Login | Datasets | Logout
Jump to... Home PLOT search PLANT search COMMUNITY search Simple search Manage datasets Tutorial About FAQ ------- Site map VegBranch Data dictionary ERD

stdcommconcept1780917809

View Community Concepts - Detail

Distichlis spicata Intermittently Flooded Herbaceous Alliance | Western Ecology Working Group of...
click to update datacart
Name: Distichlis spicata Intermittently Flooded Herbaceous Alliance Reference: Western Ecology Working Group of... Description: This alliance occurs throughout much of the semi-arid and arid western U.S. in lowland sites such as playas, swales and terraces along washes that are intermittently flooded. The flooding is usually the result of highly localized thunderstorms. The unpredictable nature of the flooding is the key environmental factor separating this alliance from similar alliances with more predictable flooding regimes. Soils are deep, saline, alkaline and fine-textured. They generally have an impermeable layer and therefore are poorly drained. When the soil is dry, the surface usually has salt accumulations. This intermittently flooded grassland of playas and ephemeral streams has a sparse to dense herbaceous layer that is dominated by Distichlis spicata, sometimes occurring in nearly pure stands. The level of salinity in the soil may restrict associated species. Associated graminoids may include Puccinellia nuttalliana, Hordeum jubatum, Pascopyrum smithii, Sporobolus airoides, Carex filifolia, and Juncus balticus. Forb cover is generally low and may include Salicornia rubra, Triglochin maritima, Suaeda calceoliformis (= Suaeda depressa), Helianthus spp., and Asteraceae spp. Diagnostic of this alliance is the Distichlis spicata-dominated herbaceous layer and the presence of surface water for brief periods at unpredictable times during the growing season.  Accession Code: VB.CC.17809.DISTICHLISSPICA Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 1
	Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization) Perspective from: 26-Nov-1997 to: 01-May-2019
	status: accepted This Community's Level: Alliance This Community's Children: [none]		Names:   Translated: Saltgrass Intermittently Flooded Herbaceous Alliance   Scientific: Distichlis spicata Intermittently Flooded Herbaceous Alliance   UID: HIGHER_CLASS_UNIT.2.124691 NatureServe Explorer   Code: A.1332