kxummholz. Understory plants acre virtually absent frcm most 

 subalpine forest stands. 



Aspen groveland . Groves of aspen surrouri^ed by grassland are 

 found up to 1800 m. These stands support a dense understory of 

 herbaceous and shruMDy species, and are similar to the aspen 

 groveland described by Lynch (1955) on the east slcpe of tie 

 Rockies. 



Aspen woodland . Clcnes of aspen occur within the Douglas-fir 

 forest at elevations between about 1400 and 1600 m. These stands 

 have understories similar to the Douglas- fir forest and prcbably 

 represent a fire-caused serai stage. 



Mountain ravines . In the higher mcntane regions, between 1500 and 

 2000 m, major streams flew through steep rocky ravines. These 

 ravines are generally bordered by coniferous forest and support 

 stands of aspen and Rocky Mountain maple. 



Rubble slopes . ' Higher montane steep slcpes v;ith loose, lichen- 

 covered rocks (1 to 4-dm diameter) are sparsely vegetated, 

 occasicnally supporting clunps of spruce or lodgepole pine. Other 

 species found on these rul±)le slopes Include sulfur buckwheat, 

 klnikinnick, matted saxifrage and raspberry. 



18 



