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CEGL000954 Ambrosia dumosa - Ephedra (aspera, nevadensis) Dwarf-shrubland
Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Burrobush - (Rough Joint-fir, Nevada Joint-fir) Dwarf-shrubland
Colloquial Name: No Data Available
Hierarchy Level: Association
Type Concept: This white bursage shrubland association is currently described from Grand Canyon National Park and Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument in Arizona. More survey and classification work are needed to fully characterize this type. It occurs primarily on sideslopes and ridgetops at 650 to 750 m (2150-2500 feet) elevation, but may occur throughout a broader elevational range than was documented by the classification plots. It is typically found on moderately sloping gradients (10-15°), but has also been seen on nearly flat surfaces. Soils are well- to rapidly-drained sandy clays that occasionally obscure the bedrock below. The underlying geology is usually sandstone. Vegetation is characterized and codominated by the dwarf-shrub Ambrosia dumosa and the short shrub Ephedra aspera. In some stands, Ephedra aspera is absent and Ephedra nevadensis takes its place as a codominant. Tall shrubs are rare, but some stands are occasionally contain Acacia greggii. The short-shrub layer also frequently includes Ferocactus cylindraceus. The only other dwarf-shrub that appears with significant cover is Gutierrezia sarothrae. Vulpia octoflora and Pleuraphis jamesii are frequently present in a sparse graminoid layer. Erodium cicutarium, Lepidium densiflorum, and Machaeranthera pinnatifida occur with some regularity in a relatively poorly-developed forb layer.
Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: No Data Available
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available
Floristics: Vegetation is characterized and codominated by the dwarf-shrub Ambrosia dumosa and the short shrub Ephedra aspera (= Ephedra fasciculata). In some stands, Ephedra aspera is absent and Ephedra nevadensis takes its place as a codominant. Tall shrubs are rare, but some stands are occasionally contain Acacia greggii. The short-shrub layer also frequently includes Ferocactus cylindraceus. The only other dwarf-shrub that appears with significant cover is Gutierrezia sarothrae. Vulpia octoflora and Pleuraphis jamesii are frequently present in a sparse graminoid layer. Erodium cicutarium, Lepidium densiflorum, and Machaeranthera pinnatifida occur with some regularity in a relatively poorly-developed forb layer.
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: This shrubland association occurs primarily on sideslopes and ridgetops at 650 to 750 m (2150-2500 feet) elevation, but may occur throughout a broader elevational range than was documented by the classification plots. It is typically found on moderately sloping gradients (10-15°), but has also been seen on nearly flat surfaces. Soils are well- to rapidly-drained sandy clays that occasionally obscure the bedrock below. The underlying geology is usually sandstone.
Geographic Range: This shrubland association is currently known from Grand Canyon National Park and Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument in Arizona. It is also reported from New Mexico. More survey work is needed to fully document its global range.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: AZ, NM
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.685705
Confidence Level: Low - Poorly Documented
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: GNR
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.4 Saguaro - Organ Pipe Cactus - Burrobush Mojave-Sonoran Semi-Desert Scrub Macrogroup | M088 | 3.A.2.Na.4 |
| Group | 3.A.2.Na.4.b Creosotebush - Burrobush - Brittlebush Desert Scrub Group | G295 | 3.A.2.Na.4.b |
| Alliance | A3279 Burrobush Desert Dwarf Scrub Alliance | A3279 | 3.A.2.Na.4.b |
| Association | CEGL000954 Burrobush - (Rough Joint-fir, Nevada Joint-fir) Dwarf-shrubland | CEGL000954 | 3.A.2.Na.4.b |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: = 153.11013 Ambrosia dumosa - Ephedra nevadensis - Ferocactus acanthodes Association (Warren et al. 1982)
- 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.
- Kearsley, M. J. C., K. Green, M. Tukman, M. Reid, M. Hall, T. J. Ayers, and K. Christie. 2015. Grand Canyon National Park-Grand Canyon / Parashant National Monument vegetation classification and mapping project. Natural Resource Report NPS/GRCA/NRR--2015/913. National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO. 75 pp. plus appendices.
- Reid, M. S., and M. E. Hall. 2010. Vegetation classification of Grand Canyon National Park. Draft report submitted to National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO.
- Warren, P. L., K. L. Reichhardt, D. A. Mouat, B. T. Brown, and R. R. Johnson. 1982. Vegetation of Grand Canyon National Park. Cooperative National Park Resources Studies Unit Technical Report 9. Tucson, AZ. 140 pp.
- Western Ecology Working Group of NatureServe. No date. International Ecological Classification Standard: International Vegetation Classification. Terrestrial Vegetation. NatureServe, Boulder, CO.