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Opuntia (fragilis, polyacantha, phaeacantha) Shrubland | Western Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Opuntia (fragilis, polyacantha, phaeacantha) Shrubland Reference: Western Ecology Working Group of... Description: This succulent-dominated dwarf-shrubland is known only from Canyon de Chelly National Monument in northeastern Arizona in the southern Colorado Plateau. It occurs in canyons on terraces and alluvial fans at the base of cliffs from 1755 to 1787 m (5758-5863 feet) elevation. Stands occur on gentle slopes (1-11%) with generally hot, south-facing aspects. One stand is seasonally flooded. The soils are sandy loam in texture. There is moderate to high cover of bare ground. The vegetation is characterized by an open to moderately dense succulent dwarf-shrub layer dominated by <i>Opuntia</i> species. <i>Opuntia phaeacantha, Opuntia polyacantha</i>, or <i>Opuntia whipplei</i> may dominate solely or in combination with the others. Other shrubs may be present, including <i>Artemisia filifolia, Artemisia tridentata</i>, and <i>Gutierrezia sarothrae</i>. The sparse to moderately dense herbaceous layer has a diversity of species. Common herbaceous species are <i>Astragalus lentiginosus, Bouteloua gracilis, Chaetopappa ericoides, Conyza canadensis, Croton texensis, Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata, Heterotheca villosa, Lappula occidentalis, Solanum elaeagnifolium</i>, and <i>Sphaeralcea fendleri</i>. The native annual forb <i>Plantago patagonica</i> may dominate after good spring precipitation. The annual exotic grass <i>Bromus tectorum</i> is generally abundant with 1-5% cover. Other exotic species include <i>Cynodon dactylon, Erodium cicutarium</i>, and <i>Salsola kali</i>.  Accession Code: VB.CC.31914.CEGL004009 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.2.794996 NatureServe Explorer   Translated: (Brittle Prickly-pear, Plains Prickly-pear, Tulip Prickly-pear) Shrubland   Code: CEGL004009   Scientific: Opuntia (fragilis, polyacantha, phaeacantha) Shrubland