In stands with heavy pine cover, little herbaceous growth is present, and even common juniper may be sparse. This type occurs on moderate to steep slopes on all aspects except southerly. The chokecherry component is variable in height and cover. Other shrubs may be present including gooseberry, common juniper and ninebark. At WICA, this type typically occurs on lowermost slopes, often northerly.
Shrub cover typically is sparse or absent.
The herbaceous stratum is graminoid-dominated, with sunsedge the most abundant species. Poverty oatgrass often is present. Shrubs usually are sparse or absent. Graminoid dominance can be variable even within stands. Western wheatgrass may be sparse or even absent.