Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Mountain-mahogany Shale Shrubland

Colloquial Name: No Data Available

Hierarchy Level:  Association

Type Concept: This shrubland association is uncommon and known only from one site sampled at Curecanti National Recreation Area in the Gunnison River Valley in western Colorado. The stands occur on steep (48% slope), active slopes at 2314 m elevation on a northwest aspect. Soils are rapidly drained clays derived from Mesozoic shale. The unvegetated surface has moderate cover of litter and high cover of large and small rocks. There is low to moderate exposure of bare soil. The vegetation is characterized by a dense to closed canopy of tall shrubs (1-2 m) dominated by Cercocarpus montanus. The associated shrub layer is low in species diversity and provides sparse cover. Short and dwarf-shrubs include Artemisia frigida, Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis, Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus, Krascheninnikovia lanata, and Symphoricarpos rotundifolius. The herbaceous layer is moderately diverse and provides moderate cover. Graminoids provide low cover and include Achnatherum hymenoides, Achnatherum pinetorum, and Elymus elymoides. Forbs provide low to moderate cover and include Antennaria parvifolia, Arabis crandallii, Arabis x divaricarpa, Eriogonum lonchophyllum, Penstemon teucrioides, Phlox hoodii, and Stenotus armerioides.

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