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Muhlenbergia asperifolia Intermittently Flooded Herbaceous Alliance | Western Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Muhlenbergia asperifolia Intermittently Flooded Herbaceous Alliance Reference: Western Ecology Working Group of... Description: This grassland alliance occurs in intermittently flooded areas in the plains, mountain parks and meadows, valleys, canyons, and plateaus in Colorado and Utah. The flooding is usually the result of highly localized thunderstorms. Sites are found in lowland habitats such as playas, swales, terraces along intermittently flooded washes, and alkali flats. Soils are variable, ranging from deep, fine-textured soil to shallow sand deposits. They are alkaline, and may be moderately saline and poorly drained due to an impermeable layer. Vegetation included in this alliance is characterized by a sparse to dense graminoid layer that is dominated by Muhlenbergia asperifolia often forming nearly pure stands. Other characteristic grasses may include Distichlis spicata, Pascopyrum smithii, Spartina gracilis, or Sporobolus airoides depending on geography. The exotic annual grasses Bromus tectorum and Polypogon monspeliensis are often abundant on disturbed sites. Forb cover is generally sparse, but may include species of Atriplex, Polygonum, and Rumex. Shrubs are rare, but because of the patchy distribution of these stands, scattered Atriplex canescens and Sarcobatus vermiculatus may be present from nearby shrublands. Diagnostic of this grassland alliance is a Muhlenbergia asperifolia-dominated herbaceous layer that occurs on lowland sites that are intermittently flooded.  Accession Code: VB.CC.20775.MUHLENBERGIAASP Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
	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:   Scientific: Muhlenbergia asperifolia Intermittently Flooded Herbaceous Alliance   Translated: Alkali Muhly Intermittently Flooded Herbaceous Alliance   UID: HIGHER_CLASS_UNIT.2.126480 NatureServe Explorer   Code: A.1334