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Achnatherum hymenoides - Sporobolus contractus Grassland | NatureServe Biotics 2019
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Name: Achnatherum hymenoides - Sporobolus contractus Grassland
Reference: NatureServe Biotics 2019
Description: Total vegetation cover of this grassland association in upland sites with blowing sand is usually quite sparse, rarely exceeding 10%. Sites on sandy terraces and point bars may have up to 30% cover by vascular plants, with another 25% cover provided by biological soil crusts. <i>Achnatherum hymenoides</i> is the dominant species, ranging in cover between 3 and 15%. A scattering of shrubs may be present, with no species exceeding 1% cover and the total not exceeding 5% cover. Associated shrubs include <i>Amsonia tomentosa, Artemisia filifolia, Atriplex canescens, Ephedra torreyana, Ephedra viridis, Poliomintha incana, Vanclevea stylosa, Gutierrezia sarothrae</i>, and <i>Opuntia polyacantha</i>. Some stands may contain scattered <i>Juniperus osteosperma</i> trees or saplings. Associated graminoids include the short bunchgrasses <i>Aristida purpurea, Sporobolus cryptandrus</i>, and <i>Pleuraphis jamesii</i>. Forbs present include <i>Abronia fragrans</i> and <i>Sphaeralcea parvifolia</i>. This grassland association usually occurs in small patches (&lt;1 ha) on upland eolian sand deposits, as well as on sandy alluvial terraces and point bars along intermittent washes in eastern Utah and northwestern Colorado. It is likely to occur in small patches throughout the Colorado Plateau. Disturbance is usually a factor; upland sites often have blowing sand, and wash sites are subject to periodic flooding. Sites are flat to gently sloping (not exceeding 10%) between 1220 and 1815 m elevation. The unvegetated surface has high cover by bare soil or sand, low cover by litter, and biological soil crusts may have up to 30% cover. Soils are rapidly drained sands or sandy loams derived from alluvium or eolian deposits. 
Accession Code: urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:30561-{D5181C7F-550B-45F1-A8F5-E2FAE644470E}
Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
      Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization)
Perspective from: 18-Jul-2016 to: ongoing
      Names:   UID: ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.688701 NatureServe ExplorerNatureServe Explorer logo
  Code: CEGL001652
  Translated: Indian Ricegrass - Spike Dropseed Grassland
  Scientific: Achnatherum hymenoides - Sporobolus contractus Grassland
(convergence) and Synonyms:
(similar) Achnatherum hymenoides - Sporobolus contractus Herbaceous Vegetation
(similar) CEGL001652
(similar) Achnatherum hymenoides - Sporobolus contractus Herbaceous Vegetation