Name:
Artemisia filifolia Colorado Plateau Shrubland
Reference:
Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description:
This sand sagebrush shrubland association is widespread in the Colorado Plateau of Utah, Arizona and probably New Mexico. It occurs on sandy, often somewhat disturbed sites on valley floors, stream terraces, stabilized dunes and sandsheets, benches, floodplains and alluvial fans. Most sites are level to gently sloping, with a few on moderate slopes (up to 21%), and may be oriented to any aspect, although there is a slight tendency toward warmer southerly aspects. Elevations range from 1122 to 1769 m (3680-5803 feet). Sand or bare soil covers most of the unvegetated ground surface, although biological soil crusts may have up to 40% cover. Soils are sandy and derived from local sandstones, alluvium, or eolian deposits. Total vegetation cover ranges broadly, from sparsely vegetated disturbed sites with less than 5% total cover to stable, well-developed communities with more than 50% cover. Regardless of cover, the vegetation is characterized by an open shrub canopy dominated by <i>Artemisia filifolia</i> that is usually mixed with other shrubs, especially <i>Atriplex canescens, Ericameria nauseosa</i>, and <i>Opuntia</i> spp. Less commonly, the shrub layer will include <i>Vanclevea stylosa, Eriogonum leptocladon</i>, or <i>Sarcobatus vermiculatus</i>. <i>Coleogyne ramosissima, Ephedra viridis</i>, and <i>Ephedra torreyana</i> are generally absent or have only trace cover. The herbaceous layer is moderate in terms of species composition and provides sparse to moderate cover. Graminoids that are consistently present include <i>Achnatherum hymenoides</i> and <i>Bromus tectorum</i>; some sites may also have <i>Hesperostipa comata, Pleuraphis jamesii, Sporobolus cryptandrus</i>, and <i>Vulpia octoflora</i>. Forbs vary among sites but are typical of sandy habitats, including <i>Abronia fragrans, Lepidium montanum, Oenothera pallida, Salsola tragus</i>, and <i>Sphaeralcea parvifolia</i>. Cryptogams may be absent or may provide up to 40% cover.
Accession Code:
VB.CC.34069.CEGL002697
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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