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CEGL003762 Atriplex confertifolia / Sporobolus cryptandrus Shrubland
Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Shadscale Saltbush / Sand Dropseed Shrubland
Colloquial Name: No Data Available
Hierarchy Level: Association
Type Concept: This xeric, alkaline shrub association occurs on hillsides, dry stream terraces and benches. Sites are flat to moderately steep (up to 30% slopes) often on southwestern aspects. Soils are rapidly drained sandy loams and silty clays derived from alluvium. Total vegetation cover ranges from 8 to 40%. The vegetation is characterized by an open canopy of Atriplex confertifolia and an understory dominated by the bunchgrass Sporobolus cryptandrus. Associated shrubs include Opuntia polyacantha and Sclerocactus whipplei. Associated herbaceous species include the annual exotic Bromus tectorum and the short bunchgrass Muhlenbergia pungens. Forbs occasionally present include Cryptantha crassisepala, Erodium cicutarium, Gaillardia pinnatifida, Plantago patagonica, and Streptanthella longirostris. Biological soil crusts provide up to 25% cover.
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: The vegetation is characterized by an open canopy of Atriplex confertifolia and an understory dominated by the bunchgrass Sporobolus cryptandrus. Associated shrubs include Opuntia polyacantha and Sclerocactus whipplei. Associated herbaceous species include the annual exotic Bromus tectorum and the short bunchgrass Muhlenbergia pungens. Forbs occasionally present include Cryptantha crassisepala, Erodium cicutarium, Gaillardia pinnatifida, Plantago patagonica, and Streptanthella longirostris. Biological soil crusts provide up to 25% cover.
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: This xeric, alkaline shrub association occurs on hillsides, dry stream terraces and benches. Sites are flat to moderately steep (up to 30% slopes) often on southwestern aspects. Soils are rapidly drained sandy loams and silty clays derived from alluvium. Total vegetation cover ranges from 8 to 40%.
Geographic Range: This association is known from Arches National Park but likely is widespread in the canyonlands of the Colorado Plateau in eastern Utah and may be similar to shadscale types in Nevada.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: UT
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.791958
Confidence Level: Low - Poorly Documented
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.5 Shadscale Saltbush - Fourwing Saltbush - Mat Saltbush Great Basin Scrub Macrogroup | M093 | 3.B.1.Ne.5 |
| Group | 3.B.1.Ne.5.b Shadscale Saltbush - Fourwing Saltbush - Spiny Hopsage Scrub Group | G300 | 3.B.1.Ne.5.b |
| Alliance | A0870 Shadscale Saltbush Scrub Alliance | A0870 | 3.B.1.Ne.5.b |
| Association | CEGL003762 Shadscale Saltbush / Sand Dropseed Shrubland | CEGL003762 | 3.B.1.Ne.5.b |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: = Atriplex confertifolia / Sporobolus cryptandrus Shrubland (Coles et al. 2009a)
= Atriplex confertifolia Community (Blackburn et al. 1968c)
= Atriplex confertifolia Community (Blackburn et al. 1968c)
- Blackburn, W. H., P. T. Tueller, and R. E. Eckert, Jr. 1968c. Vegetation and soils of the Duckwater watershed. Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin R-40. University of Nevada, Reno. 76 pp.
- Coles, J., A. Tendick, G. Manis, A. Wight, G. Wakefield, J. Von Loh, and A. Evenden. 2009a. Vegetation classification and mapping project report, Arches National Park. Natural Resource Technical Report NPS/NCPN/NRTR--2009/253. National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO. 544 pp.
- Western Ecology Working Group of NatureServe. No date. International Ecological Classification Standard: International Vegetation Classification. Terrestrial Vegetation. NatureServe, Boulder, CO.