Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Geyer''s Willow - Lemmon''s Willow / Sitka Sedge Wet Shrubland

Colloquial Name: No Data Available

Hierarchy Level:  Association

Type Concept: This riparian shrubland association is locally abundant in the eastern central Cascades and rare in the southern portion of the eastern Cascades. Elevations are low to moderately high, ranging from 945 to 1585 m (3100-5200 feet). Most occurrences are on low-gradient floodplains along streams, although a few large occurrences are found on the headwaters and tributary drainages in wet, poorly drained marshes and swamps. Floodplain soils are very deep alluviums that usually have significant amounts of sedge peat. The vegetation is dominated by tall willows (Salix geyeriana and/or Salix lemmonii) with a sward of Carex aquatilis var. dives. In the higher elevation headwaters, Salix eastwoodiae (sometimes with Salix sitchensis) may be codominant with Salix geyeriana or Salix lemmonii. Salix eastwoodiae or Betula glandulosa can be dominant where beaver have reduced the cover of the more palatable Salix geyeriana, Salix lemmonii, and Salix sitchensis. Spiraea douglasii and Vaccinium uliginosum are often common under the tall shrubs. Aside from the very dominant Carex aquatilis var. dives, Carex utriculata is common on wetter sites, but other graminoids and forbs are inconspicuous. Typical forbs include Pyrola asarifolia, Epilobium ciliatum, Galium triflorum, Cicuta douglasii, Platanthera dilatata, and Equisetum arvense.

Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available

Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available

Classification Comments: This appears to be a very distinctive, local plant association, which actually has two fairly distinct phases. It is possible that with additional data from northwestern California, the higher elevation types with Salix eastwoodiae could be separated into a new association.

Similar NVC Types: No Data Available

note: No Data Available