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Achnatherum hymenoides Colorado Plateau Herbaceous Vegetation | Western Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Achnatherum hymenoides Colorado Plateau Herbaceous Vegetation Reference: Western Ecology Working Group of... Description: This herbaceous vegetation association usually occurs in small patches (&lt;1 hectare) on upland eolian sand deposits, as well as on sandy alluvial terraces and point bars along intermittent washes in eastern Utah and northwestern Colorado. It is likely to occur in small patches throughout the Colorado Plateau. Disturbance is usually a factor; upland sites often have blowing sand, and wash sites are subject to periodic flooding. Sites are flat to gently sloping (not exceeding 10%) between 1220 and 1815 m elevation. The unvegetated surface has high cover by bare soil or sand, low cover by litter, and biological soil crusts may have up to 30% cover. Soils are rapidly drained sands or sandy loams derived from alluvium or eolian deposits. Total vegetation cover in upland sites with blowing sand is usually quite sparse, rarely exceeding 10%. Sites on sandy terraces and point bars may have up to 30% cover by vascular plants, with another 25% cover provided by biological soil crusts. <i>Achnatherum hymenoides</i> is the dominant species, ranging in cover between 3 and 15%. A scattering of shrubs may be present, with no species exceeding 1% cover and the total not exceeding 5% cover. Associated shrubs include <i>Amsonia tomentosa, Artemisia filifolia, Atriplex canescens, Ephedra torreyana, Ephedra viridis, Poliomintha incana, Vanclevea stylosa, Gutierrezia sarothrae</i>, and <i>Opuntia polyacantha</i>. Some stands may contain scattered <i>Juniperus osteosperma</i> trees or saplings. Associated graminoids include the short bunchgrasses <i>Aristida purpurea, Sporobolus cryptandrus</i>, and <i>Pleuraphis jamesii</i>. Forbs present include <i>Abronia fragrans</i> and <i>Sphaeralcea parvifolia</i>.  Accession Code: VB.CC.32041.CEGL002343 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.2.768815 NatureServe Explorer   Translated: Indian Ricegrass Colorado Plateau Herbaceous Vegetation   Scientific: Achnatherum hymenoides Colorado Plateau Herbaceous Vegetation   Code: CEGL002343