Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Ponderosa Pine / Apache Plume - Wax Currant Woodland

Colloquial Name: No Data Available

Hierarchy Level:  Association

Type Concept: This woodland 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. Sites occur between 2280 and 2325 m (6850-7625 feet) elevation on gently rolling lava plateaus and collapse features of the Bandera lava flow (the second youngest flow). The ground surface is characterized by exposed, lightly weathered lava rock and scattered litter with vegetation growing primarily from cracks and fissures in the lava flow. These open-canopied (10-30% cover) tall woodlands are dominated by Pinus ponderosa with short-statured conifers such as Juniperus scopulorum and/or Pinus edulis sometimes present in the subcanopy. The understory of this association is characteristically shrubby and dominated by Fallugia paradoxa in combination with more mesic species such as Ribes cereum, Forestiera pubescens, Holodiscus dumosus, and Rhus trilobata. Succulent subshrubs such as Echinocereus coccineus and Opuntia polyacantha can be common. The herbaceous layer is commonly well-represented and can occasionally range as high as 40% total cover with 16 graminoids and 18 forbs recorded for the association. Grasses predominate, with Bouteloua gracilis the most frequent and abundant. Other grass species include Poa fendleriana, Schizachyrium scoparium, Muhlenbergia montana, Carex rossii, Elymus elymoides, and Blepharoneuron tricholepis. Among forbs, Artemisia carruthii, Heterotheca villosa, Brickellia brachyphylla, Glandularia bipinnatifida, and Geranium lentum are the most prevalent.

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