Name:
Pinus edulis - Juniperus spp. / Quercus gambelii Woodland
Reference:
Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This widespread woodland association is known from the Colorado Plateau and southern Rocky Mountains, occurring from south-central Colorado to south-central New Mexico, west along the Mogollon Rim of Arizona, and north into Utah and western Colorado. Elevations normally range from 1580-2440 m, but may be higher in stands in southern New Mexico. Sites are variable, but generally are relatively mesic. Stands occur on flat to moderate slopes along drainages and on mesa tops, and on moderate to steep, rocky slopes of foothills, mountains and canyons, especially in draws where soil moisture is concentrated, on northern aspects or where shaded by upper canyon walls. The soils are variable and range from deep to shallow, silty clay to sandy loam, and often gravelly. Litter from Quercus gambelii and other shrubs is often extensive (over 50% cover). The vegetation is characterized by an open to moderately dense tree canopy (10-60% cover) codominated by Pinus edulis and Juniperus spp. The species of Juniperus varies with geography and elevation. Juniperus monosperma is common in north-central New Mexico and southern Colorado. Juniperus deppeana is common in southern New Mexico, and Juniperus osteosperma is common in northwestern New Mexico, northern Arizona and in Utah. Juniperus scopulorum is more common in higher elevation stands. An occasional Pinus ponderosa tree may be present in some stands. Quercus gambelii dominates the often patchy, moderately dense tall-shrub layer with at least 5% cover, but often over 25% cover. Amelanchier utahensis, Cercocarpus montanus, Symphoricarpos oreophilus, or species of Yucca and Opuntia are common shrub associates. Herbaceous cover is variable, ranging from sparse to moderately dense, but generally dominated by graminoids (>5% cover) with scattered forbs. Associated graminoids include Achnatherum hymenoides (= Oryzopsis hymenoides), Bouteloua gracilis, Carex geyeri, Carex rossii, Elymus elymoides, Festuca arizonica, Koeleria macrantha, Muhlenbergia montana, Poa fendleriana, and Schizachyrium scoparium.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.27206.PINUSEDULISJUNI
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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