Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Littleleaf Mountain-mahogany - (Sonoran Scrub Oak) Mixed Shrubland

Colloquial Name: No Data Available

Hierarchy Level:  Association

Type Concept: This mixed shrubland association is currently described from Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. More survey and classification work are needed to fully characterize this type. It favors large slickrock expanses punctuated by shallow potholes and depressions filled with sand and typically occurs at 1375 to 1650 m (4500-5300 feet) elevation; however, one stand was sampled as high as 1850 m (6075 feet). This community chiefly occurs on flat to very gentle slopes (1-3°) and seems to show no preference for any particular aspect. Soils are well- to rapidly-drained sandy or silty loams. Sandstone bedrock (37%) dominates the ground cover. Stunted Pinus edulis and Juniperus osteosperma assume shrublike forms and infrequently occur in this shrubland type. Other tall shrubs are essentially absent. A rich and varied short-shrub layer dominated by Cercocarpus intricatus and Quercus turbinella characterizes this association. No other individual species occurs at high cover, although at least 25 different short-shrub species can be present at low individual covers. Ceanothus greggii, Glossopetalon spinescens, Nolina microcarpa, and Rhus trilobata are among the most frequent components of this diverse assemblage. Agave utahensis, Gutierrezia sarothrae, and Artemisia bigelovii are the most frequent dwarf-shrubs, although at least 15 different species can occur. Scattered graminoids occur in fissures in the bedrock and shallow pockets of sandy soil. Aristida purpurea and Tridens muticus occur frequently, while Achnatherum speciosum and Hesperostipa spp. may occur in some stands. Forb cover is very sparse, although forb diversity can be very high; at least 50 different forb species can occur in this association. Hymenopappus filifolius, Eriogonum alatum, Comandra umbellata, Heterotheca villosa, Psilostrophe sparsiflora, Chamaesyce fendleri, and Lesquerella arizonica frequently occur at trace covers.

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