Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Shinyleaf Meadowsweet Shrubland

Colloquial Name: No Data Available

Hierarchy Level:  Association

Type Concept: The association is known from Glacier National Park and the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, on both sides of the Continental Divide in Montana. Stands of this shrubland association are found on mid to lower portions, including toeslopes, of moderate to steep slopes and bedrock outcrops. They occur on all aspects in siltstone and colluvial and glacier-fluvial deposits. The elevation ranges between 1770 and 1973 m (5805-6472 feet). The soil tends to be a rapidly to well-drained sandy or clay loam that contains an abundance of gravel and rock. Ground surface cover is variable, but tends towards very rocky or bedrock outcrops, and significant portions of bare soil. There is moderate cover of litter and duff in most stands, as well as moderate bryophyte cover in some stands. This shrubland association is dominated by a sparse, short-shrub canopy of Spiraea betulifolia (38% average cover). Numerous shrub species can be present, including Rubus parviflorus, Juniperus communis, Sambucus racemosa, and Vaccinium scoparium, but all have low to insignificant cover and constancy. Tree seedlings and saplings of Abies lasiocarpa, Pinus contorta, and Populus tremuloides can be present, but not abundant. The moderate to dense herbaceous layer (64% average cover) is diverse with graminoids and forb species. Common species include Carex geyeri, Chamerion angustifolium, Thalictrum occidentale, Arnica cordifolia, and Achillea millefolium.

Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available

Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available

Classification Comments: No Data Available

Similar NVC Types: No Data Available

note: No Data Available