Print Report
A4086 Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Cascadian Alpine Dwarf-shrubland Alliance
Type Concept Sentence: This dwarf-shrubland alliance is dominated by Arctostaphylos uva-ursi and occurs infrequently in the northern Cascade Range of Washington.
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Kinnikinnick Cascadian Alpine Dwarf-shrubland Alliance
Colloquial Name: Cascadian Kinnikinnick Alpine Dwarf-shrubland
Hierarchy Level: Alliance
Type Concept: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is typically the sole dominant, which inhibits the growth of other species, although Empetrum nigrum, another ericaceous shrub, may codominate stands. Forbs contribute little cover, although the sedge Carex spectabilis may codominate some sites in the western northern Cascades. This dwarf-shrubland alliance occurs infrequently in the northern Cascade Range of Washington. These communities occur at elevations ranging from 1750-2250 m on southern aspects.
Diagnostic Characteristics: Dwarf-shrubland vegetation of the northern Cascades occurring above treeline and dominated by Arctostaphylos uva-ursi.
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: There is very little existing information to support this alliance and the description is based on Douglas and Bliss (1977). Its designation as an alliance is tentative until more data can be used to support the description. It may be better placed in another alliance within this group.
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: These communities are characterized by a dense ground layer of ericaceous dwarf-shrubs, which form a heath-like matrix approximately 0.5 m in height. Upright or cushion-forming forbs are usually scattered through the dwarf-shrub stands, but of low cover. Scattered cespitose graminoids may also be common in stands.
Floristics: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is typically the sole dominant, which inhibits the growth of other species, although Empetrum nigrum, another ericaceous shrub, may codominate stands. Forbs contribute little cover although the sedge Carex spectabilis may codominate some sites in the western northern Cascades.
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: These communities occur at elevations ranging from 1750-2250 m on southern aspects. Heavy snowpacks are a common feature of these sites and may remain until summer. Soils are poorly developed, well-drained and rocky.
Geographic Range: This dwarf-shrubland alliance occurs infrequently in the northern Cascade Range of Washington.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: WA
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.904995
Confidence Level: Low
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: GNR
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.a Black Crowberry - Pink Mountain-heath - Western Moss-heather Alpine-Subalpine Dwarf-shrubland & Heath Group | G317 | 4.B.1.Nb.3.a |
| Alliance | A4086 Kinnikinnick Cascadian Alpine Dwarf-shrubland Alliance | A4086 | 4.B.1.Nb.3.a |
| Association | CEGL001392 Kinnikinnick Alpine Dwarf-shrubland | CEGL001392 | 4.B.1.Nb.3.a |
Concept Lineage: A.1079, in part
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: = Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Douglas and Bliss 1977)
- Douglas, G. W., and L. C. Bliss. 1977. Alpine and high subalpine plant communities of the North Cascades Range, Washington and British Columbia. Ecological Monographs 47:113-150.
- 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.