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CEGL002185 Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis / (Agropyron cristatum, Psathyrostachys juncea) Seeded Grasses Ruderal Shrubland
Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Wyoming Big Sagebrush / (Crested Wheatgrass, Russian Wildrye) Seeded Grasses Ruderal Shrubland
Colloquial Name: No Data Available
Hierarchy Level: Association
Type Concept: This shrubland association has been observed in western Colorado and eastern Utah, though it is very likely to be more widespread in the western U.S. It occurs on generally level topography that has been or is currently disturbed by land-management activities such as chaining or heavy grazing. Stands have been observed at mid-elevations, though more data are likely to expand this range. The unvegetated surfaces is generally dominated by litter and bare soil. Dead shrubs can be abundant due to past land-treatment activities. Soils are poorly drained to moderately well-drained sandy loams or loamy sands. Most observed sites have been on eolian deposits derived from sandstone. There is a short (1-2 m) open shrub canopy dominated by Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis with other shrubs contributing low cover. Common associates are Artemisia dracunculus, Artemisia frigida, Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus, Ericameria nauseosa, Gutierrezia sarothrae, and Opuntia spp. Scattered short to medium-tall Pinus edulis and Juniperus osteosperma trees may be present. The herbaceous stratum has sparse to low cover and is characterized by seeded exotic species, especially Agropyron cristatum or Psathyrostachys juncea. Bromus tectorum is another common exotic species. Native species, which may have been seeded or migrated from nearby seed sources, include Achnatherum hymenoides, Aristida purpurea, Bouteloua gracilis, Elymus elymoides, Hesperostipa comata, Poa fendleriana, Sporobolus cryptandrus, and Vulpia octoflora. Nonvascular component is usually poor due to the disturbance of these sites.
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: This shrubland has sparse to moderate total vegetation cover with an open short-shrub canopy. The dominant species in the shrub stratum is Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis which may have between 4 and 50% cover. Artemisia dracunculus, Artemisia frigida, Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus, Ericameria nauseosa, Gutierrezia sarothrae, and Opuntia spp. are common associates with low cover. Short to medium-tall trees, typically Juniperus osteosperma or Pinus edulis, may be scattered throughout stands of this association. The herbaceous stratum is dominated by exotic species that have been seeded at some time in the past, most commonly Agropyron cristatum or Psathyrostachys juncea with 1-25% cover. Bromus tectorum is another common exotic species. Native species, which may have been seeded or migrated from nearby seed sources, include Achnatherum hymenoides, Aristida purpurea, Bouteloua gracilis, Elymus elymoides, Hesperostipa comata, Poa fendleriana, Sporobolus cryptandrus, and Vulpia octoflora. Nonvascular component is usually poor due to the disturbance of these sites.
Dynamics: This shrubland association forms as a result of disturbance. Most sites have been or are currently being used for grazing livestock. The species composition and vegetation physiognomy is usually dependent on time since disturbance and what kinds of management practices were used. Common management practices that may have affected this association are herbicide application, heavy grazing, seeding of exotic species, and/or mechanical treatments such as chaining.
Environmental Description: This association is found on generally level topography such as mesatops, benches, and plateau. Sites can be flat to gently sloping on any aspect. Observed sites in western Colorado have been at mid-elevations (2024-2128 m), though a wider range is certain as more data are available. The unvegetated surfaces is generally dominated by litter and bare soil. Dead shrubs can be abundant due to past land-treatment activities. Soils are poorly drained to moderately well-drained sandy loams or loamy sands. Most observed sites have been on eolian deposits derived from sandstone.
Geographic Range: This association has been observed in western Colorado and eastern Utah, though it is very likely to occur elsewhere in the western U.S. Psathyrostachys juncea is particularly prevalent in northwestern Colorado, as a local seed-producer specialized in this species for revegetation of degraded rangelands.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: CO, ID, NV, UT
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.758071
Confidence Level: Moderate
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: GNA
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.90 Crested Wheatgrass - Cheatgrass - Tall Tumblemustard Western North American Ruderal Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Macrogroup | M499 | 3.B.1.Ne.90 |
| Group | 3.B.1.Ne.90.a Great Basin-Intermountain Ruderal Dry Shrubland & Grassland Group | G600 | 3.B.1.Ne.90.a |
| Alliance | A4213 Sagebrush species - Mixed Shrub Ruderal Understory Shrubland Alliance | A4213 | 3.B.1.Ne.90.a |
| Association | CEGL002185 Wyoming Big Sagebrush / (Crested Wheatgrass, Russian Wildrye) Seeded Grasses Ruderal Shrubland | CEGL002185 | 3.B.1.Ne.90.a |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: = Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis / (Agropyron cristatum, Psathyrostachys juncea) Seeded Grasses Semi-natural Shrubland (Von Loh et al. 2007)
= Wyoming Big Sagebrush / Crested Wheatgrass Semi-natural Shrubland (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis / Agropyron cristatum Semi-natural Shrubland) (Bell et al. 2009)
= Wyoming Big Sagebrush / Crested Wheatgrass Semi-natural Shrubland (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis / Agropyron cristatum Semi-natural Shrubland) (Bell et al. 2009)
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- Western Ecology Working Group of NatureServe. No date. International Ecological Classification Standard: International Vegetation Classification. Terrestrial Vegetation. NatureServe, Boulder, CO.