Arctic Tussock Tundra Mountain Slopes

Description

Dynamics specific to late lying snow beds support unique soils and vegetation. Across the landscape, as exposure increases to the winds, little snow cover remains, and lichen cover is low. But in areas with higher snow cover, the lichen will vary and can account for 25 percent of cover (Viereck et al. 1992). Vegetation will vary across this ecological site based on where late-lying snow and the most exposed soils occur. This natural variance is common across the organic soils described by this ecological site.

The natural buildup of peat material (paludification) can restrict tussock growth and is responsible for a unique community in this state. The ecological site has plant communities representative of the native or natural conditions. Minimal impact from human influence is seen.

Dominant plant species

1. dwarf birch (Betula nana), shrub

2. marsh Labrador tea (Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens), shrub

3. blueberry (Vaccinium), shrub

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

5. tussock cottongrass (Eriophorum vaginatum), grass

6. wideleaf polargrass (Arctagrostis latifolia), grass

7. sphagnum (Sphagnum), grass

8. polytrichum moss (Polytrichum strictum), grass

9. reindeer lichen (Cladina), grass

Submodel