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Ephedra viridis / (Achnatherum hymenoides, Hesperostipa comata) Shrubland | Western Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Ephedra viridis / (Achnatherum hymenoides, Hesperostipa comata) Shrubland Reference: Western Ecology Working Group of... Description: This short-shrub association occurs on sand dunes and sandsheets deposited on plateaus, benches and valley floors in southeastern Utah. Stands of this association usually occur as patches of one to several hectares within a matrix of other sandy communities dominated by <i>Coleogyne ramosissima</i> and <i>Artemisia filifolia</i>. Sites occupy gentle to moderately steep slopes (1-45%) between 1378 and 2018 m elevation and oriented to a variety of aspects, with a slight tendency toward northern and eastern aspects. The unvegetated surface has up to 96% sand or bare soil, with the balance covered by litter or dark cyanobacteria. Soils are rapidly drained loamy sands and sandy loams derived from eolian sands or alluvial deposits. Total vegetation cover ranges from 1 to 55% but generally is around 35%. The vegetation is characterized by an open canopy of clonal <i>Ephedra viridis</i> shrubs with between 5 and 20% cover with a well-developed grassy understory dominated by either <i>Achnatherum hymenoides</i> or <i>Hesperostipa comata</i>. The herbaceous layer totals up to 35% cover. Associated shrubs include scattered <i>Coleogyne ramosissima, Atriplex canescens, Eriogonum leptocladon</i>, and the succulent <i>Opuntia polyacantha</i>. Other grasses include <i>Aristida purpurea, Muhlenbergia pungens, Sporobolus cryptandrus</i>, and <i>Bouteloua gracilis</i>. If <i>Pleuraphis jamesii</i> is present, it is with much less cover than either <i>Hesperostipa comata</i> or <i>Achnatherum hymenoides</i>. Forbs include many species typical of sandy communities, including <i>Abronia fragrans, Chaenactis stevioides, Cymopterus newberryi, Oenothera pallida, Machaeranthera canescens, Plantago patagonica</i>, and <i>Sphaeralcea parvifolia</i>. Cryptogams are often present and provide up to 25% cover.  Accession Code: VB.CC.32020.CEGL002354 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.2.769080 NatureServe Explorer   Translated: Mormon-tea / (Indian Ricegrass, Needle-and-Thread) Shrubland   Scientific: Ephedra viridis / (Achnatherum hymenoides, Hesperostipa comata) Shrubland   Code: CEGL002354