Name:
Pinus leiophylla / Quercus hypoleucoides Woodland
Reference:
Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This highly diverse `Madrean' woodland association is restricted to the isolated `sky island' mountain ranges of southwestern New Mexico, southern Arizona, and northern Mexico. It is specifically known from the Canelo Hills and Santa Catalina, Santa Rita, Patagonia, Chiricahua, Peloncillo and Huachuca mountains. There are a few isolated outliers in the central highlands of Arizona (Fort Apache Indian Reservation). Stands typically occur at elevations from 1740-2165 m (5700-7100 feet) on steep to very steep slopes with variable aspects. Generally, sites are warm and dry to very dry. The association is characterized by an open canopy of Pinus leiophylla with a subcanopy of Pinus cembroides, Juniperus deppeana, and evergreen oaks, including Quercus hypoleucoides and Quercus arizonica. The dominance of Quercus hypoleucoides over Quercus arizonica is diagnostic. In some cases, Quercus arizonica will be absent; Quercus emoryi is also absent or rare. Along with evergreen oaks, the shrub layer may contain a variety of xeric species such as Arbutus arizonica, Nolina microcarpa, Agave parryi, Garrya wrightii, Yucca schottii, Rhus aromatica, and Arctostaphylos spp. The Arctostaphylos spp. cover is generally less than 5%. The herb layer is characterized by xeric grasses such as Muhlenbergia longiligula, Muhlenbergia emersleyi, or Aristida schiedeana var. orcuttiana (= Aristida orcuttiana); Piptochaetium fimbriatum is absent or accidental. Forbs are diverse, variable, and sparse; the most constant are Hedeoma hyssopifolia, Desmodium rosei, Cheilanthes fendleri, Gnaphalium spp., and Packera neomexicana (= Senecio neomexicanus).
Accession Code:
VB.CC.22708.PINUSLEIOPHYLLA
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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