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Arctostaphylos myrtifolia Shrubland Alliance | Western Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Arctostaphylos myrtifolia Shrubland Alliance Reference: Western Ecology Working Group of... Description: This shrubland alliance of the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada is found at elevations from 100-300 m. This alliance is naturally restricted by its association with rare soils. Outcrops of the Eocene Ione Formation, and soils derived from sediments of it, are the substrates for this alliance. This formation is composed of kaolinitic clay minerals, quartz sand, and ironstone. The soils are strongly acidic, shallow, nutrient-poor, and coarse in texture. The climate where the alliance occurs is hot and dry in the summer with prolonged periods of drought. Maritime air masses intrude from the San Francisco Bay during the summer, resulting in summer high temperatures that are slightly lower than elsewhere in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Winters are cool and moist. Annual precipitation ranges from 53-80 cm, with the majority falling as rain from November to March. Frosts are infrequent and slight. This alliance is usually dominated by Arctostaphylos myrtifolia. Other shrubs are often present, including 5 rare species: Helianthemum scoparium (= Helianthemum suffrutescens), Eriogonum apricum var. apricum, Arctostaphylos myrtifolia, Eriogonum apricum var. prostratum, and Horkelia parryi. Emergent trees may include Quercus chrysolepis, Pinus sabiniana, Pinus attenuata, and Heteromeles arbutifolia. The herbaceous layer is sparse, but often includes mosses and lichens. This alliance often occurs within a mosaic of several chaparral types.  Accession Code: VB.CC.25635.ARCTOSTAPHYLOSM 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: Arctostaphylos myrtifolia Shrubland Alliance   Translated: Ione Manzanita Shrubland Alliance   UID: HIGHER_CLASS_UNIT.2.126435 NatureServe Explorer   Code: A.760