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A0303 Sapindus saponaria Desert Wash Scrub Alliance
Type Concept Sentence: This alliance is very lush cover of the tall shrub/small tree Sapindus saponaria, often with many other shrubs and vines present in dry washes and intermittent stream channels in northern Arizona and New Mexico.
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Wingleaf Soapberry Desert Wash Scrub Alliance
Colloquial Name: Wingleaf Soapberry Desert Wash Scrub
Hierarchy Level: Alliance
Type Concept: These lush patches are dominated by Sapindus saponaria, which is clonal. Other shrub species that may be present include Celtis laevigata var. reticulata, Mahonia fremontii, Morus microphylla, Prunus serotina, Ptelea trifoliata var. angustifolia, and Rhus trilobata. The vine layer is typically present with 25-60% cover and is dominated by Vitis arizonica. This alliance occurs within intermittent stream channels and washes of Arizona and New Mexico at 1100-1500 m in elevation. Soils are sandy and can be saline. Shallow water tables support this phreatophytic alliance.
Diagnostic Characteristics: Dominance of a short- to tall-shrub layer by Sapindus saponaria in washes and intermittent streambeds.
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: This alliance is dominated by broad-leaved, rounded-crowned, cold-deciduous trees.
Floristics: Vegetation types within this alliance are classified as temporarily flooded, cold-deciduous forests. The tree subcanopy can range from open to dense with 60-100% cover of Sapindus saponaria and Juglans major. Other trees present in the tree subcanopy can include Arbutus xalapensis (= Arbutus texana) or Juniperus deppeana. The tall- and short-shrub layers are present with 25-60% cover and can include Celtis laevigata var. reticulata (= Celtis reticulata), Mahonia fremontii (= Berberis fremontii), Morus microphylla, Prunus serotina, Ptelea trifoliata var. angustifolia (= Ptelea angustifolia), and Rhus trilobata. The vine layer is typically present with 25-60% cover and is dominated by Vitis arizonica. The herbaceous layer is present; common herbaceous species include Bouteloua curtipendula, Brickellia brachyphylla, Chenopodium album, Croton pottsii, Elymus elymoides (= Sitanion hystrix), and Phaseolus filiformis (= Phaseolus wrightii) (Szaro 1989).
Dynamics: Brown (1982a) states that the mixed broad-leaved series reflects a contraction of the formerly widespread, Early Tertiary mixed mesophytic forest. These riparian forests are vernally adapted to Early Tertiary climates and have retreated to pockets where the warm temperate (ancient) climate persists. Brown also states that these communities have been reduced in distribution and size due to the alterations of streamflow in the American Southwest.
Environmental Description: Vegetation types within this alliance occur at lower elevations, 1100 to 1500 m, in the American Southwest. Detailed information on landforms, soils, and adjacent vegetation is needed.
Geographic Range: This alliance occurs in Arizona and New Mexico.
Nations: MX?,US
States/Provinces: AZ, NM
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.898977
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.A Warm Desert & Semi-Desert Woodland, Scrub & Grassland Subclass | S06 | 3.A |
| Formation | 3.A.2 Warm Desert & Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Formation | F015 | 3.A.2 |
| Division | 3.A.2.Na North American Warm Desert Scrub & Grassland Division | D039 | 3.A.2.Na |
| Macrogroup | 3.A.2.Na.7 North American Warm-Desert Xeric-Riparian Scrub Macrogroup | M092 | 3.A.2.Na.7 |
| Group | 3.A.2.Na.7.a Desert-willow - Apache Plume - Desert Almond Desert Wash & Colluvial Slope Group | G541 | 3.A.2.Na.7.a |
| Alliance | A0303 Wingleaf Soapberry Desert Wash Scrub Alliance | A0303 | 3.A.2.Na.7.a |
| Association | CEGL000557 Wingleaf Soapberry - Arizona Walnut Scrub | CEGL000557 | 3.A.2.Na.7.a |
Concept Lineage: equivalent to A.303
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: ? Interior and Californian Riparian Deciduous Forests and Woodlands (Brown 1982a) [within Warm-Temperate Wetlands.]
? Mixed Broadleaf Series (Brown 1982a)
? Mixed Broadleaf Series (Brown 1982a)
- Brown, D. E., editor. 1982a. Biotic communities of the American Southwest-United States and Mexico. Desert Plants Special Issue 4(1-4):1-342.
- Faber-Langendoen, D., J. Drake, M. Hall, G. Kittel, S. Menard, C. Nordman, M. Pyne, M. Reid, M. Russo, K. Schulz, L. Sneddon, K. Snow, and J. Teague. 2013-2019b. Screening alliances for induction into the U.S. National Vegetation Classification: Part 1 - Alliance concept review. NatureServe, Arlington, VA.
- Szaro, R. C. 1989. Riparian forest and scrubland community types of Arizona and New Mexico. Desert Plants Special Issue 9(3-4):70-139.