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A3787 Achnatherum lemmonii - Racomitrium ericoides Sparse Rock Vegetation Alliance
Type Concept Sentence: Sparse herbaceous- and nonvascular-dominated vegetation of the Klamath Mountains occurring on steep cliff faces, bald ridgetops and shoulder outcrops, narrow canyons, and smaller rock outcrops.
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Lemmon''s Needlegrass - Dense Rock Moss Sparse Rock Vegetation Alliance
Colloquial Name: Lemmon''s Needlegrass - Dense Rock Moss Sparse Cliff, Bald & Outcrop
Hierarchy Level: Alliance
Type Concept: This alliance is characterized by sparse herbaceous- and nonvascular-dominated vegetation of the Klamath Mountains. Vegetative cover is dominated by forbs, grasses, mosses, or lichens. Total species cover typically does not exceed 10%. Typical species include Achnatherum lemmonii, Achnatherum occidentale, Elymus elymoides, Sedum oregonense, and Racomitrium ericoides. Scattered trees and shrubs are common. Sites include steep cliff faces, bald ridgetops and shoulder outcrops, narrow canyons, and smaller rock outcrops. Substrates consist of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic bedrock. Soil development is limited as is herbaceous cover.
Diagnostic Characteristics: Herbaceous and nonvascular species are diagnostic of this alliance. Total species cover typically does not exceed 10%. Scattered trees and shrubs are common. Sites include steep cliff faces, bald ridgetops and shoulder outcrops, narrow canyons, and smaller rock outcrops of the Klamath Mountains.
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: This vegetation is poorly understood and further inventory is required. This alliance description is largely based on ecological system ~Klamath-Siskiyou Cliff and Outcrop (CES206.902)$$.
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: The structure of this alliance include sparsely vegetated sites with <10% total cover of nonvascular and herbaceous plant species.
Floristics: This alliance is characterized by sparse herbaceous- and nonvascular-dominated vegetation. Vegetative cover is dominated by forbs, grasses, mosses, or lichens. Total species cover typically does not exceed 10%. Typical species include Achnatherum lemmonii (= Stipa lemmonii), Achnatherum occidentale (= Stipa occidentalis), Elymus elymoides (= Sitanion hystrix), Sedum oregonense, and Racomitrium ericoides (= Racomitrium canescens var. ericoides). Scattered trees and shrubs are common.
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: Vegetation of this alliance is known from the Klamath Mountains and occurs on steep cliff faces, bald ridgetops and shoulder outcrops, narrow canyons, and smaller rock outcrops. Substrates consist of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic bedrock. Soil development is limited as is herbaceous cover.
Geographic Range: This alliance is known from foothill to subalpine elevations of the Klamath Mountains.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: CA, OR
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.899839
Confidence Level: Low - Poorly Documented
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: GNR
Greasons: No Data Available
| Type | Name | Database Code | Classification Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class | 6 Open Rock Vegetation Class | C06 | 6 |
| Subclass | 6.B Temperate & Boreal Open Rock Vegetation Subclass | S04 | 6.B |
| Formation | 6.B.1 Temperate & Boreal Cliff, Scree & Other Rock Vegetation Formation | F034 | 6.B.1 |
| Division | 6.B.1.Nb Western North American Temperate Cliff, Scree & Rock Vegetation Division | D052 | 6.B.1.Nb |
| Macrogroup | 6.B.1.Nb.1 Douglas-fir - Ponderosa Pine / Moss Western North American Cliff, Scree & Rock Vegetation Macrogroup | M887 | 6.B.1.Nb.1 |
| Group | 6.B.1.Nb.1.c Western White Pine / Pinemat Manzanita Cliff, Scree & Rock Vegetation Group | G573 | 6.B.1.Nb.1.c |
| Alliance | A3787 Lemmon''s Needlegrass - Dense Rock Moss Sparse Rock Vegetation Alliance | A3787 | 6.B.1.Nb.1.c |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: No Data Available
- Faber-Langendoen, D., J. Drake, M. Hall, G. Kittel, S. Menard, C. Nordman, M. Pyne, M. Reid, M. Russo, K. Schulz, L. Sneddon, K. Snow, and J. Teague. 2013-2019b. Screening alliances for induction into the U.S. National Vegetation Classification: Part 1 - Alliance concept review. NatureServe, Arlington, VA.