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Artemisia arbuscula ssp. arbuscula - Purshia tridentata / Pseudoroegneria spicata - Festuca idahoensis Shrub Grassland | NatureServe Biotics 2019
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Name: Artemisia arbuscula ssp. arbuscula - Purshia tridentata / Pseudoroegneria spicata - Festuca idahoensis Shrub Grassland
Reference: NatureServe Biotics 2019
Description: <i>Artemisia arbuscula</i> and <i>Purshia tridentata</i> are the dominant shrubs with <i>Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus</i> and <i>Ericameria nauseosa</i> being minor components. This association usually occurs on side and toe slopes on north, northeastern and eastern aspects at elevations from 1370 to 1525 m (4500-5000 feet). Slopes are gently sloping to nearly level, ranging from 0-5%. Bare ground is 50-75% of ground cover. Stones and gravel cover less than 10% of the surface. Soils are moderately well-drained. <i>Pseudoroegneria spicata</i> and <i>Festuca idahoensis</i> are the dominant grasses, with <i>Achnatherum thurberianum, Elymus elymoides, Poa secunda, Koeleria macrantha</i> and the non-native <i>Bromus tectorum</i> commonly found. Important forbs include <i>Astragalus</i> sp., <i>Erigeron</i> sp., and <i>Lomatium triternatum</i>. The <i>Chrysothamnus</i> species and <i>Bromus tectorum</i> increase with grazing intensity. Normally in central Oregon, <i>Purshia tridentata</i> and <i>Artemisia arbuscula</i> would not be growing together since <i>Purshia tridentata</i> requires a considerably deeper and better drained soil than does <i>Artemisia arbuscula</i>. Tests indicate that the two species are growing on distinct microsites. <i>Artemisia arbuscula</i> grows in areas that have a layer restrictive to roots approximately 38.1-50.8 cm (15-20 inches) deep, and <i>Purshia tridentata</i> occurs on sites where this restrictive layer does not occur. The scattered distribution of the two shrubs reflects an underlying distribution of soil condition. Silica has been identified as the major cementing agent that restricts drainage and root penetration on the <i>Artemisia arbuscula</i> sites. 
Accession Code: urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:30427-{8DC81D51-9C70-416A-ADAC-4E258FFB296C}
Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
      Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization)
Perspective from: 26-Nov-1997 to: ongoing
      Names:   UID: ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.689474 NatureServe ExplorerNatureServe Explorer logo
  Code: CEGL001518
  Translated: Little Sagebrush - Antelope Bitterbrush / Bluebunch Wheatgrass - Idaho Fescue Shrub Grassland
  Scientific: Artemisia arbuscula ssp. arbuscula - Purshia tridentata / Pseudoroegneria spicata - Festuca idahoensis Shrub Grassland
(convergence) and Synonyms:
(similar) Artemisia arbuscula ssp. arbuscula - Purshia tridentata / Pseudoroegneria spicata - Festuca idahoensis Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation
(similar) CEGL001518
(similar) Artemisia arbuscula ssp. arbuscula - Purshia tridentata / Pseudoroegneria spicata - Festuca idahoensis Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation