . . . . . .

TABR Pacific yew 19 6 17 2 30 2 42 3 5 4

VAAL Alaska huckleberry 3 2 . . 10 2 25 3 16 2

VACA dwarf huckleberry 3 1 . . . . . . . .

VADE Cascade huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VAME big huckleberry 77 3 92 9 40 3 100 9 89 13

VAMY low huckleberry 19 2 . . . . 4 3 14 8

VASC grouse huckleberry 16 1 . . . . . . 9 3

XETE beargrass 6 6 . . . . 46 4 14 4

Herbs

ACTR vanilla leaf . . . . 50 14 79 8 100 9

AGSP bluebunch wheatgrass . . . . . . . . . .

ARCO heartleaf arnica 10 1 . . . . . . 2 2

ARLA broadleaf arnica . . 8 1 . . 4 2 32 3

ASCA3 wild ginger . . . . 90 8 . . 13 2

ASDE podfern . . . . . . . . . .

ATFI ladyfern 6 2 . . 80 9 4 2 5 2

BASA arrowleaf balsamroot . . . . . . . . . .

BRTE cheatgrass . . . . . . . . . .

CACO northwestern sedge 13 1 8 1 . . . . 2 1

CAGE elk sedge 6 2 25 2 . . . . 7 3

CARO Ross sedge 6 1 8 2 . . 4 1 5 2

CARU pinegrass 10 4 8 3 . . . . 2 1

CLUN queencup beadlily . . 100 4 90 4 83 7 89 7

EQUIS horsetail species . . 8 1 30 8 . . . .

EQAR common horsetail . . . . 10 1 . . . .

FEID Idaho fescue . . . . . . . . . .

FEOC western fescue 10 2 17 1 . . . . 9 1

FEVI green fescue . . . . . . . . . .

GYDR oak fern 3 3 . . 50 3 . . 9 6

LUHI smooth woodrush . . . . . . . . 2 1

LUNA2 silvercrown luina . . . . . . . . . .

LULA broadleaf lupine 3 4 8 5 . . . . 2 8

LUSE silky lupine . . . . . . . . . .

LUPIN lupine species 10 8 17 4 . . 4 2 20 3

LUSU sulfur lupine . . . . . . . . . .

MOSS Undifferentiated Moss 26 12 25 12 10 40 46 15 27 15

PEBR bracted pedicularis . . . . . . . . 2 2

PERA sickletop pedicularis . . 17 2 10 1 17 1 20 2

POPU skunkleaf polemonium . . . . . . . . 5 2

PTAQ bracken fern 23 1 92 6 40 3 54 2 16 2

SMRA feather solomonplume 16 2 33 2 30 3 17 2 9 1

SMST starry solomonplume 26 4 67 2 100 6 38 4 39 4

STRO rosy twistedstalk . . 8 1 30 4 13 1 13 2

TITRU coolwort foamflower 6 2 17 6 80 4 42 5 45 5

TRCA3 false bugbane 3 3 8 4 40 4 4 3 4 2

TRLA2 western starflower 13 3 33 3 50 7 17 3 11 2

VASI Sitka valerian . . 8 1 . . 4 1 14 5

VIGL pioneer violet 13 2 8 1 90 3 4 2 11 3

VIOR2 round-leaved violet 26 2 42 2 10 2 71 2 70 2

APPENDIX B
306

 SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

ABAM/MEFE ABAM/OPHO ABAM/RHAL-VAME ABAM/RULA ABAM/TITRU 27 Plots 11 Plots 12 Plots 7 Plots 9 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Tree Overstory Layer

ABAM silver fir 93 25 100 31 83 26 86 20 89 26

ABGR grand fir . . . . 17 2 29 4 . .

ABLA2 subalpine fir 7 2 . . 50 23 100 11 22 13

ABPR noble fir 7 5 . . 8 35 . . 22 10

ACMA bigleaf maple . . . . . . . . . .

CHNO yellow cedar 15 21 . . 33 11 14 5 . .

LALY subalpine larch . . . . . . . . . .

LAOC western larch 4 3 . . 17 10 . . 22 8

PIEN Engelmann spruce 4 5 . . 25 15 57 10 44 18

PIAL whitebark pine . . . . 8 1 . . . .

PICO lodgepole pine . . . . 17 4 57 14 22 4

PIMO western white pine 7 4 . . 42 2 57 7 33 2

PIPO ponderosa pine . . . . . . 14 1 . .

POTR quaking aspen . . . . . . . . 11 2

POTR2 black cottonwood . . . . . . . . . .

PSME Douglas-fir 44 10 36 15 67 8 71 20 56 18

QUGA Oregon white oak . . . . . . . . . .

THPL western redcedar 26 9 64 15 . . . . 56 6

TSHE western hemlock 89 31 91 23 50 19 14 10 78 29

TSME mountain hemlock 19 5 18 3 . . 14 5 22 2

Tree Understory Layer

ABAM silver fir 100 14 100 8 83 16 86 4 100 9

ABGR grand fir . . . . . . 14 1 . .

ABLA2 subalpine fir . . . . 42 6 71 8 33 7

LALY subalpine larch . . . . . . . . . .

PIAL whitebark pine . . . . . . . . . .

PIPO pinus ponderosa . . . . . . . . . .

PSME Douglas-fir . . . . . . 14 2 . .

QUGA Oregon white oak . . . . . . . . . .

TSHE western hemlock 81 4 64 6 50 4 29 1 67 4

TSME mountain hemlock 22 3 9 2 25 3 14 2 11 2

Shrubs and Subshrubs

ACCI vine maple 7 2 27 7 . . . . 11 3

ARNE pinemat manzanita . . . . . . . . . .

ARTRV mountain big sagebrush . . . . . . . . . .

ARUV bearberry . . . . . . . . . .

BEAQ Oregon grape . . . . . . . . . .

BENE Cascade Oregon grape 30 3 . . 17 4 . . 44 4

CAME Mertens’ moss-heather . . . . . . . . . .

CATR four-angled moss-heather . . . . . . . . . .

CEVE snowbrush ceanothus . . . . . . . . . .

CHUMO western prince’s pine 37 2 . . 25 1 43 1 44 2

COCA bunchberry dogwood 33 5 18 10 . . . . 44 4

COCO2 California hazel . . . . . . . . . .

DROC Washington dryad . . . . . . . . . .

GAOV slender wintergreen 44 3 . . 8 7 . . 33 2

HODI oceanspray . . . . . . . . . .

JUCO4 common juniper . . . . . . . . . .

LIBOL twinflower 59 4 36 3 17 4 . . 33 5

LUPE partridgfoot . . . . . . . . . .

MEFE rusty menziesia 100 14 45 3 8 2 . . 44 3

OPHO devil’s club 4 1 100 33 . . . . 22 3

PAMY pachistima 33 2 9 1 58 3 71 4 56 2

PEFR3 shrubby penstemon . . . . . . . . . .

PHEM red mountain heath . . . . 8 1 . . . .

PUTR bitterbrush . . . . . . . . . .

PYSE sidebells pyrola 81 3 73 3 92 3 71 3 89 3

RHAL Cascade azalea 48 11 . . 100 25 29 1 11 1

APPENDIX B
307

 SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

ABAM/MEFE ABAM/OPHO ABAM/RHAL-VAME ABAM/RULA ABAM/TITRU 27 Plots 11 Plots 12 Plots 7 Plots 9 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Shrubs and Subshrubs cont’d.

ROGY baldhip rose 7 2 27 1 8 1 . . 33 2

ROWOU Wood’s rose . . . . . . . . . .

RULA dwarf bramble 74 3 82 4 75 10 100 16 78 7

RUPE five-leaved bramble 41 4 36 8 8 8 14 1 22 3

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea . . . . . . . . . .

SYAL common snowberry 4 2 . . . . . . . .

SYMOH creeping snowberry . . . . . . . . . .

SYOR mountain snowberry . . . . . . . . . .

TABR Pacific yew 22 6 9 1 8 5 . . 22 4

VAAL Alaska huckleberry 67 8 55 4 25 5 . . 33 2

VACA dwarf huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VADE Cascade huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VAME big huckleberry 89 11 73 3 75 14 100 14 100 6

VAMY low huckleberry 19 10 18 1 50 3 29 2 33 2

VASC grouse huckleberry 4 2 . . 17 2 29 9 . .

XETE beargrass 33 12 . . 25 4 . . . .

Herbs

ACTR vanilla leaf 22 4 27 11 33 11 . . 11 1

AGSP bluebunch wheatgrass . . . . . . . . . .

ARCO heartleaf arnica 4 1 . . 8 2 . . . .

ARLA broadleaf arnica . . . . 50 4 100 15 33 5

ASCA3 wild ginger . . 55 5 . . . . 11 2

ASDE podfern . . . . . . . . . .

ATFI ladyfern . . 91 6 . . . . 11 3

BASA arrowleaf balsamroot . . . . . . . . . .

BRTE cheatgrass . . . . . . . . . .

CACO northwestern sedge . . . . . . . . . .

CAGE elk sedge . . . . 8 1 14 2 . .

CARO Ross sedge . . . . . . 14 1 . .

CARU pinegrass . . . . . . . . . .

CLUN queencup beadlily 74 5 100 11 33 9 14 5 89 5

EQUIS horsetail species . . . . . . . . . .

EQAR common horsetail 4 1 . . . . . . . .

FEID Idaho fescue . . . . . . . . . .

FEOC western fescue . . . . . . 43 1 . .

FEVI green fescue . . . . . . . . . .

GYDR oak fern 15 4 100 10 8 6 . . 44 3

LUHI smooth woodrush . . . . . . 14 1 . .

LUNA2 silvercrown luina . . . . . . . . . .

LULA broadleaf lupine . . . . . . 57 3 . .

LUSE silky lupine . . . . . . . . . .

LUPIN lupine species . . . . 17 3 . . 11 5

LUSU sulfur lupine . . . . . . . . . .

MOSS Undifferentiated Moss 67 27 27 13 50 11 57 8 11 10

PEBR bracted pedicularis . . . . . . . . . .

PERA sickletop pedicularis 4 1 . . . . 43 1 11 2

POPU skunkleaf polemonium . . . . 8 1 86 3 11 3

PTAQ bracken fern 7 1 . . . . . . 33 2

SMRA feather solomonplume 4 1 18 2 8 1 . . 11 3

SMST starry solomonplume 11 3 55 8 17 2 . . 67 3

STRO rosy twistedstalk 33 3 64 6 17 8 . . 33 4

TITRU coolwort foamflower 44 3 100 12 33 4 . . 89 4

TRCA3 false bugbane . . . . . . . . 56 10

TRLA2 western starflower 4 1 27 5 . . . . . .

VASI Sitka valerian 11 3 18 2 17 2 43 6 67 2

VIGL pioneer violet 4 4 73 4 . . . . 33 3

VIOR2 round-leaved violet 19 2 36 4 58 3 100 4 56 2

APPENDIX B
308

 SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

ABAM/VAAL ABAM/VAME-PYSE ABAM/VAME/CLUN TSME/LUHI TSME/MEFE-VAME

22 Plots 40 Plots 30 Plots 6 Plots 9 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Tree Overstory Layer

ABAM silver fir 91 24 83 16 70 15 33 12 100 32

ABGR grand fir . . 8 6 23 9 . . . .

ABLA2 subalpine fir . . 13 3 30 16 83 29 . .

ABPR noble fir 9 8 3 2 3 20 . . . .

ACMA bigleaf maple . . . . . . . . . .

CHNO yellow cedar . . 13 3 3 15 17 3 . .

LALY subalpine larch . . . . . . . . . .

LAOC western larch . . 15 11 13 11 . . . .

PIEN Engelmann spruce 14 13 3 3 30 10 17 5 . .

PIAL whitebark pine . . . . . . 17 5 . .

PICO lodgepole pine . . 5 13 13 24 17 5 . .

PIMO western white pine 14 5 38 5 47 4 . . 11 1

PIPO ponderosa pine . . . . . . . . . .

POTR quaking aspen . . . . . . . . . .

POTR2 black cottonwood . . . . 3 1 . . . .

PSME Douglas-fir 59 15 75 14 77 19 . . . .

QUGA Oregon white oak . . . . . . . . . .

THPL western redcedar 36 10 18 7 50 6 . . . .

TSHE western hemlock 100 32 95 38 63 36 . . 33 10

TSME mountain hemlock 14 3 15 5 3 5 100 16 100 17

Tree Understory Layer

ABAM silver fir 100 20 95 9 97 9 83 6 100 18

ABGR grand fir . . 10 6 17 9 . . . .

ABLA2 subalpine fir . . 18 5 43 6 50 1 . .

LALY subalpine larch . . . . . . . . . .

PIAL whitebark pine . . . . . . . . . .

PIPO pinus ponderosa . . . . . . . . . .

PSME Douglas-fir . . 3 5 . . . . . .

QUGA Oregon white oak . . . . . . . . . .

TSHE western hemlock 73 4 78 5 60 5 . . 22 3

TSME mountain hemlock 14 1 23 2 10 4 67 5 78 4

Shrubs and Subshrubs

ACCI vine maple 23 2 18 2 13 2 . . . .

ARNE pinemat manzanita . . 5 8 . . . . . .

ARTRV mountain big sagebrush . . . . . . . . . .

ARUV bearberry . . . . . . . . . .

BEAQ Oregon grape . . . . . . . . . .

BENE Cascade Oregon grape 36 3 70 4 57 6 . . . .

CAME Mertens’ moss-heather . . . . . . . . . .

CATR four-angled moss-heather . . . . . . . . . .

CEVE snowbrush ceanothus . . . . . . . . . .

CHUMO western prince’s pine 41 2 80 3 63 3 . . . .

COCA bunchberry dogwood 27 4 5 3 13 2 . . . .

COCO2 California hazel . . . . . . . . . .

DROC Washington dryad . . . . . . . . . .

GAOV slender wintergreen 36 4 65 4 30 2 . . 11 1

HODI oceanspray . . . . 3 2 . . . .

JUCO4 common juniper . . . . . . . . . .

LIBOL twinflower 55 2 78 5 63 6 . . . .

LUPE partridgfoot . . . . . . 17 45 . .

MEFE rusty menziesia 59 3 15 2 13 2 17 1 100 30

OPHO devil’s club 9 3 . . . . . . 11 1

PAMY pachistima 36 4 60 3 77 5 . . 11 1

PEFR3 shrubby penstemon . . . . . . . . . .

PHEM red mountain heath . . . . 7 2 . . . .

PUTR bitterbrush . . . . . . . . . .

PYSE sidebells pyrola 95 3 73 2 83 3 17 1 56 1

RHAL Cascade azalea 18 1 3 1 7 3 33 1 44 6

APPENDIX B
309

 SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

ABAM/VAAL ABAM/VAME-PYSE ABAM/VAME/CLUN TSME/LUHI TSME/MEFE-VAME

22 Plots 40 Plots 30 Plots 6 Plots 9 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Shrubs and Subshrubs cont’d.

ROGY baldhip rose . . 15 2 50 3 . . . .

ROWOU Wood’s rose . . . . . . . . . .

RULA dwarf bramble 82 2 30 3 60 7 67 14 67 4

RUPE five-leaved bramble 18 2 3 3 3 1 . . 22 2

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea 5 1 15 2 7 3 . . . .

SYAL common snowberry . . . . 7 2 . . . .

SYMOH creeping snowberry . . . . 3 1 . . . .

SYOR mountain snowberry . . . . . . . . . .

TABR Pacific yew 14 3 25 5 20 3 . . . .

VAAL Alaska huckleberry 100 11 10 2 3 1 . . 33 2

VACA dwarf huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VADE Cascade huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VAME big huckleberry 100 9 98 9 97 15 50 7 100 22

VAMY low huckleberry 14 1 15 2 13 2 . . . .

VASC grouse huckleberry . . 20 6 3 15 50 2 . .

XETE beargrass 23 10 28 6 10 4 17 1 11 1

Herbs

ACTR vanilla leaf 41 4 15 1 17 1 . . 11 5

AGSP bluebunch wheatgrass . . . . . . . . . .

ARCO heartleaf arnica . . 3 1 3 2 . . . .

ARLA broadleaf arnica 9 2 . . 7 2 100 5 22 2

ASCA3 wild ginger . . . . 3 1 . . . .

ASDE podfern . . . . . . . . . .

ATFI ladyfern 9 2 . . . . . . . .

BASA arrowleaf balsamroot . . . . . . . . . .

BRTE cheatgrass . . . . . . . . . .

CACO northwestern sedge . . . . 3 2 . . . .

CAGE elk sedge . . . . . . 17 2 . .

CARO Ross sedge . . . . 3 1 . . . .

CARU pinegrass . . . . . . . . . .

CLUN queencup beadlily 86 4 . . 100 5 . . 56 5

EQUIS horsetail species . . . . . . . . . .

EQAR common horsetail . . . . . . . . . .

FEID Idaho fescue . . . . . . . . . .

FEOC western fescue . . . . 3 2 . . . .

FEVI green fescue . . . . . . 17 4 . .

GYDR oak fern 9 6 . . . . . . 11 2

LUHI smooth woodrush . . . . . . 100 25 . .

LUNA2 silvercrown luina . . . . . . . . . .

LULA broadleaf lupine . . 3 1 . . . . . .

LUSE silky lupine . . . . . . . . . .

LUPIN lupine species . . . . 23 4 . . 11 2

LUSU sulfur lupine . . . . . . . . . .

MOSS Undifferentiated Moss 59 36 53 20 40 13 17 10 67 13

PEBR bracted pedicularis . . . . 3 2 . . . .

PERA sickletop pedicularis . . 8 1 23 2 67 1 . .

POPU skunkleaf polemonium . . . . 3 7 50 2 . .

PTAQ bracken fern 14 2 23 2 27 3 . . 11 1

SMRA feather solomonplume . . 3 1 13 2 . . . .

SMST starry solomonplume 14 2 3 1 37 4 . . . .

STRO rosy twistedstalk 18 2 . . . . . . 33 2

TITRU coolwort foamflower 23 3 8 2 37 2 17 4 11 2

TRCA3 false bugbane 5 15 . . . . . . . .

TRLA2 western starflower . . 3 1 10 3 . . . .

VASI Sitka valerian 9 4 . . 10 17 67 6 22 2

VIGL pioneer violet . . . . 20 3 50 1 . .

VIOR2 round-leaved violet 18 2 18 1 33 2 33 4 . .

APPENDIX B
310

 SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

TSME/MEFE-VAAL TSME/PHEM-VADE TSME/RHAL-VAME TSME/RHAL-VAAL TSME/RULA 10 Plots 10 Plots 22 Plots 4 Plots 7 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Tree Overstory Layer

ABAM silver fir 100 32 10 25 77 26 100 43 71 21

ABGR grand fir . . . . . . . . . .

ABLA2 subalpine fir . . 100 14 27 9 25 3 71 16

ABPR noble fir . . . . 5 5 . . . .

ACMA bigleaf maple . . . . . . . . . .

CHNO yellow cedar . . 10 70 9 20 . . 14 5

LALY subalpine larch . . . . . . . . . .

LAOC western larch . . . . 36 11 . . 57 3

PIEN Engelmann spruce 10 1 10 1 41 8 . . 43 10

PIAL whitebark pine . . 60 3 . . . . . .

PICO lodgepole pine . . 10 15 18 13 . . 29 21

PIMO western white pine 10 1 . . 45 6 . . 14 10

PIPO ponderosa pine . . . . . . . . . .

POTR quaking aspen . . . . . . . . . .

POTR2 black cottonwood . . . . . . . . . .

PSME Douglas-fir . . . . 45 8 . . 29 15

QUGA Oregon white oak . . . . . . . . . .

THPL western redcedar 20 9 . . . . . . . .

TSHE western hemlock 70 11 . . 32 9 . . . .

TSME mountain hemlock 100 18 100 13 95 26 100 31 86 24

Tree Understory Layer

ABAM silver fir 100 15 20 5 95 16 100 10 86 12

ABGR grand fir . . . . 9 1 . . 14 1

ABLA2 subalpine fir . . 90 7 36 5 . . 71 6

LALY subalpine larch . . . . . . . . . .

PIAL whitebark pine . . 50 1 5 1 . . 14 1

PIPO pinus ponderosa . . . . . . . . . .

PSME Douglas-fir . . . . 5 2 . . . .

QUGA Oregon white oak . . . . . . . . . .

TSHE western hemlock 50 2 . . 23 3 25 5 14 1

TSME mountain hemlock 80 3 90 5 68 8 75 6 86 6

Shrubs and Subshrubs

ACCI vine maple . . . . . . . . . .

ARNE pinemat manzanita . . . . . . . . . .

ARTRV mountain big sagebrush . . . . . . . . . .

ARUV bearberry . . . . . . . . . .

BEAQ Oregon grape . . . . 5 1 . . . .

BENE Cascade Oregon grape . . . . 9 3 . . 14 1

CAME Mertens’ moss-heather . . 30 14 . . . . . .

CATR four-angled moss-heather . . 10 3 . . . . . .

CEVE snowbrush ceanothus . . . . . . . . . .

CHUMO western prince’s pine . . . . 9 5 . . 14 1

COCA bunchberry dogwood 30 4 . . . . . . . .

COCO2 California hazel . . . . . . . . . .

DROC Washington dryad . . . . . . . . . .

GAOV slender wintergreen . . . . 18 3 . . . .

HODI oceanspray . . . . . . . . . .

JUCO4 common juniper . . . . . . . . . .

LIBOL twinflower . . . . 9 4 . . . .

LUPE partridgfoot . . 40 17 . . . . . .

MEFE rusty menziesia 100 16 . . 23 5 . . . .

OPHO devil’s club 60 2 . . . . . . . .

PAMY pachistima . . . . 41 5 . . 29 6

PEFR3 shrubby penstemon . . . . . . . . . .

PHEM red mountain heath . . 70 23 . . 25 5 . .

PUTR bitterbrush . . . . . . . . . .

PYSE sidebells pyrola 20 2 20 2 86 9 25 5 71 2

RHAL Cascade azalea 20 6 10 2 100 30 100 13 . .

APPENDIX B
311

 SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

TSME/MEFE-VAAL TSME/PHEM-VADE TSME/RHAL-VAME TSME/RHAL-VAAL TSME/RULA 10 Plots 10 Plots 22 Plots 4 Plots 7 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Shrubs and Subshrubs cont’d.

ROGY baldhip rose . . 10 1 . . . . . .

ROWOU Wood’s rose . . . . . . . . . .

RULA dwarf bramble 90 3 40 19 77 12 50 5 100 13

RUPE five-leaved bramble 90 8 . . 5 4 50 13 . .

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea . . . . . . . . . .

SYAL common snowberry . . . . . . . . . .

SYMOH creeping snowberry . . . . . . . . . .

SYOR mountain snowberry . . . . . . . . . .

TABR Pacific yew 10 2 10 1 . . . . . .

VAAL Alaska huckleberry 100 13 . . 5 1 100 30 . .

VACA dwarf huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VADE Cascade huckleberry . . 70 20 . . . . . .

VAME big huckleberry 90 16 20 13 100 18 100 45 43 8

VAMY low huckleberry 20 4 . . 41 13 . . 57 13

VASC grouse huckleberry . . 60 6 27 10 . . 71 5

XETE beargrass . . 20 3 59 8 . . 57 2

Herbs

ACTR vanilla leaf . . . . 18 5 . . . .

AGSP bluebunch wheatgrass . . . . . . . . . .

ARCO heartleaf arnica . . . . . . . . . .

ARLA broadleaf arnica 10 2 60 2 64 12 . . 57 11

ASCA3 wild ginger . . . . . . . . . .

ASDE podfern . . . . . . . . . .

ATFI ladyfern 20 3 . . . . . . . .

BASA arrowleaf balsamroot . . . . . . . . . .

BRTE cheatgrass . . . . . . . . . .

CACO northwestern sedge . . . . . . . . . .

CAGE elk sedge . . 20 Tr 5 1 . . 29 2

CARO Ross sedge . . . . . . . . . .

CARU pinegrass . . . . . . . . . .

CLUN queencup beadlily 90 9 . . 14 7 75 5 . .

EQUIS horsetail species . . . . . . . . . .

EQAR common horsetail . . . . . . . . . .

FEID Idaho fescue . . . . . . . . . .

FEOC western fescue . . . . . . . . 29 1

FEVI green fescue . . 20 8 . . . . . .

GYDR oak fern 40 9 . . . . . . . .

LUHI smooth woodrush . . 90 14 9 2 . . 43 1

LUNA2 silvercrown luina . . . . . . . . . .

LULA broadleaf lupine . . . . 5 8 . . 14 3

LUSE silky lupine . . . . . . . . . .

LUPIN lupine species . . 30 11 18 12 . . 14 2

LUSU sulfur lupine . . . . . . . . . .

MOSS Undifferentiated Moss 60 18 . . 18 7 . . 29 15

PEBR bracted pedicularis . . . . 9 2 . . 14 1

PERA sickletop pedicularis . . 10 1 27 2 . . 14 1

POPU skunkleaf polemonium . . 10 Tr 18 3 . . 29 7

PTAQ bracken fern . . . . . . . . . .

SMRA feather solomonplume . . . . . . . . 14 1

SMST starry solomonplume 30 4 . . . . 50 1 . .

STRO rosy twistedstalk 60 4 . . 9 4 25 3 14 1

TITRU coolwort foamflower 60 4 . . 5 7 . . 14 2

TRCA3 false bugbane 20 3 . . . . . . 14 4

TRLA2 western starflower 10 4 . . . . . . . .

VASI Sitka valerian 60 2 30 8 27 2 . . 29 4

VIGL pioneer violet . . . . . . . . . .

VIOR2 round-leaved violet 10 1 . . 9 2 . . 29 4

APPENDIX B
312

 SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

TSME/VAAL TSME/VAME TSME/VASC/LUHI TSME/XETE-VAMY ABLA2/ARLA-POPU 6 Plots 15 Plots 17 Plots 12 Plots 22 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Tree Overstory Layer

ABAM silver fir 100 38 87 22 29 16 50 15 . .

ABGR grand fir . . 13 5 6 1 17 4 27 24

ABLA2 subalpine fir . . 7 15 88 19 42 18 91 21

ABPR noble fir . . . . . . . . . .

ACMA bigleaf maple . . . . . . . . . .

CHNO yellow cedar . . 13 6 12 28 . . . .

LALY subalpine larch . . . . . . . . . .

LAOC western larch . . 40 9 6 7 75 8 36 16

PIEN Engelmann spruce . . . . 12 13 17 10 32 18

PIAL whitebark pine . . . . 35 7 . . 5 1

PICO lodgepole pine . . 27 8 29 20 58 19 59 19

PIMO western white pine . . 53 6 . . 33 8 5 1

PIPO ponderosa pine . . . . . . . . 5 5

POTR quaking aspen . . . . . . . . . .

POTR2 black cottonwood . . . . . . . . . .

PSME Douglas-fir 17 3 53 10 18 1 33 7 64 27

QUGA Oregon white oak . . . . . . . . . .

THPL western redcedar . . . . . . . . . .

TSHE western hemlock 67 25 73 21 . . 8 10 . .

TSME mountain hemlock 100 14 93 18 94 30 100 29 . .

Tree Understory Layer

ABAM silver fir 100 14 100 10 53 8 67 10 . .

ABGR grand fir . . 7 2 6 2 33 2 41 4

ABLA2 subalpine fir . . 13 5 76 7 75 10 100 15

LALY subalpine larch . . . . . . . . . .

PIAL whitebark pine . . . . 47 1 . . . .

PIPO pinus ponderosa . . . . . . . . . .

PSME Douglas-fir 17 6 7 1 . . 8 6 23 6

QUGA Oregon white oak . . . . . . . . . .

TSHE western hemlock 33 4 80 4 . . 8 1 . .

TSME mountain hemlock 67 6 67 4 100 5 92 10 . .

Shrubs and Subshrubs

ACCI vine maple . . . . . . . . . .

ARNE pinemat manzanita . . 7 1 6 12 8 2 . .

ARTRV mountain big sagebrush . . . . . . . . . .

ARUV bearberry . . . . . . . . . .

BEAQ Oregon grape . . . . . . 8 1 . .

BENE Cascade Oregon grape . . 33 4 . . 8 2 . .

CAME Mertens’ moss-heather . . . . . . . . . .

CATR four-angled moss-heather . . . . . . . . . .

CEVE snowbrush ceanothus . . . . . . . . . .

CHUMO western prince’s pine 17 1 67 3 6 1 25 2 23 1

COCA bunchberry dogwood . . . . . . . . . .

COCO2 California hazel . . . . . . . . . .

DROC Washington dryad . . . . . . . . . .

GAOV slender wintergreen 33 5 53 7 . . 8 3 . .

HODI oceanspray . . . . . . . . . .

JUCO4 common juniper . . . . 12 1 8 3 . .

LIBOL twinflower 17 1 40 4 . . 17 6 . .

LUPE partridgfoot . . . . 12 9 . . . .

MEFE rusty menziesia 50 4 13 3 . . . . . .

OPHO devil’s club 33 3 . . . . . . . .

PAMY pachistima . . 47 3 18 3 67 4 86 4

PEFR3 shrubby penstemon . . . . . . . . . .

PHEM red mountain heath . . . . 6 3 . . . .

PUTR bitterbrush . . . . . . . . . .

PYSE sidebells pyrola 83 2 47 3 18 4 50 5 64 2

RHAL Cascade azalea . . . . 24 1 . . 9 4

APPENDIX B
313

 SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

TSME/VAAL TSME/VAME TSME/VASC/LUHI TSME/XETE-VAMY ABLA2/ARLA-POPU 6 Plots 15 Plots 17 Plots 12 Plots 22 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Shrubs and Subshrubs cont’d.

ROGY baldhip rose . . 7 2 . . . . . .

ROWOU Wood’s rose . . . . . . 8 2 . .

RULA dwarf bramble 67 4 13 3 65 19 42 8 5 3

RUPE five-leaved bramble 50 5 . . . . . . . .

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea . . . . . . . . . .

SYAL common snowberry . . . . . . . . 9 2

SYMOH creeping snowberry . . . . . . . . . .

SYOR mountain snowberry . . . . . . . . . .

TABR Pacific yew . . . . . . . . . .

VAAL Alaska huckleberry 100 5 13 2 . . . . . .

VACA dwarf huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VADE Cascade huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VAME big huckleberry 100 12 100 16 41 8 58 14 . .

VAMY low huckleberry 33 2 13 9 35 34 67 18 41 3

VASC grouse huckleberry . . 53 6 76 20 33 5 23 2

XETE beargrass . . 27 3 29 6 100 19 . .

Herbs

ACTR vanilla leaf . . . . . . . . . .

AGSP bluebunch wheatgrass . . . . . . . . . .

ARCO heartleaf arnica . . . . 6 Tr 25 9 64 4

ARLA broadleaf arnica 17 2 . . 88 11 . . 68 7

ASCA3 wild ginger . . . . . . . . . .

ASDE podfern . . . . . . . . . .

ATFI ladyfern 33 3 . . . . . . . .

BASA arrowleaf balsamroot . . . . . . . . . .

BRTE cheatgrass . . . . . . . . . .

CACO northwestern sedge . . . . 6 Tr . . 41 2

CAGE elk sedge . . . . 59 3 25 2 68 6

CARO Ross sedge . . . . . . 17 2 5 1

CARU pinegrass . . . . 12 1 25 2 27 17

CLUN queencup beadlily 67 5 20 4 6 1 8 4 5 2

EQUIS horsetail species . . . . . . . . . .

EQAR common horsetail . . . . . . . . . .

FEID Idaho fescue . . . . . . . . . .

FEOC western fescue . . . . . . . . 14 1

FEVI green fescue . . . . . . . . . .

GYDR oak fern 33 3 . . . . . . . .

LUHI smooth woodrush . . . . 100 9 17 2 18 2

LUNA2 silvercrown luina . . . . 6 1 8 2 9 2

LULA broadleaf lupine . . 7 25 12 6 8 10 . .

LUSE silky lupine . . . . 6 Tr . . . .

LUPIN lupine species . . . . 18 3 17 4 73 6

LUSU sulfur lupine . . . . . . . . . .

MOSS Undifferentiated Moss 50 22 53 15 12 8 17 4 36 3

PEBR bracted pedicularis . . . . 12 2 . . 18 1

PERA sickletop pedicularis 33 2 . . 41 1 . . 36 2

POPU skunkleaf polemonium . . . . 47 5 25 4 86 3

PTAQ bracken fern 17 1 . . . . . . . .

SMRA feather solomonplume . . . . 6 Tr . . 9 1

SMST starry solomonplume . . . . . . . . 5 2

STRO rosy twistedstalk 50 3 . . . . . . . .

TITRU coolwort foamflower 33 4 . . . . . . . .

TRCA3 false bugbane 17 2 . . . . . . . .

TRLA2 western starflower . . . . . . . . . .

VASI Sitka valerian 33 3 . . 47 14 25 4 36 3

VIGL pioneer violet 17 2 . . 12 1 8 15 5 4

VIOR2 round-leaved violet 17 2 7 1 29 3 8 2 27 2

APPENDIX B
314

 SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

ABLA2/CARU ABLA2/LIBOL ABLA2/LUHI ABLA2/PAMY ABLA2/PAMY/CARU 9 Plots 10 Plots 11 Plots 11 Plots 5 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Tree Overstory Layer

ABAM silver fir . . . . . . 9 5 . .

ABGR grand fir 11 2 10 1 . . 9 5 . .

ABLA2 subalpine fir 67 7 60 6 100 40 73 14 40 5

ABPR noble fir . . . . . . . . . .

ACMA bigleaf maple . . . . . . . . . .

CHNO yellow cedar 11 5 . . . . . . . .

LALY subalpine larch . . . . 9 3 . . . .

LAOC western larch 11 5 60 25 9 10 . . . .

PIEN Engelmann spruce 33 12 90 11 55 18 45 12 . .

PIAL whitebark pine . . . . 18 7 . . . .

PICO lodgepole pine 67 30 80 17 27 5 45 24 80 30

PIMO western white pine 11 5 . . . . 18 2 20 1

PIPO ponderosa pine 33 2 . . . . 27 4 40 10

POTR quaking aspen 11 1 . . . . . . . .

POTR2 black cottonwood . . . . . . . . . .

PSME Douglas-fir 67 34 90 13 . . 91 26 100 16

QUGA Oregon white oak . . . . . . . . . .

THPL western redcedar . . . . . . . . . .

TSHE western hemlock . . . . 9 5 . . . .

TSME mountain hemlock . . . . . . . . . .

Tree Understory Layer

ABAM silver fir . . 10 1 . . 9 1 . .

ABGR grand fir 11 5 20 4 . . 9 4 . .

ABLA2 subalpine fir 67 3 60 6 91 7 91 4 100 3

LALY subalpine larch . . . . . . . . . .

PIAL whitebark pine 11 2 20 1 18 3 9 1 . .

PIPO pinus ponderosa 11 1 . . . . . . . .

PSME Douglas-fir 56 4 70 8 . . 55 1 60 4

QUGA Oregon white oak . . . . . . . . . .

TSHE western hemlock 11 1 . . . . . . . .

TSME mountain hemlock 11 1 . . . . . . . .

Shrubs and Subshrubs

ACCI vine maple . . . . . . . . . .

ARNE pinemat manzanita 11 8 . . . . . . 20 1

ARTRV mountain big sagebrush . . . . . . . . . .

ARUV bearberry 11 1 20 2 . . 9 3 20 1

BEAQ Oregon grape . . 10 2 . . 9 5 20 4

BENE Cascade Oregon grape 11 1 30 3 . . 27 2 20 1

CAME Mertens’ moss-heather . . . . . . . . . .

CATR four-angled moss-heather . . . . . . . . . .

CEVE snowbrush ceanothus 11 1 . . . . . . 20 1

CHUMO western prince’s pine 33 2 40 5 18 1 36 7 80 6

COCA bunchberry dogwood . . . . . . . . . .

COCO2 California hazel . . . . . . . . . .

DROC Washington dryad . . . . . . . . . .

GAOV slender wintergreen . . . . . . . . . .

HODI oceanspray . . . . . . 9 3 . .

JUCO4 common juniper . . 10 1 . . . . . .

LIBOL twinflower . . 100 12 . . 9 2 . .

LUPE partridgfoot . . . . 9 1 . . . .

MEFE rusty menziesia . . . . . . . . . .

OPHO devil’s club . . . . . . . . . .

PAMY pachistima 78 4 90 3 27 3 100 29 100 21

PEFR3 shrubby penstemon . . . . . . . . . .

PHEM red mountain heath . . . . 9 1 . . . .

PUTR bitterbrush . . . . . . . . . .

PYSE sidebells pyrola 44 2 80 3 45 2 64 2 40 2

RHAL Cascade azalea . . . . 9 2 . . . .

APPENDIX B
315

 SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

ABLA2/CARU ABLA2/LIBOL ABLA2/LUHI ABLA2/PAMY ABLA2/PAMY/CARU 9 Plots 10 Plots 11 Plots 11 Plots 5 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Shrubs and Subshrubs cont’d.

ROGY baldhip rose 11 6 20 5 . . 55 4 20 3

ROWOU Wood’s rose . . . . . . . . . .

RULA dwarf bramble . . . . 18 25 . . . .

RUPE five-leaved bramble . . . . . . . . . .

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea 22 11 30 2 . . 73 7 60 12

SYAL common snowberry . . 10 1 . . . . 40 5

SYMOH creeping snowberry . . . . . . . . . .

SYOR mountain snowberry 11 2 . . . . . . . .

TABR Pacific yew . . . . . . . . . .

VAAL Alaska huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VACA dwarf huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VADE Cascade huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VAME big huckleberry 11 4 10 1 18 7 45 2 60 3

VAMY low huckleberry 44 3 70 12 36 3 18 2 20 1

VASC grouse huckleberry . . 10 1 64 3 . . . .

XETE beargrass . . . . . . . . . .

Herbs

ACTR vanilla leaf . . . . . . . . . .

AGSP bluebunch wheatgrass . . . . . . . . . .

ARCO heartleaf arnica 67 5 30 3 9 2 45 2 20 2

ARLA broadleaf arnica . . . . 82 7 . . . .

ASCA3 wild ginger . . . . . . . . . .

ASDE podfern . . . . . . . . . .

ATFI ladyfern . . . . . . . . . .

BASA arrowleaf balsamroot . . . . . . . . . .

BRTE cheatgrass . . . . . . . . . .

CACO northwestern sedge 22 3 30 2 9 3 . . . .

CAGE elk sedge 11 15 . . 27 2 . . . .

CARO Ross sedge 11 2 . . 18 2 9 1 . .

CARU pinegrass 100 33 50 6 . . 55 2 100 14

CLUN queencup beadlily . . 10 2 . . 9 1 . .

EQUIS horsetail species . . . . . . . . . .

EQAR common horsetail . . . . . . 9 1 . .

FEID Idaho fescue . . . . . . . . . .

FEOC western fescue . . 10 2 9 2 . . 20 4

FEVI green fescue . . . . 9 3 . . . .

GYDR oak fern . . . . . . 9 Tr . .

LUHI smooth woodrush . . . . 100 21 . . . .

LUNA2 silvercrown luina 11 1 . . . . . . . .

LULA broadleaf lupine 56 14 10 35 18 8 9 10 . .

LUSE silky lupine . . . . . . . . . .

LUPIN lupine species 22 2 . . 27 12 9 20 . .

LUSU sulfur lupine . . . . . . . . . .

MOSS Undifferentiated Moss . . . . 45 7 . . . .

PEBR bracted pedicularis . . . . 27 2 . . . .

PERA sickletop pedicularis . . . . 18 2 . . . .

POPU skunkleaf polemonium . . . . 55 3 . . . .

PTAQ bracken fern 11 5 10 2 . . . . . .

SMRA feather solomonplume . . . . . . . . . .

SMST starry solomonplume . . 20 2 . . 18 1 20 1

STRO rosy twistedstalk . . . . . . . . . .

TITRU coolwort foamflower . . 10 1 . . 9 Tr . .

TRCA3 false bugbane . . . . 18 11 . . . .

TRLA2 western starflower . . . . . . . . . .

VASI Sitka valerian . . . . 73 4 . . . .

VIGL pioneer violet . . . . 9 2 . . . .

VIOR2 round-leaved violet . . 20 1 45 2 . . . .

APPENDIX B
316

 SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

ABLA2/RHAL ABLA2/RHAL/LUHI ABLA2/RULA ABLA2/VACA ABLA2/VADE 10 Plots 6 Plots 12 Plots 2 Plots 6 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Tree Overstory Layer

ABAM silver fir . . . . 8 1 . . . .

ABGR grand fir . . . . 58 9 . . . .

ABLA2 subalpine fir 100 20 100 26 75 28 50 5 100 30

ABPR noble fir . . . . 8 3 . . . .

ACMA bigleaf maple . . . . . . . . . .

CHNO yellow cedar . . . . . . . . . .

LALY subalpine larch . . 33 1 . . . . . .

LAOC western larch 10 15 . . 25 15 50 40 . .

PIEN Engelmann spruce 70 25 50 18 67 11 . . 17 Tr

PIAL whitebark pine 10 3 50 3 . . . . 33 4

PICO lodgepole pine 70 9 50 28 67 20 100 25 . .

PIMO western white pine . . . . 42 5 . . . .

PIPO ponderosa pine . . . . . . . . . .

POTR quaking aspen . . . . . . . . . .

POTR2 black cottonwood . . . . 8 1 . . . .

PSME Douglas-fir 40 28 17 3 83 16 100 5 . .

QUGA Oregon white oak . . . . . . . . . .

THPL western redcedar . . . . . . . . . .

TSHE western hemlock 10 3 . . . . . . . .

TSME mountain hemlock . . . . 8 2 . . 17 2

Tree Understory Layer

ABAM silver fir . . . . 17 2 . . . .

ABGR grand fir . . . . 67 2 . . . .

ABLA2 subalpine fir 100 14 100 9 92 12 100 16 100 9

LALY subalpine larch . . . . . . . . . .

PIAL whitebark pine 20 1 17 5 . . . . 33 1

PIPO pinus ponderosa . . . . . . . . . .

PSME Douglas-fir 10 1 . . 42 2 100 3 . .

QUGA Oregon white oak . . . . . . . . . .

TSHE western hemlock . . . . . . . . . .

TSME mountain hemlock . . . . . . . . 17 Tr

Shrubs and Subshrubs

ACCI vine maple . . . . . . . . . .

ARNE pinemat manzanita . . . . . . . . . .

ARTRV mountain big sagebrush . . . . . . . . . .

ARUV bearberry . . . . . . 100 3 . .

BEAQ Oregon grape 10 1 . . 8 1 . . . .

BENE Cascade Oregon grape . . . . 8 1 . . . .

CAME Mertens’ moss-heather . . . . . . . . 17 8

CATR four-angled moss-heather . . . . . . . . . .

CEVE snowbrush ceanothus . . . . . . . . . .

CHUMO western prince’s pine 20 2 . . 50 2 . . . .

COCA bunchberry dogwood . . . . . . . . . .

COCO2 California hazel . . . . . . . . . .

DROC Washington dryad . . . . . . . . . .

GAOV slender wintergreen . . . . . . . . . .

HODI oceanspray . . . . 8 1 . . . .

JUCO4 common juniper 10 1 . . 8 1 50 2 . .

LIBOL twinflower . . . . . . 50 15 . .

LUPE partridgfoot . . . . . . . . 50 1

MEFE rusty menziesia . . . . 8 1 . . . .

OPHO devil’s club . . . . . . . . . .

PAMY pachistima 70 5 33 8 100 3 100 4 50 3

PEFR3 shrubby penstemon . . . . . . . . . .

PHEM red mountain heath . . 50 2 . . . . 83 21

PUTR bitterbrush . . . . . . . . . .

PYSE sidebells pyrola 90 3 67 2 75 3 50 2 . .

RHAL Cascade azalea 100 33 100 38 . . . . . .

APPENDIX B
317

 SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

ABLA2/RHAL ABLA2/RHAL/LUHI ABLA2/RULA ABLA2/VACA ABLA2/VADE 10 Plots 6 Plots 12 Plots 2 Plots 6 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Shrubs and Subshrubs cont’d.

ROGY baldhip rose . . . . 25 3 . . . .

ROWOU Wood’s rose . . . . . . . . . .

RULA dwarf bramble . . . . 100 20 . . 33 14

RUPE five-leaved bramble . . . . . . . . . .

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea 20 5 . . 17 6 50 5 . .

SYAL common snowberry . . . . 17 4 . . . .

SYMOH creeping snowberry . . . . . . . . . .

SYOR mountain snowberry . . . . . . . . . .

TABR Pacific yew . . . . . . . . . .

VAAL Alaska huckleberry . . . . . . . . 17 3

VACA dwarf huckleberry . . . . . . 50 10 . .

VADE Cascade huckleberry . . 17 3 . . . . 100 24

VAME big huckleberry 30 18 33 7 50 7 . . . .

VAMY low huckleberry 60 9 50 35 33 14 100 4 . .

VASC grouse huckleberry 50 11 67 7 50 14 50 30 . .

XETE beargrass . . . . . . . . . .

Herbs

ACTR vanilla leaf . . . . 17 1 . . . .

AGSP bluebunch wheatgrass . . . . . . . . . .

ARCO heartleaf arnica 20 1 . . 75 7 50 4 . .

ARLA broadleaf arnica 30 4 67 3 67 13 . . 17 3

ASCA3 wild ginger . . . . . . . . . .

ASDE podfern . . . . . . . . 17 Tr

ATFI ladyfern . . . . . . . . . .

BASA arrowleaf balsamroot . . . . . . . . . .

BRTE cheatgrass . . . . . . . . . .

CACO northwestern sedge 40 5 . . . . . . . .

CAGE elk sedge 10 2 33 4 42 3 . . 33 8

CARO Ross sedge . . . . 17 2 . . . .

CARU pinegrass 30 12 . . . . 100 18 . .

CLUN queencup beadlily . . . . 33 6 . . . .

EQUIS horsetail species . . . . . . . . . .

EQAR common horsetail . . . . . . . . . .

FEID Idaho fescue . . . . . . . . . .

FEOC western fescue 10 5 . . 17 2 . . . .

FEVI green fescue . . . . . . . . 17 Tr

GYDR oak fern . . . . . . . . . .

LUHI smooth woodrush . . 100 6 . . . . 50 41

LUNA2 silvercrown luina 10 1 . . 25 10 . . . .

LULA broadleaf lupine 50 5 17 5 25 3 100 6 . .

LUSE silky lupine . . . . . . . . . .

LUPIN lupine species . . 17 3 . . . . . .

LUSU sulfur lupine . . . . . . . . . .

MOSS Undifferentiated Moss 40 23 17 15 17 5 . . . .

PEBR bracted pedicularis 10 1 . . 17 1 . . 17 Tr

PERA sickletop pedicularis 50 2 . . 42 3 . . . .

POPU skunkleaf polemonium 30 2 . . 83 5 . . 33 Tr

PTAQ bracken fern . . . . 8 3 . . 17 Tr

SMRA feather solomonplume . . . . 8 2 . . . .

SMST starry solomonplume . . . . 33 5 . . . .

STRO rosy twistedstalk . . . . . . . . . .

TITRU coolwort foamflower 10 4 . . 17 3 . . . .

TRCA3 false bugbane . . . . 8 15 . . . .

TRLA2 western starflower . . . . 17 4 . . . .

VASI Sitka valerian 10 3 33 4 25 1 . . 33 5

VIGL pioneer violet . . . . 42 3 . . 17 Tr

VIOR2 round-leaved violet 10 1 17 2 42 3 . . . .

APPENDIX B
318

 SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

ABLA2/VAME ABLA2/VASC ABLA2/VASC/ARLA ABLA2/VASC/CARU ABLA2/VASC/LUHI 6 Plots 11 Plots 16 Plots 5 Plots 10 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Tree Overstory Layer

ABAM silver fir . . . . . . . . . .

ABGR grand fir 17 5 9 1 13 8 . . . .

ABLA2 subalpine fir 67 7 73 10 75 20 60 3 80 28

ABPR noble fir . . . . . . . . . .

ACMA bigleaf maple . . . . . . . . . .

CHNO yellow cedar . . . . . . . . . .

LALY subalpine larch . . . . . . . . . .

LAOC western larch . . 18 10 19 14 60 17 10 1

PIEN Engelmann spruce 50 12 9 5 13 3 20 5 70 16

PIAL whitebark pine . . 18 8 . . . . 50 10

PICO lodgepole pine 50 16 91 26 100 27 80 20 50 26

PIMO western white pine 33 15 18 9 19 5 . . . .

PIPO ponderosa pine 33 6 9 1 . . 40 4 . .

POTR quaking aspen . . . . . . . . . .

POTR2 black cottonwood . . . . . . . . . .

PSME Douglas-fir 83 31 36 26 50 16 100 17 10 1

QUGA Oregon white oak . . . . . . . . . .

THPL western redcedar . . . . . . . . . .

TSHE western hemlock . . . . . . . . . .

TSME mountain hemlock . . 9 2 . . . . 20 5

Tree Understory Layer

ABAM silver fir . . 9 1 . . . . 10 1

ABGR grand fir 33 4 18 5 25 2 20 3 . .

ABLA2 subalpine fir 100 6 91 9 100 17 100 4 90 9

LALY subalpine larch . . . . . . . . . .

PIAL whitebark pine . . 18 2 6 5 . . 50 3

PIPO pinus ponderosa . . . . . . 20 1 . .

PSME Douglas-fir 50 4 45 4 25 2 80 9 . .

QUGA Oregon white oak . . . . . . . . . .

TSHE western hemlock . . . . . . . . 10 1

TSME mountain hemlock 17 2 . . . . . . 10 1

Shrubs and Subshrubs

ACCI vine maple . . . . . . . . . .

ARNE pinemat manzanita 17 1 9 10 6 1 20 15 10 15

ARTRV mountain big sagebrush . . . . . . . . . .

ARUV bearberry 17 2 9 35 . . 80 8 . .

BEAQ Oregon grape 17 3 . . 6 1 . . . .

BENE Cascade Oregon grape 33 3 . . . . . . . .

CAME Mertens’ moss-heather . . . . . . . . . .

CATR four-angled moss-heather . . . . . . . . . .

CEVE snowbrush ceanothus 17 1 . . . . . . . .

CHUMO western prince’s pine 67 4 36 3 25 2 20 2 10 1

COCA bunchberry dogwood . . . . . . . . . .

COCO2 California hazel . . . . . . . . . .

DROC Washington dryad . . . . . . . . . .

GAOV slender wintergreen 17 1 . . . . . . . .

HODI oceanspray . . . . . . . . . .

JUCO4 common juniper . . 9 4 6 1 . . 10 1

LIBOL twinflower 17 1 . . . . 20 5 . .

LUPE partridgfoot . . . . . . . . . .

MEFE rusty menziesia . . . . . . . . . .

OPHO devil’s club . . . . . . . . . .

PAMY pachistima 100 23 45 4 88 6 80 4 40 4

PEFR3 shrubby penstemon . . . . 6 1 . . . .

PHEM red mountain heath . . . . . . . . 10 2

PUTR bitterbrush . . . . . . . . . .

PYSE sidebells pyrola 33 3 27 2 50 3 20 1 20 3

RHAL Cascade azalea . . 18 2 6 2 . . 10 2

APPENDIX B
319

 SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

ABLA2/VAME ABLA2/VASC ABLA2/VASC/ARLA ABLA2/VASC/CARU ABLA2/VASC/LUHI 6 Plots 11 Plots 16 Plots 5 Plots 10 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Shrubs and Subshrubs cont’d.

ROGY baldhip rose 50 3 . . . . 20 1 . .

ROWOU Wood’s rose . . . . . . . . . .

RULA dwarf bramble . . 9 1 . . . . 20 28

RUPE five-leaved bramble . . . . . . . . . .

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea 83 4 45 3 . . 20 2 . .

SYAL common snowberry 33 21 . . . . . . . .

SYMOH creeping snowberry . . . . . . . . . .

SYOR mountain snowberry . . . . . . . . . .

TABR Pacific yew . . . . . . . . . .

VAAL Alaska huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VACA dwarf huckleberry . . . . . . 20 5 20 2

VADE Cascade huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VAME big huckleberry 100 19 18 3 . . 20 3 10 20

VAMY low huckleberry 17 6 73 22 75 16 80 25 30 12

VASC grouse huckleberry . . 36 34 56 10 40 8 100 25

XETE beargrass . . . . . . . . . .

Herbs

ACTR vanilla leaf . . . . . . . . . .

AGSP bluebunch wheatgrass . . 9 2 . . . . . .

ARCO heartleaf arnica 17 1 27 2 31 3 40 3 10 1

ARLA broadleaf arnica 17 2 . . 56 4 . . 70 12

ASCA3 wild ginger . . . . . . . . . .

ASDE podfern . . . . . . . . . .

ATFI ladyfern . . . . . . . . . .

BASA arrowleaf balsamroot . . . . . . . . . .

BRTE cheatgrass . . . . . . . . . .

CACO northwestern sedge . . 27 3 25 2 20 8 . .

CAGE elk sedge 17 5 9 1 63 13 20 10 60 3

CARO Ross sedge 17 Tr 18 1 19 3 40 3 20 2

CARU pinegrass 83 3 18 3 31 12 100 24 . .

CLUN queencup beadlily 50 6 9 1 . . . . . .

EQUIS horsetail species . . . . . . . . . .

EQAR common horsetail . . . . . . . . . .

FEID Idaho fescue . . . . . . . . . .

FEOC western fescue 33 1 . . 44 3 20 2 30 2

FEVI green fescue . . . . . . . . 30 2

GYDR oak fern . . . . . . . . . .

LUHI smooth woodrush . . . . . . . . 100 10

LUNA2 silvercrown luina . . . . 19 1 . . 30 1

LULA broadleaf lupine 17 1 9 15 13 10 20 15 40 7

LUSE silky lupine . . . . . . . . . .

LUPIN lupine species 17 2 18 1 56 11 20 7 50 10

LUSU sulfur lupine . . . . . . . . . .

MOSS Undifferentiated Moss . . . . 25 4 . . 10 5

PEBR bracted pedicularis . . . . 19 5 . . 50 1

PERA sickletop pedicularis . . 9 2 19 3 20 1 60 1

POPU skunkleaf polemonium . . . . 81 5 . . 90 5

PTAQ bracken fern 17 2 . . . . . . . .

SMRA feather solomonplume 17 2 9 1 . . . . . .

SMST starry solomonplume 33 2 . . 6 4 . . . .

STRO rosy twistedstalk 17 1 . . . . . . . .

TITRU coolwort foamflower . . . . . . . . . .

TRCA3 false bugbane . . . . . . . . . .

TRLA2 western starflower . . . . . . . . . .

VASI Sitka valerian . . . . 31 2 . . 60 6

VIGL pioneer violet 33 4 . . . . . . . .

VIOR2 round-leaved violet 17 4 . . 13 2 . . 30 2

APPENDIX B
320

 SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

PIEN/EQUIS PIAL/CARU PIAL/FEVI PIAL/JUCO4 PIAL/VASC/LUHI 2 Plots 7 Plots 6 Plots 4 Plots 8 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Tree Overstory Layer

ABAM silver fir . . . . . . . . 13 Tr

ABGR grand fir . . . . . . . . . .

ABLA2 subalpine fir 100 18 71 4 50 6 25 5 88 6

ABPR noble fir . . . . . . . . . .

ACMA bigleaf maple . . . . . . . . . .

CHNO yellow cedar . . . . 17 Tr . . . .

LALY subalpine larch . . . . . . 25 2 . .

LAOC western larch . . . . . . . . . .

PIEN Engelmann spruce 100 45 14 5 . . 25 Tr 25 5

PIAL whitebark pine . . 100 14 100 8 100 25 100 29

PICO lodgepole pine . . 29 9 17 5 25 8 38 6

PIMO western white pine . . . . . . . . 13 2

PIPO ponderosa pine . . 14 1 . . . . . .

POTR quaking aspen . . . . . . . . . .

POTR2 black cottonwood . . . . . . . . . .

PSME Douglas-fir 50 25 43 4 . . 25 1 38 8

QUGA Oregon white oak . . . . . . . . . .

THPL western redcedar . . . . . . . . . .

TSHE western hemlock . . . . . . . . . .

TSME mountain hemlock . . . . 17 7 . . 38 3

Tree Understory Layer

ABAM silver fir . . . . . . . . 13 Tr

ABGR grand fir . . . . . . . . . .

ABLA2 subalpine fir 50 10 57 2 33 Tr 25 35 88 3

LALY subalpine larch . . . . . . . . . .

PIAL whitebark pine . . 100 2 83 2 75 4 63 3

PIPO pinus ponderosa . . . . . . . . . .

PSME Douglas-fir . . 14 1 . . . . 25 1

QUGA Oregon white oak . . . . . . . . . .

TSHE western hemlock . . . . . . . . . .

TSME mountain hemlock . . . . 17 1 . . 38 2

Shrubs and Subshrubs

ACCI vine maple . . . . . . . . . .

ARNE pinemat manzanita . . . . . . 25 3 13 25

ARTRV mountain big sagebrush . . . . 33 25 50 3 . .

ARUV bearberry . . 14 50 . . . . 13 8

BEAQ Oregon grape 50 Tr . . . . . . . .

BENE Cascade Oregon grape . . . . . . . . . .

CAME Mertens’ moss-heather . . . . . . . . . .

CATR four-angled moss-heather . . . . . . . . . .

CEVE snowbrush ceanothus . . 14 Tr . . . . . .

CHUMO western prince’s pine . . . . . . . . 13 2

COCA bunchberry dogwood 50 5 . . . . . . . .

COCO2 California hazel . . . . . . . . . .

DROC Washington dryad . . . . . . . . . .

GAOV slender wintergreen . . . . . . . . . .

HODI oceanspray . . . . . . . . . .

JUCO4 common juniper . . . . 17 Tr 100 20 25 4

LIBOL twinflower 50 3 . . . . . . . .

LUPE partridgfoot . . . . . . . . . .

MEFE rusty menziesia . . . . . . . . . .

OPHO devil’s club . . . . . . . . . .

PAMY pachistima 50 Tr 71 8 17 1 . . 13 5

PEFR3 shrubby penstemon . . 14 1 . . . . 13 2

PHEM red mountain heath . . . . 17 1 . . . .

PUTR bitterbrush . . . . . . . . . .

PYSE sidebells pyrola 100 1 . . 17 1 . . . .

RHAL Cascade azalea . . . . . . . . 13 1

APPENDIX B
321

 SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

PIEN/EQUIS PIAL/CARU PIAL/FEVI PIAL/JUCO4 PIAL/VASC/LUHI 2 Plots 7 Plots 6 Plots 4 Plots 8 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Shrubs and Subshrubs cont’d.

ROGY baldhip rose . . . . . . . . . .

ROWOU Wood’s rose . . . . . . . . . .

RULA dwarf bramble . . . . . . . . 25 9

RUPE five-leaved bramble . . . . . . . . . .

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea . . . . . . . . . .

SYAL common snowberry 50 12 . . . . . . . .

SYMOH creeping snowberry . . . . . . . . . .

SYOR mountain snowberry . . . . . . . . . .

TABR Pacific yew . . . . . . . . . .

VAAL Alaska huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VACA dwarf huckleberry . . . . 17 4 . . . .

VADE Cascade huckleberry . . 14 5 . . . . . .

VAME big huckleberry . . 14 3 . . . . . .

VAMY low huckleberry 50 2 29 1 . . 25 Tr 38 11

VASC grouse huckleberry . . 29 6 50 1 25 5 88 36

XETE beargrass . . . . . . . . . .

Herbs

ACTR vanilla leaf . . . . . . . . . .

AGSP bluebunch wheatgrass . . 14 Tr . . . . . .

ARCO heartleaf arnica 50 Tr 29 3 17 2 . . 13 3

ARLA broadleaf arnica . . 14 2 17 1 25 Tr 63 3

ASCA3 wild ginger . . . . . . . . . .

ASDE podfern . . . . . . . . . .

ATFI ladyfern . . . . . . . . . .

BASA arrowleaf balsamroot . . . . . . . . . .

BRTE cheatgrass . . . . . . . . . .

CACO northwestern sedge . . . . . . 50 4 13 1

CAGE elk sedge . . 57 25 . . . . 38 6

CARO Ross sedge . . 43 5 33 5 50 5 38 5

CARU pinegrass . . 57 28 50 3 50 4 . .

CLUN queencup beadlily . . . . . . . . . .

EQUIS horsetail species . . . . . . . . . .

EQAR common horsetail 100 35 . . . . . . . .

FEID Idaho fescue . . 14 8 17 8 50 3 . .

FEOC western fescue . . 14 1 . . . . . .

FEVI green fescue . . 57 1 83 22 . . . .

GYDR oak fern . . . . . . . . . .

LUHI smooth woodrush . . 14 8 67 2 25 Tr 50 15

LUNA2 silvercrown luina . . 29 6 . . . . . .

LULA broadleaf lupine . . 29 14 33 20 . . 25 7

LUSE silky lupine . . . . . . . . . .

LUPIN lupine species . . 57 7 17 5 25 6 25 8

LUSU sulfur lupine . . . . . . . . . .

MOSS Undifferentiated Moss . . . . . . . . . .

PEBR bracted pedicularis . . 14 Tr . . . . 13 Tr

PERA sickletop pedicularis . . . . . . . . 13 Tr

POPU skunkleaf polemonium . . 14 10 33 1 . . 13 2

PTAQ bracken fern . . . . . . . . . .

SMRA feather solomonplume 50 1 . . . . . . . .

SMST starry solomonplume 100 2 . . . . . . . .

STRO rosy twistedstalk . . . . . . . . . .

TITRU coolwort foamflower . . . . . . . . . .

TRCA3 false bugbane . . . . . . . . . .

TRLA2 western starflower . . . . . . . . . .

VASI Sitka valerian . . . . . . . . . .

VIGL pioneer violet 50 2 . . . . . . . .

VIOR2 round-leaved violet . . . . . . . . 13 3

APPENDIX B
322

 SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

LALY/CAME-LUPE LALY/DROC LALY/JUCO4 LALY/VADE-CAME LALY/VASC/LUHI 11 Plots 2 Plots 3 Plots 7 Plots 5 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Tree Overstory Layer

ABAM silver fir . . . . . . . . . .

ABGR grand fir . . . . . . . . . .

ABLA2 subalpine fir 64 7 . . 33 Tr 86 4 40 8

ABPR noble fir . . . . . . . . . .

ACMA bigleaf maple . . . . . . . . . .

CHNO yellow cedar . . . . . . . . . .

LALY subalpine larch 73 21 100 5 100 22 100 15 100 30

LAOC western larch . . . . . . . . . .

PIEN Engelmann spruce 36 10 100 8 100 3 43 4 100 13

PIAL whitebark pine 45 3 50 13 33 Tr 43 3 40 7

PICO lodgepole pine . . . . . . . . 20 5

PIMO western white pine . . . . . . . . . .

PIPO ponderosa pine . . . . . . . . . .

POTR quaking aspen . . . . . . . . . .

POTR2 black cottonwood . . . . . . . . . .

PSME Douglas-fir . . . . . . . . . .

QUGA Oregon white oak . . . . . . . . . .

THPL western redcedar . . . . . . . . . .

TSHE western hemlock . . . . . . . . . .

TSME mountain hemlock 18 3 . . . . 29 2 . .

Tree Understory Layer

ABAM silver fir . . . . . . . . . .

ABGR grand fir . . . . . . . . . .

ABLA2 subalpine fir 73 5 . . 67 2 86 7 40 8

LALY subalpine larch 100 7 100 4 100 2 71 3 100 2

PIAL whitebark pine 36 2 50 6 67 1 57 2 40 2

PIPO pinus ponderosa . . . . . . . . . .

PSME Douglas-fir . . . . . . . . . .

QUGA Oregon white oak . . . . . . . . . .

TSHE western hemlock . . . . . . . . . .

TSME mountain hemlock 18 Tr . . . . 29 1 . .

Shrubs and Subshrubs

ACCI vine maple . . . . . . . . . .

ARNE pinemat manzanita . . . . . . . . . .

ARTRV mountain big sagebrush . . . . . . . . . .

ARUV bearberry . . . . . . . . . .

BEAQ Oregon grape . . . . . . . . . .

BENE Cascade Oregon grape . . . . . . . . . .

CAME Mertens’ moss-heather 36 29 . . . . 100 12 20 1

CATR four-angled moss-heather 45 44 100 12 . . . . . .

CEVE snowbrush ceanothus . . . . . . . . . .

CHUMO western prince’s pine . . . . . . . . . .

COCA bunchberry dogwood . . . . . . . . . .

COCO2 California hazel . . . . . . . . . .

DROC Washington dryad 18 3 100 35 33 2 . . . .

GAOV slender wintergreen . . . . . . . . . .

HODI oceanspray . . . . . . . . . .

JUCO4 common juniper . . 50 4 100 11 . . 20 1

LIBOL twinflower . . . . . . . . . .

LUPE partridgfoot 73 20 . . . . 86 12 . .

MEFE rusty menziesia . . . . . . . . . .

OPHO devil’s club . . . . . . . . . .

PAMY pachistima . . . . . . . . . .

PEFR3 shrubby penstemon . . . . . . . . . .

PHEM red mountain heath 73 8 . . . . 86 14 60 3

PUTR bitterbrush . . . . . . . . . .

PYSE sidebells pyrola . . . . . . . . . .

RHAL Cascade azalea . . . . . . . . . .

APPENDIX B
323

 SPECIES COMPARISON BY TYPE

(COV=mean relative cover; CON=mean constancy)

LALY/CAME-LUPE LALY/DROC LALY/JUCO4 LALY/VADE-CAME LALY/VASC/LUHI 11 Plots 2 Plots 3 Plots 7 Plots 5 Plots

Species CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV CON COV

Shrubs and Subshrubs cont’d.

ROGY baldhip rose . . . . . . . . . .

ROWOU Wood’s rose . . . . . . . . . .

RULA dwarf bramble . . . . . . . . . .

RUPE five-leaved bramble . . . . . . . . . .

SPBEL shiny-leaf spirea . . . . . . . . . .

SYAL common snowberry . . . . . . . . . .

SYMOH creeping snowberry . . . . . . . . . .

SYOR mountain snowberry . . . . . . . . . .

TABR Pacific yew . . . . . . . . . .

VAAL Alaska huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VACA dwarf huckleberry 27 6 . . . . . . . .

VADE Cascade huckleberry 18 2 . . . . 100 16 . .

VAME big huckleberry . . . . . . . . . .

VAMY low huckleberry . . . . . . . . 40 Tr

VASC grouse huckleberry 73 8 . . 67 2 29 13 100 31

XETE beargrass . . . . . . . . . .

Herbs

ACTR vanilla leaf . . . . . . . . . .

AGSP bluebunch wheatgrass . . . . . . . . . .

ARCO heartleaf arnica . . . . . . . . . .

ARLA broadleaf arnica 36 3 . . 33 Tr 14 3 40 Tr

ASCA3 wild ginger . . . . . . . . . .

ASDE podfern . . . . . . . . . .

ATFI ladyfern . . . . . . . . . .

BASA arrowleaf balsamroot . . . . . . . . . .

BRTE cheatgrass . . . . . . . . . .

CACO northwestern sedge 9 7 . . . . . . . .

CAGE elk sedge . . . . . . . . . .

CARO Ross sedge 9 Tr . . 67 2 . . 40 2

CARU pinegrass . . . . . . . . . .

CLUN queencup beadlily . . . . . . . . . .

EQUIS horsetail species . . . . . . . . . .

EQAR common horsetail . . . . . . . . . .

FEID Idaho fescue . . . . . . . . . .

FEOC western fescue . . . . . . . . . .

FEVI green fescue 18 8 . . . . 29 5 20 5

GYDR oak fern . . . . . . . . . .

LUHI smooth woodrush 82 8 . . . . 71 16 80 15

LUNA2 silvercrown luina . . . . . . . . . .

LULA broadleaf lupine 9 Tr . . . . 14 15 60 2

LUSE silky lupine . . . . . . . . . .

LUPIN lupine species 9 2 . . . . . . . .

LUSU sulfur lupine . . . . . . . . . .

MOSS Undifferentiated Moss 9 2 . . . . 14 5 . .

PEBR bracted pedicularis 27 1 . . . . . . . .

PERA sickletop pedicularis . . . . . . . . . .

POPU skunkleaf polemonium 9 Tr . . . . 14 3 . .

PTAQ bracken fern . . . . . . . . . .

SMRA feather solomonplume . . . . . . . . . .

SMST starry solomonplume . . . . . . . . . .

STRO rosy twistedstalk . . . . . . . . . .

TITRU coolwort foamflower . . . . . . . . . .

TRCA3 false bugbane . . . . . . . . . .

TRLA2 western starflower . . . . . . . . . .

VASI Sitka valerian 45 5 . . . . 29 5 . .

VIGL pioneer violet . . . . . . . . . .

VIOR2 round-leaved violet . . . . . . . . . .

APPENDIX B
324
325

APPENDIX C

C1 - AVERAGE PRODUCTIVITY ESTIMATES

C2 - SITE INDEX, GROWTH BASAL AREA,

GBA VOLUME ESTIMATES

APPENDIX D

SERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF

SELECTED SPECIES AFTER FIRE

APPENDIX E

FIELD FORM
326

1 Type = Plant association or community type (in alphabetical order); # Intensive plots indicates the number of plots used

to derive the values; # Trees/ac is the number of trees per acre; TBA is the total basal area in square feet per acre based on

prism counts; Quadratic mean diameter is the diameter to the nearest inch of a tree of average basal area; Stand density

index is from Reineke 1933; and Herbage is the pounds per acre of air dry herbaceous vegetation at the time of sampling as

derived from a double-sampling technique.

Average Summary Productivity Estimates by Type 1

# INTENSIVE #TREES/ QUAD MEAN STAND DENSITY

TYPE PLOTS ACRE TBA DIAM. INDEX HERBAGE

ABAM/ACCI 9 343 356 17 544 25

ABAM/ACTR 28 412 291 13 490 37

ABAM/MEFE 7 276 346 17 529 13

ABAM/OPHO 4 116 316 25 414 178

ABAM/RHAL-VAME 3 987 288 13 542 62

ABAM/TITRU 6 289 279 15 441 79

ABAM/VAAL 8 294 349 17 532 23

ABAM/VAME/CLUN 13 344 264 12 445 48

ABAM/VAME-PYSE 17 326 290 14 474 6

ABGR/ACCI 4 359 228 12 401 151

ABGR/ACCI-CHUM 5 257 246 14 401 23

ABGR/ACCI/CLUN 11 324 280 15 443 20

ABGR/ACTR 19 380 262 13 447 66

ABGR/ARCO 15 726 282 11 531 35

ABGR/ARNE 7 282 161 11 284 161

ABGR/BENE 39 483 237 11 431 25

ABGR/BENE/CARU 11 528 251 11 463 150

ABGR/CARU 16 356 185 11 332 193

ABGR/CARU-LUPIN 12 368 198 12 354 505

ABGR/HODI/CARU 2 255 212 12 357 164

ABGR/SPBEL/PTAQ 16 267 223 14 368 123

ABGR/SYAL/CARU 22 362 236 12 410 58

ABGR/SYOR 4 192 209 15 328 200

ABLA2/ARLA-POPU 11 719 324 12 594 152

ABLA2/CARU 3 497 228 11 409 230

ABLA2/LIBOL (M) 3 565 267 11 481 37

ABLA2/LUHI 2 284 252 13 418 38

ABLA2/PAMY (M) 2 516 201 9 386 9

ABLA2/RHAL 6 656 242 10 459 79

ABLA2/RHAL/LUHI 2 363 180 9 335 61

ABLA2/RULA 8 534 301 11 535 76

ABLA2/VAME(M) 2 239 294 15 458 47

ABLA2/VASC 2 358 214 10 374 27

ABLA2/VASC/ARLA 7 1075 255 9 530 106

ABLA2/VASC/LUHI 3 514 189 9 362 201

PIAL/CARU 3 202 69 9 129 204

PIAL/FEVI 2 143 41 8 84 115

PIPO/AGSP 3 40 71 21 101 236

PIPO/CARU-AGSP 2 32 88 23 116 313

PIPO/PUTR/AGSP 7 66 62 15 101 178

APPENDIX C1
327

1 Type = Plant association or community type (in alphabetical order); # Intensive plots indicates the number of plots used

to derive the values; # Trees/ac is the number of trees per acre; TBA is the total basal area in square feet per acre based on

prism counts; Quadratic mean diameter is the diameter to the nearest inch of a tree of average basal area; Stand density

index is from Reineke 1933; and Herbage is the pounds per acre of air dry herbaceous vegetation at the time of sampling as

derived from a double-sampling technique.

Average Summary Productivity Estimates by Type 1

# INTENSIVE #TREES/ QUAD MEAN STAND DENSITY

TYPE PLOTS ACRE TBA DIAM. INDEX HERBAGE

PSME/AGSP 2 50 76 18 112 201

PSME/AGSP-ASDE (M) 2 25 60 21 82 279

PSME/ARUV-PUTR (M) 4 101 88 13 146 124

PSME/ARUV/CARU (M) 11 152 137 14 223 84

PSME/CAGE 6 325 208 12 357 88

PSME/CARU 18 324 169 14 289 262

PSME/CARU-AGSP 7 242 124 14 222 421

PSME/PAMY/CARU (M) 4 169 206 16 317 244

PSME/PEFR3 (M) 3 83 92 16 141 44

PSME/PUTR (M) 3 169 95 12 164 59

PSME/PUTR/AGSP 6 224 96 13 176 244

PSME/PUTR/CARU 4 261 138 10 253 106

PSME/SPBEL (M) 2 297 165 10 302 10

PSME/SPBEL/CARU 11 238 197 14 326 143

PSME/SYAL 8 250 178 12 304 75

PSME/SYAL/AGSP 4 61 92 18 137 318

PSME/SYAL/CARU 4 306 233 12 396 261

PSME/SYOR 6 129 117 13 193 347

PSME/VACA (M) 3 619 135 9 285 137

PSME/VAMY/CARU (M) 7 517 235 10 437 91

THPL/OPHO 6 134 340 23 454 176

TSHE/ACCI/ACTR 2 322 244 12 412 14

TSHE/ACCI/ASCA3 4 257 347 16 525 36

TSHE/ACCI/CLUN 6 402 239 13 413 40

TSHE/ACTR 12 482 252 11 454 94

TSHE/ARNE 4 370 167 11 295 242

TSHE/ASCA3 7 363 406 16 630 40

TSHE/BENE 11 328 275 13 454 19

TSHE/PAMY/CLUN 2 139 252 18 364 265

TSME/LUHI 2 388 216 11 389 27

TSME/MEFE-VAAL 4 346 272 17 431 13

TSME/MEFE-VAME 2 173 304 19 436 18

TSME/PHEM-VADE 3 255 205 12 344 126

TSME/RHAL-VAAL (M) 4 150 230 17 342 22

TSME/RHAL-VAME 16 336 299 13 491 22

TSME/RULA 3 265 275 15 434 39

TSME/VAAL 3 567 395 12 684 24

TSME/VAME 5 278 290 14 464 11

TSME/VASC/LUHI 7 648 268 10 504 64

TSME/XETE-VAMY 5 546 253 10 463 63

APPENDIX C1
328

2 Type = Plant association or community type (in alphabetical order); Species = tree species for which the

estimates are made; GBA is Growth Basal Area (Hall 1983); VOL = an estimate of wood production in cubic

feet/acre/year from an empirical formula based on site index and GBA (Hall 1983, personal communication);

and Sl is the average site index (all trees base 50 except ABAM, ABPR, PIPO and TSME which are base 100-

See Introduction for Site index curve sources. #GBA trees is the number of trees used to make the GBA

estimates; #SI trees is the number of trees used to determine the Site Index values.

Site index, growth basal area, and GBA

volume estimates by species and type 2

TYPE SPECIES #SI TREES SI #GBA TREES GBA VOL AGE

ABAM/ACCI ABAM 30 90 34 306 124 164

ABPR 3 94 3 305 126 171

PSME 2 73 24 334 255 252

ABAM/ACTR ABAM 30 97 32 294 130 126

ABLA2 20 58 20 227 95 90

ABPR 13 122 13 323 174 78

LAOC 33 66 33 124 58 86

PICO 5 65 5 149 68 84

PIEN 11 81 11 278 160 152

PIMO 7 58 7 183 75 84

PSME 61 73 93 277 139 156

TSHE 6 67 34 292 133 203

ABAM/MEFE ABAM 23 72 26 342 110 215

ABAM/OPHO ABAM 19 114 20 384 191 156

THPL 8 73 10 297 151 227

ABAM/RHAL-VAME ABLA2 5 24 5 268 44 224

PIEN 4 52 4 243 88 172

ABAM/TITRU ABAM 8 122 8 447 238 117

ABPR 3 118 3 269 140 60

LAOC 4 62 4 197 86 159

PIEN 10 75 10 337 186 136

PSME 10 80 14 269 158 121

ABAM/VAAL ABAM 24 90 28 316 125 178

PIEN 5 73 5 513 263 250

PSME 1 90 8 279 195 258

TSME 3 103 3 340 154 106

ABAM/VAME-PYSE ABAM 16 58 19 241 64 227

PICO 3 59 3 118 49 116

PSME 14 58 32 303 136 201

TSHE 6 53 55 262 78 224

ABAM/VAME/CLUN ABAM 5 69 5 254 76 210

ABGR 3 84 3 308 181 64

ABLA2 5 82 5 438 252 82

ABPR 3 128 3 175 99 64

PICO 13 53 13 123 45 104

PIEN 5 84 5 623 365 108

PSME 20 72 31 238 123 120

TSHE 4 62 18 477 144 177

ABGR/ACCI ABGR 3 96 3 511 343 63

PIPO 3 108 3 292 139 55

PSME 20 80 20 336 190 72

ABGR/ACCI-CHUM ABGR 10 86 10 393 236 79

PIMO 3 69 3 399 194 73

PSME 24 79 25 242 139 104

ABGR/ACCI/CLUN ABGR 33 90 46 395 263 81

PIPO 3 135 4 411 244 136

PSME 40 84 40 299 185 79

ABGR/ACTR ABGR 24 72 40 349 173 100

LAOC 8 63 8 204 89 85

PSME 64 78 78 274 159 125

APPENDIX C2
329

2 Type = Plant association or community type (in alphabetical order); Species = tree species for which the

estimates are made; GBA is Growth Basal Area (Hall 1983); VOL = an estimate of wood production in cubic

feet/acre/year from an empirical formula based on site index and GBA (Hall 1983, personal communication);

and Sl is the average site index (all trees base 50 except ABAM, ABPR, PIPO and TSME which are base 100-

See Introduction for Site index curve sources. #GBA trees is the number of trees used to make the GBA

estimates; #SI trees is the number of trees used to determine the Site Index values.

Site index, growth basal area, and GBA

volume estimates by species and type2

TYPE SPECIES #SI TREES SI #GBA TREES GBA VOL AGE

ABGR/ARCO ABGR 25 59 50 272 112 109

LAOC 4 64 4 363 163 70

PIPO 2 89 14 230 71 186

PSME 38 60 46 272 113 121

ABGR/ARNE PICO 3 42 3 135 39 126

PIPO 14 88 18 154 58 117

PSME 14 44 21 156 59 175

ABGR/BENE ABGR 45 64 74 249 113 98

LAOC 43 61 45 169 74 99

PICO 10 58 10 124 50 103

PIMO 3 56 3 191 75 87

PIPO 8 102 13 250 70 128

PSME 153 67 159 218 104 93

ABGR/BENE/CARU ABGR 8 70 12 242 114 90

LAOC 6 62 6 390 173 91

PICO 8 57 8 157 62 89

PIPO 11 105 20 172 78 119

PSME 40 66 43 261 120 115

ABGR/CARU ABGR 3 70 3 175 86 66

PICO 8 57 8 111 42 75

PIPO 28 107 37 211 105 104

PSME 60 66 69 212 102 110

ABGR/CARU-LUPIN LAOC 10 60 10 159 65 76

PICO 13 53 13 171 63 85

PIPO 6 90 13 183 77 153

PSME 45 52 46 214 79 118

ABGR/HODI/CARU PIPO 3 95 6 194 79 147

PSME 15 69 15 258 122 111

ABGR/SPBEL/PTAQ ABGR 3 60 3 215 89 81

PICO 13 60 13 190 80 78

PIMO 3 62 3 247 107 73

PIPO 34 113 36 214 106 106

PSME 77 82 77 283 164 77

ABGR/SYAL/CARU ABGR 11 61 17 260 111 93

LAOC 9 66 9 150 70 98

PIPO 17 110 17 202 99 94

PSME 101 69 103 249 121 89

ABGR/SYOR PIPO 14 94 14 268 110 83

PSME 10 69 10 233 111 73

ABLA2/ARLA-POPU ABAM 5 74 5 214 69 102

ABGR 8 63 10 348 155 81

ABLA2 15 42 15 261 77 124

LAOC 7 54 18 238 83 174

PICO 20 56 20 231 90 88

PIEN 18 55 18 318 122 110

PSME 19 50 25 295 104 167

ABLA2/CARU ABLA2 3 46 3 199 64 93

PICO 10 58 10 143 56 78

PSME 15 58 15 237 102 131

APPENDIX C2
330

2 Type = Plant association or community type (in alphabetical order); Species = tree species for which the

estimates are made; GBA is Growth Basal Area (Hall 1983); VOL = an estimate of wood production in cubic

feet/acre/year from an empirical formula based on site index and GBA (Hall 1983, personal communication);

and Sl is the average site index (all trees base 50 except ABAM, ABPR, PIPO and TSME which are base 100-

See Introduction for Site index curve sources. #GBA trees is the number of trees used to make the GBA

estimates; #SI trees is the number of trees used to determine the Site Index values.

Site index, growth basal area, and GBA

volume estimates by species and type2

TYPE SPECIES #SI TREES SI #GBA TREES GBA VOL AGE

ABLA2/LIBOL (M) LAOC 10 58 10 186 80 163

PICO 10 59 10 160 67 80

PIEN 5 62 5 298 129 78

PSME 7 78 8 325 181 134

ABLA2/LUHI ABLA2 8 42 8 264 89 160

PIEN 5 65 5 309 141 193

ABLA2/PAMY (M) PIEN 5 74 5 254 131 67

PIMO 3 70 3 439 215 70

PIPO 5 124 5 319 173 77

PSME 10 82 10 216 124 74

ABLA2/RHAL ABLA2 23 32 23 176 40 200

PICO 4 33 4 173 40 170

PIEN 21 33 23 206 50 226

PSME 8 39 18 184 42 210

ABLA2/RHAL/LUHI ABLA2 5 39 5 198 54 116

PICO 10 41 10 151 45 99

ABLA2/RULA ABGR 5 98 5 558 383 58

ABLA2 11 57 11 276 112 97

PICO 13 54 13 167 63 106

PIEN 5 57 5 325 129 210

PSME 3 82 3 477 273 61

ABLA2/VACA LAOC 5 62 5 127 55 96

PICO 5 55 5 96 37 100

ABLA2/VAME (M) PSME 10 68 10 265 126 108

ABLA2/VASC LAOC 5 41 5 97 28 173

PSME 5 64 5 423 190 102

ABLA2/VASC/ARLA ABGR 3 45 3 253 80 73

ABLA2 15 31 15 249 55 119

LAOC 5 51 5 226 80 78

PICO 18 47 18 193 62 81

PSME 13 41 18 253 75 146

ABLA2/VASC/CARU (M) LAOC 5 51 5 143 51 120

PICO 5 35 5 114 28 127

PIEN 5 38 5 133 35 125

PSME 5 36 5 144 37 154

ABLA2/VASC/LUHI ABLA2 9 42 9 146 44 102

PICO 5 42 5 175 51 112

PIAL/VASC/LUHI ABLA2 3 29 3 65 13 101

PICO 3 32 3 48 11 78

PSME 3 45 3 89 28 74

PIPO/AGSP PIPO 2 81 13 67 30 184

PIPO/CARU-AGSP PIPO 3 49 9 65 13 213

PIPO/PUTR/AGSP PIPO 30 75 33 86 30 96

APPENDIX C2
331

2 Type = Plant association or community type (in alphabetical order); Species = tree species for which the

estimates are made; GBA is Growth Basal Area (Hall 1983); VOL = an estimate of wood production in cubic

feet/acre/year from an empirical formula based on site index and GBA (Hall 1983, personal communication);

and Sl is the average site index (all trees base 50 except ABAM, ABPR, PIPO and TSME which are base 100-

See Introduction for Site index curve sources. #GBA trees is the number of trees used to make the GBA

estimates; #SI trees is the number of trees used to determine the Site Index values.

Site index, growth basal area, and GBA

volume estimates by species and type2

TYPE SPECIES #SI TREES SI #GBA TREES GBA VOL AGE

PSME/AGSP PIPO 7 61 8 60 16 132

PSME 8 29 8 79 17 128

PSME/AGSP-ASDE PIPO 3 70 3 50 15 75

PSME 4 52 4 68 25 145

PSME/ARUV LAOC 5 42 5 144 42 126

PICO 5 39 5 140 39 114

PSME 2 27 5 173 33 236

PSME/ARUV-PUTR PICO 5 37 5 62 16 121

PIPO 4 85 19 69 33 164

PSME 9 44 10 67 22 110

PSME/ARUV/CARU LAOC 12 47 13 86 29 168

PIPO 12 70 29 101 26 213

PSME 27 31 49 103 21 185

PSME/CAGE PIPO 3 137 3 276 167 81

PSME 27 64 28 220 99 101

PSME/CARU LAOC 28 51 29 110 40 161

PICO 13 44 13 130 42 103

PIPO 8 73 16 120 41 139

PSME 73 50 81 168 60 130

PSME/CARU-AGSP PIPO 23 85 26 151 57 107

PSME 19 55 19 115 44 90

PSME/PAMY/CARU PIPO 5 72 8 138 55 162

PSME 20 50 20 173 60 126

PSME/PEFR3 PIPO 8 74 12 84 27 139

PSME 9 51 10 83 30 107

PSME/PUTR PIPO 3 57 11 72 20 212

PSME 11 42 12 101 31 115

PSME/PUTR/AGSP PIPO 12 74 20 86 27 118

PSME 21 56 21 145 59 88

PSME/PUTR/CARU PIPO 12 83 19 132 60 127

PSME 12 51 13 153 58 94

PSME/SPBEL PSME 10 63 10 151 68 70

PSME/SPBEL/CARU PIPO 26 95 40 157 67 124

PSME 47 60 48 177 77 104

PSME/SYAL (WEN) PIPO 13 98 14 231 108 134

PSME 40 76 40 244 139 71

PSME/SYAL/AGSP PIPO 2 105 10 146 98 159

PSME 13 62 13 123 52 78

PSME/SYAL/CARU PIPO 1 83 6 120 68 220

PSME 18 74 18 208 100 76

PSME/SYOR PIPO 19 70 22 133 47 123

PSME 21 51 21 149 56 76

PSME/VACA LAOC 10 53 10 84 32 110

PICO 15 47 15 149 53 84

PSME 10 53 10 131 49 107

PSME/VAMY LAOC 4 52 4 81 30 158

PICO 5 46 5 81 26 91

PSME 2 46 2 117 37 136

PSME/VAMY/CARU LAOC 14 47 19 99 34 170

PICO 15 37 15 116 31 107

PIPO 4 73 6 287 91 116

PSME 14 40 29 166 50 208

APPENDIX C2
332

2 Type = Plant association or community type (in alphabetical order); Species = tree species for which the

estimates are made; GBA is Growth Basal Area (Hall 1983); VOL = an estimate of wood production in cubic

feet/acre/year from an empirical formula based on site index and GBA (Hall 1983, personal communication);

and Sl is the average site index (all trees base 50 except ABAM, ABPR, PIPO and TSME which are base 100-

See Introduction for Site index curve sources. #GBA trees is the number of trees used to make the GBA

estimates; #SI trees is the number of trees used to determine the Site Index values.

Site index, growth basal area, and GBA

volume estimates by species and type2

TYPE SPECIES #SI TREES SI #GBA TREES GBA VOL AGE

THPL/OPHO ABGR 2 101 20 387 280 127

PIEN 5 84 5 201 118 1043

PSME 13 83 13 363 227 138

THPL 17 66 17 354 161 129

TSHE/ACCI/ACTR LAOC 5 79 5 351 195 73

PSME 5 87 5 328 200 67

TSHE 1 55 5 183 70 160

TSHE/ACCI/ASCA3 ABGR 8 100 8 611 431 75

PSME 14 84 15 315 188 109

TSHE 3 68 5 388 185 115

TSHE/ACCI/CLUN ABGR 16 73 30 249 129 111

LAOC 6 77 9 189 103 136

PIMO 2 71 3 260 130 145

PSME 6 76 6 336 184 113

THPL 8 62 8 230 98 128

TSHE/ACTR ABGR 11 81 19 313 200 92

LAOC 23 71 23 244 119 101

PIEN 4 94 4 559 370 81

PSME 44 68 44 271 136 99

THPL 5 47 5 223 73 117

TSHE 6 56 8 227 89 95

TSHE/ARNE PICO 10 40 10 88 25 94

PIMO 1 33 3 137 31 154

PSME 6 45 11 147 28 185

TSHE/ASCA3 ABGR 12 104 23 566 487 108

PIEN 3 88 3 512 314 69

PSME 13 82 13 454 265 97

THPL 10 65 10 447 210 125

TSHE 5 82 5 313 180 102

TSHE/BENE ABGR 15 79 16 257 141 83

PICO 3 59 3 106 43 118

PIMO 7 59 7 393 164 112

PSME 20 73 23 214 103 150

TSHE 9 67 26 253 125 183

TSHE/PAMY/CLUN PSME 10 70 10 230 114 109

APPENDIX C2
333

2 Type = Plant association or community type (in alphabetical order); Species = tree species for which the

estimates are made; GBA is Growth Basal Area (Hall 1983); VOL = an estimate of wood production in cubic

feet/acre/year from an empirical formula based on site index and GBA (Hall 1983, personal communication);

and Sl is the average site index (all trees base 50 except ABAM, ABPR, PIPO and TSME which are base 100-

See Introduction for Site index curve sources. #GBA trees is the number of trees used to make the GBA

estimates; #SI trees is the number of trees used to determine the Site Index values.

Site index, growth basal area, and GBA

volume estimates by species and type2

TYPE SPECIES #SI TREES SI #GBA TREES GBA VOL AGE

TSME/LUHI ABLA2 8 37 8 171 45 153

TSME 3 50 3 197 43 143

TSME/MEFE-VAAL ABAM 10 81 20 269 95 226

TSME 1 67 5 280 82 381

TSME/MEFE-VAME ABAM 8 87 10 302 116 223

TSME/PHEM-VADE ABLA2 8 32 8 161 32 106

TSME 1 45 3 230 46 281

TSME/RHAL-VAAL ABAM 9 65 14 201 56 245

TSME 6 52 11 196 46 259

TSME/RHAL-VAME ABAM 30 72 32 284 92 170

ABLA2 3 56 3 212 83 58

CHNO 3 46 4 205 66 224

LAOC 4 50 9 373 55 188

PICO 4 51 4 141 50 75

PIEN 11 63 12 263 115 181

PIMO 3 46 6 206 68 123

PSME 16 59 22 272 123 150

TSME 14 41 32 242 42 295

TSME/RULA ABAM 7 69 10 257 79 240

PICO 5 46 5 128 41 80

TSME/VAAL ABAM 13 84 15 444 175 180

TSME 3 59 3 410 106 144

TSME/VAME ABAM 6 56 13 267 66 251

TSME 2 43 10 226 38 337

TSME/VASC/LUHI ABLA2 15 38 15 210 61 103

PICO 14 54 14 357 143 70

TSME 6 48 7 530 112 204

TSME/XETE-VAMY ABAM 4 67 4 347 101 152

LAOC 4 52 5 142 52 129

PICO 14 56 15 134 53 108

PSME 1 51 3 289 103 189

TSME 5 48 5 245 52 208

APPENDIX C2
334

APPENDIX D

SERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF

SELECTED SPECIES AFTER FIRE

FIRE

SURVIVAL

SPECIES LIFE FORM SERAL ORIGIN ADAPTATION

Acer circinatum T-Shrub Survivor Root crown

Acer glabrum T-Shrub Survivor Root crown

Alnus sinuata T-Shrub Survivor Root crown

Amelanchier alnifolia T-Shrub Survivor Root crown

Aralia nudicaulis Herb Survivor Rhizome

Arnica cordifolia Herb Survivor Rhizome

Asarum caudatum Herb R-colonizer GSS-1

Calamagrostis rubescens Herb Survivor Rhizome

Carex rossii Herb R-colonizer Rhizome GSS-2

Ceanothus velutinus Shrub Survivor R-colonizer Root crown GSS-2

Clintonia uniflora Herb Survivor Rhizome

Epilobium angustifolium Herb IO-S colonizer Survivor Rhizome-like root

Gymnocarpium dryopteris Herb Survivor Accidental

Holodiscus discolor Shrub Survivor Root crown

Lonicera utahensis Shrub Survivor Root crown

Oplopanax horridum Shrub Survivor Root crown

Pachistima myrsinites Shrub Survivor R-colonizer Root crown GSS-2

Populus tremuloides Tree Survivor IO-S colonizer Root crown

Populus trichocarpa Tree Survivor IO-S colonizer Root crown

Prunus emarginata T-Shrub Survivor Root crown

Pteridium aquilinum Herb Survivor Rhizome

Ribes lacustre Shrub R-colonizer GSS-2

Ribes viscosissimum Shrub R-colonizer GSS-2

Rosa gymnocarpa Shrub Survivor Root crown

Rubus parviflorus Shrub Survivor R-colonizer Rhizome GSS-2

Salix scouleriana T-Shrub Survivor IO-S colonizer Root crown

Sambucus racemosa Shrub Survivor R-colonizer Root crown GSS-2

Smilacina stellata Herb Survivor Rhizome

Sorbus scopulina T-Shrub Survivor Root crown

Spiraea betulifolia Shrub Survivor Rhizome

Symphoricarpos albus Shrub Survivor Rhizome

Tiarella trifoliata Herb Survivor Caudex

Trautvetteria caroliniensis Herb Survivor Rhizome

Vaccinium membranaceum Shrub Survivor Rhizome

Viola orbiculata Herb Survivor R-colonizer Rhizome GSS-1

Xerophyllum tenax Shrub (Herb) Survivor Rhizome

Seral origin:

Introduced denotes planted or seeded by man.

R-colonizer denotes residual colonizer.

I O-S colonizer denotes initial offsite colonizer (immigration in succession year 1).

Fire survival adaptation:

CSS = Tree crown source seed (onsite); -1 short-term viability, -2 long-term viability.

GSS = Ground source seed (onsite); -1 short-term viability, -2 long-term viability.

Adapted from Stickney, Peter F. 1986. First decade plant succession following the Sundance forest fire,

northern Idaho. Intermountain Research Station. Ogden, Ut. General Technical Report INT-197. 26

pp.
335

APPENDIX E

FIELD FORM

Use the field form provided as a master to make copies as needed for stand identification.

When completing a field form, follow the steps below:

1. Select a vegetatively uniform area representative of the community in question to record

data on the field form. Plot size for vegetation data should be either 375 square meters or 1/10

acre. The radius of a 375-square-meter plot is approximately 11 meters, or 36 feet; a 1/10 acre

plot has a radius of approximately 11.3 meters, or 37 feet.

2. Complete the field form before trying to key the stand. Record all location and physical

attributes listed on the form. Stand age is also helpful and can be approximated by using the age

of the oldest tree in the stand. Use stand age to determine if the community is mature enough

to fit the keys or whether the community composition will need to be projected to a later stage

of succession (and suggest the use of the optional keys).

Identify and list tree, shrub, and indicator herb species and estimate the cover of each. Although

cover is typically estimated to the nearest percent up to 10 percent and to the nearest 5 percent

thereafter, the field form displays cover classes. Cover classes are normally adequate, although

more precise data may be helpful and can be recorded on the form if desired.
336