Name:
Populus deltoides (ssp. wislizeni, ssp. monilifera) / Salix exigua Woodland
Reference:
Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This is a lowland riparian association known from the Rio Grande, Pecos and Canadian river drainages of central and eastern New Mexico and probably elsewhere in northern New Mexico. It also occurs in the Great Plains of Colorado, North Dakota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Texas, and in the Colorado Plateau of Utah and Colorado. This association occurs in wide river corridors that have low-gradient and primarily sandy/gravelly beds (becoming cobbly with increasing gradients). Elevations range from 1380-1980 m (4525-6500 feet). The type is most often found proximal to perennial rivers on low sidebars and streambanks near stream bankfull levels (discharge ratios close to 1). Occasionally, it can be found within the active channel or nearby. Because of its low position, the type is flooded frequently (average recurrence interval is 5 years). Most soils are young and undeveloped Entisols, and soils within the active channel are classified as riverwash. Soils tend to be well-drained sands with mixtures of cobbles and gravels throughout the profile. Most soils tend to be moist or wet within 1 m, at least during seasonal high water. In some soils, moisture indicators are found at greater depths. This association is dominated by relatively young stands of <i>Populus deltoides</i> that form open to moderately open overstories (25-50 % cover) with thickets of <i>Salix exigua</i> in the understory. <i>Baccharis salicina</i> is often well-represented to abundant and may codominate. Herbaceous cover is abundant, particularly among graminoids, and numerous (23) native wetland indicators can be present, such as <i>Schoenoplectus pungens (= Scirpus pungens), Scirpus microcarpus, Eleocharis palustris, Juncus balticus, Juncus longistylis, Juncus tenuis, Glyceria striata, Carex aquatilis, Carex oreocharis, Carex scoparia, Carex stipata, Equisetum arvense</i>, and <i>Equisetum laevigatum</i>. Overall herbaceous diversity is high (90 species) and still predominantly native in composition (66 species or 73%).
Accession Code:
VB.CC.32075.CEGL002685
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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