Common (Translated Scientific) Name: New Mexico Locust / Sun Sedge Shrubland

Colloquial Name: No Data Available

Hierarchy Level:  Association

Type Concept: This association is only known to occur at Bandelier National Monument in north-central New Mexico. The current description is based on data received from there and will be updated when additional inventory data are available. This mid-elevation association occurs on sites with moderate to high solar exposure that increases with elevation. Stands occur on gentle to moderate slopes (5-20%) including rolling mesatops and mountain shoulder slopes, and occasionally on steep canyon or mountain slopes (>40%). Soils are primarily well-developed Mollisols derived from pumice, or occasionally fine-textured Alfisols derived from eolian deposits over rhyolitic tuff residuum. The ground surface is typically characterized by scattered bunchgrasses amid litter, pumice gravel, or exposed soil. Elevation ranges between 2020 and 2550 m (6640-8370 feet). This montane shrubland typically occurs in burned areas that once supported pine and mixed conifer forests. Shrub cover can exceed 80% and is dominated by deciduous broadleaf Robinia neomexicana. Quercus gambelii is absent or accidental, and other shrubs such as Ceanothus fendleri and Rosa woodsii are uncommon. Tree seedlings and saplings (Abies concolor, Pinus ponderosa, and Pseudotsuga menziesii) can be present. The herbaceous layer richness is moderate, but variable in cover (5-80%). Diagnostic and often abundant graminoids include Carex inops ssp. heliophila and other deer sedges (Carex geophila, Carex occidentalis, and Carex rossii). Common associates include Koeleria macrantha and Poa fendleriana. On sites that have been seeded following fire, common to abundant species may include Agropyron cristatum, Bromus inermis, Elymus trachycaulus, and Pascopyrum smithii, among others. While forbs are diverse, composition is variable from stand to stand, and cover is usually less than 10%.

Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available

Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available

Classification Comments: ~Robinia neomexicana / Thalictrum fendleri Shrubland (CEGL001125)$$ is similar to this association, but it is likely relatively mesic with the herbaceous layer dominated by forbs such as Thalictrum fendleri rather than dry sedges such as Carex inops ssp. heliophila. More survey is needed to fully clarify classification concept.

Similar NVC Types: No Data Available

note: No Data Available