Print Report

G287 Artemisia filifolia - Psorothamnus scoparius Sand Scrub Group

Type Concept Sentence: This scrub group occurs on sandsheets and sandy plains in the Chihuahuan Desert and has an open canopy (10-30% total vegetation cover) that is frequently dominated by Artemisia filifolia or Psorothamnus scoparius often with Atriplex canescens, Ephedra torreyana, Ephedra trifurca, Poliomintha incana, Rhus microphylla, or Larrea tridentata present to codominant.

Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Sand Sagebrush - Broom Smokebush Sand Scrub Group

Colloquial Name: Chihuahuan Desert Sand Scrub

Hierarchy Level:  Group

Type Concept: This group includes the open desert scrub of vegetated coppice dunes and sandy plains found in the Chihuahuan Desert. Stands are usually dominated by Artemisia filifolia or Psorothamnus scoparius that anchor coppice dunes or occur on open sandsheet flats. They may also be dominated or codominated by Atriplex canescens, Ephedra torreyana, Ephedra trifurca, Poliomintha incana, Rhus microphylla, and Larrea tridentata, usually with 10-30% total vegetation cover. Yucca elata, Gutierrezia sarothrae, Bouteloua eriopoda, and Sporobolus flexuosus are commonly present. This group includes degraded sandy desert plains grasslands now dominated by Artemisia filifolia and Prosopis glandulosa.

Diagnostic Characteristics: A sparse to moderately dense (5-30% cover), low-statured shrubland (<2 m tall) dominated by Psorothamnus scoparius or Artemisia filifolia on sandy substrate. Atriplex canescens, Ephedra torreyana, Ephedra trifurca, Poliomintha incana, and Rhus microphylla may also dominate or codominate this coppice dune and sandsheet scrub.

Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available

Classification Comments: Heavy grazing in the late 1800s and early 1900s may have caused this shrubland to increase through degradation of semi-desert grassland on sandy plains. Artemisia filifolia, a dominant and diagnostic species of this group, is a widespread psammophilous shrub that extends into other biogeographic regions, including the Western Great Plains and the Colorado Plateau. Occurrence within the Chihuahuan Desert biogeographic area or presence of Chihuahuan Desert indicator species is diagnostic of stands in this group.

Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: This group is an extremely xeromorphic, deciduous, desert shrubland generally without succulents. It has a sparse to moderately dense (5-30% cover), short-shrub layer (<2 m tall). The understory and inter-shrub spaces are generally sparse or absent of vegetation, but perennial grasses may be moderately abundant on stable sandsheets.

Floristics: Vegetation in this group is usually dominated by Artemisia filifolia or Psorothamnus scoparius that anchor coppice dunes or occur on sandsheets or sandy flats. They may also be dominated or codominated by Atriplex canescens, Ephedra torreyana, Ephedra trifurca, Poliomintha incana, Rhus microphylla, and Larrea tridentata, usually with 10-30% total vegetation cover. Yucca elata, Gutierrezia sarothrae, Bouteloua eriopoda, and Sporobolus flexuosus are commonly present. Other common herbaceous species include Abronia spp., Achnatherum hymenoides, Heliotropium convolvulaceum, Muhlenbergia pungens, and Penstemon ambiguus. In northern stands, Prosopis glandulosa becomes less common or absent. This group includes degraded sandy desert plains grasslands now dominated by Artemisia filifolia and Prosopis glandulosa.

Dynamics:  Artemisia filifolia is common on sites with coarse, deep sand (S. Yanoff pers. comm. 2007). These sites are also more susceptible to grazing pressure. It is important to differentiate between (1) coppice dunes / associated interdune and (2) sandsheets. Invasive mesquite dominates on coppice dunes, especially where the interdune contains an argillic horizon layer with increased clay content. Mesquite produces large taproots and long lateral roots which enable it to extract moisture from deeper depths and the associated interdune. On sandsheets, as noted by Steven Yanoff (pers. comm.), sandsage dominates. These soils are typically deeper and coarser textured (sand and loamy sand). The coarse texture allows rapid infiltration and helps decrease wicking of soil moisture to the surface via capillary rise. Most associations listed in this group are common on sandsheets (Artemisia filifolia, Psorothamnus scoparius, and Rhus microphylla) with invasive ~Prosopis glandulosa / Atriplex canescens Ruderal Shrubland (CEGL001382)$$ occurring on coppice dunes / interdune areas and ~Prosopis glandulosa / Sporobolus flexuosus Ruderal Shrubland (CEGL001386)$$ occurring in both habitats.
Environmental Description:  This group includes the open desert scrub of vegetated coppice dunes and sandsheets found in the Chihuahuan Desert. It often occurs on the lee sides of large playas in basins where sand accumulates, but may include deep sandy plains.
Geographic Range: This desert scrub group occurs on dunes and sandsheets found in the Chihuahuan Desert.

Nations: MX,US

States/Provinces:  AZ, MXCHH, NM, TX, UT


Confidence Level: Moderate

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.A Warm Desert & Semi-Desert Woodland, Scrub & Grassland Subclass S06 3.A
Formation 3.A.2 Warm Desert & Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Formation F015 3.A.2
Division 3.A.2.Na North American Warm Desert Scrub & Grassland Division D039 3.A.2.Na
Macrogroup 3.A.2.Na.2 Creosotebush - American Tarwort - Mesquite species Chihuahuan Desert Scrub Macrogroup M086 3.A.2.Na.2
Group 3.A.2.Na.2.c Sand Sagebrush - Broom Smokebush Sand Scrub Group G287 3.A.2.Na.2.c
Alliance A3136 Sand Sagebrush Desert Sand Scrub Alliance A3136 3.A.2.Na.2.c
Alliance A3137 Broom Smokebush - Frosted Mint - Littleleaf Sumac Desert Sand Scrub Alliance A3137 3.A.2.Na.2.c
Concept Lineage: No Data Available

Predecessors: No Data Available

Obsolete Names: No Data Available

Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: < MLRA 42 - Southern Desertic Basin (SD-1) Deep Sand (NRCS 2006a)
< MLRA 42 - Southern Desertic Basin (SD-1) Sandy (NRCS 2006a)
< MLRA 42 - Southern Desertic Basin (SD-2) Deep Sand (NRCS 2006a)
< MLRA 42 - Southern Desertic Basin (SD-2) Sandy (NRCS 2006a)
Concept Author(s): D.E. Brown, C.H. Lowe, and C.P. Pase (1979)

Author of Description: K.A. Schulz and E. Muldavin

Acknowledgements: E. Muldavin

Version Date: 11-05-15
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