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Canotia holacantha Grand Canyon Shrubland | Western Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Canotia holacantha Grand Canyon Shrubland
Reference: Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description: This crucifixion-thorn shrubland association is currently described from Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. More survey and classification work are needed to fully characterize this type. It occurs on sideslopes of canyons typically from 575 to 975 m (1875-3625 feet) elevation, but it has been found as high as 1275 m (4150 feet). It usually occurs on north-facing, moderately-sloping gradients (15-25°), but occasionally occurs on very steep slopes (40-50°) as well. Soils are rapidly-drained sandy loams; the underlying geology is usually limestone. This community often occurs in protected areas with a relatively high cover of moss. This community is characterized by a tall-shrub layer dominated by <i>Canotia holacantha</i>, which is invariably accompanied by the short shrub <i>Ephedra fasciculata</i> and occasionally by <i>Acacia greggii</i>. A variety of dwarf-shrubs also occur, including <i>Gutierrezia microcephala, Echinocereus</i> sp., <i>Agave utahensis</i>, and <i>Encelia farinosa</i>. A sparse graminoid layer is usually present, in which <i>Bromus rubens</i> occurs most frequently. The perennial grasses <i>Muhlenbergia porteri</i> and <i>Tridens muticus</i> also occur from time to time. <i>Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia</i> and <i>Xylorhiza tortifolia</i> are the most common forbs in a relatively sparse forb layer. Moss occurs sporadically, but when present has significant cover. 
Accession Code: VB.CC.31719.CEGL005296
Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
      Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization)
Perspective from: 17-Nov-2014 to: 01-May-2019
     
  • status: accepted
  • This Community's Level: association
  • This Community's Children: [none]
Names:   UID: ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.840828 NatureServe ExplorerNatureServe Explorer logo
  Translated: Crucifixion-thorn Grand Canyon Shrubland
  Code: CEGL005296
  Scientific: Canotia holacantha Grand Canyon Shrubland