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CEGL001652 Achnatherum hymenoides - Sporobolus contractus Grassland
Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Indian Ricegrass - Spike Dropseed Grassland
Colloquial Name: No Data Available
Hierarchy Level: Association
Type Concept: Total vegetation cover of this grassland association in upland sites with blowing sand is usually quite sparse, rarely exceeding 10%. Sites on sandy terraces and point bars may have up to 30% cover by vascular plants, with another 25% cover provided by biological soil crusts. Achnatherum hymenoides is the dominant species, ranging in cover between 3 and 15%. A scattering of shrubs may be present, with no species exceeding 1% cover and the total not exceeding 5% cover. Associated shrubs include Amsonia tomentosa, Artemisia filifolia, Atriplex canescens, Ephedra torreyana, Ephedra viridis, Poliomintha incana, Vanclevea stylosa, Gutierrezia sarothrae, and Opuntia polyacantha. Some stands may contain scattered Juniperus osteosperma trees or saplings. Associated graminoids include the short bunchgrasses Aristida purpurea, Sporobolus cryptandrus, and Pleuraphis jamesii. Forbs present include Abronia fragrans and Sphaeralcea parvifolia. This grassland association usually occurs in small patches (<1 ha) on upland eolian sand deposits, as well as on sandy alluvial terraces and point bars along intermittent washes in eastern Utah and northwestern Colorado. It is likely to occur in small patches throughout the Colorado Plateau. Disturbance is usually a factor; upland sites often have blowing sand, and wash sites are subject to periodic flooding. Sites are flat to gently sloping (not exceeding 10%) between 1220 and 1815 m elevation. The unvegetated surface has high cover by bare soil or sand, low cover by litter, and biological soil crusts may have up to 30% cover. Soils are rapidly drained sands or sandy loams derived from alluvium or eolian deposits.
Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: Compare this association with ~Achnatherum hymenoides - Psoralidium lanceolatum Grassland (CEGL001650)$$.
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available
Floristics: Small patches (usually less than 1 ha) of this distinctive grassland type occur sporadically in the Colorado Plateau of southeastern Utah. Total vegetation cover in upland sites with blowing sand is usually quite sparse, rarely exceeding 10%. Sites on sandy terraces and point bars may have up to 30% cover by vascular plants, with another 25% cover provided by biological soil crusts. Achnatherum hymenoides is the dominant species, ranging in cover between 3 and 15%. A scattering of shrubs may be present, with no species exceeding 1% cover and the total not exceeding 5% cover. Associated shrubs include Amsonia tomentosa, Artemisia filifolia, Atriplex canescens, Ephedra torreyana, Ephedra viridis, Gutierrezia sarothrae, Opuntia polyacantha, Poliomintha incana, and Vanclevea stylosa. Some stands may contain scattered Juniperus osteosperma trees or saplings. Associated graminoids include the short bunchgrasses Aristida purpurea, Sporobolus cryptandrus, and Pleuraphis jamesii. Forbs present include Abronia fragrans and Sphaeralcea parvifolia.
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: This grassland association occurs on upland eolian sand deposits, as well as on sandy alluvial terraces and point bars along intermittent washes in eastern Utah and northwestern Colorado. It is likely to occur in small patches throughout the Colorado Plateau. Sites are flat to gently sloping (not exceeding 10%) between 1220 and 1815 m elevation. The unvegetated surface has high cover by bare soil or sand, low cover by litter, and biological soil crusts may have up to 30% cover. Soils are rapidly drained sands or sandy loams derived from alluvium or eolian deposits.
Geographic Range: This association is documented from eastern Utah and northwestern Colorado. It is likely to occur in small stands, 0.1 to 1 ha in size, scattered throughout the Colorado Plateau.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: AZ, CO, NM?, UT
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.688701
Confidence Level: Low - Poorly Documented
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: G2G4
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.c James'' Galleta - Indian Ricegrass - Needle-and-Thread Semi-Desert Grassland Group | G311 | 3.B.1.Ne.1.c |
| Alliance | A1262 Indian Ricegrass - Bluebunch Wheatgrass - Sandhill Muhly Grassland Alliance | A1262 | 3.B.1.Ne.1.c |
| Association | CEGL001652 Indian Ricegrass - Spike Dropseed Grassland | CEGL001652 | 3.B.1.Ne.1.c |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: No Data Available
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