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A4088 Polemonium spp. - Castilleja spp. - Trisetum spp. Alpine Rock Alliance
Type Concept Sentence: This dwarf-shrub and herbaceous alliance consists of barren and sparsely vegetated rock outcrops and cliff faces located in the Great Basin. The characteristic dwarf-shrub is Petrophytum caespitosum and herbaceous composition is variable.
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Jacob''s-ladder species - Indian-paintbrush species - Oatgrass species Alpine Rock Alliance
Colloquial Name: Jacob''s ladder - Indian-paintbrush - Oatgrass Alpine Rock
Hierarchy Level: Alliance
Type Concept: This dwarf-shrub and herbaceous alliance consists of barren and sparsely vegetated rock outcrops and cliff faces located in Great Basin. Total cover does not exceed 10% and may be as little as 1%. The characteristic dwarf-shrub is Petrophytum caespitosum. Dominant herbaceous species include Castilleja nana, Hulsea algida, Polemonium viscosum, and Selaginella watsonii. Ericameria discoidea, Juniperus communis, and Ribes montigenum are common shrub associates. Herbaceous species may include Androsace septentrionalis, Arenaria congesta, Astragalus kentrophyta, Astragalus kentrophyta var. tegetarius, Erigeron tener, Eriogonum holmgrenii, Hulsea algida, Phlox pulvinata, Poa secunda, Potentilla nivea, and Trisetum spicatum. The spikemoss Selaginella watsonii may be characteristic on some sites. These communities are known from elevations ranging from 3155 to 3635 m (10,348-11,933 feet) on flat to steep slopes. Sites include low to high slopes, ridges and summits on moraines with substrates composed of talus, scree, bedrock and glacial till. Soils are extremely thin and rapidly drained.
Diagnostic Characteristics: This alliance represents a mosaic of dwarf-shrubs and herbaceous species occurring on barren and sparsely vegetated rock outcrops and cliff faces of the Great Basin. The most characteristic species include Castilleja nana, Hulsea algida, Petrophytum caespitosum, Polemonium viscosum, and Selaginella watsonii.
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: This is a poorly documented alliance and the inclusion of ~Hulsea algida - Selaginella watsonii Alpine Sparse Vegetation (CEGL005429)$$ here is provisional until more information is available.
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: This alliance is a mosaic of low-growing dwarf-shrubs, perennial forbs and grasses.
Floristics: Total cover does not exceed 10% and may be as little as 1%. The characteristic dwarf-shrub is Petrophytum caespitosum. Dominant herbaceous species include Castilleja nana, Hulsea algida, Polemonium viscosum, and Selaginella watsonii. Ericameria discoidea, Juniperus communis, and Ribes montigenum are common shrub associates. Herbaceous species may include Androsace septentrionalis, Arenaria congesta, Astragalus kentrophyta, Astragalus kentrophyta var. tegetarius, Erigeron tener, Eriogonum holmgrenii, Hulsea algida, Phlox pulvinata, Poa secunda, Potentilla nivea, and Trisetum spicatum. The spikemoss Selaginella watsonii may be characteristic on some sites.
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: These communities are known from elevations ranging from 3155 to 3635 m (10,348-11,933 feet) on flat to steep slopes. Sites include low to high slopes, ridges and summits on moraines with substrates composed of talus, scree, bedrock and glacial till. Soils are extremely thin and rapidly drained.
Geographic Range: This alliance has only been described from Great Basin National Park in Nevada.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: NV
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.904997
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.2 Eight-petal Mountain-avens - Blackroot Sedge - Moss Campion Alpine Tundra Macrogroup | M099 | 4.B.1.Nb.2 |
| Group | 4.B.1.Nb.2.c Eight-petal Mountain-avens - Saxifrage species Rocky Mountain Alpine Bedrock & Scree Group | G571 | 4.B.1.Nb.2.c |
| Alliance | A4088 Jacob''s-ladder species - Indian-paintbrush species - Oatgrass species Alpine Rock Alliance | A4088 | 4.B.1.Nb.2.c |
| Association | CEGL005429 Pacific Alpinegold - Watson''s Spikemoss Alpine Sparse Vegetation | CEGL005429 | 4.B.1.Nb.2.c |
| Association | CEGL005443 Sticky Jacob''s-ladder - Dwarf Alpine Indian-paintbrush Alpine Rock Sparse Vegetation | CEGL005443 | 4.B.1.Nb.2.c |
Concept Lineage: A.2615, in part.
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.