Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Fendler''s Ceanothus / Muttongrass Shrub-Steppe

Colloquial Name: No Data Available

Hierarchy Level:  Association

Type Concept: This Fendler''s buckbrush shrubland association is currently described from Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. More survey and classification work are needed to fully characterize this type. It occurs in areas that have experienced somewhat recent high-intensity fires, and typically occurs within a matrix of live Pinus ponderosa woodlands. It occurs from 2440 to 2575 m (8000-8422 feet) elevation on the high-level plateau or upper sideslopes, typically on south- or southeast-facing aspects. Slopes are usually gentle (1-7°) but can occasionally be much steeper (up to 27°). Soils are characterized by silty or sandy loams. Tree cover is essentially absent in this association, as sites have experienced stand-replacing fire events; however, scattered Pinus ponderosa occasionally persist. Ceanothus fendleri dominates the shrub component and can occur as either a short shrub or dwarf-shrub. No other shrub species are consistently present or comprise significant cover. Poa fendleriana dominates the herbaceous layer, while Bromus tectorum and Elymus elymoides also occur frequently. A variety of forbs occur at low cover, including the fire-loving Erigeron divergens, Gayophytum diffusum, Chenopodium sp., Conyza canadensis, and Epilobium brachycarpum. Heterotheca villosa and Solidago velutina occur fairly consistently and with substantial cover values.

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