Name:
Populus fremontii / Ericameria nauseosa Woodland
Reference:
Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This common woodland association occurs on the high terraces of perennial streams and on the banks of intermittent washes throughout the Colorado Plateau on sites that are rarely subject to flooding. Sites are level to gently sloping and are located between 1165 and 2165 m (3825-7100 feet) elevation. Soils are poorly developed, well-drained sands and loamy sands derived from alluvium. Total vegetation cover ranges from 34 to 170%. The 10- to 15-m tall canopy is dominated by mature <i>Populus fremontii</i> trees that range in cover from 5 to 50%. Other trees, both riparian and upland, may be present with low cover in the canopy and subcanopy, including <i>Populus angustifolia, Salix gooddingii</i>, and <i>Juniperus osteosperma</i>. Young <i>Populus</i> and <i>Salix</i> are rare, because these stands are often at least 2 m above the water table. The shrub layer is low to moderate in terms of species composition and cover. <i>Ericameria nauseosa</i> dominates or codominates the stratum, often with <i>Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata</i>. Other shrubs may be scattered through the stand, including <i>Rhus trilobata, Sarcobatus vermiculatus, Opuntia</i> spp., <i>Forestiera pubescens, Atriplex canescens</i>, and <i>Fraxinus anomala</i>. The exotic <i>Tamarix chinensis</i> may also be present. The herbaceous layer is diverse in terms of species composition, although many species are exotic and most reflect upland conditions. Common graminoids include <i>Achnatherum hymenoides, Agrostis stolonifera, Bromus tectorum, Bromus japonicus, Elymus canadensis, Sporobolus</i> spp., and <i>Juncus balticus</i>. Forbs commonly present include <i>Ambrosia acanthicarpa, Artemisia campestris, Castilleja linariifolia, Equisetum hyemale, Lepidium montanum, Sphaeralcea</i> spp., and <i>Heterotheca villosa</i>.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.31116.CEGL002465
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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