Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Sonoran Scrub Oak - (Skunkbush Sumac, Big Sagebrush) Shrubland

Colloquial Name: No Data Available

Hierarchy Level:  Association

Type Concept: This scrub oak shrubland association is currently known from Grand Canyon National Park and Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument in Arizona, and the description is based on occurrences there. More survey and classification work are needed to fully characterize this type. It occurs on sideslopes, plateaus, and in drainages, often in areas with large amounts of exposed bedrock. This association typically occurs from 1050 to 1475 m (3500-4825 feet) elevation, but can occur as high as 1850 m (6050 feet). It is typically found on gentle to moderate gradients (up to 20°), but can sometimes occur on steeper slopes (23-35°), across all aspects, besides those with northern exposures. Soils are well- to rapidly-drained silty or sandy loams. The underlying geology is typically limestone or sandstone. Vegetation is strongly dominated by the short shrub Quercus turbinella, which can be very dense (up to 60% cover). Trees are essentially absent; however, Pinus edulis and Juniperus osteosperma very rarely occur. Tall shrubs are also essentially absent. The short-shrub layer commonly includes Rhus trilobata and Yucca baccata. Other chaparral shrub species, including Purshia stansburiana, Ceanothus greggii, and Bernardia myricifolia, occur less commonly. Gutierrezia sarothrae and Agave utahensis are fairly common in the dwarf-shrub layer. Achnatherum speciosum, Poa fendleriana, Aristida purpurea, and Bromus rubens are the most frequent graminoids, although graminoid composition varies among stands. A variety of species sporadically occur in a very sparse and inconsistent forb layer.

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