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Distichlis spicata Herbaceous Vegetation | Western Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Distichlis spicata Herbaceous Vegetation Reference: Western Ecology Working Group of... Description: These grasslands occur in semi-arid and arid western North America from southern Saskatchewan to Mexico. Stands are found in lowland habitats such as playas, swales and terraces along washes that are typically intermittently flooded. The flooding is usually the result of highly localized thunderstorms which can flood one basin and leave the next dry. However, this association may also occur in other flood regimes (temporarily, seasonally, and semipermanently). Soil texture ranges from clay loam to sandy clay. These soils are often deep, saline and alkaline. They generally have an impermeable layer and therefore are poorly drained. When the soil is dry, the surface usually has salt accumulations. Salinity is likely more important than flooding as an environmental factor. Vegetation cover is sparse to dense and is dominated by Distichlis spicata, occurring in nearly pure stands. Minor cover of associated graminoids may include Muhlenbergia asperifolia, Hordeum jubatum, Pascopyrum smithii, Sporobolus airoides, Carex filifolia, Eleocharis palustris, Puccinellia nuttalliana, and Juncus balticus. Associated forbs, such as Iva axillaris, Helianthus spp., Asteraceae spp. (from lower salinity sites), Salicornia rubra, Triglochin maritima, and Suaeda spp., may also be present. Shrubs are rare, but scattered Atriplex canescens and Sarcobatus vermiculatus may be present.  Accession Code: VB.CC.17808.DISTICHLISSPICA Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
	Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization) Perspective from: 26-Nov-1997 to: 17-Nov-2014
	status: accepted Community's Parent: Distichlis spicata Intermittently Flooded Herbaceous Alliance This Community's Level: Association This Community's Children: [none]		Names:   Translated: Saltgrass Herbaceous Vegetation   UID: ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.683374 NatureServe Explorer   Code: CEGL001770   Scientific: Distichlis spicata Herbaceous Vegetation   Common: Inland Saltgrass Saline Prairie (convergence) and Synonyms: (undetermined) Distichlis spicata Herbaceous Vegetation