Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Saskatoon Serviceberry / Mountain Snowberry Shrubland

Colloquial Name: No Data Available

Hierarchy Level:  Association

Type Concept: This association has been documented only from Dinosaur National Monument. This summary only describes stands in that areas. It is known to occur in gently sloping drainages and benches of the undulating plateau country of the monument. Elevation ranges from 2100 to 2500 m, and slopes are commonly north- to east-facing. Soils are fine-textured silt or clay loams with a significant percent cover of organic litter on the surface. The vegetation is characterized by a moderate to dense canopy of Amelanchier alnifolia that is 2-3 m tall, and 10 to 20% cover of the short shrub Symphoricarpos oreophilus in the understory. Other shrubs commonly present with lesser cover include Artemisia tridentata, Rosa woodsii, or Prunus virginiana. The dwarf-shrubs Mahonia repens, Paxistima myrsinites, and Juniperus communis may also occur in the protected sites that this association inhabits. Herbaceous vegetation varies depending on the site; ridgetops have 20% cover and protected concave slopes 30 to 50% cover. The grass layer is always well-developed and diverse and often includes a combination of Poa fendleriana, Achnatherum lettermanii, Hesperostipa comata, Elymus glaucus, Poa pratensis, and/or Elymus trachycaulus. Forb species are variable in composition and low in cover. In some cases, individuals or small clumps of the trees Populus tremuloides and Juniperus scopulorum may occur but do not contribute enough percent cover to constitute a stratum.

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