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CEGL000758 Pinus albicaulis / Luzula glabrata Woodland
Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Whitebark Pine / Smooth Woodrush Woodland
Colloquial Name: No Data Available
Hierarchy Level: Association
Type Concept: This plant association is described principally for the eastern crestline slopes of the northern Cascade Range. Similar stands appear to occur within the Okanogan Highlands, Bitterroot Mountains, and Idaho Batholith ecoregional sections. The association occurs on exposed, south- and west-facing, gentle to moderately steep slopes at 1830 to 2135 m (6000-7000 feet) elevation. High insolation, great diurnal temperature ranges, and winter wind desiccation are environmental factors that characterize these harsh, high-elevation sites. These woodland stands are dominated by Pinus albicaulis. Picea engelmannii and Abies lasiocarpa may also be present, usually only within the protective canopy of Pinus albicaulis. Luzula glabrata var. hitchcockii and Vaccinium scoparium are well-represented to abundant in the understory. Carex geyeri and Carex rossii are common. Relatively consistent forbs include Polemonium pulcherrimum and Arnica cordifolia.
Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: This association was first described by Williams and Smith (1990). Lillybridge et al. (1995) combine these stands into their Pinus albicaulis / Vaccinium scoparium / Luzula hitchcockii. It is likely that stands of both ~Pinus albicaulis / Vaccinium scoparium Forest (CEGL000131)$$ and ~Pinus albicaulis / Luzula glabrata Woodland (CEGL000758)$$ may be differentiated on the eastern slopes of the northern Cascade Range and in the northern Rocky Mountains.
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available
Floristics: These woodland stands are dominated by Pinus albicaulis. Picea engelmannii and Abies lasiocarpa may also be present, usually only within the protective canopy of Pinus albicaulis. Luzula glabrata var. hitchcockii and Vaccinium scoparium are well-represented to abundant in the understory. Carex geyeri and Carex rossii are common. Relatively consistent forbs include Polemonium pulcherrimum and Arnica cordifolia.
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: The association occurs on exposed, south- and west-facing, gentle to moderately steep slopes at 1830 to 2135 m (6000-7000 feet) elevation. High insolation, great diurnal temperature ranges, and winter wind desiccation are environmental factors that characterize these harsh, high-elevation sites.
Geographic Range: The moderately widespread association occurs with unevenly distributed, isolated stands within the eastern Cascades, Okanogan Highlands, Bitterroot Mountains, and Idaho Batholith ecoregional sections.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: CA, ID, OR, WA
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.684073
Confidence Level: Low
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: G3
Greasons: No Data Available
| Type | Name | Database Code | Classification Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class | 1 Forest & Woodland Class | C01 | 1 |
| Subclass | 1.B Temperate & Boreal Forest & Woodland Subclass | S15 | 1.B |
| Formation | 1.B.2 Cool Temperate Forest & Woodland Formation | F008 | 1.B.2 |
| Division | 1.B.2.Nb Rocky Mountain Forest & Woodland Division | D194 | 1.B.2.Nb |
| Macrogroup | 1.B.2.Nb.5 Subalpine Fir - Engelmann Spruce - Whitebark Pine Rocky Mountain Forest Macrogroup | M020 | 1.B.2.Nb.5 |
| Group | 1.B.2.Nb.5.g Whitebark Pine - Subalpine Fir - Subalpine Larch Northern Rocky Mountain Woodland Group | G223 | 1.B.2.Nb.5.g |
| Alliance | A3368 Whitebark Pine Forest & Woodland Alliance | A3368 | 1.B.2.Nb.5.g |
| Association | CEGL000758 Whitebark Pine / Smooth Woodrush Woodland | CEGL000758 | 1.B.2.Nb.5.g |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: = Pinus albicaulis / Luzula hitchcockii Plant Association (Williams and Smith 1990)
< Pinus albicaulis / Vaccinium scoparium / Luzula hitchcockii (Lillybridge et al. 1995) [PIAL/VASC/LUHI ASSOCIATION CAS311]
< Pinus albicaulis / Vaccinium scoparium / Luzula hitchcockii (Lillybridge et al. 1995) [PIAL/VASC/LUHI ASSOCIATION CAS311]
- 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.
- Lillybridge, T. R., B. L. Kovalchik, C. K. Williams, and B. G. Smith. 1995. Field guide for forested plant associations of the Wenatchee National Forest. General Technical Report PNW-GTR-359. USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, Portland, OR. 335 pp.
- 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.
- Williams, C. K., and B. G. Smith. 1990. Forested plant associations of the Wenatchee National Forest. Unpublished draft prepared by the USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region, Portland, OR. 217 pp.