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CEGL005113 Ephedra (torreyana, viridis) / Mixed Semi-Desert Grasses Shrubland
Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: (Torrey''s Joint-fir, Mormon-tea) / Mixed Semi-Desert Grasses Shrubland
Colloquial Name: No Data Available
Hierarchy Level: Association
Type Concept: This shrubland association is currently described from Grand Canyon National Park and Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument in Arizona. More survey and classification work are needed to fully characterize this type. It typically occurs on sideslopes at 950 to 1400 m (3125-4600 feet) elevation, but can be found as low as 775 m (2600 feet). It is primarily found on moderate gradients (15-22°) and southern aspects, but is also occasionally found on steeper slopes (30-35°). Soils are rapidly-drained silty or sandy loams. Vegetation is characterized by the dominance of the short shrub Ephedra torreyana together with a well-developed mixed-species graminoid understory. Tall shrubs are absent. The short-shrub layer also occasionally includes Encelia resinifera, Rhus trilobata, and Ephedra viridis. Gutierrezia sarothrae and Opuntia polyacantha are common components of the dwarf-shrub stratum. A rich and varied graminoid understory that includes Muhlenbergia porteri, Bouteloua eriopoda, and Tridens muticus characterizes this association. Pleuraphis jamesii occasionally occurs, as do Achnatherum speciosum, Dasyochloa pulchella, and Aristida purpurea. The non-native Bromus rubens also occurs in most stands. Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia, Artemisia ludoviciana, Eriogonum inflatum, and Acourtia wrightii occasionally occur in the forb understory.
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
Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available
Floristics: No Data Available
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: No Data Available
Geographic Range: This shrubland association is currently known from Grand Canyon National Park and Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument in Arizona. More survey work is needed to fully document its global range.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: AZ
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.840571
Confidence Level: Low
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.B Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Subclass | S11 | 3.B |
Formation | 3.B.1 Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Formation | F033 | 3.B.1 |
Division | 3.B.1.Ne Western North American Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Division | D040 | 3.B.1.Ne |
Macrogroup | 3.B.1.Ne.1 Yellow Rabbitbrush - Blackbrush / Indian Ricegrass Dry Shrubland & Grassland Macrogroup | M171 | 3.B.1.Ne.1 |
Group | 3.B.1.Ne.1.b Blackbrush - Cutler''s Joint-fir - Torrey''s Joint-fir Colorado Plateau Shrubland Group | G312 | 3.B.1.Ne.1.b |
Alliance | A2572 Torrey''s Joint-fir Shrubland Alliance | A2572 | 3.B.1.Ne.1.b |
Association | CEGL005113 (Torrey''s Joint-fir, Mormon-tea) / Mixed Semi-Desert Grasses Shrubland | CEGL005113 | 3.B.1.Ne.1.b |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: = Ephedra (torreyana, viridis) / Mixed Semi-desert Grasses Shrubland (Reid and Hall 2010)
- Kearsley, M. J. C., K. Green, M. Tukman, M. Reid, M. Hall, T. J. Ayers, and K. Christie. 2015. Grand Canyon National Park-Grand Canyon / Parashant National Monument vegetation classification and mapping project. Natural Resource Report NPS/GRCA/NRR--2015/913. National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO. 75 pp. plus appendices.
- Reid, M. S., and M. E. Hall. 2010. Vegetation classification of Grand Canyon National Park. Draft report submitted to National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO.
- Western Ecology Working Group of NatureServe. No date. International Ecological Classification Standard: International Vegetation Classification. Terrestrial Vegetation. NatureServe, Boulder, CO.