Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Fendler''s Ceanothus / Mountain Muhly 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 low to moderate solar exposure (mostly northerly aspects). Typically these stands are found on gently rolling mesatops (5-15% slope), though occasionally they can be found on moderately steep mesa sideslopes (30% slope). Soils are primarily well-developed loamy Mollisols derived from pumice or rhyolitic tuff aslope alluvium or colluvium parent materials, or on occasion, fine-textured Alfisols developed from eolian deposits over rhyolitic tuff parent materials. The ground surface is characterized by scattered patches of exposed soil and herbaceous litter amid an abundant herbaceous layer. Elevation ranges between 2200 and 2330 m (7210-7630 feet). A well-represented shrub canopy dominated by Ceanothus fendleri is characteristic of these mesatop shrublands. Quercus gambelii and Robinia neomexicana are frequent associates, but are usually poorly represented and are clearly not dominant. Scattered Pinus ponderosa saplings and mature trees can occur, but cover is less than 10%. The herbaceous layer can be luxuriant, reaching higher than 80% total cover, with Muhlenbergia montana diagnostic and predominant. Codominants often include Muhlenbergia wrightii, Pascopyrum smithii, or Schizachyrium scoparium. Forb cover is highly variable from stand to stand, but Artemisia carruthii is most commonly found.

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