Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Apache Plume - Skunkbush Sumac Shrubland

Colloquial Name: No Data Available

Hierarchy Level:  Association

Type Concept: This shrubland association is currently only known from El Malpais National Monument in New Mexico, and the following description is based on occurrences there. Additional information will be added as it becomes available. This association occurs between 2010 and 2325 m (6600-7630 feet) in elevation on gently rolling lava plateaus. Substrates are mainly derived from McCarty''s lava flow, though occasionally from Bandera or Hoya de Cibola flows. Ground cover is dominated by rock with litter or gravel occasionally well-represented. In this shrubland, stunted and depauperate Pinus edulis and Juniperus scopulorum individuals may be scattered, along with occasional Pinus ponderosa and Juniperus monosperma. Shrubs are the main component of the association in frequency and abundance (ranging up to 40% cover). Fallugia paradoxa is the most frequently occurring and abundant shrub (at all sampling sites); Rhus trilobata occurs as frequently but is not as abundant (relative cover about 2%). A strong component of other mesic shrubs such as Forestiera pubescens, Holodiscus dumosus, and Ribes cereum is characteristic of this association. The herbaceous layer is not abundant, with a mean cover of about 6%; forbs usually predominate. Bouteloua gracilis, Bouteloua curtipendula, Elymus elymoides, and Schizachyrium scoparium are the most frequently occurring graminoids, though cover of any individual species is low. Forbs can range as high as 20% total cover, with Heterotheca villosa the most common species found, followed by Artemisia carruthii.

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