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Encelia farinosa - Ephedra nevadensis - Ephedra viridis Shrubland | Western Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Encelia farinosa - Ephedra nevadensis - Ephedra viridis Shrubland
Reference: Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description: This shrubland association has been described from the inner gorge of Grand Canyon National Park in northwestern Arizona. Elevation ranges from 610-1340 m. Stands occur on south-facing colluvial slopes below cliffs. Sites are predominately steep to moderate slopes, often talus with frequent rock outcrops. Substrate is shallow, rocky soil derived from limestone, sandstone, shale or igneous parent materials. Stands have a sparse (less than 20% cover), short woody canopy (less than 1 m tall) that is dominated by the xeromorphic evergreen shrubs Encelia farinosa, Ephedra nevadensis, and Ephedra viridis. Other common shrubs and dwarf-shrubs may include Acacia greggii, Gutierrezia sarothrae, or Lycium andersonii. The sparse herbaceous layer is composed of scattered forbs such as Galium stellatum, Machaeranthera pinnatifida, Eriogonum inflatum, and the introduced annual grass Bromus rubens. Succulents are common and include Opuntia basilaris, Opuntia erinacea, Opuntia phaeacantha, Echinocereus engelmannii, Echinocactus polycephalus, Ferocactus cylindraceus (= Ferocactus acanthodes), and Agave utahensis. Extent outside the park is not known. This association appears to be restricted to these inner-canyon habitats in the Grand Canyon. Disturbance from rockslides may be important in maintaining this successional type. Shrublands with similar species composition have been reported from California, but survey and classification work are needed to determine if they represent the same association as this. 
Accession Code: VB.CC.26384.ENCELIAFARINOSA
Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
      Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization)
Perspective from: 26-Nov-1997 to: 17-Nov-2014
      Names:   Translated: Brittlebush - Nevada Joint-fir - Mormon-tea Shrubland
  UID: ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.689542 NatureServe ExplorerNatureServe Explorer logo
  Code: CEGL001252
  Scientific: Encelia farinosa - Ephedra nevadensis - Ephedra viridis Shrubland
(convergence) and Synonyms:
(undetermined) Encelia farinosa - Ephedra (fasciculata, nevadensis) Shrubland