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Juniperus scopulorum / Schizachyrium scoparium Woodland | Western Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Juniperus scopulorum / Schizachyrium scoparium Woodland
Reference: Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description: This plant association is a "scarp woodland" known from shallow, rocky, calcareous, generally north-facing slopes of the Central Shortgrass Prairie (Ecoregion 27) of northern Colorado, southern Nebraska, and Wyoming between 1615-1680 m (5300-5500 feet). It may be considered a relict plant association of a formerly widespread plains woodland. As with most relicts, the composition of individual stands varies considerably. <i>Juniperus scopulorum</i> (40-45% cover) is always present in this association. A few stands consist of this species only. More commonly <i>Pinus flexilis</i> (0-20% cover) or <i>Pinus ponderosa</i> (0-20% cover), and often both, occur. The shrub layer in this association is generally poorly developed but may include <i>Rhus trilobata, Ribes cereum</i>, or <i>Prunus virginiana</i>. <i>Schizachyrium scoparium</i> dominates the herb layer of stands in good condition, with 15-30% cover. <i>Calamovilfa longifolia, Bouteloua curtipendula</i> (2-5% cover),and <i>Bouteloua gracilis</i> (5-15% cover) are often present and may be codominant. Fire suppression may increase the density of trees, while heavy grazing pressure may decrease the cover of <i>Schizachyrium scoparium</i>. 
Accession Code: VB.CC.33776.CEGL000750
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.2.684939 NatureServe ExplorerNatureServe Explorer logo
  Translated: Rocky Mountain Juniper / Little Bluestem Woodland
  Scientific: Juniperus scopulorum / Schizachyrium scoparium Woodland
  Code: CEGL000750