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CEGL002347 Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus Talus Shrubland
Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Yellow Rabbitbrush Talus Shrubland
Colloquial Name: No Data Available
Hierarchy Level: Association
Type Concept: This shrubland association occurs on moderately steep to steep colluvial or talus slopes in the eastern part of the Colorado Plateau. Continually shifting slopes and occasional rockfall tend to maintain this association in early- to mid-seral succession, and fire may also be an important factor. Elevations range from 1489 to 2300 m (4885-7545 feet). The substrate is generally softer sedimentary rocks such as limestone and shale overlain by sandstone colluvium. Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus dominates this community. Other shrubs are generally present, including Artemisia bigelovii, Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis, Atriplex canescens, Atriplex confertifolia, Ericameria nauseosa, Eriogonum corymbosum, Ephedra viridis, Gutierrezia sarothrae, Shepherdia rotundifolia, Xylorhiza glabriuscula, and Zuckia brandegeei. The herbaceous layer tends to reflect the rocky substrate also and is often sparse. Typical species may include Stenotus acaulis, Linanthus pungens, Leymus salinus, Pleuraphis jamesii, and Poa secunda, although in some stands Bromus tectorum is the dominant.
Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: ~Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus Talus Shrubland (CEGL002347)$$ may have comparable species composition to some of the associations listed as Similar Associations, but it is distinct because continually shifting slopes and occasional rockfall tend to maintain this association in early- to mid-seral succession.
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available
Floristics: Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus dominates this community, where chronic downslope movement tends to maintain it in an early-seral condition. Other shrubs are generally present, including Artemisia bigelovii, Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis, Atriplex canescens, Atriplex confertifolia, Ericameria nauseosa, Eriogonum corymbosum, Ephedra viridis, Gutierrezia sarothrae, Shepherdia rotundifolia, Xylorhiza glabriuscula, and Zuckia brandegeei. The herbaceous layer tends to reflect the rocky substrate also and is often sparse. Typical species may include Stenotus acaulis, Linanthus pungens (= Leptodactylon pungens), Leymus salinus, Pleuraphis jamesii, and Poa secunda, although in some stands Bromus tectorum is the dominant.
Dynamics: Continually shifting slopes and occasional rockfall tend to maintain this association in early- to mid-seral succession. One plot was located in a recent burn; fire can be important in maintaining this association. Pinus edulis will eventually invade most stands in the absence of fire.
Environmental Description: This shrubland association occurs on moderately steep to steep colluvial or talus slopes in the eastern part of the Colorado Plateau. Elevations range from 1489 to 2300 m (4885-7545 feet), and stands may occur on slopes oriented to any aspect. Most of the unvegetated ground surface is covered by large loose rocks. The substrate is generally softer sedimentary rocks such as limestone and shale overlain by sandstone colluvium.
Geographic Range: This association is documented from sites in southeastern Utah and western Colorado. It is likely to be locally distributed throughout the Colorado Plateau.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: CO, UT
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.768954
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 | CEGL002347 Yellow Rabbitbrush Talus Shrubland | CEGL002347 | 3.B.1.Ne.6.a |
Concept Lineage: The few plots for this type (CEGL002753) belong in CEGL002799 & CEGL002347, and this one is no longer valid
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: = Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus Talus Shrubland (Clark et al. 2009)
- Clark, D., M. Dela Cruz, T. Clark, J. Coles, S. Topp, A. Evenden, A. Wight, G. Wakefield, and J. Von Loh. 2009. Vegetation classification and mapping project report, Capitol Reef National Park. Natural Resource Report NPS/NCPN/NRTR--2009/187. National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO. 882 pp.
- Coles, J., D. Cogan, D. Salas, A. Wight, G. Wakefield, J. Von Loh, and A. Evenden. 2008a. Vegetation classification and mapping project report, Dinosaur National Monument. Natural Resource Technical Report NPS/NCPN/NRTR-2008/112. National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO. 814 pp.
- Romme, W. H., K. D. Heil, J. M. Porter, and R. Fleming. 1993. Plant communities of Capitol Reef National Park, Utah. USDI National Park Service, Technical Report NPS/NAUCARE/NRTER-93/02. Cooperative Park Studies Unit, Northern Arizona University. 37 pp.
- Tendick, A., J. Coles, K. Decker, M. Hall, J. Von Loh, T. Belote, A. Wight, G. Wakefield, and A. Evenden. 2012. Vegetation classification and mapping project report, Canyonlands National Park. Natural Resource Technical Report NPS/NCPN/NRTR--2012/577. National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO.
- Tendick, A., J. Spence, M. Reid, K. Shulz, G. Kittel, K. Green, A. Wight, and G. Wakefield. 2017. Vegetation classification and mapping project report, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Rainbow Bridge National Monument. Natural Resource Report NPS/NCPN/NRR—2017/1500. National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO. 1464 pp.
- Western Ecology Working Group of NatureServe. No date. International Ecological Classification Standard: International Vegetation Classification. Terrestrial Vegetation. NatureServe, Boulder, CO.