Print Report

A2515 Menodora spinescens Scrub Alliance

Type Concept Sentence: This xeromorphic upland shrubland alliance occurs locally in the Mojave Desert and southern Great Basin and is characterized by an open, xeromorphic, short-shrub layer (0.5-2 m tall) that is dominated or codominated by Menodora spinescens. Other shrubs and dwarf-shrubs are present.

Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Spiny Menodora Scrub Alliance

Colloquial Name: Spiny Menodora Scrub

Hierarchy Level:  Alliance

Type Concept: This upland shrubland alliance occurs locally in the Mojave Desert and southern Great Basin. The vegetation is characterized by an open, xeromorphic, short-shrub layer (0.5-2 m tall) that is dominated or codominated by Menodora spinescens. Other shrubs and dwarf-shrubs present may include Picrothamnus desertorum, Atriplex confertifolia, Coleogyne ramosissima, Ephedra nevadensis, Hymenoclea salsola, Krascheninnikovia lanata, Lepidium fremontii, Lycium andersonii, Sphaeralcea ambigua, and Tetradymia axillaris. Emergent Yucca brevifolia may be scattered through the stand with very low cover (<1% cover) Herbaceous cover is sparse or absent. Stands are found on ridges, hills, slopes and upper bajadas. Elevation ranges from 900 to 1500 m. Substrates are shallow, rocky soils derived from bedrock or alluvium.

Diagnostic Characteristics: Menodora spinescens >=2% cover, no other single shrub species with greater cover although many others may be present (Thomas et al. 2004).

Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available

Classification Comments: This description is based on classification work done by Keeler-Wolf and Thomas (2000) on the Mojave Ecosystem Mapping Project.

Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available

Floristics: The vegetation in this alliance is characterized by an open, xeromorphic, short-shrub layer (0.5-2 m tall) that is dominated or codominated by Menodora spinescens, usually with other shrubs such as Atriplex confertifolia, Ephedra nevadensis, and Grayia spinosa present to codominant (Keeler-Wolf and Thomas 2000, Thomas et al. 2004, Sawyer et al. 2009). Other shrubs and dwarf-shrubs present may include Coleogyne ramosissima, Hymenoclea salsola (= Ambrosia salsola), Krascheninnikovia lanata, Lepidium fremontii, Lycium andersonii, Picrothamnus desertorum (= Artemisia spinescens), Sphaeralcea ambigua, and Tetradymia axillaris. Emergent Yucca brevifolia may be scattered through the stand with very low cover (<1% cover). Herbaceous cover is sparse or absent (Keeler-Wolf and Thomas 2000, Thomas et al. 2004, Sawyer et al. 2009).

Dynamics:  Keeler-Wolf and Thomas (2000) suggest that this alliance is intolerant of disturbance and occurs on relatively stable sites. Effects of fire patterns are unknown but likely detrimental. Menodora spinescens is apparently frost sensitive, despite its occupation of mid-elevation sites.
Environmental Description:  This xeromorphic upland shrubland alliance occurs locally in the Mojave Desert and southern Great Basin. Elevation ranges from 900 to 1500 m. Stands are found on ridges, hills, slopes and upper bajadas. Substrates are shallow, rocky soils derived from bedrock or alluvium (Keeler-Wolf and Thomas 2000, Thomas et al. 2004, Sawyer et al. 2009).
Geographic Range: This alliance is found in the Mojave Desert and extends into the southwestern Great Basin.

Nations: US

States/Provinces:  CA, NV


Confidence Level: Low - Poorly Documented

Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: G4

Greasons: No Data Available
Type Name Database Code Classification Code
Class 3 Desert & Semi-Desert Class C03 3
Subclass 3.B Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Subclass S11 3.B
Formation 3.B.1 Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Formation F033 3.B.1
Division 3.B.1.Ne Western North American Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Division D040 3.B.1.Ne
Macrogroup 3.B.1.Ne.1 Yellow Rabbitbrush - Blackbrush / Indian Ricegrass Dry Shrubland & Grassland Macrogroup M171 3.B.1.Ne.1
Group 3.B.1.Ne.1.a Joshua Tree - Eastern Mojave Buckwheat - Rough Joint-fir Mixed Desert Scrub Group G296 3.B.1.Ne.1.a
Alliance A2515 Spiny Menodora Scrub Alliance A2515 3.B.1.Ne.1.a
Association CEGL001349 Spiny Hopsage - Spiny Menodora Shrubland CEGL001349 3.B.1.Ne.1.a
Association CEGL002767 Spiny Menodora - (Nevada Joint-fir) Dwarf-shrubland CEGL002767 3.B.1.Ne.1.a
Association CEGL005769 Spiny Menodora - Shadscale Saltbush Scrub CEGL005769 3.B.1.Ne.1.a
Concept Lineage: No Data Available

Predecessors: No Data Available

Obsolete Names: No Data Available

Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: = Menodora spinescens (Spiny menodora scrub) Alliance (Sawyer et al. 2009) [33.290.00]
= Menodora spinescens (Provisional) Shrubland Alliance (Keeler-Wolf and Thomas 2000)
= Menodora spinescens Shrubland Alliance (Evens et al. 2014)
= Menodora spinescens Shrubland Alliance (CNPS 2017) [33.290.00]
>< Blackbush Scrub (#34300) (Holland 1986b)
>< Joshua Tree Woodland (#73000) (Holland 1986b)
>< Mojave Mixed Woody Scrub (#34210) (Holland 1986b)
>< Mojave Mixed Woody and Succulent Scrub (#34240) (Holland 1986b)
>< Mojavean Juniper Woodland and Scrub (#72220) (Holland 1986b)
Concept Author(s): J.O. Sawyer, T. Keeler-Wolf, and J. Evens (2009)

Author of Description: K.A. Schulz

Acknowledgements: No Data Available

Version Date: 11-11-16
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  • Thomas, K. A., T. Keeler-Wolf, J. Franklin, and P. Stine. 2004. Mojave Desert Ecosystem Program: Central Mojave vegetation mapping database. U.S. Geological Survey, Western Regional Science Center. 251 pp.
  • 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.