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Juniperus osteosperma / Bromus tectorum Ruderal Woodland | Western Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Juniperus osteosperma / Bromus tectorum Ruderal Woodland
Reference: Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description: This semi-natural woodland association is usually a degraded form of other <i>Juniperus osteosperma</i> associations with native grass understories. It occurs on ridges and benches in western Colorado and eastern Utah. In these stands, significant ground disturbance, such as ground fire or sheep grazing, allows <i>Bromus tectorum</i> to establish and out-compete native grasses. Elevations range from below 1600 to 1745 m (5250-5725 feet), and slopes vary from gentle to moderately steep. Soils are sandy and well-drained. The substrate is often rocky, and rocks, downed wood and cryptobiotic crusts may cover most of the unvegetated surface. The canopy of <i>Juniperus osteosperma</i> is usually open, with between 20 and 55% cover. Shrubs are sparse and low in diversity but may include scattered individuals of <i>Artemisia tridentata, Gutierrezia sarothrae</i>, and <i>Opuntia polyacantha</i>. The exotic annual grass <i>Bromus tectorum</i> dominates the understory, although cover will vary from year to year depending on soil moisture levels in the early spring. Sometimes traces of the original native grasses will persist, including <i>Achnatherum hymenoides, Poa fendleriana, Pleuraphis jamesii</i>, and <i>Hesperostipa comata</i>. If forbs are present, they also tend to indicate disturbance. 
Accession Code: VB.CC.31931.CEGL002817
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.2.785427 NatureServe ExplorerNatureServe Explorer logo
  Translated: Utah Juniper / Cheatgrass Ruderal Woodland
  Scientific: Juniperus osteosperma / Bromus tectorum Ruderal Woodland
  Code: CEGL002817