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CEGL000736 Juniperus osteosperma / Pleuraphis mutica Open Woodland
Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Utah Juniper / Tobosa Grass Open Woodland
Colloquial Name: No Data Available
Hierarchy Level: Association
Type Concept: This woodland community is widespread north of the Mogollon Rim, in Arizona and adjacent mountains of New Mexico. This association usually occurs on elevated or valley plains at elevations between 1310 and 1800 m (4300-5900 feet). Soils generally have a heavy clay content, and average annual precipitation is between 43 and 46 cm (17-18 inches) (to 51 cm [20 inches] per year in the Pinus monophylla phase). In this juniper savanna, Juniperus osteosperma dominates the tree canopy, but rarely exceeds 10% cover. Other trees present are Juniperus coahuilensis and Pinus monophylla (occurs as phase in low-sun mild climates). A mesquite phase also occurs in drier areas. Shrubs are common to well-represented (especially on heavily grazed sites) and include Prosopis spp., Mimosa aculeaticarpa var. biuncifera, Gutierrezia sarothrae, Nolina microcarpa, Acacia greggii and Opuntia spp. The herbaceous layer is abundant to luxurious with high diversity. Pleuraphis mutica usually dominates this layer, with Panicum obtusum and Hilaria belangeri also common. Other graminoids present are Bouteloua curtipendula, Bouteloua gracilis, Bouteloua hirsuta, Leptochloa panicea ssp. mucronata, Panicum capillare, and Bromus rubens; important forbs include Helianthus annuus and Machaeranthera gracilis.
Diagnostic Characteristics: A juniper savanna, often on heavy clay soils. Pleuraphis mutica, Hilaria belangeri, and/or Panicum obtusum are present among an abundant cover of herbs. Juniper trees dominate the overstory, but rarely reach over 10% cover.
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: In this juniper savanna, Juniperus osteosperma dominates the tree canopy, but rarely exceeds 10% cover. Other trees present are Juniperus coahuilensis (= Juniperus erythrocarpa var. coahuilensis) and Pinus monophylla (= Pinus edulis var. fallax) (occurs as phase in low-sun mild climates). A mesquite phase also occurs in drier areas. Shrubs are common to well represented (especially on heavily grazed sites) and include Prosopis spp., Mimosa aculeaticarpa var. biuncifera, Gutierrezia sarothrae, Nolina microcarpa, Acacia greggii and Opuntia spp. The herbaceous layer is abundant to luxurious with high diversity. Pleuraphis mutica (= Hilaria mutica) usually dominates this layer, with Panicum obtusum and Hilaria belangeri also common. Other graminoids present are Bouteloua curtipendula, Bouteloua gracilis, Bouteloua hirsuta, Leptochloa panicea ssp. mucronata (= Leptochloa mucronata), Panicum capillare, and Bromus rubens; important forbs include Helianthus annuus and Machaeranthera gracilis.
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: This association usually occurs on elevated or valley plains at elevations between 1310 and 1800 m (4300-5900 feet). Soils generally have a heavy clay content, and average annual precipitation is between 43 and 46 cm (17-18 inches) (to 51 cm [20 inches] per year in the Pinus monophylla phase).
Geographic Range: This woodland community is widespread north of the Mogollon Rim, in Arizona and adjacent mountains of New Mexico.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: NM
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.686022
Confidence Level: Low - Poorly Documented
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: G2
Greasons: No Data Available
| Type | Name | Database Code | Classification Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class | 1 Forest & Woodland Class | C01 | 1 |
| Subclass | 1.B Temperate & Boreal Forest & Woodland Subclass | S15 | 1.B |
| Formation | 1.B.2 Cool Temperate Forest & Woodland Formation | F008 | 1.B.2 |
| Division | 1.B.2.Nc Western North American Pinyon - Juniper Woodland & Scrub Division | D010 | 1.B.2.Nc |
| Macrogroup | 1.B.2.Nc.1 Singleleaf Pinyon - Utah Juniper - Western Juniper Intermountain Woodland Macrogroup | M896 | 1.B.2.Nc.1 |
| Group | 1.B.2.Nc.1.a Two-needle Pinyon - Utah Juniper Woodland Group | G900 | 1.B.2.Nc.1.a |
| Alliance | A3497 Utah Juniper Grassy Open Woodland Alliance | A3497 | 1.B.2.Nc.1.a |
| Association | CEGL000736 Utah Juniper / Tobosa Grass Open Woodland | CEGL000736 | 1.B.2.Nc.1.a |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: = Juniperus osteosperma / Hilaria mutica (Stuever and Hayden 1997b)
= Juniperus osteosperma / Pleuraphis mutica Woodland (Moir and Carleton 1987)
= Juniperus osteosperma / Pleuraphis mutica Woodland (Moir and Carleton 1987)
- 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.
- Moir, W. H., and J. O. Carleton. 1987. Classification of pinyon-juniper (P-J) sites on national forests in the Southwest. Pages 216-226 in: R. L. Everett, editor. Proceedings of the Pinyon-Juniper Conference, Reno, NV, 13-16 January 1986. General Technical Report. USDA Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Ogden, UT. 581 pp.
- Stuever, M. C., and J. S. Hayden. 1997b. Plant associations of Arizona and New Mexico. Volume 2: Woodlands. USDA Forest Service, Southwestern Region, Habitat Typing Guides. 196 pp.
- USFS [U.S. Forest Service]. 1985c. TES-1, Terrestrial ecosystem survey handbook, appendix B. Unpublished report prepared for USDA Forest Service, Southwestern Region, Albuquerque, NM. Various pages, appendices and maps.
- Uchytil, R. J. 1988b. Hilaria mutica. In: Fire Effects Information System [Online]. USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). [http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/]
- Western Ecology Working Group of NatureServe. No date. International Ecological Classification Standard: International Vegetation Classification. Terrestrial Vegetation. NatureServe, Boulder, CO.