Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Engelmann Spruce / Mallow Ninebark Forest

Colloquial Name: No Data Available

Hierarchy Level:  Association

Type Concept: This forest association occurs in mountainous areas within a rather restricted area on calcareous soils on the northern flank of the Absaroka range in south-central Montana, and from the Clark''s Fork of the Yellowstone River in northwestern Wyoming. The type is found on cool, moist aspects with gentle to steep slopes between 1800 and 2200 m (5900-7200 feet) elevation. Picea engelmannii, as well as the Picea engelmannii x glauca hybrid Picea x albertiana, are the diagnostic species and can occur as the forest overstory in mature late-seral stands, or in the understory in younger age classes. The predominantly calcareous substrates favor Pseudotsuga menziesii as the leading seral dominant; Pinus contorta and occasionally Abies lasiocarpa occur scattered at higher elevations. The shrub undergrowth is primarily Physocarpus malvaceus, a deciduous species of moderate height. Other common associated shrubs include Symphoricarpos albus and Spiraea betulifolia. Actaea rubra and Galium triflorum are usually present. The dominance of Picea engelmannii in the overstory, evidence of Picea reproduction in the understory, and the presence of Physocarpus malvaceus distinguish this plant association from other associations which could occur in similar habitats.

Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available

Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available

Classification Comments: Picea engelmannii and/or the Picea engelmannii x glauca hybrid Picea x albertiana are the diagnostic tree species in this forest association. This type was first described as Picea / Physocarpus malvaceus habitat type by Pfister et al. (1977) for Montana. Therefore, we have adopted Picea spp. as diagnostic, regardless of overstory dominance. Only three sample plots were used to describe this type in Montana, two of which included cone material that would distinguish the hybrid Picea x albertiana. The authors mention in their classification of the Picea habitat type that the limited sample did not indicate a strong relationship between hybridization and habitat type or geographical area, and chose to group the hybrid and pure Picea engelmannii together under the Picea name. Following this same logic, former Picea (engelmannii x glauca, engelmannii / Physocarpus malvaceus Forest (CEGL000413) recorded from Montana has been merged with the former pure Picea engelmannii / Physocarpus malvaceus Forest (CEGL000372) into this single association, which could include stands with either pure Picea engelmannii and/or Picea x albertiana.

Similar NVC Types: No Data Available

note: No Data Available