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CEGL001702 Hesperostipa comata Colorado Front Range Grassland

Type Concept Sentence: This grassland association is restricted to the eastern slope of the Colorado Rocky Mountains or on rock outcrops in the northeastern part of Colorado. Stands occur on soils derived from sandstone or limestone and Hesperostipa comata is the grass species.

Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Needle-and-Thread Colorado Front Range Grassland

Colloquial Name: Colorado Front Range Needle-and-Thread Mixedgrass Prairie

Hierarchy Level:  Association

Type Concept: This grassland association is restricted to the eastern slope of the Colorado Rocky Mountains or on rock outcrops in the northeastern part of Colorado. It is found in a narrow elevational range from 1555 to 1755 m (5100-5760 feet), on eastern and western "hogback" slopes and on rocky outcrops. It is restricted to soils derived from sandstone or limestone. Hesperostipa comata is an important grass species.

Diagnostic Characteristics: Hesperostipa comata dominates stands on eastern slopes of the Colorado Rocky Mountains or on rock outcrops in the northeastern part of Colorado. Stands occur on soils derived from sandstone or limestone.

Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available

Classification Comments: This type fits into a Colorado Piedmont concept. It could be part of a Piedmont alliance within the Great Plains or be moved to a Rocky Mountain foothills group (G273/A3988). See also CEGL001465.

Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available

Floristics: Hesperostipa comata (= Stipa comata) is important in this grassland type.

Dynamics:  No Data Available
Environmental Description:  It is found at low elevations along the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains or on rock outcrops in the northeastern part of Colorado. It is found in a narrow elevational range from 1555 to 1755 m (5100-5760 feet), on eastern and western "hogback" slopes and on rocky outcrops. It is restricted to soils derived from sandstone or limestone.
Geographic Range: This association is restricted to the "Piedmont" region of Colorado.

Nations: US

States/Provinces:  CO


Confidence Level: Low - Poorly Documented

Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: G1G2

Greasons: No Data Available
Type Name Database Code Classification Code
Class 2 Shrub & Herb Vegetation Class C02 2
Subclass 2.B Temperate & Boreal Grassland & Shrubland Subclass S18 2.B
Formation 2.B.2 Temperate Grassland & Shrubland Formation F012 2.B.2
Division 2.B.2.Nb Central North American Grassland & Shrubland Division D023 2.B.2.Nb
Macrogroup 2.B.2.Nb.2 Needle-and-Thread - Western Wheatgrass - Plains Rough Fescue Grassland Macrogroup M051 2.B.2.Nb.2
Group 2.B.2.Nb.2.a Little Bluestem - Sideoats Grama - Western Wheatgrass Mixedgrass Prairie Group G133 2.B.2.Nb.2.a
Alliance A4039 Western Wheatgrass - Blue Grama Great Plains Grassland Alliance A4039 2.B.2.Nb.2.a
Association CEGL001702 Needle-and-Thread Colorado Front Range Grassland CEGL001702 2.B.2.Nb.2.a
Concept Lineage: No Data Available

Predecessors: No Data Available

Obsolete Names: No Data Available

Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: No Data Available
Concept Author(s): D. Clark

Author of Description: D. Clark

Acknowledgements: No Data Available

Version Date: 11-26-97
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