Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Mountain Muhly - Little Bluestem Grassland

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 solar exposure (mostly northerly aspects). Stands generally occur on gently rolling mesatops (4-10%) and occasionally on moderately steep mesa toeslopes (25%). Soils are primarily mapped as well-developed Mollisols derived from rhyolitic tuff or pumice slope alluvium, or occasionally as fine-textured Alfisols derived from eolian deposits over rhyolitic tuff residuum. The ground surface is typically characterized by bunchgrasses with inter-grass spaces covered with leaf litter or some exposed soil. Elevation ranges between 2200 and 2360 m (7220-7740 feet). This montane grassland association is characterized by abundant to luxuriant growth of Muhlenbergia montana with Schizachyrium scoparium as a codominant. Bouteloua gracilis and Andropogon gerardii are also common associates. Total grass cover can approach 50%. Forbs are typically well-represented in these grasslands and most frequently include Artemisia carruthii and Heterotheca villosa. Among trees, scattered Pinus ponderosa saplings and mature trees can occur, but cover is less than 10%. Shrubs are also poorly represented, but Quercus gambelii and Robinia neomexicana may be common.

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