Chokecherry may be absent. Western snowberry and 3-leaved sumac may be present. Other diagnostic understory species are not known for Black Hills stands. Chokecherry is variable in cover and height, and occasionally absent. Hardwoods such as green ash, American elm, bur oak and paper birch may be present, or locally dominant.
Herbaceous associates are variable.
Streambanks and wet meadows at higher elevations. In the Black Hills, multiple riparian types often occur together in mosaics of small patches. Scattered ponderosa pine or Rocky Mountain juniper may be present. Small patches may occur in areas of other rock types. Habitat is dry, but otherwise not well characterized.