Name:
Sarcobatus vermiculatus Shrubland Alliance
Reference:
Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This widespread shrubland alliance has been described from badlands in the northern Great Plains, silt dunes around pluvial lakes in the Great Basin, and alluvial plains in north-central New Mexico. Sites are nearly flat to steep and are located on contouring microbenches on middle or lower slopes with generally southern aspects. The microbenches are the result of differential erosion of shale layers. Lowland sites may receive overland flow during intense summer thunderstorms, but drain and are not considered flooded. However, some sites have high water tables. Soils are generally fine-textured, poorly drained, calcareous, alkaline and saline. Soils from some sites have large amounts of rock. The soil surface is mostly bare ground often with white salt crust. Shrublands included in this alliance are dominated by Sarcobatus vermiculatus. Other characteristic shrubs and dwarf-shrubs may include Artemisia tridentata, Atriplex canescens, Atriplex confertifolia, Chrysothamnus spp., Grayia spinosa, Gutierrezia sarothrae, or Suaeda moquinii. The herbaceous layer is absent to moderately sparse (<25%) and composed of scattered perennial grasses, such as Pseudoroegneria spicata, Pleuraphis jamesii (= Hilaria jamesii), Achnatherum hymenoides (= Oryzopsis hymenoides), Sporobolus cryptandrus, and Bouteloua gracilis. Annual grasses, especially the exotics Bromus tectorum and Bromus japonicus, may be present. Forbs are sparse except on disturbed, weedy sites. Forb species may include Eriogonum pauciflorum, Suaeda calceoliformis, Thelypodium sagittatum, Halogeton glomeratus, and Lepidium perfoliatum. Occasionally cacti, small trees or yucca may be present in New Mexican stands. Diagnostic of this alliance is the Sarcobatus vermiculatus-dominated shrub layer in a shrubland that has a relatively shallow water table, but is not flooded.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.20807.SARCOBATUSVERMI
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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