Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Ponderosa Pine / Thurber''s Fescue Woodland

Colloquial Name: No Data Available

Hierarchy Level:  Association

Type Concept: This association is only known to occur at Bandelier National Monument in north-central New Mexico. The current description is based on data received from there and will be updated when additional inventory data are available. This high-elevation association occurs on sites with high solar exposure (i.e., southeasterly to westerly aspects). Stands occur on mid to upper slopes and ridges of moderate slope (10-40%). Soils are well-developed loamy Mollisols derived from volcanic lactite and dacite. The ground surface is characterized by scattered bunchgrasses and litter with little exposed soil or rock. Elevation ranges from 2545 to 2940 m (8350-9650 feet). The dominant overstory species within this high-montane woodland savanna is Pinus ponderosa. Canopy cover ranges from 30-60%. Density of mature Pinus ponderosa is high, but reproduction is scarce. Other conifers such as Abies concolor, Picea engelmannii, Pinus flexilis, and Pseudotsuga menziesii occasionally occur in the canopy. Shrubs including Rosa woodsii or Juniperus communis may be present, but seldom reach 10% cover. A well-developed herbaceous layer dominated by grasses is diagnostic, with cover ranging from 15 to 45% distributed among 35 forb and 20 grass species. Festuca thurberi dominates the herbaceous layer, but Danthonia parryi is often a codominant, and Koeleria macrantha, Poa fendleriana, and Poa pratensis are common associates. Forbs are diverse and variable, generally representing less than 10% total cover.

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