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A.1244 | EcoArt 2002
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Name: A.1244
Reference: EcoArt 2002
Description: This alliance includes grasslands dominated by ~Bouteloua curtipendula$, without significant ~Schizachyrium scoparium$, occurring in the Chihuahuan Desert region of western Texas, across southern New Mexico and southeastern Arizona. Stands of this alliance typically have moderately dense graminoid cover dominated by the medium-tall perennial bunchgrass ~Bouteloua curtipendula$, without significant ~Schizachyrium scoparium$. Composition varies with abiotic factors and grazing history. ~Bouteloua eriopoda$ is a characteristic associate on rocky slopes, and ~Bouteloua gracilis$ is an associate on deeper soils. Other associates can include ~Bothriochloa barbinodis, Hilaria belangeri$, and ~Schizachyrium cirratum$. Scattered individuals of ~Pinus edulis, Quercus$ sp. and ~Juniperus$ sp. may occur in higher elevation stands. At lower elevations and on dry slopes, sparse Chihuahuan desertscrub species may intermix. If shrub or trees are present, the density is always very low. Vegetation in this Chihuahuan Desert alliance generally occurs on rocky slopes on mountains and mesas. Elevations for these semi-desert grasslands are moderate ranging from 1050-1600 m. Mean annual precipitation is approximately 30 cm but is highly variable with drought years not uncommon. These grasslands grade into ~Pinus edulis - Quercus - Juniperus$ woodlands at higher elevations and Chihuahuan Desert shrublands such as ~Prosopis glandulosa / Bouteloua eriopoda$ stands on dry slopes and lower elevations. Stands may be found on all aspects, but in the drier parts of its range, they are restricted to cooler north slopes. Soils are generally rocky and range from shallow to moderately deep. 
Accession Code: VB.CC.1010.A1244
Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
      Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization)
Perspective from: 26-Nov-1997 to: 17-Mar-2005
     
  • status: accepted
  • Community's Parent: V.A.5.N.d
  • This Community's Level: Alliance
  • This Community's Children: [none]
Names:   Scientific: BOUTELOUA CURTIPENDULA HERBACEOUS ALLIANCE
  Code: A.1244
  Common: Sideoats Grama Herbaceous Alliance
(convergence) and Synonyms:
(undetermined) Bouteloua curtipendula Herbaceous Alliance