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Artemisia tridentata - Atriplex canescens - Sarcobatus vermiculatus / (Achnatherum hymenoides) Shrubland | Western Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Artemisia tridentata - Atriplex canescens - Sarcobatus vermiculatus / (Achnatherum hymenoides) Shrubland
Reference: Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description: This desert community is associated with sand dunes, which are found along the windward (eastern in the northern Great Basin) edge of large playa basins. Aspects and slopes of the dunes vary, but most are north-south, along the eastern playa edges of a completely flat landscape. In addition to the shrubs <i>Artemisia tridentata, Atriplex canescens</i>, and <i>Sarcobatus vermiculatus</i>, other occasional codominants include <i>Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus, Ericameria nauseosa (= Chrysothamnus nauseosus)</i>, and <i>Grayia spinosa (= Atriplex spinosa)</i>. The most abundant but sparse grass is <i>Achnatherum hymenoides (= Oryzopsis hymenoides)</i> although <i>Hesperostipa comata (= Stipa comata), Elymus lanceolatus</i>, and <i>Leymus cinereus</i> are occasionally found. Bare, alkaline sand provides significant cover. This community rapidly vanishes on the adjacent <i>Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis</i>-dominated slopes. This dune association represents a rich floral assemblage as compared to surrounding salt desert scrub and playa communities. This is attributable to higher soil temperatures in spring promoting early growth, lower salt concentrations, and greater accumulation of wind-blown seeds. 
Accession Code: VB.CC.34518.CEGL001355
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.2.689130 NatureServe ExplorerNatureServe Explorer logo
  Translated: Big Sagebrush - Fourwing Saltbush - Greasewood / (Indian Ricegrass) Shrubland
  Scientific: Artemisia tridentata - Atriplex canescens - Sarcobatus vermiculatus / (Achnatherum hymenoides) Shrubland
  Code: CEGL001355