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CEGL002927 Atriplex canescens - (Ephedra viridis) / (Muhlenbergia porteri) Sandstone Sparse Vegetation
Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Fourwing Saltbush - (Mormon-tea) / (Bush Muhly) Sandstone Sparse Vegetation
Colloquial Name: No Data Available
Hierarchy Level: Association
Type Concept: This sparse association is currently only known from Wupatki National Monument in Arizona, and the following description is based on occurrences there. Additional information will be added as it becomes available. Elevation ranges from 1340-1480 m (4396-4856 feet). The topography ranges from small to steep slopes with 0-25% slope. This association is specific to sandstone soils including bluffs, boulders, and shards. Total vegetation cover is 5-16%, and total species diversity ranges from 12-17 species in the 7 sampled plots. The shrub layer is dominated by Atriplex canescens and sometimes Ephedra viridis. The herbaceous layer can be dominated by Muhlenbergia porteri. Atriplex canescens must be present in this association, even with low percent cover. Ephedra viridis and Muhlenbergia porteri are often present; however, they do not necessarily need to be present within this sparse vegetation type.
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: No Data Available
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: No Data Available
Geographic Range: This association is currently only known from Wupatki National Monument in Arizona. Additional range information will be added as it becomes available.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: AZ
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.687897
Confidence Level: Low
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.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.6 Saltbush species - Joint-fir species - Buckwheat species Intermountain Basins Sparse Vegetation Macrogroup | M118 | 3.B.1.Ne.6 |
| Group | 3.B.1.Ne.6.a Saltbush species - Mountain-mahogany species - Joint-fir species Intermountain Basins Sparse Vegetation Group | G570 | 3.B.1.Ne.6.a |
| Alliance | A4050 Mormon-tea - Yellow Rabbitbrush - Skunkbush Sumac Talus Sparse Scrub Alliance | A4050 | 3.B.1.Ne.6.a |
| Association | CEGL002927 Fourwing Saltbush - (Mormon-tea) / (Bush Muhly) Sandstone Sparse Vegetation | CEGL002927 | 3.B.1.Ne.6.a |
Concept Lineage: Upgraded to Standard during screening.
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: = Atriplex canescens - (Ephedra viridis) / (Muhlenbergia porteri) Sandstone Sparse Vegetation [Provisional] (Hansen et al. 2004b)
- Coles, J., M. Hansen, and K. Thomas. 2003. Wupatki National Monument, Arizona, vegetation classification and distribution: A USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program study. Southwest Biological Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey Open-file Report. [in preparation]
- Hansen, M., J. Coles, K. A. Thomas, D. Cogan, M. Reid, J. Von Loh, and K. Schulz. 2004b. USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program: Wupatki National Monument, Arizona, vegetation classification and distribution. U.S. Geological Survey Technical Report. Southwest Biological Science Center, Flagstaff, AZ. 229 pp.
- Western Ecology Working Group of NatureServe. No date. International Ecological Classification Standard: International Vegetation Classification. Terrestrial Vegetation. NatureServe, Boulder, CO.