Print Report
CEGL005883 Larix occidentalis / Vaccinium cespitosum / Clintonia uniflora Forest
Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Western Larch / Dwarf Bilberry / Bride''s Bonnet Forest
Colloquial Name: No Data Available
Hierarchy Level: Association
Type Concept: This mesic, small- to large-patch forested community is a minor type found from northwestern Montana (west of the Continental Divide) westward across northern Idaho to northeastern Washington as far west as the Okanogan Plateau; it southern extent is central Idaho''s Seven Devils and southern Batholith regions. In both northeastern Washington and western Montana, it is found at elevations predominantly between 915 to 1220 m (3000-4000 feet) with extremes from 680 to 1400 m (2230-4590 feet); at its southern extent it is found between 1400 and 1675 m (4600-5500 feet). This association typically is found on lower elevation benchlands and gentle lower slopes of low gradient, areas that would be expected to be frosty or where cold-air ponding occurs with a relatively high frequency. Daytime temperatures are warm, which results in a strong diurnal contrast that is apparently limiting to tree species that potentially are climax dominants. Sites are confined to well-drained glacial till and outwash deposits or similarly derived relatively coarse-textured sediments (mostly fine sandy loams to loams in texture) that frequently have an appreciable gravel content. Soil reactions vary from acidic to very acidic.
The upper canopy is relatively open (ranging from 40 to 70% canopy cover with extremes to 20%) and dominated by Larix occidentalis with minor contributions of Pinus contorta and Pseudotsuga menziesii. Pseudotsuga characteristically has the greatest understory cover, followed by Abies lasiocarpa, Picea engelmannii, or Picea x albertiana hybrids. With the exception of Amelanchier alnifolia, tall shrubs are not represented, and while a diversity of short shrubs (Shepherdia canadensis, Spiraea betulifolia, Lonicera utahensis, Paxistima myrsinites, Vaccinium membranaceum) are consistently present, their aggregate cover does not often exceed 20%. Besides containing two of the three undergrowth indicator species, Vaccinium cespitosum and Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, the dwarf-shrub layer in combination with consistently high Calamagrostis rubescens cover (in excess of 30%) gives modal stands their prevailing aspect of nearly continuous cover; other dwarf-shrubs of moderate to high constancy and highly variable cover include Linnaea borealis, Mahonia repens or Mahonia aquifolium (depending on locality), Chimaphila umbellata, Vaccinium scoparium, and Vaccinium myrtillus. Of two forbs, Clintonia uniflora and Cornus canadensis, indicative of this association''s relatively mesic status (as compared to say Larix occidentalis / Vaccinium cespitosum) only Clintonia is also 100% constant and used as an indicator. Forbs are usually a negligible component with only Arnica cordifolia, Fragaria spp., Orthilia secunda, Lupinus sericeus or Lupinus argenteus (depending on locality), Hieracium albiflorum, and Maianthemum racemosum exhibiting moderate to high constancy and a combined cover seldom exceeding 10%.
The upper canopy is relatively open (ranging from 40 to 70% canopy cover with extremes to 20%) and dominated by Larix occidentalis with minor contributions of Pinus contorta and Pseudotsuga menziesii. Pseudotsuga characteristically has the greatest understory cover, followed by Abies lasiocarpa, Picea engelmannii, or Picea x albertiana hybrids. With the exception of Amelanchier alnifolia, tall shrubs are not represented, and while a diversity of short shrubs (Shepherdia canadensis, Spiraea betulifolia, Lonicera utahensis, Paxistima myrsinites, Vaccinium membranaceum) are consistently present, their aggregate cover does not often exceed 20%. Besides containing two of the three undergrowth indicator species, Vaccinium cespitosum and Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, the dwarf-shrub layer in combination with consistently high Calamagrostis rubescens cover (in excess of 30%) gives modal stands their prevailing aspect of nearly continuous cover; other dwarf-shrubs of moderate to high constancy and highly variable cover include Linnaea borealis, Mahonia repens or Mahonia aquifolium (depending on locality), Chimaphila umbellata, Vaccinium scoparium, and Vaccinium myrtillus. Of two forbs, Clintonia uniflora and Cornus canadensis, indicative of this association''s relatively mesic status (as compared to say Larix occidentalis / Vaccinium cespitosum) only Clintonia is also 100% constant and used as an indicator. Forbs are usually a negligible component with only Arnica cordifolia, Fragaria spp., Orthilia secunda, Lupinus sericeus or Lupinus argenteus (depending on locality), Hieracium albiflorum, and Maianthemum racemosum exhibiting moderate to high constancy and a combined cover seldom exceeding 10%.
Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: Differences in site parameters probably do not exist between this association (CEGL005883) and ~Pinus contorta / Vaccinium cespitosum / Clintonia uniflora Forest (CEGL005923)$$; these two communities owe their differences to happenstance; tree layer site dominance is attributed to whichever species has greater proximity (in a statistical sense) to an appropriate disturbed site and an abundant, upwind cone crop at the time of disturbance. This association is differentiated from ~Larix occidentalis / Vaccinium cespitosum Forest (CEGL005882)$$ by the mere presence of Clintonia uniflora; there is generally no easily discernible environmental distinction between the two association, but the presence of this mesophytic forb is considered indicative of a slightly more favorable moisture regime. The cover values at which Vaccinium cespitosum and Arctostaphylos uva-ursi are recognized as indicators range from merely present and not confined to microsites (Pfister et al. 1977, Williams and Lillybridge 1983) to greater than 5% (Lillybridge et al. 1995, Williams et al. 1995), though in most keys Vaccinium cespitosum is generally accorded greater indicator potential than Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, being recognized as indicative at lower cover values.
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available
Floristics: The upper canopy is relatively open (ranging from 40 to 70% canopy cover with extremes to 20%) and dominated by Larix occidentalis with minor contributions of Pinus contorta and Pseudotsuga menziesii. Pseudotsuga characteristically has the greatest understory cover, followed by Abies lasiocarpa, Picea engelmannii, or Picea x albertiana (= Picea engelmannii x glauca) hybrids. With the exception of Amelanchier alnifolia, tall shrubs are not represented, and though a diversity of short shrubs (Shepherdia canadensis, Spiraea betulifolia, Lonicera utahensis, Paxistima myrsinites, Vaccinium membranaceum) are consistently present, their aggregate cover does not often exceed 20%. Besides containing two of the three undergrowth indicator species, Vaccinium cespitosum and Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, the dwarf-shrub layer in combination with consistently high Calamagrostis rubescens cover (in excess of 30%) gives modal stands their prevailing aspect of nearly continuous cover; other dwarf-shrubs of moderate to high constancy and highly variable cover include Linnaea borealis, Mahonia repens or Mahonia aquifolium (depending on locality), Chimaphila umbellata, Vaccinium scoparium, and Vaccinium myrtillus. Only one forb, Clintonia uniflora is 100% constant and indicative of this associations relatively mesic status (as compared to say Larix occidentalis / Vaccinium cespitosum); Cornus canadensis is also consistently present and reflects an augmented moisture status. Forbs are usually a negligible component with only Arnica cordifolia or Arnica latifolia (locality dependent), Fragaria spp., Orthilia secunda (= Pyrola secunda), Lupinus sericeus or Lupinus argenteus (depending on locality), Hieracium albiflorum, Osmorhiza berteroi (= Osmorhiza chilensis), Maianthemum racemosum, and Viola orbiculata exhibiting moderate to high constancy and a combined cover seldom exceeding 10%.
Dynamics: This association is generated by stand-replacing fire. These sites may be maintained in a seral status for hundreds of years due to the fact that Larix occidentalis is a long-lived species and the understory is often dominated by Pseudotsuga, which will grow into the upper canopy. The potential climax dominants, Abies lasiocarpa, Picea engelmannii, or Abies grandis, are slow to establish on these sites and grow slowly, presenting the distinct probability, given the fire-return intervals for this type (80 to 200 years), that the climax (long-term stable) condition is never realized or even very closely approximated. Stand-replacing burns may be slow to regain their forb complement, and thus earlier forested conditions on these sites may lack Clintonia uniflora leading them to be classed as Larix occidentalis / Vaccinium cespitosum.
Environmental Description: This mesic, small- to large-patch forested community is a minor type found from northwestern Montana (west of the Continental Divide) westward across northern Idaho to northeastern Washington as far west as the Okanogan Plateau; it southern extent is central Idaho''s Seven Devils and southern Batholith regions. In both northeastern Washington and western Montana it is found at elevations predominantly between 915 to 1220 m (3000-4000 feet) with extremes from 680 to 1400 m (2230-4590 feet); at its southern extent it is found between 1400 and 1675 (4600-5500 feet). This association typically is found on lower elevation benchlands and gentle lower slopes of low gradient, areas that would be expected to be frosty or where cold-air ponding occurs with a relatively high frequency. Daytime temperatures are warm, which results in a strong diurnal contrast that is apparently limiting to tree species that potentially are climax dominants. Sites are confined to well-drained glacial till and outwash deposits or similarly derived relatively coarse-textured sediments (mostly fine sandy loams to loams in texture) that frequently have an appreciable gravel content. For at least a portion of the type''s range, subsoil compaction has been demonstrated and could be responsible for an elevated soil moisture regime and a more mesic forb component (than exhibited for say ~Larix occidentalis / Vaccinium cespitosum Forest (CEGL005882)$$). Soil reactions vary from acidic to very acidic.
Geographic Range: This community occurs from the Idaho Batholith (Payette National Forest) northward in Idaho, throughout northwestern Montana and eastward to the Continental Divide and northeastern Washington as far west as the eastern slopes of the Cascades. It is not reported from Canada but would be expected in southern British Columbia (but not Alberta as Larix occidentalis does not extend, except as scattered individuals, east of the Continental Divide).
Nations: CA?,US
States/Provinces: ID, MT, WA
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.728663
Confidence Level: Low
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: GNR
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.2 Cool Temperate Forest & Woodland Formation | F008 | 1.B.2 |
| Division | 1.B.2.Nb Rocky Mountain Forest & Woodland Division | D194 | 1.B.2.Nb |
| Macrogroup | 1.B.2.Nb.3 Western Hemlock - Grand Fir - Western Larch Mesic Lower Montane Forest Macrogroup | M500 | 1.B.2.Nb.3 |
| Group | 1.B.2.Nb.3.a Grand Fir - Douglas-fir - Western Larch Central Rocky Mountain Forest Group | G211 | 1.B.2.Nb.3.a |
| Alliance | A0275 Western Larch Central Rocky Mountain Forest Alliance | A0275 | 1.B.2.Nb.3.a |
| Association | CEGL005883 Western Larch / Dwarf Bilberry / Bride''s Bonnet Forest | CEGL005883 | 1.B.2.Nb.3.a |
Concept Lineage: This association and 3 others replace the placeholder.
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: >< Abies grandis / Vaccinium caespitosum Plant Association (Williams et al. 1995)
>< Abies lasiocarpa / Clintonia uniflora Habitat Type, Vaccinium cespitosum Phase (Pfister et al. 1977)
>< Abies lasiocarpa / Vaccinium caespitosum (Lillybridge et al. 1995) [ABLA2/VACA CES422]
>< Abies lasiocarpa / Vaccinium caespitosum Plant Association (Williams et al. 1995)
>< Abies lasiocarpa / Vaccinium spp. Plant Association (Williams and Lillybridge 1983)
>< Larix occidentalis - Pseudotsuga menziesii (Pinus contorta) / Shepherdia canadensis - Spiraea betulifolia / Calamagrostis rubescens (Leavell 2000)
= Larix occidentalis / Vaccinium caespitosum / Clintonia uniflora Forest (Hop et al. 2007)
>< Abies lasiocarpa / Clintonia uniflora Habitat Type, Vaccinium cespitosum Phase (Pfister et al. 1977)
>< Abies lasiocarpa / Vaccinium caespitosum (Lillybridge et al. 1995) [ABLA2/VACA CES422]
>< Abies lasiocarpa / Vaccinium caespitosum Plant Association (Williams et al. 1995)
>< Abies lasiocarpa / Vaccinium spp. Plant Association (Williams and Lillybridge 1983)
>< Larix occidentalis - Pseudotsuga menziesii (Pinus contorta) / Shepherdia canadensis - Spiraea betulifolia / Calamagrostis rubescens (Leavell 2000)
= Larix occidentalis / Vaccinium caespitosum / Clintonia uniflora Forest (Hop et al. 2007)
- Cooper, S. V., K. E. Neiman, R. Steele, and D. W. Roberts. 1987. Forest habitat types of northern Idaho: A second approximation. General Technical Report INT-236.USDA Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station, Ogden, UT. 135 pp. [reprinted in 1991]
- Hop, K., M. Reid, J. Dieck, S. Lubinski, and S. Cooper. 2007. U.S. Geological Survey-National Park Service Vegetation Mapping Program: Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse, WI. 131 pp. plus Appendices A-L.
- Leavell, D. 2000. Vegetation and process of the Kootenai National Forest. Ph.D. dissertation, University of Montana, Missoula. 508 pp.
- Lillybridge, T. R., B. L. Kovalchik, C. K. Williams, and B. G. Smith. 1995. Field guide for forested plant associations of the Wenatchee National Forest. General Technical Report PNW-GTR-359. USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, Portland, OR. 335 pp.
- Pfister, R. D., B. L. Kovalchik, S. F. Arno, and R. C. Presby. 1977. Forest habitat types of Montana. General Technical Report INT-34. USDA Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Ogden, UT. 174 pp.
- Reid, M. S., S. V. Cooper, and G. Kittel. 2004. Vegetation classification of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. Final report for USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program, International Peace Park Mapping Project. NatureServe, Arlington VA.
- 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.
- Williams, C. K., B. F. Kelly, B. G. Smith, and T. R. Lillybridge. 1995. Forest plant associations of the Colville National Forest. General Technical Report PNW-GTR-360. USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region, Portland, OR. 140 pp.
- Williams, C. K., and T. R. Lillybridge. 1983. Forested plant associations of the Okanogan National Forest. R6-Ecol-132b-1983. USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region, Portland, OR. 140 pp.