Print Report

CEGL001687 Sporobolus airoides - Distichlis spicata Wet Meadow

Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available

Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Alkali Sacaton - Saltgrass Wet Meadow

Colloquial Name: No Data Available

Hierarchy Level:  Association

Type Concept: This grassland community is found in the Tularosa Basin of south-central New Mexico. Initial data suggest that this type occurs at the bottom of closed basins at elevations of around 1285 m (4220 feet). Distichlis spicata and Sporobolus airoides codominate these grasslands of lowland alluvial flats that are seasonally flooded. Scattered Allenrolfea occidentalis and Limonium limbatum may be present, but shrubs are generally conspicuous.

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 found in Colorado, Utah, Oregon, and the Tularosa Basin of south-central New Mexico (Otero County). It may also occur in California, Texas and adjacent Mexico.

Nations: MX?,US

States/Provinces:  CA?, CO, NM, OR, TX?, UT


Confidence Level: Low

Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: G4?

Greasons: No Data Available
Type Name Database Code Classification Code
Class 2 Shrub & Herb Vegetation Class C02 2
Subclass 2.C Shrub & Herb Wetland Subclass S44 2.C
Formation 2.C.5 Salt Marsh Formation F035 2.C.5
Division 2.C.5.Nd North American Western Interior Brackish Marsh, Playa & Shrubland Division D036 2.C.5.Nd
Macrogroup 2.C.5.Nd.1 Warm & Cool Desert Alkali-Saline Marsh, Playa & Shrubland Macrogroup M082 2.C.5.Nd.1
Group 2.C.5.Nd.1.a Saltgrass - Lemmon''s Alkali Grass - Saltwort species Alkaline-Saline Marsh & Playa Group G538 2.C.5.Nd.1.a
Alliance A1334 Alkali Sacaton - Scratchgrass - Alkali Cordgrass Alkaline Wet Meadow Alliance A1334 2.C.5.Nd.1.a
Association CEGL001687 Alkali Sacaton - Saltgrass Wet Meadow CEGL001687 2.C.5.Nd.1.a
Concept Lineage: No Data Available

Predecessors: No Data Available

Obsolete Names: No Data Available

Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: = Inland Saltgrass-Alkali Sacaton PA (Muldavin et al. 2000b) [(Distichlis spicata-Sporobolus airoides: DISSPI-SPOAIR)]
Concept Author(s): Western Ecology Group

Author of Description: Western Ecology Group

Acknowledgements: No Data Available

Version Date: 11-26-97
  • 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.
  • CNHP [Colorado Natural Heritage Program]. 2006-2017. Tracked natural plant communities. Colorado Natural Heritage Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins. [https://cnhp.colostate.edu/ourdata/trackinglist/plant_communities/]
  • Kagan, J. S., J. A. Christy, M. P. Murray, and J. A. Titus. 2004. Classification of native vegetation of Oregon. January 2004. Oregon Natural Heritage Information Center, Portland. 52 pp.
  • Muldavin, E., P. Durkin, M. Bradley, M. Stuever, and P. Mehlhop. 2000a. Handbook of wetland vegetation communities of New Mexico. Volume I: Classification and community descriptions. Final report to the New Mexico Environment Department and the Environmental Protection Agency prepared by the New Mexico Natural Heritage Program, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque.
  • 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.
  • Neid, S., J. E. Stevens, K. Forest, and M. Fink. 2007. Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site: Vegetation classification and mapping. Natural Resource Technical Report NPS/SOPN/NRTR--2007/050. National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO. 112 pp.
  • Salas, D. E., J. Stevens, K. Schulz, M. Artmann, B. Friesen, S. Blauer, E. W. Schweiger, and A. Valdez. 2010b. Vegetation classification and mapping project report: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Natural Resource Report NPS/ROMN/NRR--2010/179. National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO.
  • Stevens, J. E., K. Forrest, S. Neid, and M. Fink. 2007. Bent''s Old Fort National Historic Site: Vegetation classification and mapping. Natural Resource Technical Report NPS/SOPN/NRTR--2007/049. National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO. 115 pp.
  • Western Ecology Working Group of NatureServe. No date. International Ecological Classification Standard: International Vegetation Classification. Terrestrial Vegetation. NatureServe, Boulder, CO.
  • Young, J. A., R. A. Evans, B. A. Roundy, and J. A. Brown. 1986. Dynamic landforms and plant communities in a pluvial lake basin. Great Basin Naturalist 46(1):1-21.