Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Pinegrass Grassland

Colloquial Name: No Data Available

Hierarchy Level:  Association

Type Concept: This is a small- to large-patch herbaceous association found in northwestern Montana in Glacier National Park. Small to large patches of this type are located on flat benches or east-facing slight slopes at elevations between 1070 and 1220 m (3500-4000 feet) on low slopes. Soil texture ranges from loam to silt loam, derived from argillite glacial till. Soils are moderately to well-drained. Litter covers most of the ground surface at 80%. Downed wood ranges from 4-10%, since both of the sampled stands were intensely burned in the 1980s. Overall, this stand-replacing fire has altered soils (rendering them aquaphobic, severely retarding infiltration rates), altered site potential, mostly totally consumed duff, and caused some soil erosion. This association is montane and grass-dominated, with Calamagrostis rubescens the dominant. Overall herbaceous cover is very high, ranging from 80-100%. Average cover of Calamagrostis rubescens is 45%, twice the cover of any other herbaceous species. Symphyotrichum laeve, Lathyrus ochroleucus, and Achillea millefolium are also consistently common. Other high-constancy herbaceous species include native species Packera pseudaurea, Galium boreale, and Fragaria virginiana, and invasive species Poa pratensis and Taraxacum officinale. Vicia americana, Arnica cordifolia, Carex concinnoides, and Carex microptera may be present with conspicuous cover. Shrub cover can be moderate in this association ranging from 5-25%. Short shrubs may be common in some areas, with Symphoricarpos albus, Amelanchier alnifolia, and Rubus parviflorus the most common. Mahonia repens, Rosa woodsii, and Vaccinium cespitosum, may also be present in low amounts. Pinus contorta saplings, averaging 9% cover, are consistently present in this association. In some occurrences, the tree seedling and sapling layers may be quite abundant, up to 30% or more cover. As these trees mature, this association will change over time to become a forested community.

Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available

Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available

Classification Comments: As defined, this association is comprised of stands undergoing secondary succession or, depending on fire severity, something approximating primary succession. These sites probably take at least 40 years to become pole-sized stands; it is unclear what time spans would be required to achieve full stocking or closed-canopy condition. Stands wherein Calamagrostis rubescens would be the long-persisting dominant (climax) or diagnostic species have not been inventoried as yet.

Similar NVC Types: No Data Available

note: No Data Available