{"id":396,"date":"2022-02-02T23:18:19","date_gmt":"2022-02-02T23:18:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cwcedb.test.utah.edu\/?page_id=396"},"modified":"2025-06-02T16:45:59","modified_gmt":"2025-06-02T16:45:59","slug":"vegetation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/cwc.utah.gov\/central-wasatch-dashboard\/vegetation\/","title":{"rendered":"Vegetation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What are vegetation communities?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Vegetation communities are defined on the basis of the most visible plants present. Four vegetation communities dominate the Central Wasatch Mountains: Shrubland, Forest, Alpine and Riparian<\/p>\n\n\n

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Zones<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>
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Map<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>
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Shrubland<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>
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Forest <\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>
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Alpine <\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>
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Riparian <\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>
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Disturbance<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
Zones<\/div>
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Vegetation Zones of the Central Wasatch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As we drive from the valley floor to the peaks of the central Wasatch Mountains, we are driving along an elevation and climate gradient. It is hottest and driest at the base of the mountains and coolest and wettest at the higher elevations. Associated with changes in these climates are distinct transitions in the forest communities. Trees and shrubs are adapted to different climate regions and we see these zones as we pass through different elevations.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Alpine<\/a>The highest elevations of the Wasatch Mountains are a mix of alpine meadows and fellfields, and occasional conifer trees. Here you will find subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce, and limber pine.<\/p><\/div>

\"Forest\"<\/a><\/p>

Much of the Wasatch Mountains is dominated by conifer forests, with different trees associated with different elevations. Juniper and white fir occur at lower elevations. Douglas fir and aspen span from lower to high elevations. Subalpine fir and Engelmann spruce are found in the upper elevations.<\/p><\/div>

\"Shrubland\"<\/a>Shrublands occur at the base of the Wasatch Mountains. The most common shrubs are Gambel oak and bigtooth maple. Springtime grasses and forbs are common.<\/p><\/div>

\"Riparian\"<\/a>The riparian zone is a distinct vegetation occurring adjacent to streams and wetlands. Riparian vegetation is dominated by shrubs and deciduous trees. Birch, box elder, cottonwood, and dogwood are common at lower to mid elevations, giving way to willows at higher elevations.<\/p><\/div>

\"Limber<\/a>

Limber Pine<\/strong><\/a>
Species Name:\u00a0 Pinus flexilis<\/em><\/p><\/div>

\"\"<\/a><\/p>

Engelmann Spruce<\/a>
<\/strong>Species Name:\u00a0Picea engelmannii<\/em><\/p><\/div>

\"Subalpine<\/a>

Subalpine Fir<\/strong><\/a>
Species Name:\u00a0Abies lasiocarpa<\/em><\/p><\/div>

\"\"<\/a><\/p>

Douglas Fir<\/a><\/strong>
Species Name:\u00a0Pseudotsuga menziesii<\/em><\/p><\/div>

\"White<\/a>

White Fir <\/a><\/strong>
Species Name: Abies concolor<\/em><\/p><\/div>

\"Utah<\/a>

Utah Juniper<\/strong><\/a>
Species Name: Juniperus osteosperma<\/em><\/p><\/div>

\"Gambel's<\/a>

Gambel's Oak<\/strong><\/a>
Species Name: Quercus gambelii<\/em><\/p><\/div><\/div>

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