Print Report
CEGL000302 Abies lasiocarpa / Caltha leptosepala ssp. howellii Swamp Forest
Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Subalpine Fir / Howell''s Marsh-marigold Swamp Forest
Colloquial Name: No Data Available
Hierarchy Level: Association
Type Concept: This forest association is known only from the Boise and Salmon River mountains of central Idaho. The association occurs on wet, gently to moderately sloping terrain in the middle to upper portion of the subalpine zone, at 1890 to 2530 m (6200-8300 feet) elevation. Sites include lakeshores, sloping seeps and springs, margins of sloped flow-through peatlands, and low order headwater streams. Soils are often a deep organic horizon overlying loamy or sandy loam mineral horizons. Stands are codominated by mixed-aged Abies lasiocarpa and Picea engelmannii. Abies lasiocarpa is increasingly abundant with succession, though large-diameter Picea engelmannii may persist on productive sites. Conifer cover is low on extremely wet sites. Caltha leptosepala ssp. howellii is an important diagnostic species of these wet habitats, often the most abundant understory species with high cover. Mesic graminoid diversity and cover are typically low. A variety of other mesic forbs are present, sometimes with moderate to high cover. Common and characteristic forbs include Pedicularis bracteosa and Dodecatheon jeffreyi. Shrubs such as Vaccinium scoparium and Lonicera involucrata may occur with a patchy distribution on raised hummocks. Moss is often abundant on the wet soil; important species include Aulacomnium palustre, Bryum weigelii, and Campylium stellatum. Stands of the association are important for elk in summer and fall, and abundant lush forbs and proximity to water give rise to important feeding areas. Wet depressions provide excellent elk wallow habitats.
Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: Stands of ~Picea engelmannii / Caltha leptosepala Swamp Forest (CEGL000357)$$ may become ~Abies lasiocarpa / Caltha leptosepala ssp. howellii Swamp Forest (CEGL000302)$$ with succession.
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available
Floristics: No Data Available
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: No Data Available
Geographic Range: This forest association is known from the Boise and Salmon River mountains of central Idaho. Stands are typically small and clustered but dispersed with low frequency across large areas.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: ID
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.686502
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.3 Temperate Flooded & Swamp Forest Formation | F026 | 1.B.3 |
| Division | 1.B.3.Nc Rocky Mountain-Great Basin Montane Flooded & Swamp Forest Division | D195 | 1.B.3.Nc |
| Macrogroup | 1.B.3.Nc.1 Engelmann Spruce - Narrowleaf Cottonwood / Red-osier Dogwood Riparian & Swamp Forest Macrogroup | M034 | 1.B.3.Nc.1 |
| Group | 1.B.3.Nc.1.a Engelmann Spruce - Blue Spruce - Narrowleaf Cottonwood Riparian & Swamp Forest Group | G506 | 1.B.3.Nc.1.a |
| Alliance | A3757 Subalpine Fir - Engelmann Spruce Swamp Forest Alliance | A3757 | 1.B.3.Nc.1.a |
| Association | CEGL000302 Subalpine Fir / Howell''s Marsh-marigold Swamp Forest | CEGL000302 | 1.B.3.Nc.1.a |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: = Abies lasiocarpa / Caltha biflora Habitat Type (Steele et al. 1981)
- 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.
- IDCDC [Idaho Conservation Data Center]. 2005. Wetland and riparian plant associations in Idaho. Idaho Conservation Data Center, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Boise. [http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/tech/CDC/ecology/wetland_riparian_assoc.cfm] (accessed 14 June 2005).
- Steele, R., R. D. Pfister, R. A. Ryker, and J. A. Kittams. 1981. Forest habitat types of central Idaho. General Technical Report INT-114. USDA Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Ogden, UT. 138 pp.
- Western Ecology Working Group of NatureServe. No date. International Ecological Classification Standard: International Vegetation Classification. Terrestrial Vegetation. NatureServe, Boulder, CO.