Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Quaking Aspen / Mixed Shrubs / Cinder Woodland

Colloquial Name: No Data Available

Hierarchy Level:  Association

Type Concept: This woodland association is currently only known from El Malpais National Monument in New Mexico, and the following description is based on occurrences there. Additional information will be added as it becomes available. This association occurs from 2365 to 2470 m (7760-8090 feet) elevation on steep sideslopes and the bottom of Bandera Crater. Litter is abundant along with patches of soil, gravel, and coarse woody debris. Cryptogamic cover is sparse. The mesic broadleaf, moderate canopy (40-60% canopy cover) is dominated by Populus tremuloides. In some stands, many of the trees are dead, but sucker regeneration can be seen, and sapling Populus tremuloides can be abundant. Conifers such as Pinus ponderosa and Pseudotsuga menziesii from the surrounding mixed conifer stands can be interspersed in the canopy, as well as occasional Juniperus scopulorum saplings or mature individuals in the subcanopy. The understory of this association is characteristically shrubby and dominated by Ribes leptanthum, Holodiscus dumosus, Symphoricarpos oreophilus, and Rhus trilobata. In contrast, the herbaceous stratum is poorly developed and is typically less than 5% cover; Carex rossii, Poa fendleriana, and Piptatheropsis micrantha are the most abundant graminoids. Forbs are few and low in cover, and may include Artemisia campestris, Arabis fendleri, Packera neomexicana var. mutabilis, Achillea millefolium, Erigeron formosissimus, and Fragaria vesca.

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