50%. The soil subgroup at our single soil characterization site 

 was a Typic Argiboroll. The single pH measurement was 7.5, and 

 conductivity was 215 uhmos/cm- (1 stand). 



Other Studies- This type has been previously described in central 

 and west-central Montana by Pfister et al. (1977). Similar 

 communities occur in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington (Bourgeron and 

 Engelking 1992) . 



Natural Heritage Program Rank- G5/S4 



8. Pseudotsuqa menziesii / Festuca idahoensis c.t. 



(PSEMEM/FESIDA; Douglas-fir/ Idaho fescue) 



(1 Stand) 



Environment- PSEMEN/FESIDA is found on dry sites at elevations 

 around 5,500 to 6,000 feet. Conditions are generally cooler than 

 those of the Pseudotsuqa menziesii / Aqropyron spicatum type. 

 Adjacent drier sites often feature Artemisia arbuscula / Aqropyron 

 spicatum shrublands. 



Vegetation- Pseudotsuqa menziesii dominates the tree stratum on 

 most sites. Pinus f lexilis , Juniperus scopulorum , and J. 

 osteosperma are often v;ell represented (in the Pryor Mountains). 

 The undergrowth is dominated by Festuca idahoensis , 

 Symphoricarpos oreophilus , and Artemisia tridentata . High cover 

 of Symphoricarpos suggests affinities between the PSEMEN/FESIDA 

 and PSEMEN/SYMORE types. Characteristic forbs include Achillea 

 millefolium and Phlox hoodii . Combined bryophyte and lichen 

 cover may exceed 15% of the ground surface. 



Soils- Soils underlying the PSEMEN/FESIDA type are generally 

 derived from calcareous parent materials. Combined cover of bare 

 soil, gravel, and rock on the ground surface ranges from 10 to 

 20%. The soil subgroup at our single soil characterization site 

 was a Typic Argiboroll. The single pH measurement was 7.4, and 

 conductivity was 255 uhmos/cm- (1 stand). 



Other Studies- This type has been previously described primarily 

 in west-central and southwestern Montana by Pfister et al. 

 (1977). Similar communities occur in Idaho and Wyoming 

 (Bourgeron and Engelking 1992) . 



Natural Heritage Program Rank- G5/S4 



9. Pseudotsuqa menziesii / Cercocarpus ledif olius c.t. 

 (PSEMEN/CERLED; Douglas-f ir/curlleaf mountain mahogany) 



(1 Stand) 



Environment- PSEMEN/CERLED is found en dry, rocky ridges and 

 upper slopes with shallow soils at elevations around 6,000 to 



15 



