Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Prickly Currant / Fireweed Shrubland

Colloquial Name: No Data Available

Hierarchy Level:  Association

Type Concept: This association is uncommon on the east side of Glacier National Park in Montana. Data from 2 plots were used to describe this shrubland. It is a mesic, subalpine association that occurs on steep, low to midslopes with varying aspects at elevations between 1755 and 1920 m (5760-6300 feet). Soils are well-drained sandy loams that are developed on colluvial landforms. This cold-deciduous shrubland tends to occur in patches along steep slopes, particularly along moist avalanche chutes. Although herbaceous species are abundant, there is a distinct shrub layer with 20-30% cover and heights from 0.5-1 m. Ribes lacustre consistently dominates the shrub layer. Spiraea betulifolia, Vaccinium membranaceum, Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata, Sorbus scopulina, Spiraea splendens var. splendens, and Sambucus racemosa are also present. Overall herbaceous cover ranges from 40-80% and is dominated by native forbs. Chamerion angustifolium often dominates the herbaceous layer with 10-70% cover. Other common forbs include Heracleum maximum, Xerophyllum tenax, Bromus carinatus, Elymus glaucus, Senecio triangularis, Arnica latifolia, Arnica cordifolia, Angelica arguta, Osmorhiza occidentalis, Thalictrum occidentale, Valeriana sitchensis, and Veratrum viride. Nonvascular cover is low.

Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available

Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available

Classification Comments: This tentative association seems somewhat similar to ~Ribes lacustre / Mertensia ciliata Wet Shrubland (CEGL001172)$$ described from the Bighorns of Wyoming, but the associated shrubs and herbaceous species are different. It is likely that shrublands such as these are more widespread in the Rockies, but given their small occurrence size, they are little studied.

Similar NVC Types: No Data Available

note: No Data Available