Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Plains Cottonwood / Sideoats Grama Flooded Woodland

Colloquial Name: No Data Available

Hierarchy Level:  Association

Type Concept: This association is found in the Canadian River and Pecos basins in northeastern New Mexico, probably elsewhere in northern New Mexico, and potentially in southern Colorado. Preliminary data indicate the type occurs in lowland valleys and canyons on dry terraces at low elevations ranging roughly from 1340 to 1590 m (4400-5200 feet). The terraces are situated well above the active channel as indicated by discharge ratios over 7.5 and are rarely flooded (25- to 100-year recurrence interval). Soils are moderately well-drained, poorly developed Entisols composed of deep sands, or sands mixed with gravel and cobble overlain by a coarse-loamy or clayey layer (or Oxyaquic, coarse-loamy Ustifluvents, or Typic, coarse-loamy over sandy-skeletal Ustifluvents). Mature Populus deltoides dominate the moderately open canopy, with scattered Juniperus monosperma and Juniperus scopulorum in the understory. Populus deltoides reproduction occurs primarily by root suckering. The undergrowth is characteristically grassy with only scattered shrubs. Bouteloua curtipendula is diagnostic and well-represented, along with Bouteloua gracilis, Elymus canadensis, Pascopyrum smithii, and Sporobolus airoides. As a keystone species, the reproduction of Populus deltoides after flooding (and sufficient subsequent base flows) is critical to the sustainability of this community.

Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available

Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available

Classification Comments: While described on the basis of only three plots, the expectation is that this association will be further substantiated.

Similar NVC Types: No Data Available

note: No Data Available