Alpine and subalpine wetland plant communities of the Uinta Mountains, Utah

Authors

George M. Briggs, University of Michigan Biological Station, Pellston, Michigan
James A. MacMahon, Utah State University

Abstract

Seven wetland areas in the subalpine and alpine regions of the Uinta Mountains are described. Most areas have a mosaic vegetation structure, comprised of several patches that are usually sharply demarcated from one another. Each patch has a distinct species composition, usually with only one or two species. Water level is associated with some of the vegetation patterns found in these sites. Standing crop varied from 28 to 360 g/m². Sites show considerable variation in standing crop that could not be explained by elevation differences between sites. Sites with water flowing over them have substantially greater standing crops than sites where water stagnates. Seasonal patterns in shoot density and standing crop indicate one late summer peak in standing crop and little recruitment of shoots over the summer. On stagnant sites, the average stem weight shows a strong relationship to stem density. This pattern did not appear to be caused by thinning mortality and did not follow a "3/2 power law" pattern.

Recommended Citation

Briggs, George M. and MacMahon, James A. (1983) "Alpine and subalpine wetland plant communities of the Uinta Mountains, Utah," Great Basin Naturalist: Vol. 43: No. 4, Article 1.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbn/vol43/iss4/1