Name:
Poliomintha incana - Artemisia filifolia - Vanclevea stylosa Shrubland
Reference:
NatureServe Biotics 2019
Description:
This Colorado Plateau shrubland is characterized by a mixed open canopy consisting of a combination of <i>Poliomintha incana, Artemisia filifolia</i>, and <i>Vanclevea stylosa</i>. One of these shrubs may be absent, but at a minimum either <i>Poliomintha incana</i> or <i>Vanclevea stylosa</i> is always present. Associated shrubs commonly include <i>Atriplex canescens, Ephedra viridis, Eriogonum leptocladon, Gutierrezia sarothrae, Opuntia polyacantha</i>, and/or <i>Yucca harrimaniae</i>. If <i>Coleogyne ramosissima</i> is present, it is with very low cover relative to the diagnostic species. The herbaceous layer has moderate to high species diversity with sparse to low cover. Consistent grasses include <i>Achnatherum hymenoides, Aristida purpurea</i>, and <i>Muhlenbergia pungens</i>. Forb composition varies greatly among stands, but species tend to be sand specialists such as <i>Abronia fragrans, Ambrosia acanthicarpa, Cryptantha crassisepala, Chamaesyce parryi, Hymenopappus filifolius, Oxytenia acerosa, Oenothera pallida, Stephanomeria exigua</i>, and <i>Streptanthella longirostris</i>. Total vegetation cover ranges from 5 to 55%. Stands occur on loose deep sand of dunes, benches, and sandsheets, as well as on stabilized dunes or intermittent washes on valley floors. Stands are flat to steep (up to 30%), occur between 1102 and 1900 m (3615-6235 feet) elevation and tend to be oriented to southern or eastern aspects. Soils are poorly developed, rapidly drained sands and sandy loams derived from eolian sands.
Accession Code:
urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:31326-{B8BAA36F-8004-4C37-A246-813B04204948}
Plot-observations of this Community Concept:
0
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