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Mortonia utahensis Shrubland | Western Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Mortonia utahensis Shrubland
Reference: Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description: This 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 typically occurs on sideslopes and plateaus at 1050 to 1300 m (3450-4175 feet) elevation, but can be found as high as 1550 m (5080 feet). It is primarily found on gentle to moderate gradients (up to 15°) and occurs across all aspects. Soils are well- to rapidly-drained silty or sandy loams that are typically derived from sandstone. Vegetation is characterized by a strong <i>Mortonia utahensis</i> component in the short-shrub stratum. Trees are uncommon and tall shrubs are essentially absent; however, <i>Pinus edulis</i> and <i>Juniperus osteosperma</i> occasionally occur. The short-shrub layer also commonly includes <i>Yucca baccata, Ephedra torreyana, Quercus turbinella</i>, and <i>Coleogyne ramosissima</i>. A sparse dwarf-shrub layer exists in which <i>Gutierrezia sarothrae</i> regularly occurs. <i>Opuntia polyacantha, Agave utahensis</i>, and <i>Thamnosma montana</i> also occur from time to time. <i>Pleuraphis jamesii, Aristida purpurea, Bouteloua eriopoda</i>, and <i>Achnatherum speciosum</i> occasionally occur in the graminoid layer. The composition of the forb understory varies considerably among stands; <i>Thymophylla acerosa</i> is the only species that occurs in the majority of them. 
Accession Code: VB.CC.31739.CEGL005153
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.2.840605 NatureServe ExplorerNatureServe Explorer logo
  Translated: Utah Mortonia Shrubland
  Scientific: Mortonia utahensis Shrubland
  Code: CEGL005153