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CEGL001622 Festuca idahoensis ssp. roemeri - Phlox diffusa ssp. longistylis Alpine Meadow
Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Roemer''s Fescue - Spreading Phlox Alpine Meadow
Colloquial Name: No Data Available
Hierarchy Level: Association
Type Concept: This grassland association is described from rainshadow-affected areas near and above treeline in the northeastern Olympic Mountains, Washington. Elevation ranges from 1570-1690 m. Sites are typically on mesic, moderate slopes (20-25°) with relatively warm south to west exposures. Soils are acidic, relatively deep, poorly developed sandy loams. This association is a moderately dense (73% cover) mixed graminoid/forb herbaceous layer less than 0.5 m tall that is codominated by Festuca idahoensis ssp. roemeri with Phlox diffusa ssp. longistylis. Other common species include Arenaria capillaris, Campanula rotundifolia, Polygonum bistortoides, and Lupinus arcticus ssp. subalpinus. Occasional trees may be scattered in these stands, such as individuals of Abies lasiocarpa. Stands are separated from other high-elevation Festuca idahoensis stands by the codominance of Phlox diffusa ssp. longistylis.
Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: No Data Available
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available
Floristics: This association is a moderately dense (73% cover) mixed graminoid/forb herbaceous layer less than 0.5 m tall that is codominated by Festuca idahoensis ssp. roemeri (= Festuca roemeri) with Phlox diffusa ssp. longistylis. Other common species include Arenaria capillaris, Campanula rotundifolia, Polygonum bistortoides, and Lupinus arcticus ssp. subalpinus (= Lupinus latifolius var. subalpinus). Occasional trees may be scattered in these stands, such as individuals of Abies lasiocarpa. Stands are separated from other high-elevation Festuca idahoensis stands by the codominance of Phlox diffusa ssp. longistylis.
Dynamics: This community is somewhat fragile to trampling impacts. Because it is located at treeline, it is very susceptible to changes in climate and could be lost to forest under a global warming scenario.
Environmental Description: This community occurs only at the highest elevation, coldest sites within a very limited dry climatic zone in the Olympic Mountains. It occupies cold, dry sites in the upper subalpine parkland and alpine zones. Elevation ranges from 1570-1690 m. Sites are typically on mesic, moderate slopes (20-25°) with relatively warm south to west exposures. Soils are acidic, relatively deep, poorly developed sandy loams.
Geographic Range: Occurs only in a small area of the northeastern Olympic Mountains approximately 20 miles long and 5 miles wide, in Clallam County, Washington.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: WA
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.683541
Confidence Level: Low - Poorly Documented
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: G2
Greasons: No Data Available
| Type | Name | Database Code | Classification Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class | 4 Polar & High Montane Scrub, Grassland & Barrens Class | C04 | 4 |
| Subclass | 4.B Temperate to Polar Alpine & Tundra Vegetation Subclass | S12 | 4.B |
| Formation | 4.B.1 Temperate & Boreal Alpine Tundra Formation | F037 | 4.B.1 |
| Division | 4.B.1.Nb Western North American Alpine Tundra Division | D043 | 4.B.1.Nb |
| Macrogroup | 4.B.1.Nb.3 Vancouverian Alpine Tundra Macrogroup | M101 | 4.B.1.Nb.3 |
| Group | 4.B.1.Nb.3.b Longawn Sedge - Showy Sedge - Spreading Phlox Alpine-Subalpine Tundra Group | G320 | 4.B.1.Nb.3.b |
| Alliance | A3337 Roemer''s Fescue - Rocky Mountain Fescue Alpine Meadow Alliance | A3337 | 4.B.1.Nb.3.b |
| Association | CEGL001622 Roemer''s Fescue - Spreading Phlox Alpine Meadow | CEGL001622 | 4.B.1.Nb.3.b |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: No Data Available
- Bourgeron, P. S., and L. D. Engelking, editors. 1994. A preliminary vegetation classification of the western United States. Unpublished report. The Nature Conservancy, Western Heritage Task Force, Boulder, CO. 175 pp. plus appendix.
- Kuramoto, R. T., and L. C. Bliss. 1970. Ecology of subalpine meadows in the Olympic Mountains, Washington. Ecological Monographs 40:317-347.
- WNHP [Washington Natural Heritage Program]. 2018. Unpublished data files. Washington Natural Heritage Program, Department of Natural Resources, Olympia, WA.
- Western Ecology Working Group of NatureServe. No date. International Ecological Classification Standard: International Vegetation Classification. Terrestrial Vegetation. NatureServe, Boulder, CO.