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A3145 Nolina parryi - Nolina microcarpa Scrub Alliance
Type Concept Sentence: This extremely xeromorphic evergreen shrubland is characterized by the subshrubs Nolina parryi or Nolina microcarpa forming an open canopy over a low-shrub layer. It is found in the Mojave Desert of California, and in Arizona and southern Nevada.
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Parry''s Bear-grass - Sacahuista Scrub Alliance
Colloquial Name: Parry''s Bear-grass - Sacahuista Scrub
Hierarchy Level: Alliance
Type Concept: This extremely xeromorphic evergreen shrubland of the southwestern mountains and deserts is characterized by the rosette shrubs Nolina parryi or Nolina microcarpa forming an open canopy over a low-shrub layer. Shrubs may include Ferocactus cylindraceus, Coleogyne ramosissima, Encelia farinosa, Eriogonum fasciculatum, Acacia greggii, Salazaria mexicana, Agave deserti, Hyptis emoryi, Ericameria linearifolia, and Ambrosia dumosa. Emergent individuals of Juniperus californica, Yucca schidigera, and/or Fouquieria splendens may occur. The herbaceous layer is sparse and often composed of perennial graminoids such as Achnatherum speciosum and Poa secunda. This alliance is found in the Mojave Desert of California, and in Arizona and southern Nevada. Stands typically occur on steep slopes, ridges or in valleys.
Diagnostic Characteristics: Succulent low shrublands dominated by Nolina parryi or Nolina microcarpa with >3% absolute cover and evenly distributed over scattered low shrubs and herbs (Thomas et al. 2004, Sawyer et al. 2009).
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: It was suggested during the classification of the Grand Canyon that these two taxa (Nolina microcarpa and Nolina parryi) be combined into one alliance (Reid and Hall 2010).
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: Tall rosette shrubs are emergent over a short-shrub canopy. The canopy is open. The herbaceous layer is sparse. Emergent individual trees and shrubs, up to 5 m in height, may be present.
Floristics: This extremely xeromorphic evergreen shrubland of the southwestern mountains and deserts is characterized by the rosette shrubs Nolina parryi (= Nolina bigelovii var. parryi) or Nolina microcarpa forming an open canopy over a low-shrub layer. Shrubs may include Acacia greggii, Agave deserti, Ambrosia dumosa, Coleogyne ramosissima, Encelia farinosa, Ericameria linearifolia, Ericameria teretifolia, Eriogonum fasciculatum, Eriogonum heermannii, Ferocactus cylindraceus, Hyptis emoryi, Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa, Salazaria mexicana, Salvia mohavensis, and Thamnosma montana (Sawyer et al. 2009). Emergent individuals of Juniperus californica, Yucca schidigera, and/or Fouquieria splendens may occur. The herbaceous layer is sparse and often composed of perennial graminoids such as Achnatherum speciosum and Poa secunda.
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: This alliance is found in the Mojave Desert of California, and in Arizona and southern Nevada This widespread xeromorphic evergreen shrublands of the desert Southwest is highly localized and requires very xeric conditions, although its range extends beyond the pure deserts of the Mojave and Colorado (Sawyer et al. 2009). Stands may occur at elevations ranging from 250 to 2250 m. Stands typically occur on steep slopes, ridges or in valleys (Sawyer et al. 2009). Optimal soils are thin and rocky, and are derived from granite crystalline metamorphic rocks or are of calcareous origin.
Geographic Range: This alliance is found in the Mojave Desert of California, and in Arizona and southern Nevada.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: AZ, CA, NV
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.899270
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.a Joshua Tree - Eastern Mojave Buckwheat - Rough Joint-fir Mixed Desert Scrub Group | G296 | 3.B.1.Ne.1.a |
| Alliance | A3145 Parry''s Bear-grass - Sacahuista Scrub Alliance | A3145 | 3.B.1.Ne.1.a |
| Association | CEGL003064 Bigelow''s Bear-grass Shrubland | CEGL003064 | 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: > Nolina (bigelovii, parryi) (Nolina scrub) Alliance (Sawyer et al. 2009) [33.080.00]
= Nolina (bigelovii-parryi-microcarpa) Mojave Desert Shrubland Alliance (Reid and Hall 2010)
= Nolina (bigelovii-parryi-microcarpa) Mojave Desert Shrubland Alliance (Reid and Hall 2010)
- Cheatham, N. H., and J. R. Haller. 1975. An annotated list of California habitat types. Unpublished report. University of California, Natural Land and Water Reserves System.
- 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.
- Hickman, J. C. 1993. The Jepson manual: Higher plants of California. University of California Press, Ltd., Berkeley, CA. 1400 pp.
- Holland, R. F. 1986b. Preliminary descriptions of the terrestrial natural communities of California. Unpublished report prepared for the California Department of Fish and Game, Nongame-Heritage Program and Natural Diversity Database, Sacramento. 156 pp.
- Keeler-Wolf, T., and K. Thomas. 2000. Draft descriptions of vegetation alliances for the Mojave Ecosystem Mapping project. California Natural Diversity Database, California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento.
- Reid, M. S., and M. E. Hall. 2010. Vegetation classification of Grand Canyon National Park. Draft report submitted to National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO.
- Sawyer, J. O., T. Keeler-Wolf, and J. Evens. 2009. A manual of California vegetation. Second edition. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento CA. 1300 pp.
- Sawyer, J. O., and T. Keeler-Wolf. 1995. A manual of California vegetation. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento. 471 pp.
- 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.