Typically dense groves dominated by Populus tremuloides growing to 20m tall. Similar to Red Alder Forest (81A00). Scrubby thickets may occur at the edges of groves, in other areas of relatively dry soil or at high altitudes. The trunks may be bent downslope near their bases or otherwise contorted in areas of heavy snowfall. The understory is sparse in dense groves, but includes a variety of small shrubs and herbaceous perennials in more open stands. The growing season is from late spring or early summer through early fall. The brilliant yellow and orange colors of the leaves in October are notable in California. The trees are leafless from late October until late May, or longer at high elevations. Flowering occurs in spring, before the leaves emerge.
SITE FACTORS:
Very similar to Montane Riparian Woodland, but occurring in areas with still colder winters. May occur away from streambanks near springs or other areas with high soil moisture. Populus tremuloides regenerates from vegetative offshoots, and entire groves may consist of single clones. The transition to other communities where the soil moisture is lower may be abrupt, especially east of the Sierran Crest where Aspen groves are often scattered within stands of Sagebrush (35200). This species is more abundant in the Rocky Mountains, where it typically is successional, apparently not usually the case in California.
DISTRIBUTION:
Scattered in the White Mountains near Inyo-Mono County line. Disjunct groves occur near the head of the South Fork of the Santa Ana River in the San Bernardino Mountains, San Bernardino County, and in the Sierra San Pedro Martir, Baja California. Elevation about 5,000-8,000 feet (1500-2420m) in the north and 7,000-10,000 feet (2100-3030m) in the south.
UPDATE: 11/97
Source: Holland, 1986
Digital Text: NatureBase