Ecological dynamics
Lodgepole pine is the only tree specie in the historic climax plant community. The position of this site, enclosed basins and surrounding low slopes, is influenced by cold air drainage. Cold air gets trapped in these basins. Lodgepole is the only tree adapted to this environment. Other tree species, Shasta red fir and/or mountain hemlock, may occur, mostly arround the basin edges.
Stands that are heavy to very heavily stocked are susceptible to mountain pine beetle infestations. When conditions are right a massive outbreak will kill all trees. Re-establishment depends upon an existing seed source. If seed trees are available then re-establishment will occur. If not, re-establishment can take many years. Re-planting seedlings will speed up the revegetation process.
Ground vegetation under the mature canopy is sparse, generally less than 5 percent. Where openings occur cover can increase up to 25 percent.
The pumice soils are very porous, and consequently, conduct heat very poorly. The soil surface can be exceptionally hot during the summer midday, but readily looses surface heat at night. Cold air accumulation in these areas (frost pockets) also influence seedling mortality and species distribution. Lodgepole pine seedlings are able to withstand the low night time temperatures.
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State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Lodgepole Pine plant community
Community 1.1
Lodgepole Pine plant community
Lodgepole pine plant community is the historic climax plant community. The position of this ecological site, enclosed basins and surrounding lower slopes, and its high elevation contribites to the harsh growing conditions. Tree canopy cover is low and understory vegetation is sparse.
Forest overstory. The typical forest overstory composition of the Lodgepole pine plant community.
Forest understory. The typical annual production of the understory species to a height of 4.5 feet (excluding boles of trees) under low, high, and representative canopy covers.
The percentages expressed are pecent canopy cover. Those species with "0" percent have a canopy cover of less than 1 percent.
Table 5. Ground cover
| Tree foliar cover |
25-35%
|
| Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover |
0-1%
|
| Grass/grasslike foliar cover |
0-1%
|
| Forb foliar cover |
0%
|
| Non-vascular plants |
0%
|
| Biological crusts |
0%
|
| Litter |
10-15%
|
| Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" |
10-15%
|
| Surface fragments >3" |
5-10%
|
| Bedrock |
0%
|
| Water |
0%
|
| Bare ground |
20-30%
|
Table 6. Soil surface cover
| Tree basal cover |
0%
|
| Shrub/vine/liana basal cover |
0%
|
| Grass/grasslike basal cover |
0-1%
|
| Forb basal cover |
0%
|
| Non-vascular plants |
0%
|
| Biological crusts |
0%
|
| Litter |
30-40%
|
| Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" |
10-15%
|
| Surface fragments >3" |
5-10%
|
| Bedrock |
0%
|
| Water |
0%
|
| Bare ground |
25-35%
|
Table 7. Canopy structure (% cover)
| Height Above Ground (m) |
Tree |
Shrub/Vine |
Grass/
Grasslike |
Forb |
| <0.15 |
0-1% |
0-1% |
0-2% |
– |
| >0.15 <= 0.3 |
0-1% |
– |
– |
– |
| >0.3 <= 0.6 |
1-2% |
– |
– |
– |
| >0.6 <= 1.4 |
0-1% |
– |
– |
– |
| >1.4 <= 4 |
3-5% |
– |
– |
– |
| >4 <= 12 |
5-10% |
– |
– |
– |
| >12 <= 24 |
15-20% |
– |
– |
– |
| >24 <= 37 |
– |
– |
– |
– |
| >37 |
– |
– |
– |
– |
Additional community tables
