Print Report
A3979 Eriogonum pauciflorum - Gutierrezia sarothrae Badlands Alliance
Type Concept Sentence: This alliance contains sparsely vegetated, forb-dominated communities on badland landscapes in the northwestern Great Plains on clays, shales, and poorly consolidated sandstones or conglomerates or on the colluvial slopes at the base of such slopes. Rapid erosion prevents the development of soils and this along with the arid climate limit vegetation development to 1-10% cover. Consistent species in this alliance are Eriogonum pauciflorum and Gutierrezia sarothrae.
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Few-flower Buckwheat - Broom Snakeweed Badlands Alliance
Colloquial Name: Few-flower Buckwheat - Broom Snakeweed Badlands
Hierarchy Level: Alliance
Type Concept: This alliance contains sparsely vegetated, forb-dominated communities on badland landscapes in the northwestern Great Plains. Total vegetation cover is generally nearly absent to sparse (1-10% cover). Consistent species in this alliance are Eriogonum pauciflorum and Gutierrezia sarothrae. Other species possible are Atriplex argentea, Cryptantha thyrsiflora, Opuntia polyacantha, and the forb Grindelia squarrosa. Atriplex canescens dwarf-shrubs may be observed throughout the type but are typically short-statured and scattered in distribution. These communities occur on clays, shales, and poorly consolidated sandstones or conglomerates or on the colluvial slopes at the base of such slopes, all of which are easily eroded by wind and water. The rapid erosion prevents the development of soils and this along with the arid climate limit vegetation development.
Diagnostic Characteristics: Stands in this alliance occur on badlands formed from easily erodible clays, shales, and poorly consolidated sedimentary rocks. Vegetation is sparse and typically dominated by Eriogonum pauciflorum and Gutierrezia sarothrae.
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: Vegetation in this alliance is sparse (1-10% cover) and composed chiefly of short to medium-tall forbs.
Floristics: Total vegetation cover is generally nearly absent to sparse (1-10% cover). Consistent species in this alliance are Eriogonum pauciflorum and Gutierrezia sarothrae. Other species possible are Atriplex argentea, Cryptantha thyrsiflora, Opuntia polyacantha, and the forb Grindelia squarrosa. Atriplex canescens dwarf-shrubs may be observed throughout the type but are typically short-statured and scattered in distribution.
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: Stands of this alliance occur on clays, shales, and poorly consolidated sandstones or conglomerates or on the colluvial slopes at the base of such slopes, all of which are easily eroded by wind and water. The rapid erosion prevents the development of soils and this along with the arid climate limit vegetation development. Slopes are usually moderate.
Geographic Range: This alliance is found in the northwestern Great Plains of the United States and adjacent Canada.
Nations: CA,US
States/Provinces: CO?, MT, ND, NE, SD, SK, WY
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.900030
Confidence Level: Moderate
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: GNR
Greasons: No Data Available
| Type | Name | Database Code | Classification Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class | 6 Open Rock Vegetation Class | C06 | 6 |
| Subclass | 6.B Temperate & Boreal Open Rock Vegetation Subclass | S04 | 6.B |
| Formation | 6.B.1 Temperate & Boreal Cliff, Scree & Other Rock Vegetation Formation | F034 | 6.B.1 |
| Division | 6.B.1.Na Eastern North American Temperate Cliff, Scree & Rock Vegetation Division | D051 | 6.B.1.Na |
| Macrogroup | 6.B.1.Na.3 Great Plains Badlands Vegetation Macrogroup | M115 | 6.B.1.Na.3 |
| Group | 6.B.1.Na.3.a Greasewood / Few-flower Buckwheat - Broom Snakeweed Badlands Group | G566 | 6.B.1.Na.3.a |
| Alliance | A3979 Few-flower Buckwheat - Broom Snakeweed Badlands Alliance | A3979 | 6.B.1.Na.3.a |
| Association | CEGL002050 Eroding Great Plains Badlands Sparse Vegetation | CEGL002050 | 6.B.1.Na.3.a |
| Association | CEGL005270 Few-flower Buckwheat - Broom Snakeweed Badlands Sparse Vegetation | CEGL005270 | 6.B.1.Na.3.a |
Concept Lineage: A.3565 & A.1875
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.