Arctic Scrub Riparian Complex

Description

This reference state is developed and characterized using available vegetation models, most notably United States Department of Agriculture - Soil Conservation Service range surveys (SCS, 1984; Swanson et al., 1985).

The reference state describes two distinct vegetative communities across the flood plain complex. Flooding energy and depth to permafrost appear to be the major factors influencing vegetation, though other factors may be of concern.

Dominant plant species

1. tealeaf willow (Salix pulchra), shrub

2. feltleaf willow (Salix alaxensis), shrub

3. grayleaf willow (Salix glauca), shrub

4. mountain alder (Alnus viridis ssp. crispa), shrub

5. bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis), grass

6. field horsetail (Equisetum arvense), grass

7. tall bluebells (Mertensia paniculata), grass

Submodel