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CEGL001322 Krascheninnikovia lanata / Pleuraphis jamesii Dwarf-shrubland
Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Winterfat / James'' Galleta Dwarf-shrubland
Colloquial Name: No Data Available
Hierarchy Level: Association
Type Concept: This minor dwarf-shrubland association is reported from throughout the Colorado Plateau. Vegetation is characterized by a sparse to moderately dense dwarf-shrub layer dominated by Krascheninnikovia lanata and sometimes codominated by Gutierrezia sarothrae. Other woody species may include scattered Artemisia tridentata, Artemisia bigelovii, Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus, Cylindropuntia imbricata, Opuntia polyacantha, or Yucca glauca. The herbaceous layer has sparse to moderately dense cover that is dominated or codominated by Pleuraphis jamesii with scattered perennial forbs. Associated graminoids may include Achnatherum hymenoides, Bouteloua gracilis, Elymus elymoides, Hesperostipa comata, and Sporobolus airoides. Scattered perennial forbs may be present, such as Chaetopappa ericoides, Helianthus petiolaris, Machaeranthera pinnatifida, and Sphaeralcea spp. Exotic annuals may include Bromus tectorum, Salsola kali, and Sisymbrium altissimum. Stands typically occur on alluvial flats and plains. Sites are typically flat to gently sloping, occurring on any aspect. Soils are generally moderately deep, calcareous, moderately alkaline and derived from sandstone, shale or alluvium. Soil texture ranges from sandy loam to silty clay. The ground surface has high cover of bare soil (70-90%).
Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: This association is largely known and described from National Park Service inventory efforts in the Colorado Plateau. Stands described by Francis (1986 ) were generally too sparse to be classified as dwarf-shrublands and may be better classified in a shrub herbaceous association. Current and past livestock management can have a large impact on cover and composition of the woody and herbaceous layers. Both Krascheninnikovia lanata (winterfat) and Pleuraphis jamesii are valuable livestock forage and are negatively impacted by heavy use. Gutierrezia sarothrae increases under heavy livestock use. Significant small mammal burrows and plant pedestalling caused by wind erosion were reported from the Utah stands.
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available
Floristics: This association is characterized by a sparse to moderately dense dwarf-shrub layer dominated by Krascheninnikovia lanata and sometimes codominated by Gutierrezia sarothrae, and a sparse to moderately dense herbaceous layer dominated by the perennial graminoid Pleuraphis jamesii (= Hilaria jamesii). Scattered Artemisia tridentata, Atriplex canescens, Artemisia bigelovii, Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus, Ephedra viridis, Cylindropuntia imbricata (= Opuntia imbricata), Opuntia polyacantha, or Yucca glauca may also be present in the woody layer. Other graminoids present in minor amounts may include Achnatherum hymenoides (= Oryzopsis hymenoides), Bouteloua gracilis, Elymus elymoides, Hesperostipa comata (= Stipa comata), Sporobolus airoides, and Sporobolus cryptandrus. Scattered perennial forbs may be present, such as Chaetopappa ericoides, Helianthus petiolaris, Machaeranthera canescens, Machaeranthera pinnatifida, Oenothera pallida, Sphaeralcea coccinea, and Sphaeralcea parvifolia. Exotic annuals may include Bromus tectorum, Salsola kali, and Sisymbrium altissimum.
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: This minor dwarf-shrubland association is reported from northwestern New Mexico, western Colorado and eastern Utah, but likely occurs throughout the Colorado Plateau. Elevations range from 1400-2050 m. Climate is temperate and semi-arid. Annual precipitation ranges from 20-30 cm with most occurring during the growing season, often as short-duration, convectional thunderstorms. Stands occur on plains, alluvial flats, valley floors, canyon bottoms, benches, alluvial fans and stabilized sand dunes. Sites are flat to moderately sloping, occurring on any aspect. Soils are generally moderately deep, calcareous, moderately alkaline and derived from sandstone, shale or alluvium, but include rapidly drained sandy loam derived from eolian sands and sheetwash deposits.. Soil texture ranges from sand to silty clay. The ground surface has high cover of bare soil (70-90%).
Geographic Range: This dwarf-shrubland association is reported from alluvial flats in northwestern New Mexico in the upper Rio Puerco basin, in western Colorado on the margins of the Grand Valley and in eastern Utah in flats above the Green River floodplain. It likely occurs throughout the Colorado Plateau.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: CO, NM, UT
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.685572
Confidence Level: Moderate
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: G3G4
Greasons: No Data Available
| Type | Name | Database Code | Classification Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class | 3 Desert & Semi-Desert Class | C03 | 3 |
| Subclass | 3.B Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Subclass | S11 | 3.B |
| Formation | 3.B.1 Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Formation | F033 | 3.B.1 |
| Division | 3.B.1.Ne Western North American Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Division | D040 | 3.B.1.Ne |
| Macrogroup | 3.B.1.Ne.1 Yellow Rabbitbrush - Blackbrush / Indian Ricegrass Dry Shrubland & Grassland Macrogroup | M171 | 3.B.1.Ne.1 |
| Group | 3.B.1.Ne.1.d Yellow Rabbitbrush - Rubber Rabbitbrush - Winterfat Steppe & Shrubland Group | G310 | 3.B.1.Ne.1.d |
| Alliance | A3202 Winterfat Steppe & Dwarf-shrubland Alliance | A3202 | 3.B.1.Ne.1.d |
| Association | CEGL001322 Winterfat / James'' Galleta Dwarf-shrubland | CEGL001322 | 3.B.1.Ne.1.d |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: = Ceratoides lanata - Gutierrezia sarothrae/Hilaria jamesii plant association (Francis 1986)
= Krascheninnikovia lanata / Pleuraphis jamesii Dwarf-shrubland (Von Loh 2000)
= Krascheninnikovia lanata / Pleuraphis jamesii Dwarf-shrubland (Von Loh 2000)
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