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Achnatherum hymenoides Shale Barren Herbaceous Vegetation | Western Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Achnatherum hymenoides Shale Barren Herbaceous Vegetation Reference: Western Ecology Working Group of... Description: This association is found on shale outcrops in Colorado and likely is more widespread. Elevations range from 2200-2321m (7200-7610 feet) in north-central Colorado and west-central Colorado to lower elevation sites at 1415 m (4640 feet) on mesatops in the Colorado Plateau. This association is described as a topo-edaphic climax, occurring on soils derived from shales or mudstones. It occupies stabilized badlands with rolling topography, commonly on ridgetops exposed to wind, desiccation and sheet erosion. Aspects are often southerly. Soils derived from shale and mudstone are typically shallow, calcareous, alkaline and clayey, often capped by a thin gravel layer. Total vegetative cover is relatively sparse, and bare soil ranges from 75% to near 100%. The vegetation has a relatively sparse (5-25% cover) herbaceous layer characterized by the perennial bunchgrass <i>Achnatherum hymenoides (= Oryzopsis hymenoides)</i>. The low mat-forming suffrutescent forb <i>Eriogonum brevicaule</i> may codominate some higher elevation stands. Scattered shrubs may be present, including <i>Artemisia nova, Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis, Ericameria nauseosa, Gutierrezia sarothrae, Krascheninnikovia lanata, Sarcobatus vermiculatus</i>, and <i>Tetradymia spinosa</i>. Associated grasses include <i>Achnatherum pinetorum, Elymus elymoides, Koeleria macrantha, Pascopyrum smithii</i>, and <i>Pleuraphis jamesii</i>. Forbs present and providing sparse cover include <i>Artemisia frigida, Eriogonum contortum, Eriogonum lonchophyllum</i>, and <i>Stenotus armerioides</i>. Other associated species are the non-native bunchgrass <i>Agropyron cristatum</i> and the exotic annual grass <i>Bromus tectorum</i>. As many as 40 species may occur in this association, but stands are highly variable.  Accession Code: VB.CC.34673.CEGL001651 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.2.685387 NatureServe Explorer   Translated: Indian Ricegrass Shale Barren Herbaceous Vegetation   Scientific: Achnatherum hymenoides Shale Barren Herbaceous Vegetation   Code: CEGL001651