2i| 



(6) Skunkbush Subtype 



This subtype Is characterized by open stands of ponderosa pine 

 with skunkbush sumac {Rha6 tfi-itobata) as the dominant shrub 

 (Flpcure 20). It usually occurs on steep south faclne; slopes. 

 Martin (1972) described skunkbush vegetation associations in 

 detail. On his sites bluebunch wheatpirass was the dominant f?;rass 

 snecies. Other grasses associated with skunkbush stands in 

 southeastern Montana Include cheatgrass (B/tomuA tzctofiam] , 

 little bluestera [Schlzathyfilam i>copafi-ia6] , Japanese chess and 

 Junegrass [Kotzfila (in.-i&t(xtci] . Fringed sagewort (A^^em-c^^a 

 f^filQi.da.) was the primary forb species. Western yarrow, common 

 salsify [TfidqopoQOYi dabla^] and broom snakeweed were also of 

 some Importance. 



(7) Grassland Subtype 



The grassland subtype (Figure 21) occurred in open stands of 

 ponderosa nine with no shrub development . Many different grass 

 species were found depending on soil type, elevation and aspect 

 to name a few variables. Some grasses associated with this 

 savannah-like vegetation type Include bluebunch wheatgrass, 

 Idaho fescue [Vtittvica ■idahozniX.A) , sldeoats grama [BoatzZoaa 

 cun.tipzndata) , little bluestem, western wheatgrass [AgAopyfion 

 imlth-iZ] , blue grama, needle-and-thread, red-leaf three-awn 

 {Afiiit'Lda longl^zta) , and BfiomaS spp. Many forbs were found In 

 this subtype. 



Juniper Series 



This vegetation type occurred primarily in the southern three 

 study areas; Blrney, Klrby and Tongue River Dam. It had three 

 subtypes. In each case, rocky mountain Juniper was the dominant 

 shrub species. Subtypes were determined by the presence of 

 other sub-dominant species. They were sagebrush, skunkbush and 

 grassland. 



(1) Sagebrush Subtype 



The sagebrush subtype (Figure 22) was characterized by open 

 stands of rocky mountain juniper and big sagebrush. Various 

 grasses and forbs were present including blue grama, Junegrass, 

 cheatgrass, fringed sagewort and salsify. 



(2) Skunkbush Subtype 



This subtype (Figure 23) occurred primarily as open stands of 

 rocky mountain .juniper interspersed with skunkbush. Bluebunch 

 wheatgrass, little bluestem, fringed sagewort and yucca [Yucca 

 glauca) were also present in the .junlper-skunkbush subtype. 



