Common Habitats

Lava Flows

The density of vegetation on the flows depends on the availability of soil. Where basalt rock is very young, the only soil available is what blows into cracks and fractures. As soil develops within these cracks, vegetation can take hold. The depth of crevices, cracks, and depressions fix the amount of soil and moisture that can be held. The size of the crack also determine what degree of protection from the harsh climate conditions such as air temperature and exposure to wind that will be afforded. These factors in turn determine what plants are capable of living in the different size cracks.

Cinder Areas

Cinder cones support three different plant communities, depending on aspect and successional stage. About 2% of the monument is cinder gardens, a distinct vegetation type. In early successional stages cinder gardens are colonized by species that produce spectacular spring wildflower displays. As soils develop on the cinders, antelope bitterbrush dominates shrub communities. Limber pine are present on north-facing slopes where sufficient moisture is available.

Riparian/Mountain

The north unit of the monument contains three vegetative types that are notable for the diversity they contribute to the monument. Douglas-fir/mountain snowberry, upland quaking aspen, and riparian. The three types cover only 0.3% of the monument, but they provide important wildlife habitat. The Douglas-fir forest is found on relatively steep, north-facing slopes of older cinder cones and along Little Cottonwood Canyon. The quaking aspen groves are in upland sites away from permanent stream courses. The riparian zone is characterized by dense woody vegetation, proximity to a permanent watercourse, and a dense layer of tall forbs.

Kipukas

Kipukas are islands of vegetation developed on an old lava flows and surrounded by newer flows. The native vegetation of some of the kipukas may have been altered by fire or livestock grazing before the monument was established. However, other kipukas in the monument were protected by rough lavas and may offer examples of the native Idaho shrub steppe habitats. Dominant kipuka vegetation includes three-tip sagebrush, big sagebrush, bluebunch wheatgrass, and needlegrass.