Print Report
A3730 Fallugia paradoxa - Rhus trilobata Shrubland Alliance
Type Concept Sentence: This alliance is characterized by short, open shrublands occupying lava flows of El Malpais National Monument dominated by Fallugia paradoxa, Ribes cereum, or Rhus trilobata singly or in combination.
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Apache Plume - Skunkbush Sumac Shrubland Alliance
Colloquial Name: Apache Plume - Skunkbush Sumac Shrubland
Hierarchy Level: Alliance
Type Concept: This alliance is characterized by short, open shrublands occupying lava flows of El Malpais National Monument dominated by Fallugia paradoxa, Ribes cereum, or Rhus trilobata singly or in combination. Tree species such as Juniperus monosperma, Pinus edulis, or Populus tremuloides are frequently present in these shrublands as saplings or mature individuals, but never exceed 10% total cover. Frequent shrub associates include Forestiera pubescens and Holodiscus dumosus. Bouteloua gracilis, Bouteloua curtipendula, Elymus elymoides, Piptatheropsis micrantha, Poa fendleriana, and Schizachyrium scoparium are the most frequently occurring graminoids, though cover of any individual species is low. Forbs can range as high as 20% total cover and may include Artemisia carruthii and Heterotheca villosa. These shrublands occur between 2000-2400 m in elevation on gently rolling lava plateaus and collapse features. The ground surface cover is composed of lava rock and gravel, with areas interspersed where finer wind- or water-borne soils have accumulated.
Diagnostic Characteristics: Vegetation is characterized by short shrublands of varying cover, ranging from sparse to well-developed on volcanic substrates and dominated by Fallugia paradoxa, Ribes cereum, or Rhus trilobata singly or in combination.
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: This alliance is poorly documented, but likely found elsewhere regionally on course volcanic substrates within the region. This could be potentially grouped into another alliance within this group, but is distinguished by occurring on volcanic substrates.
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: Vegetation included in this alliance is dominated by a moderately dense layer of cold-deciduous shrubs. A sparse to moderately dense herbaceous layer may be present that is dominated by perennial graminoids. Scattered perennial forbs are usually present. Annual forbs and grasses are seasonally present.
Floristics: These shrublands are dominated by Fallugia paradoxa, Ribes cereum, or Rhus trilobata singly or in combination. Tree species such as Juniperus monosperma, Pinus edulis, or Populus tremuloides are frequently present in these shrublands as saplings or mature individuals, but never exceed 10% total cover. Frequent shrub associates include Forestiera pubescens and Holodiscus dumosus. Bouteloua gracilis, Bouteloua curtipendula, Elymus elymoides, Piptatheropsis micrantha (= Piptatherum micranthum), Poa fendleriana, and Schizachyrium scoparium are the most frequently occurring graminoids, though cover of any individual species is low. Forbs can range as high as 20% total cover and may include Artemisia carruthii and Heterotheca villosa.
Dynamics: Rhus trilobata has seeds that are impermeable and exhibit embryonic dormancy. Germination requires scarification either through cold stratification, fire, or animal ingestion. However, the primary means of reproduction is vegetative through root sprouts which can result in dense thickets.
Environmental Description: These shrublands occur between 2000-2400 m in elevation on gently rolling lava plateaus and collapse features. The ground surface cover is composed of lava rock and gravel, with areas interspersed where finer wind- or water-borne soils have accumulated.
Geographic Range: This alliance is currently only known from El Malpais National Monument in northwestern New Mexico.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: NM
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.899782
Confidence Level: Moderate
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.B Temperate & Boreal Grassland & Shrubland Subclass | S18 | 2.B |
| Formation | 2.B.2 Temperate Grassland & Shrubland Formation | F012 | 2.B.2 |
| Division | 2.B.2.Nf Western North American Grassland & Shrubland Division | D022 | 2.B.2.Nf |
| Macrogroup | 2.B.2.Nf.1 Gambel Oak - Alderleaf Mountain-mahogany - Bitterbrush species Southern Rocky Mountain Montane Shrubland Macrogroup | M049 | 2.B.2.Nf.1 |
| Group | 2.B.2.Nf.1.b Alderleaf Mountain-mahogany - Wavyleaf Oak - Skunkbush Sumac Foothill Shrubland Group | G276 | 2.B.2.Nf.1.b |
| Alliance | A3730 Apache Plume - Skunkbush Sumac Shrubland Alliance | A3730 | 2.B.2.Nf.1.b |
| Association | CEGL002222 Apache Plume - Skunkbush Sumac Shrubland | CEGL002222 | 2.B.2.Nf.1.b |
| Association | CEGL002330 Apache Plume / Rockland Shrubland | CEGL002330 | 2.B.2.Nf.1.b |
| Association | CEGL002333 Skunkbush Sumac - Wax Currant Shrubland | CEGL002333 | 2.B.2.Nf.1.b |
Concept Lineage: A.2575, A.3569
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: > Fallugia paradoxa - Rhus trilobata Shrubland (Muldavin et al. 2013c)
- 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.
- Muldavin, E., Y. Chauvin, T. Neville, P. Neville, A. Kennedy, H. Hulse, P. Arbetan, K. Schultz, M. Hall, and M. Reid. 2013c. Vegetation classification and map: El Malpais National Park. Natural Resource Technical Report NPS/SCPN/NRTR--2013/803. National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO. [http://nhnm.unm.edu/vlibrary/pubs_archive/nhnm/nonsensitive/R13MUL01NMUS.pdf]