Print Report
A2654 Quercus havardii var. tuckeri Shrubland Alliance
Type Concept Sentence: This Colorado Plateau shrubland alliance is dominated by patches of Quercus havardii and is currently known from Utah but may extend into western Colorado.
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Tucker Sand Shinnery Oak Shrubland Alliance
Colloquial Name: Colorado Plateau Tucker Sand Shinnery Oak Shrubland
Hierarchy Level: Alliance
Type Concept: The vegetation is dominated by patches of Quercus havardii var. tuckeri shrubs that range in cover from 5 to 85%. Because shrub roots anchor the sandy soil in this erosive habitat, Quercus havardii var. tuckeri shrubs often occupy hummocks of sand as much as a meter high. Associated shrubs include Coleogyne ramosissima, Ephedra viridis, Gutierrezia sarothrae, Opuntia polyacantha, and Shepherdia rotundifolia. The herbaceous layer provides sparse cover. Graminoids present often include Achnatherum hymenoides, Muhlenbergia pungens, Pleuraphis jamesii, and Vulpia octoflora. Scattered forbs may include Cryptantha sp., Hymenopappus filifolius, Lepidium montanum, and Streptanthella longirostris. Scattered Juniperus osteosperma trees are present in some stands. This Colorado Plateau shrubland alliance is currently known from Utah but may extend into western Colorado. Stands are restricted to dunes, sandsheets and pockets of sand on mesas, plateaus and valley bottoms. Sites are generally on flat, gentle slopes, with a few sites on moderately steep (50%) slopes. Elevations range between 1335 and1772 m, and aspect is not a major factor in determining the distribution of this association. Bare ground or loose sand cover most of the unvegetated surface, although in less-disturbed sites biological soil crusts can have as much as 30% cover. Soils are rapidly drained, deep loamy sands and sandy loams derived from alluvium or eolian deposits.
Diagnostic Characteristics: Sparse to dense shrublands occupying dunes, sandsheets and pockets of sand on mesas, plateaus and valley bottoms of the Colorado Plateau dominated by Quercus havardii var. tuckeri.
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: A similar alliance is characterized by Quercus havardii var. havardii and is found in the sandy plains in the southern Great Plains, whereas this alliance is characterized by Quercus havardii var. tuckeri and is restricted to the Colorado Plateau.
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available
Floristics: Stands included in this alliance are characterized by a sparse to moderately dense shrub layer (10-85% cover) dominated by patches of Quercus havardii var. tuckeri (5-85% cover). Because shrub roots anchor the sandy soil in this erosive setting, Quercus havardii var. tuckeri shrubs often occupy hummocks of sand as much as a meter high forming coppice dunes. Associated shrubs include Coleogyne ramosissima, Ephedra viridis, Gutierrezia sarothrae, Opuntia polyacantha, and Shepherdia rotundifolia. The herbaceous layer provides sparse cover. Graminoids present often include Achnatherum hymenoides, Muhlenbergia pungens, Pleuraphis jamesii, and Vulpia octoflora. Scattered forbs may include Cryptantha sp., Hymenopappus filifolius, Lepidium montanum, and Streptanthella longirostris. Scattered Juniperus osteosperma trees are present in some stands.
Dynamics: Sites are constantly exposed to erosion by wind and between dune areas may be scoured to alluvial surfaces. The vegetation in this alliance is well-adapted to its dynamic environment.
Environmental Description: This Colorado Plateau shrubland alliance is restricted to dunes, sandsheets and pockets of sand on mesas, plateaus and valley bottoms. Sites are generally on flat, gentle slopes, with a few sites on moderately steep (50%) slopes. Elevations range between 1335 and 1772 m, and aspect is not a major factor in determining the distribution of this association. Bare ground or sand cover most of the unvegetated surface, although in less-disturbed sites biological soil crusts can have as much as 30% cover. Soils are rapidly drained, deep loamy sands and sandy loams derived from alluvium or eolian deposits.
Geographic Range: This Colorado Plateau shrubland alliance is currently known from Utah but may extend into western Colorado.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: CO?, UT
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.899219
Confidence Level: Moderate
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.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.b Blackbrush - Cutler''s Joint-fir - Torrey''s Joint-fir Colorado Plateau Shrubland Group | G312 | 3.B.1.Ne.1.b |
| Alliance | A2654 Tucker Sand Shinnery Oak Shrubland Alliance | A2654 | 3.B.1.Ne.1.b |
| Association | CEGL002486 Tucker Sand Shinnery Oak Shrubland | CEGL002486 | 3.B.1.Ne.1.b |
Concept Lineage: equivalent to A.2654
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: No Data Available
- 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.