Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Thinleaf Alder - Dewystem Willow Wet Shrubland

Colloquial Name: No Data Available

Hierarchy Level:  Association

Type Concept: This is a montane riparian shrubland association common in mountainous portions of the upper watersheds of the Rio Grande, Pecos, and Canadian watersheds in northern New Mexico. It occurs at elevations ranging from 1950-2710 m (6375-8775 feet) along small perennial streams with moderate to steep gradients. It occurs primarily on depositional bars and streambanks composed of sands, gravels and cobbles. The sites within and along channels are flooded on a yearly basis. Some sites have aggraded with the accumulation of sediment, and flooding is less frequent (5- to 10-year intervals). Soils are moist and have coarse-loamy surfaces that overlie deeper sandy-skeletal layers consisting of cobbles and gravel. The soil matrix may be upwards of 80% rock fragments. Soils may at some point in the season be dry at the surface, but tend to be moist at shallow depths and through the top 10-25 cm (4-10 inches) of the soil profile during most years. Alnus incana ssp. tenuifolia and Salix irrorata are abundant to luxuriant and dominate a dense, diverse shrub layer. Other willows, such as Salix bebbiana, Salix boothii, Salix lutea, and Salix monticola, may be well-represented. Other common shrubs are Rosa woodsii and Ribes inerme. Mature trees are infrequent or absent, but Populus angustifolia reproduction may occur beneath the canopy. The herbaceous undergrowth is lush and diverse with 148 graminoids and forbs recorded for the type (30 of which are exotic). Taller wetland forbs, such as Rudbeckia laciniata, Cicuta douglasii, and Heracleum maximum, are prominent in many stands. Among the 42 herbaceous wetland indicators recorded for the type, the most present and common are Carex microptera, Carex stipata, Glyceria striata, Juncus arcticus ssp. littoralis, Juncus saximontanus, Symphyotrichum foliaceum, Epilobium ciliatum, Equisetum arvense, Equisetum laevigatum, Geum macrophyllum, Mentha arvensis, Mertensia franciscana, Oxypolis fendleri, and Veronica americana.

Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available

Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available

Classification Comments: Seasonally high water tables allow continued reproduction of the alders, willows and cottonwoods along with the numerous other obligate riparian shrubs and herbs. To maintain the structure of the community, disturbance from recreation and livestock usage should be discouraged. Severe alterations of the hydrology or upland conditions can contribute to loss of valuable habitat and biodiversity. Adjacent upper terraces can be dominated by Populus angustifolia forests bordered by grassy meadows and aspen groves. Uplands are dominated by pinyon pine/juniper woodlands on dry open slopes and Pinus ponderosa forests on opposite, cooler slopes.

Previously described by Muldavin (1991).

Similar NVC Types: No Data Available

note: No Data Available