Print Report
CEGL005382 Gutierrezia sarothrae / Bouteloua gracilis Dwarf-shrub Grassland
Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Broom Snakeweed / Blue Grama Dwarf-shrub Grassland
Colloquial Name: No Data Available
Hierarchy Level: Association
Type Concept: This grassland association is known to occur in the mountains of northern New Mexico. It most commonly occurs on gently rolling mesatops, terraces, and occasionally along canyon footslopes (4-10% slopes) on sites with moderate solar exposure. Elevation ranges from 1670 to 2230 m (5470-7310 feet). Soils are primarily fine-textured Alfisols derived from eolian or slope alluvium deposits over rhyolitic tuff residuum, or occasionally well-developed Mollisols derived from pumice slope alluvium. The ground surface is characterized by bunchgrass patches in a matrix of exposed soil and litter with little or no gravel or rock. The vegetation within this association is characterized by abundant to luxuriant grass cover dominated by Bouteloua gracilis (30-60%). Other common grasses may include Elymus elymoides, Pleuraphis jamesii, and Sporobolus cryptandrus. While forbs are typically poorly represented, the ruderal subshrub Gutierrezia sarothrae can be dominant and reach up to 30% cover. Ruderal succulents such as Opuntia phaeacantha or Opuntia polyacantha may also be common. Trees are absent or represented by scattered individuals of Juniperus monosperma or Pinus edulis, mostly as seedlings or saplings.
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: Vegetation is characterized by abundant to luxuriant grass cover dominated by Bouteloua gracilis (30-60%). Other common grasses are Pleuraphis jamesii, Elymus elymoides, and Sporobolus cryptandrus. While forbs are typically poorly represented, the ruderal subshrub Gutierrezia sarothrae can be dominant and reach up to 30% cover. Ruderal succulents such as Opuntia polyacantha or Opuntia phaeacantha are also common. Trees are absent or represented by scattered individuals of Juniperus monosperma or Pinus edulis, mostly as seedlings or saplings.
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: This association most commonly occurs on gently rolling mesatops, terraces, and occasionally along canyon footslopes (4-10% slopes) on sites with moderate solar exposure. Elevation ranges from 1670 to 2230 m (5470-7310 feet). Soils are primarily fine-textured Alfisols derived from eolian or slope alluvium deposits over rhyolitic tuff residuum, or occasionally well-developed Mollisols derived from pumice slope alluvium (Hibner 2009). The ground surface is characterized by bunchgrass patches in a matrix of exposed soil and litter with little or no gravel or rock.
Geographic Range: This grassland association is known to occur in the mountains of northern New Mexico.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: NM
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.821422
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.1 Yellow Rabbitbrush - Blackbrush / Indian Ricegrass Dry Shrubland & Grassland Macrogroup | M171 | 3.B.1.Ne.1 |
| Group | 3.B.1.Ne.1.d Yellow Rabbitbrush - Rubber Rabbitbrush - Winterfat Steppe & Shrubland Group | G310 | 3.B.1.Ne.1.d |
| Alliance | A3203 Broom Snakeweed - Threadleaf Snakeweed Dwarf-shrubland Alliance | A3203 | 3.B.1.Ne.1.d |
| Association | CEGL005382 Broom Snakeweed / Blue Grama Dwarf-shrub Grassland | CEGL005382 | 3.B.1.Ne.1.d |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: No Data Available
- Francis, R. E. 1986. Phyto-edaphic communities of the Upper Rio Puerco Watershed, New Mexico. Research Paper RM-272. USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Fort Collins, CO. 73 pp.
- Hibner, C. D. 2009. Special project soil survey of Bandelier National Monument. Natural Resources Conservation Science. In cooperation with the USDI National Park Service and the New Mexico Agricultural Experiment Station. [in review]
- Muldavin, E., A. Kennedy, C. Jackson, P. Neville, T. Neville, K. Schulz, and M. Reid. 2011b. Vegetation classification and map: Bandelier National Monument. Natural Resource Technical Report NPS/SCPN/NRTR--2011/438. National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO.
- Western Ecology Working Group of NatureServe. No date. International Ecological Classification Standard: International Vegetation Classification. Terrestrial Vegetation. NatureServe, Boulder, CO.