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CEGL001747 Bouteloua eriopoda - Bouteloua curtipendula Grassland
Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Black Grama - Sideoats Grama Grassland
Colloquial Name: Black Grama - Sideoats Grama Grassland
Hierarchy Level: Association
Type Concept: This semi-desert grassland occurs on bajadas and midslopes of small desert mountain ranges and mesas, from north-central to south-central New Mexico to southeastern Arizona and likely extends into northern Mexico. Elevations range from 1340 to 1975 m (4400-6475 feet). Slopes can be gentle to very steep and with variable aspects. Parent materials are sandstone and limestone colluvium, basalt colluvium or rock outcrop. Soils are sandy loam in texture, often with much gravel and rock on the soil surface (over 50% cover together). Soils may be shallow or of moderate depth with indurated carbonate layers. Ground cover is characterized by scattered bunchgrasses in a matrix of boulders and rocks. This association is characterized by sparse to moderate cover of perennial bunchgrasses, of which Bouteloua eriopoda and Bouteloua curtipendula are the most abundant and characteristic species. Several other perennial grasses may be present, including Aristida spp., Dasyochloa pulchella, Bouteloua gracilis, Pleuraphis mutica, and Muhlenbergia porteri. The forb component is variable and diverse with total forb cover less than 10% and often less than 5%. Forb species typical of these desert grasslands may include Allionia incarnata, Bahia absinthifolia, Baileya multiradiata, Croton texensis, Gaillardia pulchella, Melampodium leucanthum, Penstemon fendleri, and Zinnia spp. Most stands have scattered shrubs present, typically having less than 10% cover. Most species are microphyllous evergreens or succulents, the former including Ephedra trifurca, Ephedra nevadensis, Gutierrezia sarothrae, and Gutierrezia microcephala; the later including Yucca elata, Yucca baccata, and Opuntia spp. Other shrubs may include Acacia constricta, Aloysia wrightii, Parthenium incanum, and Prosopis glandulosa. The diagnostic characteristics of this sparse to moderately dense grassland are the codominance of Bouteloua eriopoda and Bouteloua curtipendula often with scattered Ephedra spp. or other desert shrubs.
Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: This vegetation may also occur in Texas and needs to be compared with ~Bouteloua curtipendula - Bouteloua (eriopoda, gracilis) Grassland (CEGL002250)$$. This association needs to be compared with the several Bouteloua eriopoda shrub herbaceous associations dominated by Ephedra trifurca, Prosopis glandulosa, Parthenium incanum, or Yucca elata. This association is generally found on piedmont slopes with gravelly substrates often with sandy loam-textured soils. The similar association ~Bouteloua eriopoda - Bouteloua gracilis Grassland (CEGL001748)$$ is often found on tablelands where finer-textured loam and silt loam soils are present. Does the increased soil moisture-holding properties of the finer-textured soils favor this similar community?
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available
Floristics: This grassland association is characterized by sparse to moderate cover of mid-height perennial bunchgrasses, of which Bouteloua eriopoda and Bouteloua curtipendula are the most abundant and characteristic species. Cover of these two species ranges from 1-10%, and from less than 1% to over 20%, respectively. Several other perennial grasses can occur, including several Aristida spp., Dasyochloa pulchella (= Erioneuron pulchellum), and Bouteloua gracilis. The forb component is variable and diverse, but total forb cover is less than 10% and often less than 5%. Species typical of desert grasslands include Allionia incarnata, Bahia absinthifolia, Baileya multiradiata, Gaillardia pulchella, Melampodium leucanthum, and Penstemon fendleri. Most stands have a scattered shrub layer, typically having less than 10% cover. Most species are microphyllous evergreens or succulents, the former including Ephedra trifurca, Ephedra nevadensis, Gutierrezia sarothrae, and Gutierrezia microcephala; the later including Yucca elata, Yucca baccata, and Opuntia species.
Within Bandelier National Monument, this sparse semi-arid grassland is dominated by Bouteloua eriopoda and Bouteloua curtipendula with total grass cover ranging from 10-25%. Other bunch grasses such as Aristida purpurea, Schizachyrium scoparium and Sporobolus cryptandrus may be present, but cover is low. Forb diversity and overall cover are low; the most common forb is Chaetopappa ericoides. Shrubs, with the exception of Gutierrezia sarothrae, are not dominant and seldom exceed 5% cover. Cylindropuntia imbricata and Yucca baccata are typical shrub associates. Trees are absent or occur as a few scattered individuals of Juniperus monosperma.
At White Sands Missile Range, this association is characterized by an abundant to luxuriant cover of Bouteloua eriopoda with Bouteloua curtipendula as a codominant. Other grass species present include Aristida purpurea, Bouteloua gracilis, and Bouteloua hirsuta. Shrubs are scattered and diverse, with common species including Dalea formosa, Gutierrezia sarothrae, Opuntia phaeacantha, Parthenium incanum, and Yucca baccata. The forb layer is moderate in diversity but highly variable (Muldavin et al. 2000b).
Within Bandelier National Monument, this sparse semi-arid grassland is dominated by Bouteloua eriopoda and Bouteloua curtipendula with total grass cover ranging from 10-25%. Other bunch grasses such as Aristida purpurea, Schizachyrium scoparium and Sporobolus cryptandrus may be present, but cover is low. Forb diversity and overall cover are low; the most common forb is Chaetopappa ericoides. Shrubs, with the exception of Gutierrezia sarothrae, are not dominant and seldom exceed 5% cover. Cylindropuntia imbricata and Yucca baccata are typical shrub associates. Trees are absent or occur as a few scattered individuals of Juniperus monosperma.
At White Sands Missile Range, this association is characterized by an abundant to luxuriant cover of Bouteloua eriopoda with Bouteloua curtipendula as a codominant. Other grass species present include Aristida purpurea, Bouteloua gracilis, and Bouteloua hirsuta. Shrubs are scattered and diverse, with common species including Dalea formosa, Gutierrezia sarothrae, Opuntia phaeacantha, Parthenium incanum, and Yucca baccata. The forb layer is moderate in diversity but highly variable (Muldavin et al. 2000b).
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: This semi-desert grassland occurs on bajadas and midslopes of small desert mountain ranges and mesas, from north-central to south-central New Mexico to southeastern Arizona and likely extends into northern Mexico. Elevations range from 1340 to 1975 m (4400-6475 feet). Slopes can be gentle to very steep and with variable aspects. Parent materials are sandstone and limestone colluvium, basalt colluvium or rock outcrop. Soils are sandy loam in texture, often with much gravel and rock on the soil surface (over 50% cover together). Soils may be shallow or of moderate depth with indurated carbonate layers. Ground cover is characterized by scattered bunch grasses in a matrix of boulders and rocks. This association is found in a semidesert region. The climate is characterized by a wide diurnal range of temperatures, relatively low humidities, and annual precipitation ranging from 22 to 35 cm. Over 50% of the annual precipitation falls from July to October as rain resulting from convectional thunderstorms. Summers are hot, while winters can occasionally be cold.
Geographic Range: This semi-desert grassland occurs on bajadas and midslopes of small desert mountain ranges and mesas, from north-central to south-central New Mexico, southeastern Arizona, and likely extends into northern Mexico.
Nations: MX?,US
States/Provinces: AZ, MXCHH?, NM
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.684935
Confidence Level: Moderate
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: G2
Greasons: No Data Available
| Type | Name | Database Code | Classification Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class | 3 Desert & Semi-Desert Class | C03 | 3 |
| Subclass | 3.A Warm Desert & Semi-Desert Woodland, Scrub & Grassland Subclass | S06 | 3.A |
| Formation | 3.A.2 Warm Desert & Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Formation | F015 | 3.A.2 |
| Division | 3.A.2.Na North American Warm Desert Scrub & Grassland Division | D039 | 3.A.2.Na |
| Macrogroup | 3.A.2.Na.3 Black Grama - Bullgrass - Tobosa Grass Chihuahuan Semi-Desert Grassland Macrogroup | M087 | 3.A.2.Na.3 |
| Group | 3.A.2.Na.3.a Black Grama - Chino Grama - Bush Muhly Semi-Desert Grassland Group | G490 | 3.A.2.Na.3.a |
| Alliance | A3205 Sotol species / Sideoats Grama - Curly-leaf Muhly Foothill Desert Grassland Alliance | A3205 | 3.A.2.Na.3.a |
| Association | CEGL001747 Black Grama - Sideoats Grama Grassland | CEGL001747 | 3.A.2.Na.3.a |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: = Bouteloua eriopoda - Bouteloua curtipendula PA (Muldavin et al. 1998a)
= Bouteloua eriopoda - Bouteloua curtipendula PA (Muldavin and Mehlhop 1992)
= Bouteloua eriopoda - Bouteloua curtipendula PA (Muldavin et al. 1998c)
= Bouteloua eriopoda - Bouteloua curtipendula Plant Association (Muldavin et al. 2003a)
= Bouteloua eriopoda - Bouteloua curtipendula Plant Association (Muldavin et al. 1998d)
= Bouteloua Community (Johnson 1961c)
= Black Grama-Sideoats Grama PA (Muldavin et al. 2000b) [(Bouteloua eriopoda-Bouteloua curtipendula: BOUERI-BOUCUR)]
= Bouteloua eriopoda - Bouteloua curtipendula PA (Muldavin and Mehlhop 1992)
= Bouteloua eriopoda - Bouteloua curtipendula PA (Muldavin et al. 1998c)
= Bouteloua eriopoda - Bouteloua curtipendula Plant Association (Muldavin et al. 2003a)
= Bouteloua eriopoda - Bouteloua curtipendula Plant Association (Muldavin et al. 1998d)
= Bouteloua Community (Johnson 1961c)
= Black Grama-Sideoats Grama PA (Muldavin et al. 2000b) [(Bouteloua eriopoda-Bouteloua curtipendula: BOUERI-BOUCUR)]
- Bourgeron, P. S., and L. D. Engelking, editors. 1994. A preliminary vegetation classification of the western United States. Unpublished report. The Nature Conservancy, Western Heritage Task Force, Boulder, CO. 175 pp. plus appendix.
- Johnson, D. E. 1961c. Edaphic factors affecting the distribution of creosotebush (Larrea tridentata (DC.) Cov.) in desert grassland sites of southeastern Arizona. Unpublished thesis, University of Arizona, Tucson. 58 pp.
- Muldavin, E., A. Kennedy, C. Jackson, P. Neville, T. Neville, K. Schulz, and M. Reid. 2011b. Vegetation classification and map: Bandelier National Monument. Natural Resource Technical Report NPS/SCPN/NRTR--2011/438. National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO.
- Muldavin, E., G. Shore, K. Taugher, and B. Milne. 1998d. A vegetation map classification and map for the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico. Final report submitted to USDI, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, Socorro, NM, by the New Mexico Natural Heritage Program, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. 73 pp. + appendices.
- Muldavin, E., P. Neville, P. Arbetan, Y. Chauvin, A. Browder, and T. Neville. 2003a. A vegetation map of Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico. Final report submitted in partial fulfillment of Cooperative Agreement No. Ca-7170-99-004. New Mexico Natural Heritage Program at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. 102 pp.
- Muldavin, E., V. Archer, and P. Neville. 1998a. A vegetation map of the Borderlands Ecosystem Management Area. Final report submitted to USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Experiment Station, Flagstaff, AZ, by the New Mexico Natural Heritage Program, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM. 58 pp.
- Muldavin, E., Y. Chauvin, and G. Harper. 2000b. The vegetation of White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico: Volume I. Handbook of vegetation communities. Final report to Environmental Directorate, White Sands Missile Range. New Mexico Natural Heritage Program, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. 195 pp. plus appendices
- Muldavin, E., and P. Mehlhop. 1992. A preliminary classification and test vegetation map for White Sands Missile Range and San Andreas National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico. University of New Mexico, New Mexico Natural Heritage Program.
- Muldavin, E., et al. 1998c. Plant community inventory for Fort Bliss. Unpublished report in preparation by the New Mexico Natural Heritage Program, Albuquerque, NM.
- NHNM [Natural Heritage New Mexico]. No date. Unpublished data on file. Natural Heritage New Mexico, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque.
- Reid, M. S., L. S. Engelking, and P. S. Bourgeron. 1994. Rare plant communities of the conterminous United States, Western Region. Pages 305-620 in: D. H. Grossman, K. L. Goodin, and C. L. Reuss, editors. Rare plant communities of the conterminous United States, an initial survey. The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, VA.
- Stein, R. A., and J. A. Ludwig. 1979. Vegetation and soil patterns on a Chihuahuan Desert bajada. The American Midland Naturalist 101:28-37.
- Western Ecology Working Group of NatureServe. No date. International Ecological Classification Standard: International Vegetation Classification. Terrestrial Vegetation. NatureServe, Boulder, CO.