Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Ponderosa Pine / Long-stolon Sedge - Roemer''s Fescue Woodland

Colloquial Name: No Data Available

Hierarchy Level:  Association

Type Concept: This ponderosa pine woodland is known only from southwestern Pierce County, Washington. It is dominated by Pinus ponderosa (10-70% cover). The understory is dominated by herbaceous vegetation, or a mix of herbs and non-native Cytisus scoparius. All stands are dominated or codominated by Carex inops ssp. inops or Festuca idahoensis ssp. roemeri. The non-native Poa pratensis is often prominent to codominant. Native shrubs are usually present only in small amounts. The most abundant native forb, in terms of cover, is Camassia quamash ssp. azurea, though it is not consistently present. Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis, Ranunculus occidentalis var. occidentalis, Fragaria virginiana ssp. platypetala, and Galium aparine are usually present. Many other prairie-associated plant species are possible. Sites are moderately dry and appear to be relatively nutrient-rich. It occurs only on gravelly-sandy outwash plains. This community is fire-associated. Prior to western settlement, this vegetation was undoubtedly burned frequently with low-severity fires. Tree density within these woodlands has increased with fire suppression, as has the abundance of Pseudotsuga menziesii. In the absence of fire or active management, most of these stands will be invaded by Douglas-fir and/or shrubs, and will likely convert to conifer forest or non-native understory vegetation. Adjacent dense stands of Douglas-fir with some ponderosa pine are a result of that conversion to forest. Conversely, a few stands have established relatively recently on what was formerly treeless prairie.

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