Print Report
CEGL000585 Populus tremuloides / Festuca thurberi Forest
Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Quaking Aspen / Thurber''s Fescue Forest
Colloquial Name: No Data Available
Hierarchy Level: Association
Type Concept: This high-elevation forest association is present in southern and western Colorado and occurs on both sides of the Continental Divide in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. It is also known to occur within the Valles Caldera National Preserve and Bandelier National Monument in north-central New Mexico, as well as on the Aquarius and Fish Lake plateaus in Utah. In Colorado, this association is found on gentle to moderately steep slopes (ranging from 6-30%) with variable slope aspects on soils which are moderately deep, loamy alluvium and colluviums derived from a wide variety of parent material. In New Mexico, it occurs on cold, mid to upper slopes and ridges on northerly aspects and on lower slopes to ridges on southerly aspects. In Utah, this association occurs on relatively gentle slopes on soils derived from either volcanic or granitic parent material. Elevations range from 2400 to 3110 m (8600-10,200 feet). The ground surface is characterized by scattered bunchgrasses and sedges intermixed with litter and some exposed soil. The vegetation within this type is characterized by an open-canopy forest overstory dominated by Populus tremuloides with the herbaceous understory dominated by Festuca thurberi.
In north-central Colorado, this association is recognized by the overstory dominance and reproductive success of Populus tremuloides and the dominance of the undergrowth by Festuca thurberi (10-65% cover). Shrubs, weakly represented, include Amelanchier alnifolia, Artemisia tridentata, Rosa woodsii, and Symphoricarpos oreophilus. Other important graminoids are Elymus trachycaulus, Bromus anomalus, Carex geyeri, Poa nemoralis ssp. interior, and Achnatherum nelsonii ssp. dorei. Important forbs often include Achillea millefolium, Carex siccata, Campanula rotundifolia, Chamerion angustifolium, Erigeron speciosus, Lathyrus lanszwertii var. leucanthus, Fragaria virginiana, Potentilla gracilis, Pseudocymopterus montanus, and Vicia americana. In south-central Colorado, overstories consist entirely of Populus tremuloides, with various species present in the understory (most frequently encountered conifer is Picea engelmannii). The most constant herbaceous plant species include Festuca thurberi, Carex siccata, Achillea millefolium, Campanula rotundifolia, Chamerion angustifolium, Fragaria virginiana, Potentilla gracilis, and Pseudocymopterus montanus.
In north-central New Mexico, the understory is characteristically grassy (approaches 70% cover) and, other than scattered young Populus tremuloides, shrubs are absent. Other grasses and sedges may be abundant, including Bromus ciliatus, Koeleria macrantha, Carex siccata, and the introduced perennial grass Poa pratensis. Forbs are well-represented by a mix of forest and montane grassland species (e.g., forest species include Galium aparine, Viola canadensis, Geranium richardsonii, Thalictrum fendleri, and Fragaria virginiana ssp. glauca; meadow species include Taraxacum officinale, Lathyrus lanszwertii var. leucanthus, Achillea millefolium, Campanula rotundifolia, Androsace septentrionalis, and Iris missouriensis). The fern Pteridium aquilinum var. pubescens is also often well-represented. This aspen association may represent an invasion of a montane meadow grassland by trees.
In Utah, shrubs, particularly Symphoricarpos oreophilus, are sometimes present but never abundant. The grasses most commonly associated with Festuca thurberi in the undergrowth are Achnatherum occidentale and Elymus trachycaulus. Occasionally, Bromus carinatus or Poa pratensis may be abundant. Forbs are seldom abundant and few have high constancy. The most common forbs are Achillea millefolium and Taraxacum officinale.
In north-central Colorado, this association is recognized by the overstory dominance and reproductive success of Populus tremuloides and the dominance of the undergrowth by Festuca thurberi (10-65% cover). Shrubs, weakly represented, include Amelanchier alnifolia, Artemisia tridentata, Rosa woodsii, and Symphoricarpos oreophilus. Other important graminoids are Elymus trachycaulus, Bromus anomalus, Carex geyeri, Poa nemoralis ssp. interior, and Achnatherum nelsonii ssp. dorei. Important forbs often include Achillea millefolium, Carex siccata, Campanula rotundifolia, Chamerion angustifolium, Erigeron speciosus, Lathyrus lanszwertii var. leucanthus, Fragaria virginiana, Potentilla gracilis, Pseudocymopterus montanus, and Vicia americana. In south-central Colorado, overstories consist entirely of Populus tremuloides, with various species present in the understory (most frequently encountered conifer is Picea engelmannii). The most constant herbaceous plant species include Festuca thurberi, Carex siccata, Achillea millefolium, Campanula rotundifolia, Chamerion angustifolium, Fragaria virginiana, Potentilla gracilis, and Pseudocymopterus montanus.
In north-central New Mexico, the understory is characteristically grassy (approaches 70% cover) and, other than scattered young Populus tremuloides, shrubs are absent. Other grasses and sedges may be abundant, including Bromus ciliatus, Koeleria macrantha, Carex siccata, and the introduced perennial grass Poa pratensis. Forbs are well-represented by a mix of forest and montane grassland species (e.g., forest species include Galium aparine, Viola canadensis, Geranium richardsonii, Thalictrum fendleri, and Fragaria virginiana ssp. glauca; meadow species include Taraxacum officinale, Lathyrus lanszwertii var. leucanthus, Achillea millefolium, Campanula rotundifolia, Androsace septentrionalis, and Iris missouriensis). The fern Pteridium aquilinum var. pubescens is also often well-represented. This aspen association may represent an invasion of a montane meadow grassland by trees.
In Utah, shrubs, particularly Symphoricarpos oreophilus, are sometimes present but never abundant. The grasses most commonly associated with Festuca thurberi in the undergrowth are Achnatherum occidentale and Elymus trachycaulus. Occasionally, Bromus carinatus or Poa pratensis may be abundant. Forbs are seldom abundant and few have high constancy. The most common forbs are Achillea millefolium and Taraxacum officinale.
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: The vegetation is characterized by an open-canopy forest overstory dominated by Populus tremuloides with the herbaceous understory dominated by Festuca thurberi. In north-central Colorado, this association is recognized by the overstory dominance and reproductive success of Populus tremuloides and the dominance of the undergrowth by Festuca thurberi (10-65% cover). Shrubs, weakly represented, include Amelanchier alnifolia, Artemisia tridentata, Rosa woodsii, and Symphoricarpos oreophilus. Other important graminoids are Elymus trachycaulus (= Agropyron trachycaulum), Bromus anomalus, Carex geyeri, Poa nemoralis ssp. interior (= Poa interior), and Achnatherum nelsonii ssp. dorei (= Stipa columbiana). Important forbs often include Achillea millefolium, Carex siccata (= Carex foenea), Campanula rotundifolia, Chamerion angustifolium, Erigeron speciosus, Lathyrus lanszwertii var. leucanthus (= Lathyrus leucanthus), Fragaria virginiana, Potentilla gracilis, Pseudocymopterus montanus, and Vicia americana. In south-central Colorado, overstories consist entirely of Populus tremuloides, with various species present in the understory (most frequently encountered conifer is Picea engelmannii). The most constant herbaceous plant species include Festuca thurberi, Carex siccata, Achillea millefolium, Campanula rotundifolia, Chamerion angustifolium, Fragaria virginiana, Potentilla gracilis, and Pseudocymopterus montanus.
In north-central New Mexico, the understory is characteristically grassy (approaches 70% cover) and, other than scattered young Populus tremuloides, shrubs are absent. Other grasses and sedges may be abundant, including Bromus ciliatus, Koeleria macrantha, Carex siccata, and the introduced perennial grass Poa pratensis. Forbs are well-represented by a mix of forest and montane grassland species (e.g., forest species include Galium aparine, Viola canadensis, Geranium richardsonii, Thalictrum fendleri, and Fragaria virginiana ssp. glauca; meadow species include Taraxacum officinale, Lathyrus lanszwertii var. leucanthus, Achillea millefolium, Campanula rotundifolia, Androsace septentrionalis, and Iris missouriensis). The fern Pteridium aquilinum var. pubescens is also often well-represented. This aspen association may represent an invasion of a montane meadow grassland by trees.
In Utah, shrubs, particularly Symphoricarpos oreophilus, are sometimes present but never abundant. The grasses most commonly associated with Festuca thurberi in the undergrowth are Achnatherum occidentale (= Stipa occidentalis) and Elymus trachycaulus. Occasionally, Bromus carinatus or Poa pratensis may be abundant. Forbs are seldom abundant and few have high constancy. The most common forbs are Achillea millefolium and Taraxacum officinale.
In north-central New Mexico, the understory is characteristically grassy (approaches 70% cover) and, other than scattered young Populus tremuloides, shrubs are absent. Other grasses and sedges may be abundant, including Bromus ciliatus, Koeleria macrantha, Carex siccata, and the introduced perennial grass Poa pratensis. Forbs are well-represented by a mix of forest and montane grassland species (e.g., forest species include Galium aparine, Viola canadensis, Geranium richardsonii, Thalictrum fendleri, and Fragaria virginiana ssp. glauca; meadow species include Taraxacum officinale, Lathyrus lanszwertii var. leucanthus, Achillea millefolium, Campanula rotundifolia, Androsace septentrionalis, and Iris missouriensis). The fern Pteridium aquilinum var. pubescens is also often well-represented. This aspen association may represent an invasion of a montane meadow grassland by trees.
In Utah, shrubs, particularly Symphoricarpos oreophilus, are sometimes present but never abundant. The grasses most commonly associated with Festuca thurberi in the undergrowth are Achnatherum occidentale (= Stipa occidentalis) and Elymus trachycaulus. Occasionally, Bromus carinatus or Poa pratensis may be abundant. Forbs are seldom abundant and few have high constancy. The most common forbs are Achillea millefolium and Taraxacum officinale.
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: In Colorado, this association is found on gentle to moderately steep slopes (ranging from 6 to 30%) with variable slope aspects on soils which are moderately deep, loamy alluvium and colluviums derived from a wide variety of parent material. In New Mexico, it occurs on cold, mid to upper slopes and ridges on northerly aspects and on lower slopes to ridges on southerly aspects. In Utah, this association occurs on relatively gentle slopes on soils derived from either volcanic or granitic parent material. Elevations range from 2400 to 3110 m (8600-10,200 feet). The ground surface is characterized by scattered bunch grasses and sedges intermixed with litter and some exposed soil.
Geographic Range: This high-elevation forest association is present in southern and western Colorado and occurs on both sides of the Continental Divide in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. It is also known to occur within the Valles Caldera National Preserve and Bandelier National Monument in north-central New Mexico, as well as on the Aquarius and Fish Lake plateaus in Utah.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: CO, NM, UT
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.684087
Confidence Level: Moderate
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: G4
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.d Quaking Aspen Rocky Mountain Forest & Woodland Group | G222 | 1.B.2.Nb.5.d |
| Alliance | A2036 Quaking Aspen Rocky Mountain Forest & Woodland Alliance | A2036 | 1.B.2.Nb.5.d |
| Association | CEGL000585 Quaking Aspen / Thurber''s Fescue Forest | CEGL000585 | 1.B.2.Nb.5.d |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: = Populus tremuloides / Festuca thurberi Community Type (Mueggler 1988)
? Populus tremuloides / Pteridium aquilinum Cover Type (Balice et al. 1997) [has a similar grassy understory, but it lacks Festuca thurberi.]
? Populus tremuloides / Pteridium aquilinum Cover Type (Balice et al. 1997) [has a similar grassy understory, but it lacks Festuca thurberi.]
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- 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.
- CNHP [Colorado Natural Heritage Program]. 2006-2017. Tracked natural plant communities. Colorado Natural Heritage Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins. [https://cnhp.colostate.edu/ourdata/trackinglist/plant_communities/]
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- Mueggler, W. F., and R. B. Campbell, Jr. 1986. Aspen community types of Utah. Research Paper INT-362. USDA Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Ogden, UT.
- Muldavin, E., A. Kennedy, C. Jackson, P. Neville, T. Neville, K. Schulz, and M. Reid. 2011b. Vegetation classification and map: Bandelier National Monument. Natural Resource Technical Report NPS/SCPN/NRTR--2011/438. National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO.
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- Powell, D. C. 1988a. Aspen community types of the Pike and San Isabel national forests in south-central Colorado. Report R2-ECOL-88-01. USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Region, Denver, CO. 254 pp.
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- Western Ecology Working Group of NatureServe. No date. International Ecological Classification Standard: International Vegetation Classification. Terrestrial Vegetation. NatureServe, Boulder, CO.