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CEGL002662 Cardamine cordifolia - Mertensia ciliata - Senecio triangularis Wet Meadow
Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Heartleaf Bittercress - Tall Fringed Bluebells - Arrowleaf Ragwort Wet Meadow
Colloquial Name: No Data Available
Hierarchy Level: Association
Type Concept: This southern Rocky Mountain association occurs in alpine and subalpine wetlands from 2700-3800 m (9000-12,300 feet) elevation. The generally small stands of this plant association are found in and near running water of small streams, seeps and springs. This association typically occurs along moderately steep to very steep first-order streams. In many cases this habitat probably experiences a long period of snow cover. Substrates are moderately deep (40 cm) sandy clay loam and sand-textured soils but, in general, are quite thin and skeletal. Associated taxa may vary greatly with this plant association, but the dominance of Cardamine cordifolia, Mertensia ciliata, and/or Senecio triangularis is clear. All of these species may be present or only one of the three.
Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: This broadly defined herbaceous riparian association is described from the southern Rocky Mountains of Colorado (Kittel et al. 1999b, Carsey et al. 2003a, 2003b). Two closely related geographically more widespread associations, ~Mertensia ciliata Meadow (CEGL001944)$$ and ~Senecio triangularis Wet Meadow (CEGL001987)$$, are now considered part of this association in Colorado because they share diagnostic species. These two associations need further review where they occur in the central and northern Rockies to determine if they should be maintained as distinct associations in those regions.
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available
Floristics: This association is easy to recognize and is characterized by a narrow band of forbs and mosses with one or more of the following three forb species being abundantly present: Cardamine cordifolia (1-87% cover), Mertensia ciliata (1-80%), and/or Senecio triangularis (1-90%). All of these species may be present or only one of them. In addition, this type is always rich in forbs. Stands generally have at least 15 species and often have as many as 45 forb species present. Other forb species include Arnica cordifolia, Caltha leptosepala, Conioselinum scopulorum, Corydalis caseana ssp. brandegeei, Delphinium barbeyi, Geranium richardsonii, Geum rossii, Heracleum maximum, Ligusticum filicinum, Ligusticum porteri, Mitella pentandra, Primula parryi, Oxypolis fendleri, Rhodiola integrifolia, Saxifraga odontoloma, and Senecio taraxacoides (Johnston 1987, Kittel et al. 1999b, Carsey et al. 2003a). Graminoid species comprise a low percentage of cover and commonly include Calamagrostis canadensis, Carex aquatilis, Carex microptera, Carex scopulorum, Deschampsia cespitosa, and Juncus drummondii (Johnston 1987). Shrub species may be scattered in the stand, such as Vaccinium spp., Ribes lacustre, and Lonicera involucrata var. involucrata.
Dynamics: The association appears to be a relatively stable, seral community in habitats where it is maintained by frequent fluvial scouring and deposition that prevent invading conifers from growing beyond the sapling stage (Kittel et al. 1999b, Carsey et al. 2003a, 2003b). However, with excessive grazing by sheep or other grazers, it may be converted to communities dominated by various increaser species (Padgett et al. 1989).
This association has perennial wet soils, steep gradients, and a short growing season making this association vulnerable to heavy disturbance. Forage value and productivity are low for this community. Excessive grazing by sheep may convert this association to one dominated by various increaser species (Padgett et al. 1989). Wet soils are susceptible to compaction and churning. If possible, it is best to keep livestock out of these very wet areas (Hansen et al. 1995).
This association has perennial wet soils, steep gradients, and a short growing season making this association vulnerable to heavy disturbance. Forage value and productivity are low for this community. Excessive grazing by sheep may convert this association to one dominated by various increaser species (Padgett et al. 1989). Wet soils are susceptible to compaction and churning. If possible, it is best to keep livestock out of these very wet areas (Hansen et al. 1995).
Environmental Description: This southern Rocky Mountain association occurs in alpine and subalpine wetlands from 2700-3800 m (9000-12,300 feet) elevation but may extend down into the montane zone at 2500 m (8200 feet). Stands are generally small and are found in and near running water of small streams, seeps and springs, in wet meadows or associated with lakes and ponds. This association typically occurs along moderately steep to very steep first-order streams (Rosgen''s Channel Type: A2, A3) but can occur along less steep streams (Rosgen''s Channel Type: B2, B4) (Rosgen 1996). These communities are also found at the midsection of moderate to steep (10-100%) slopes with varying aspects. In many cases this habitat probably experiences a long period of snow cover (Sanderson and Kettler 1996). Substrates are moderately deep (40 cm ) to shallow and skeletal. Soil texture ranges from silt loam and clay loam to peat to sand (Kittel et al. 1999b). Sites often contain some rock (up to 35%) and flowing water from streams (5-20%). Moss also frequently contributes 10-40% ground cover.
Geographic Range: This alpine and subalpine wetland association occurs in the southern Rocky Mountains in Colorado but may be more widespread in the Rocky Mountains.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: CO, WY?
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.689503
Confidence Level: High
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.C Shrub & Herb Wetland Subclass | S44 | 2.C |
| Formation | 2.C.4 Temperate to Polar Freshwater Marsh, Wet Meadow & Shrubland Formation | F013 | 2.C.4 |
| Division | 2.C.4.Nb Western North American Temperate Freshwater Marsh, Wet Meadow & Shrubland Division | D031 | 2.C.4.Nb |
| Macrogroup | 2.C.4.Nb.5 Sitka Alder - Booth''s Willow / Northwest Territory Sedge Montane Marsh, Wet Meadow & Shrubland Macrogroup | M893 | 2.C.4.Nb.5 |
| Group | 2.C.4.Nb.5.b Sedge species - Reedgrass species Montane Wet Meadow & Marsh Group | G521 | 2.C.4.Nb.5.b |
| Alliance | A3810 Brook Saxifrage - Arrowleaf Ragwort - Mountain Bluebells Wet Meadow Alliance | A3810 | 2.C.4.Nb.5.b |
| Association | CEGL002662 Heartleaf Bittercress - Tall Fringed Bluebells - Arrowleaf Ragwort Wet Meadow | CEGL002662 | 2.C.4.Nb.5.b |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: = Caltha leptosepala - Cardamine cordifolia-dominated Community within Wet Meadow Habitat Type (Rottman and Hartman 1985)
= Cardamine cordifolia - Mertensia ciliata - Senecio triangularis Herbaceous Vegetation (Carsey et al. 2003a)
= Cardamine cordifolia - Mertensia ciliata - Senecio triangularis Herbaceous Vegetation (Carsey et al. 2003b)
> Cardamine cordifolia / Caltha leptosepala Plant Association (Johnston 1987) [Based on samples from within the southern Rocky Mountains.]
= Cardamine cordifolia-Mertensia ciliata-Senecio triangularis (Kittel et al. 1999b)
> Mertensia ciliata / Deschampsia cespitosa Plant Association (Johnston 1987) [Lower alpine community. Association is based on Komarkova (1979).]
= Mertensia ciliata Community Type (Youngblood et al. 1985a) [Stands occurring outside the southern Rocky Mountains are currently treated in a different association.]
? Mertensia ciliata Community Type (Padgett et al. 1989) [Stands occurring outside the southern Rocky Mountains are currently treated in a different association.]
> Oxypolis fendleri - Senecio triangularis Plant Association (Cooper 1993a)
= Senecio triangularis - Trisetum wolfii Habitat Type/Association (Komarkova 1986)
> Senecio triangularis / Ligusticum filicinum Plant Association (Johnston 1987) [Found in lower alpine streambanks or wet scree at 3290-3600 m (10,800-11,800 feet) elevation. Association is based on Komarkova (1979).]
= Senecio triangularis Community Type (Hansen et al. 1995) [Stands occurring outside the southern Rocky Mountains are currently treated in a different association.]
>< Association Adoxo moschatellinae - Mertensia ciliata (Komarkova 1976) (Komarkova 1979) [Johnston states this is ~Deschampsia cespitosa - Mertensia ciliata Wet Meadow (CEGL001887)$$.]
> Association Epilobio angallidifolii - Cardaminetum cordifoliae (Komarkova 1976) (Komarkova 1979) [Komarkova describes an alpine Cardamine cordifolia-dominated association without Mertensia ciliata or Senecio triangularis present.]
> Association Epilobium angustifolium - Cardamine cordifolia (Komarkova 1976)
= Association Epilobium angustifolium - Cardamine cordifolia (Komarkova 1976) (Komarkova 1979)
> Association Ligustico filicini - Senecetumo triangularis (Komarkova 1976) (Komarkova 1979)
= Heartleaf bittercress-mountain bluebells-arrowleaf groundsel (Cardamine cordifolia-Mertensia ciliata-Senecio triangularis) Plant Association (Kittel et al. 1999a)
= Watercress-chiming bells (Cardamine cordifolia-Mertensia ciliata) Plant Association (Kittel et al. 1997a)
= Cardamine cordifolia - Mertensia ciliata - Senecio triangularis Herbaceous Vegetation (Carsey et al. 2003a)
= Cardamine cordifolia - Mertensia ciliata - Senecio triangularis Herbaceous Vegetation (Carsey et al. 2003b)
> Cardamine cordifolia / Caltha leptosepala Plant Association (Johnston 1987) [Based on samples from within the southern Rocky Mountains.]
= Cardamine cordifolia-Mertensia ciliata-Senecio triangularis (Kittel et al. 1999b)
> Mertensia ciliata / Deschampsia cespitosa Plant Association (Johnston 1987) [Lower alpine community. Association is based on Komarkova (1979).]
= Mertensia ciliata Community Type (Youngblood et al. 1985a) [Stands occurring outside the southern Rocky Mountains are currently treated in a different association.]
? Mertensia ciliata Community Type (Padgett et al. 1989) [Stands occurring outside the southern Rocky Mountains are currently treated in a different association.]
> Oxypolis fendleri - Senecio triangularis Plant Association (Cooper 1993a)
= Senecio triangularis - Trisetum wolfii Habitat Type/Association (Komarkova 1986)
> Senecio triangularis / Ligusticum filicinum Plant Association (Johnston 1987) [Found in lower alpine streambanks or wet scree at 3290-3600 m (10,800-11,800 feet) elevation. Association is based on Komarkova (1979).]
= Senecio triangularis Community Type (Hansen et al. 1995) [Stands occurring outside the southern Rocky Mountains are currently treated in a different association.]
>< Association Adoxo moschatellinae - Mertensia ciliata (Komarkova 1976) (Komarkova 1979) [Johnston states this is ~Deschampsia cespitosa - Mertensia ciliata Wet Meadow (CEGL001887)$$.]
> Association Epilobio angallidifolii - Cardaminetum cordifoliae (Komarkova 1976) (Komarkova 1979) [Komarkova describes an alpine Cardamine cordifolia-dominated association without Mertensia ciliata or Senecio triangularis present.]
> Association Epilobium angustifolium - Cardamine cordifolia (Komarkova 1976)
= Association Epilobium angustifolium - Cardamine cordifolia (Komarkova 1976) (Komarkova 1979)
> Association Ligustico filicini - Senecetumo triangularis (Komarkova 1976) (Komarkova 1979)
= Heartleaf bittercress-mountain bluebells-arrowleaf groundsel (Cardamine cordifolia-Mertensia ciliata-Senecio triangularis) Plant Association (Kittel et al. 1999a)
= Watercress-chiming bells (Cardamine cordifolia-Mertensia ciliata) Plant Association (Kittel et al. 1997a)
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