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Rhus trilobata - Ephedra (viridis, torreyana) Talus Shrubland | Western Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Rhus trilobata - Ephedra (viridis, torreyana) Talus Shrubland
Reference: Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description: This Colorado Plateau mixed shrub assemblage occurs on steep, rocky colluvial slopes and bedrock canyon rims associated with mesas, canyons, benches, ravines, hills, hogbacks, escarpments and valley sides. Slopes are typically moderate and range from level to steep (0-70%), occur between 1238 and 1700 m (4000-5580 feet) elevation, and tend to occur on southerly to westerly aspects (less often east-facing slopes). Soils are shallow and rocky and range from rapidly drained clay loams to sandy loams derived from shales and sandstones. It tends to be slightly more mesic than most other talus type vegetation. Total vegetation cover is sparse, not exceeding 25%. It is characterized by a scattered mixture of shrubs, among which <i>Rhus trilobata var. trilobata</i> and <i>Ephedra torreyana</i> or <i>Ephedra viridis</i> are conspicuous and either dominant or codominant. As many as ten other species of shrubs may also be present, including <i>Amelanchier utahensis, Artemisia bigelovii, Atriplex confertifolia, Brickellia microphylla, Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus, Coleogyne ramosissima, Ericameria nauseosa, Eriogonum corymbosum</i>, and <i>Philadelphus microphyllus</i>. <i>Fraxinus anomala</i> is absent, and if <i>Pinus edulis</i> or <i>Juniperus osteosperma</i> are present, cover is less than 1%. Herbaceous cover is sparse and variable. Biological soil crust formation is rare on these active slopes. 
Accession Code: VB.CC.31885.CEGL003776
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.2.791994 NatureServe ExplorerNatureServe Explorer logo
  Translated: Skunkbush Sumac - (Mormon-tea, Torrey's Joint-fir) Talus Shrubland
  Code: CEGL003776
  Scientific: Rhus trilobata - Ephedra (viridis, torreyana) Talus Shrubland