Print Report
CEGL005026 Rhus trilobata / Bouteloua curtipendula - Schizachyrium scoparium Shrubland
Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Skunkbush Sumac / Sideoats Grama - Little Bluestem Shrubland
Colloquial Name: Skunkbush Sumac / Sideoats Grama - Little Bluestem Shrubland
Hierarchy Level: Association
Type Concept: This association has been identified in the northern panhandle of Texas but is likely more widespread in the southwestern Great Plains. It occurs on steep talus slopes with large and small boulders scattered across the hillside. Stands are on north-facing slopes and typically have loamy soils. There is a moderate short-shrub canopy dominated by Rhus trilobata with lesser amounts of Dalea formosa, Mimosa borealis, and Yucca glauca. Scrubby trees of Ptelea trifoliata and Celtis laevigata are scattered in this community. Bouteloua curtipendula and Schizachyrium scoparium dominate the moderate to dense herbaceous stratum. Many other herbaceous species, including Andropogon gerardii, Tetraneuris scaposa, Elymus canadensis, and Eriogonum longifolium, can occur in this association, but none are abundant.
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 community is a shrubland dominated by short shrubs up to 2 m in height with an occasional shrub up to 2.5 m. Canopy cover ranges from 25 to 30%. Rhus trilobata is the dominant shrub with lesser amounts of Dalea formosa, Mimosa borealis, Ptelea trifoliata, and occasional shrubby Celtis laevigata. In isolated instances, a few Juniperus monosperma may be observed. The dominant ground layer is mid and tall grasses with Bouteloua curtipendula and Schizachyrium scoparium being the most prevalent species. Grass cover is from 30 to 50%. Forbs are from 5 to 8% of the cover. The main forb species are Artemisia ludoviciana, Calylophus serrulatus, Chaetopappa ericoides (= Leucelene ericoides), Tetraneuris scaposa, and Eriogonum longifolium. This community is generally quite productive considering the steepness of the terrain.
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: The community occurs on talus slopes with large and small rocks on the surface; rock cover ranges from 30-45%. The rocks are dolomite that have broken away from a layer at the top of the slopes. Some of the boulders are quite large. Soils are weathered Permian redbed material and loamy in texture. Slopes range from 25 to 50%. Runoff is rapid. Rock cover influences runoff patterns. Moisture is trapped under and around the exposed rock. East- and north-facing slopes are more heavily shaded, and the vegetation is more diverse and production is greater on these aspects. Natural fire probably played a part in keeping shrubs under control in presettlement times.
Geographic Range: This association is known from the northern panhandle of Texas but is likely more widespread in the southwestern Great Plains.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: TX
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.788032
Confidence Level: Low - Poorly Documented
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: GNR
Greasons: No Data Available
| Type | Name | Database Code | Classification Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class | 2 Shrub & Herb Vegetation Class | C02 | 2 |
| Subclass | 2.B Temperate & Boreal Grassland & Shrubland Subclass | S18 | 2.B |
| Formation | 2.B.2 Temperate Grassland & Shrubland Formation | F012 | 2.B.2 |
| Division | 2.B.2.Nb Central North American Grassland & Shrubland Division | D023 | 2.B.2.Nb |
| Macrogroup | 2.B.2.Nb.2 Needle-and-Thread - Western Wheatgrass - Plains Rough Fescue Grassland Macrogroup | M051 | 2.B.2.Nb.2 |
| Group | 2.B.2.Nb.2.a Little Bluestem - Sideoats Grama - Western Wheatgrass Mixedgrass Prairie Group | G133 | 2.B.2.Nb.2.a |
| Alliance | A4038 Skunkbush Sumac Great Plains Shrubland Alliance | A4038 | 2.B.2.Nb.2.a |
| Association | CEGL005026 Skunkbush Sumac / Sideoats Grama - Little Bluestem Shrubland | CEGL005026 | 2.B.2.Nb.2.a |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: No Data Available
- Fenton, K., J. R. Bell, and D. Wegner. 2007. Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument, Texas. Technical Memorandum No. 86-68260-07-01. Bureau of Reclamation, Denver, CO.
- Midwestern Ecology Working Group of NatureServe. No date. International Ecological Classification Standard: International Vegetation Classification. Terrestrial Vegetation. NatureServe, Minneapolis, MN.