Print Report

CEGL005467 Hecastocleis shockleyi Shrubland

Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available

Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Prickleleaf Shrubland

Colloquial Name: No Data Available

Hierarchy Level:  Association

Type Concept: Hecastocleis shockleyi is dominant or codominant in the open shrub layer. This shrubland is also characterized by Atriplex confertifolia, Eriogonum fasciculatum, and Tetradymia axillaris. Other species that are often present include Ephedra viridis, Ericameria laricifolia, and Lepidium fremontii. The emergent tree layer is typically not present, and the herbaceous layer is sparse to open. Herbs that are often present include Achnatherum hymenoides, Bromus rubens, Claytonia perfoliata, Cryptantha utahensis, Delphinium parishii, Gilia spp., Phacelia vallis-mortae, and Poa secunda. Commonly associated nonvascular plants include cryptogamic crust, lichen, and moss. This rare association is currently known only from localized stands in mountains in northern Death Valley, California. It is found primarily on steep, very rocky slopes and bedrock outcrops with northerly aspects. Elevations range from approximately 1250 to 1600 m. Soils are typically calcareous, derived from dolostone (dolomite), limestone and shale, and textures include clay loam, loamy sand, sandy clay.

Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available

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: No Data Available

Floristics: Hecastocleis shockleyi is dominant or codominant in the shrub layer. Stands are also characterized by Atriplex confertifolia, Eriogonum fasciculatum, and Tetradymia axillaris. Other species that are often present include Ephedra viridis, Ericameria laricifolia, and Lepidium fremontii. Herbs that are often present include Achnatherum hymenoides, Bromus rubens, Claytonia perfoliata, Cryptantha utahensis, Delphinium parishii, Gilia spp., Phacelia vallis-mortae, and Poa secunda. Commonly associated nonvascular plants include cryptogamic crust, lichen, and moss.

Dynamics:  Hecastocleis shockleyi stands are localized in northern Death Valley on nutrient-poor soils such as dolostone and limestone along steep slopes and ridges with colluvial disturbance.
Environmental Description:  This shrubland is found primarily on very rocky slopes and bedrock outcrops only at high elevations with northerly aspects. Soils are typically calcareous, derived from sandstone with dolostone (dolomite), limestone and shale, and textures include clay loam, loamy sand, sandy clay.
Geographic Range: The shrubland is localized in mountains in northern Death Valley, California, including the Grapevine Mountains and Last Chance Range.

Nations: US

States/Provinces:  CA


Confidence Level: Low - Poorly Documented

Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: G1

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 A4167 Bastard-sage - Heermann''s Buckwheat - Utah Butterfly-bush Scrub Alliance A4167 3.B.1.Ne.1.a
Association CEGL005467 Prickleleaf Shrubland CEGL005467 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: = Hecastocleis shockleyi Shrubland Association (Evens et al. 2014)
Concept Author(s): Evens et al. (2014)

Author of Description: M.J. Russo after Evens et al. (2014)

Acknowledgements: No Data Available

Version Date: 03-19-15
  • Evens, J. M., K. Sikes, D. Hastings, and J. Ratchford. 2014. Vegetation alliance descriptions for Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Death Valley National Park and Mojave National Preserve. Unpublished report submitted to USDI National Park Service, Mojave Desert Network Inventory and Monitoring Program. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, CA.
  • 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.
  • Western Ecology Working Group of NatureServe. No date. International Ecological Classification Standard: International Vegetation Classification. Terrestrial Vegetation. NatureServe, Boulder, CO.