Name:
Ericameria nauseosa Sand Deposit Sparse Shrubland
Reference:
Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This association occurs on sandsheets and dune systems in southern and eastern Utah, northeastern Arizona and western Colorado, but is likely more common in similar habitats throughout the interior western U.S. <i>Ericameria nauseosa</i> is most likely to dominate a community where there has been chronic or severe disturbance, such as grazing, fire or, in rare instances, flooding. Elevation ranges from 1430-2000 m (4700-6560 feet). At Zion National Park, a stand was described from a colluvial slope below a sandstone cliff. In other areas it occurs on sand dunes and on sandsheets in flatter areas such as floodplains, stream terraces and valley floors. Sites are generally gentle to moderately sloping, but range from flat to steep and may occur on any aspect. Soils are sandy and may be derived from local sandstone, eolian sands, or alluvium. This association is characterized by a typically sparse short-shrub layer 5-20% cover (but may range up to 30% cover) that is dominated by <i>Ericameria nauseosa</i> (at least half the cover). Other shrubs or dwarf-shrubs are often present and may include <i>Artemisia bigelovii, Atriplex</i> spp., <i>Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus, Ephedra torreyana, Eriogonum corymbosum, Ipomopsis congesta, Gutierrezia sarothrae, Opuntia polyacantha</i>, or <i>Yucca elata var. utahensis</i>. The herbaceous layer is generally sparse and is dominated by perennial graminoids such as <i>Achnatherum hymenoides, Aristida purpurea, Hesperostipa comata, Muhlenbergia pungens</i>, and <i>Sporobolus</i> spp. Forbs associates may include <i>Chamaesyce glyptosperma, Cirsium</i> spp., <i>Heterotheca villosa, Penstemon palmeri, Phacelia heterophylla, Sphaeralcea coccinea, Streptanthella longirostris</i>, and <i>Sophora stenophylla</i>.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.33785.CEGL002980
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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