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A1300 Carex spectabilis Subalpine Meadow Alliance

Type Concept Sentence: These vegetation types are dominated by a mix of graminoids and forbs and are typically located at or slightly below the upper treeline at high elevations in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest.

Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Showy Sedge Subalpine Meadow Alliance

Colloquial Name: Showy Sedge Subalpine Meadow

Hierarchy Level:  Alliance

Type Concept: These are lush herbaceous communities with a mix of forbs and graminoids, either of which may be dominant or codominant. Carex spectabilis is usually the dominant graminoid species in terms of cover and constancy. The most constant dominant or codominant forbs include Arnica x diversifolia, Lupinus arcticus ssp. subalpinus, Pedicularis contorta, Phlox diffusa ssp. longistylis, Polygonum bistortoides, Potentilla flabellifolia, and Sibbaldia procumbens. These vegetation types are typically located at or slightly below the upper treeline in high mountains primarily of the Olympic Mountains and Cascade Range, although some associations extend to the Sierra Nevada and northern Rocky Mountains. They are often found in association with subalpine parkland. The climate is cold and snowy with annual precipitation exceeding 150 cm and a short growing season. Elevations typically range from 1000-24000 m. These communities occur on well-drained, moderately steep to steep slopes which are clear of snow by early summer. Soils are composed of varied parent materials, but are usually young and poorly developed. This alliance often forms part of a subalpine parkland mosaic just below upper treeline.

Diagnostic Characteristics: These are lush herbaceous communities occurring just below treeline with a mix of forbs and graminoids, either of which may be dominant or codominant. Carex spectabilis is usually the dominant graminoid species in terms of cover and constancy. The most constant dominant or codominant forbs include Arnica x diversifolia, Lupinus arcticus ssp. subalpinus, Pedicularis contorta, Phlox diffusa ssp. longistylis, Polygonum bistortoides, Potentilla flabellifolia, and Sibbaldia procumbens.

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
Physiognomy and Structure: This alliance is characterized by a continuous ground layer of cespitose graminoids and perennial forbs usually less than 0.5 m in height.

Floristics: This alliance often forms part of a subalpine parkland mosaic just below upper treeline. These are lush herbaceous communities with a mix of forbs and graminoids. Carex spectabilis is the dominant graminoid in terms of cover and constancy. Carex nigricans, Carex phaeocephala, and Festuca idahoensis are occasional. The most constant dominant or codominant forbs include Arnica x diversifolia, Lupinus arcticus ssp. subalpinus, Pedicularis contorta, Phlox diffusa ssp. longistylis, Polygonum bistortoides, Potentilla flabellifolia, and Sibbaldia procumbens. Other forbs that may occur include Arenaria capillaris, Castilleja parviflora, Erigeron peregrinus, Oreostemma alpigenum (= Aster alpigenus), Penstemon procerus, Potentilla flabellifolia, Pulsatilla occidentalis (= Anemone occidentalis), Valeriana sitchensis, and Veronica cusickii. Moss and lichen are also present in small amounts (Hamann 1972).

Dynamics:  These communities are associated with frigid, wet, nutrient-poor soils which inhibit decomposition and accumulate organic matter. Rapid erosion generally results in young, poorly stratified soils at most sites. Recurrent avalanches may be important in maintaining these communities where they occur below treeline (Franklin and Dyrness 1973).
Environmental Description:  These vegetation types are typically located at or slightly below the upper treeline often in association with subalpine parkland. The climate is cold and snowy with annual precipitation exceeding 150 cm and a short growing season. Elevations typically range from 1000-2400 m. These communities occur on well-drained, moderately steep to steep slopes which are clear of snow by early summer. Soils are composed of varied parent materials, but are usually young and poorly developed.
Geographic Range: Vegetation within this alliance occurs primarily in Olympic Mountains and Cascade Range of Washington, although some associations extend south to the Sierra Nevada and east to the northern Rocky Mountains.

Nations: CA?,US

States/Provinces:  AB?, BC?, CA, MT, OR, WA


Confidence Level: Low

Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: G4

Greasons: No Data Available
Type Name Database Code Classification Code
Class 4 Polar & High Montane Scrub, Grassland & Barrens Class C04 4
Subclass 4.B Temperate to Polar Alpine & Tundra Vegetation Subclass S12 4.B
Formation 4.B.1 Temperate & Boreal Alpine Tundra Formation F037 4.B.1
Division 4.B.1.Nb Western North American Alpine Tundra Division D043 4.B.1.Nb
Macrogroup 4.B.1.Nb.3 Vancouverian Alpine Tundra Macrogroup M101 4.B.1.Nb.3
Group 4.B.1.Nb.3.b Longawn Sedge - Showy Sedge - Spreading Phlox Alpine-Subalpine Tundra Group G320 4.B.1.Nb.3.b
Alliance A1300 Showy Sedge Subalpine Meadow Alliance A1300 4.B.1.Nb.3.b
Association CEGL001827 Showy Sedge Alpine Meadow CEGL001827 4.B.1.Nb.3.b
Association CEGL001828 Showy Sedge - American Bistort Alpine Meadow CEGL001828 4.B.1.Nb.3.b
Association CEGL001829 Showy Sedge - High Mountain Cinquefoil Alpine Meadow CEGL001829 4.B.1.Nb.3.b
Association CEGL001973 Arctic Lupine - Showy Sedge Alpine Meadow CEGL001973 4.B.1.Nb.3.b
Association CEGL001977 Coiled Lousewort - Showy Sedge Alpine Meadow CEGL001977 4.B.1.Nb.3.b
Association CEGL001978 Spreading Phlox - Slender Mountain Sandwort Alpine Meadow CEGL001978 4.B.1.Nb.3.b
Association CEGL001979 Spreading Phlox - Showy Sedge Alpine Meadow CEGL001979 4.B.1.Nb.3.b
Association CEGL003140 Showy Sedge - Creeping Sibbaldia Alpine Meadow CEGL003140 4.B.1.Nb.3.b
Association CEGL005867 Showy Sedge - Rayless Arnica Alpine Meadow CEGL005867 4.B.1.Nb.3.b
Concept Lineage: A.1300, A.1609, A.1649, A.1650.

Predecessors: No Data Available

Obsolete Names: No Data Available

Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: = Carex spectabilis (Showy sedge sod) Alliance (Sawyer et al. 2009) [45.155.00]
= Carex spectabilis Herbaceous Alliance (CNPS 2017) [45.155.00]
>< Alpine Snowbank Margin (#91300) (Holland 1986b)
< Alpine habitat (Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf 1995)
>< Sierra Nevada Fell-Field (#91120) (Holland 1986b)
Concept Author(s): D. Sarr, in Faber-Langendoen et al. (2013)

Author of Description: M.E. Hall

Acknowledgements: No Data Available

Version Date: 09-26-14
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  • Cheng, S. 2004. Forest Service research natural areas in California. General Technical Paper PSW-GTR-188. USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station, Albany, CA.
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  • Taylor, D. W. 1984. Vegetation of the Harvey Monroe Hall Research Natural Area, Inyo National Forest, California. Unpublished report. USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station, Berkeley, CA.