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A2507 Atriplex parryi Wet Shrubland Alliance

Type Concept Sentence: This alliance, currently described only from Death Valley, California, forms an open shrub layer of dominant and characteristic shrub Atriplex parryi. Other shrubs that are often present include Atriplex canescens, Atriplex confertifolia, Cylindropuntia echinocarpa, Psorothamnus polydenius, and Stephanomeria pauciflora. The herb layer is sparse to open.

Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Parry''s Saltbush Wet Shrubland Alliance

Colloquial Name: Parry''s Saltbush Wet Shrubland

Hierarchy Level:  Alliance

Type Concept: This alliance is currently described from Death Valley, California. It forms an open shrub layer and the overall shrub cover ranges from approximately 7 to 15%. The tree layer, if present, is sparse, and the herb layer is sparse to open. Nonvascular plants, if present, are sparse. The dominant and characteristic shrub is Atriplex parryi, and those that are often present include Atriplex canescens, Atriplex confertifolia, Cylindropuntia echinocarpa, Psorothamnus polydenius, and Stephanomeria pauciflora. Herbs that are often present are Achnatherum hymenoides, Cleomella obtusifolia, Dicoria canescens, Distichlis spicata, Salsola spp., and Sporobolus airoides. The alliance occurs at low to high elevations (550-1300 m) in alkaline basins, adjacent sand dunes, and alkaline spring sites of variable slope and aspect. Soils are sand and silt loam derived from conglomerate and dune sand.

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: The alliance forms an open shrub layer and the overall shrub cover ranges from approximately 7 to 15%. The tree layer, if present, is sparse, and the herb layer is sparse to open. Nonvascular plants, if present, are sparse. The dominant and characteristic shrub is Atriplex parryi, and those that are often present include Atriplex canescens, Atriplex confertifolia, Cylindropuntia echinocarpa, Psorothamnus polydenius, and Stephanomeria pauciflora. Herbs that are often present are Achnatherum hymenoides, Cleomella obtusifolia, Dicoria canescens, Distichlis spicata, Salsola spp., and Sporobolus airoides (Evens et al. 2014).

Dynamics:  Atriplex parryi stands are uncommon in the Mojave Desert and Great Basin in alkaline/saline areas also occupied by other Atriplex spp. and Distichlis spicata.
Environmental Description:  The alliance occurs at low to high elevations in alkaline basins, adjacent sand dunes, and alkaline spring sites of variable slope and aspect. Soils are sand and silt loam derived from conglomerate and dune sand (Evens et al. 2014).
Geographic Range: This alliance is currently known from Nevada.

Nations: US

States/Provinces:  CA, NV


Confidence Level: Low - Poorly Documented

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.Nd North American Western Interior Brackish Marsh, Playa & Shrubland Division D036 2.C.5.Nd
Macrogroup 2.C.5.Nd.1 Warm & Cool Desert Alkali-Saline Marsh, Playa & Shrubland Macrogroup M082 2.C.5.Nd.1
Group 2.C.5.Nd.1.b Greasewood - Saltbush species Alkaline-Saline Wet Scrub Group G537 2.C.5.Nd.1.b
Alliance A2507 Parry''s Saltbush Wet Shrubland Alliance A2507 2.C.5.Nd.1.b
Association CEGL002711 Parry''s Saltbush Wet Shrubland CEGL002711 2.C.5.Nd.1.b
Concept Lineage: No Data Available

Predecessors: No Data Available

Obsolete Names: No Data Available

Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: = Atriplex parryi (provisional) Shrubland Alliance (Evens et al. 2014)
Concept Author(s): M.E. Hall, in Faber-Langendoen et al. (2013)

Author of Description: J. Evens et al. (2014)

Acknowledgements: No Data Available

Version Date: 01-10-17
  • Evens, J. M., K. Sikes, D. Hastings, and J. Ratchford. 2014. Vegetation alliance descriptions for Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Death Valley National Park and Mojave National Preserve. Unpublished report submitted to USDI National Park Service, Mojave Desert Network Inventory and Monitoring Program. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, CA.
  • 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.
  • VegCAMP and AIS [Vegetation Classification and Mapping Program and Aerial Information Systems, Inc.]. 2013. 2012 California desert vegetation map and accuracy assessment in support of the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan. Unpublished report to California Department of Fish and Wildlife Renewable Energy Program and the California Energy Commission. California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Vegetation Classification and Mapping Program and Aerial Information Systems, Inc.