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CEGL001635 Festuca viridula - Lupinus latifolius Meadow
Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Greenleaf Fescue - Broadleaf Lupine Meadow
Colloquial Name: No Data Available
Hierarchy Level: Association
Type Concept: The association occurs in the subalpine and lower alpine zones of a mountainous region in the Pacific Northwest. The climate of the region is temperate maritime, with relatively mild temperatures for a mountainous region, and high annual precipitation. Most of the precipitation falls during October through March, primarily as snow at the higher elevations. The eastern slope of the Cascade Range, where this association occurs, is within a rainshadow of the Cascades crest and has a steep gradient of less precipitation as elevation becomes lower. Geologically, the region has been strongly influenced by volcanic activity, with layers of pumice and ash deposited over large areas. These deposits are of varying age, but often show little soil development or have three or four buried soil horizon sequences. This association occupies openings within subalpine forests, and as a mosaic with patches of forest and other herbaceous meadows (parklands) at the ecotone between forest and true alpine. This ecotonal mosaic is well-developed in the Cascades, and extends over an elevational band of 300-400 m. Elevations of Festuca viridula-dominated communities are typically over 1830 m (6000 feet). Sites where they occur are too dry for tree establishment and may have a frequent fire-return cycle which also contributes to the lack of tree regeneration. Soils are probably developed in pumice deposits and vary in depth, but are usually less than 16 cm deep. Pocket gophers are a significant influence in the loose, friable soil. This herbaceous association is dominated by the perennial bunchgrass Festuca viridula, with the perennial forb Lupinus latifolius always present and usually codominant. Both species are typically 0.5-1 m in height. Associated species are predominantly perennial forbs. Pulsatilla occidentalis, Potentilla flabellifolia, Eucephalus ledophyllus, and Phlox diffusa are usually present, in addition to the common species listed above. In the spring, shortly after snowmelt, Potentilla flabellifolia, Symphyotrichum spathulatum var. spathulatum, Ranunculus eschscholtzii, and Claytonia lanceolata are prominent before the other species begin growth.
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 herbaceous association is dominated by the perennial bunchgrass Festuca viridula, with the perennial forb Lupinus latifolius always present and usually codominant. Both species are typically 0.5-1 m in height. Associated species are predominantly perennial forbs. Pulsatilla occidentalis (= Anemone occidentalis), Potentilla flabellifolia, Eucephalus ledophyllus (= Aster ledophyllus), and Phlox diffusa are usually present, in addition to the common species listed above. In the spring, shortly after snowmelt, Potentilla flabellifolia, Symphyotrichum spathulatum var. spathulatum (= Aster occidentalis), Ranunculus eschscholtzii, and Claytonia lanceolata are prominent before the other species begin growth.
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: The association occurs in the subalpine and lower alpine zones of a mountainous region in the Pacific Northwest. The climate of the region is temperate maritime, with relatively mild temperatures for a mountainous region, and high annual precipitation. Most of the precipitation falls during October through March, primarily as snow at the higher elevations. The eastern slope of the Cascades, where this association occurs, is within a rainshadow of the Cascades crest and has a steep gradient of less precipitation as elevation becomes lower. Geologically, the region has been strongly influenced by volcanic activity, with layers of pumice and ash deposited over large areas. These deposits are of varying age, but often show little soil development or have three or four buried soil horizon sequences. This association occupies openings within subalpine forests, and as a mosaic with patches of forest and other herbaceous meadows (parklands) at the ecotone between forest and true alpine. This ecotonal mosaic is well-developed in the Cascades, and extends over an elevational band of 300-400 m. Elevations of Festuca viridula-dominated communities are typically over 1830 m (6000 feet). Sites where they occur are too dry for tree establishment and may have a frequent fire-return cycle which also contributes to the lack of tree regeneration. Soils are probably developed in pumice deposits and vary in depth, but are usually less than 16 cm deep. Pocket gophers are a significant influence in the loose, friable soil.
Geographic Range: No Data Available
Nations: US
States/Provinces: ID?, OR, WA
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.686159
Confidence Level: Moderate
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: G4
Greasons: No Data Available
| Type | Name | Database Code | Classification Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class | 2 Shrub & Herb Vegetation Class | C02 | 2 |
| Subclass | 2.B Temperate & Boreal Grassland & Shrubland Subclass | S18 | 2.B |
| Formation | 2.B.2 Temperate Grassland & Shrubland Formation | F012 | 2.B.2 |
| Division | 2.B.2.Nf Western North American Grassland & Shrubland Division | D022 | 2.B.2.Nf |
| Macrogroup | 2.B.2.Nf.3 Tufted Hairgrass - Licorice-root species - Mountain Muhly Subalpine-High Montane Mesic Meadow Macrogroup | M168 | 2.B.2.Nf.3 |
| Group | 2.B.2.Nf.3.b Greenleaf Fescue - Tufted Hairgrass - Licorice-root species Rocky Mountain-Vancouverian Grassland & Meadow Group | G271 | 2.B.2.Nf.3.b |
| Alliance | A1257 Greenleaf Fescue - Hood''s Sedge - Lupine species Subalpine Mesic Meadow Alliance | A1257 | 2.B.2.Nf.3.b |
| Association | CEGL001635 Greenleaf Fescue - Broadleaf Lupine Meadow | CEGL001635 | 2.B.2.Nf.3.b |
Concept Lineage: This (CEGL001636) appears to be covered by CEGL001635 (GK 2-12).
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: = Festuca / Lupinus Community Type (Henderson 1973)
= Festuca viridula-Lupinus (arcticus, latifolius) Herbaceous Vegetation (Crawford et al. 2009)
= Festuca viridula-Lupinus (arcticus, latifolius) Herbaceous Vegetation (Crawford et al. 2009)
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- Reid, E. H., G. S. Strickler, and W. B. Hall. 1980. Green fescue grassland: Forty years of secondary succession. Research Paper PNW-274. USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Experiment Station, Portland, OR.
- WNHP [Washington Natural Heritage Program]. 2018. Unpublished data files. Washington Natural Heritage Program, Department of Natural Resources, Olympia, WA.
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