Print Report
M077 Great Plains Saline Wet Meadow & Marsh Macrogroup
Type Concept Sentence: This macrogroup consists of graminoid-dominated saline shallow depressions and mudflats dominated by Distichlis spicata, Hordeum jubatum, Pascopyrum smithii, or Salicornia rubra, as well as other flood- and saline-tolerant species. It occurs throughout the Great Plains from southern Canada to the panhandle of Texas and west into the plains of Montana, Wyoming and Colorado.
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Great Plains Saline Wet Meadow & Marsh Macrogroup
Colloquial Name: Great Plains Saline Wet Meadow & Marsh
Hierarchy Level: Macrogroup
Type Concept: This macrogroup covers graminoid-dominated saline shallow depressions and mudflats found throughout the Great Plains. The most abundant species at a site typically include Distichlis spicata or Hordeum jubatum. Other common associates or dominants are Atriplex patula, Eleocharis spp., Iva annua, Pascopyrum smithii, Poa arida, Puccinellia nuttalliana, Salicornia rubra, Bolboschoenus maritimus, Sporobolus airoides, and Suaeda calceoliformis. Soils are saline and any standing water is brackish. This macrogroup occurs throughout the Great Plains from southern Canada to the panhandle of Texas and west into the plains of Montana, Wyoming and Colorado.
Diagnostic Characteristics: Sites in this macrogroup are intermittently to seasonally flooded, dominated by short to medium-tall graminoids, on saline soils.
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: Stands are dominated by short to medium-tall herbaceous species, usually graminoids.
Floristics: This macrogroup is dominated by herbaceous, usually graminoid, species. The most abundant species include Distichlis spicata or Hordeum jubatum. Other common associates or dominants are Atriplex patula, Eleocharis spp., Iva annua, Pascopyrum smithii, Poa arida, Puccinellia nuttalliana, Salicornia rubra, Bolboschoenus maritimus (= Schoenoplectus maritimus), Sporobolus airoides, and Suaeda calceoliformis.
Dynamics: Variations in water and salinity levels have a strong impact on this macrogroup. Abundant plant species within this macrogroup are tolerant of moderate salinity and periodic flooding. Increases in precipitation will prolong the flooding period and dilute salt concentrations, allowing other species to encroach.
Environmental Description: This macrogroup occurs in shallow basins and mudflats that have seasonal periodic flooding. Sites may dry out by the end of the growing season. Soils are saline and create brackish water. Salt brought to the surface by water that later evaporates may form crusts.
Geographic Range: This macrogroup occurs throughout the Great Plains from southern Canada to the panhandle of Texas and west into the plains of Montana, Wyoming and Colorado. The eastern limit of this macrogroup is in western Minnesota, eastern Nebraska, northwestern Missouri, and eastern Kansas. Rare saline marshes in the southern and eastern Great Lakes area are also included in this macrogroup.
Nations: CA,MX?,US
States/Provinces: CO, IL, KS, MB?, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NV?, OK, ON, QC, SD, SK, TX, WY
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.860569
Confidence Level: High
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: GNR
Greasons: No Data Available
| Type | Name | Database Code | Classification Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class | 2 Shrub & Herb Vegetation Class | C02 | 2 |
| Subclass | 2.C Shrub & Herb Wetland Subclass | S44 | 2.C |
| Formation | 2.C.5 Salt Marsh Formation | F035 | 2.C.5 |
| Division | 2.C.5.Na North American Great Plains Saline Marsh Division | D033 | 2.C.5.Na |
| Macrogroup | 2.C.5.Na.1 Great Plains Saline Wet Meadow & Marsh Macrogroup | M077 | 2.C.5.Na.1 |
| Group | 2.C.5.Na.1.a Saltgrass - Foxtail Barley - Western Wheatgrass Great Plains Saline Wet Meadow & Marsh Group | G324 | 2.C.5.Na.1.a |
| Group | 2.C.5.Na.1.b Western Great Plains Saline Wet Meadow Group | G534 | 2.C.5.Na.1.b |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: No Data Available
- Faber-Langendoen, D., J. Drake, S. Gawler, M. Hall, C. Josse, G. Kittel, S. Menard, C. Nordman, M. Pyne, M. Reid, L. Sneddon, K. Schulz, J. Teague, M. Russo, K. Snow, and P. Comer, editors. 2010-2019a. Divisions, Macrogroups and Groups for the Revised U.S. National Vegetation Classification. NatureServe, Arlington, VA. plus appendices. [in preparation]