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Artemisia frigida Shrubland Alliance | Western Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Artemisia frigida Shrubland Alliance Reference: Western Ecology Working Group of... Description: This shrubland is reported from central Colorado, associated with prairie dog towns and heavily grazed pastures in the vicinity of livestock watering ponds. It is located on deeper soils that are typically deposited in drainages, swales (interfluves), and along lower hillslopes. The soil must be of a consistency (silty-clay and clay) that will support burrowing activity in terms of both depth and cohesiveness. This type is found at elevations ranging from 2545 to 2640 m (8350-8660 feet). The slopes range from 2-7% and are considered moderately well-drained. This shrubland becomes established on sites disturbed by prairie dogs. Artemisia frigida is an increaser under livestock grazing regimes and is evidently unpalatable or less palatable to prairie dogs, as well. The age of the colony determines to what extent Artemisia frigida dominates the site, and the following description covers sites that have been used by prairie dogs for several years. Prairie dog colonies that are densely occupied typically have vegetative cover values less than 40%. The foliar cover for Artemisia frigida ranges from 20-40% and other dwarf-shrubs, i.e., Ericameria parryi, Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus, Gutierrezia sarothrae, Rosa acicularis, and a species of Solidago, contribute from 5-20% foliar cover on some sites. The most abundant graminoid is Bouteloua gracilis, which is an increaser under light to moderate grazing regimes. Bouteloua gracilis contributes approximately 5-10% foliar cover on sites that are moderate to heavily-grazed. Other graminoids present on established prairie dog towns include Schedonnardus paniculatus, Poa fendleriana, and Nassella viridula. They rarely contribute greater than 5% foliar cover, unless it is a less densely populated colony, then the cover values increase for these species. Forbs generally contribute less than 5% to the foliar cover; those species commonly associated with these disturbed sites include Argentina anserina, Melilotus officinalis, and Achillea millefolium. Ground cover is typically 60-90% bare soil and small gravel, with the remainder in herbaceous litter.  Accession Code: VB.CC.28412.ARTEMISIAFRIGID Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
	Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization) Perspective from: 27-Aug-2002 to: 01-May-2019
	status: accepted This Community's Level: Alliance This Community's Children: [none]		Names:   Scientific: Artemisia frigida Shrubland Alliance   Translated: Fringed Sagebrush Shrubland Alliance   UID: HIGHER_CLASS_UNIT.2.126229 NatureServe Explorer   Code: A.2565