Alpine Dwarf Scrub Gravelly Slopes

Description

The reference state describes one distinct vegetative community on alpine slopes. Fire is unlikely as fuel loads are low, and temperatures are cool. Site factors such as exposure to wind and low annual temperatures restrict vegetation height and community composition on this ecological site.

The reference state is developed and characterized using available vegetation models, including Landfire BpS and the Alaska vegetation classification system (Landfire, 2009; Viereck et al., 1992).

Dominant plant species

1. eightpetal mountain-avens (Dryas octopetala), shrub

2. alpine azalea (Loiseleuria procumbens), shrub

3. skeletonleaf willow (Salix phlebophylla), shrub

4. alpine bearberry (Arctostaphylos alpina), shrub

5. black crowberry (Empetrum nigrum), shrub

6. alpine sweetgrass (Anthoxanthum monticola ssp. alpinum), grass

7. Bigelow's sedge (Carex bigelowii), grass

8. locoweed (Oxytropis), grass

Submodel