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Gutierrezia sarothrae - (Opuntia spp.) / Pleuraphis jamesii Dwarf-shrubland | NatureServe Biotics 2019
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Name: Gutierrezia sarothrae - (Opuntia spp.) / Pleuraphis jamesii Dwarf-shrubland
Reference: NatureServe Biotics 2019
Description: This dwarf-shrubland is found in Utah and northern Arizona, mostly in the Colorado Plateau, but likely occurs more widely. This association is characterized by an open dwarf-shrub canopy (10-30% cover) that is dominated by <i>Gutierrezia sarothrae</i>, frequently with <i>Opuntia</i> spp. and an herbaceous layer with <i>Pleuraphis jamesii</i> present to abundant (1-30% cover). Some stands have a diverse woody layer that includes low cover of several shrub species and occasional <i>Pinus edulis</i> or <i>Juniperus osteosperma</i> trees. The herbaceous layer is typically dominated by graminoids with several species present in addition to <i>Pleuraphis jamesii</i>, including <i>Achnatherum hymenoides, Aristida purpurea, Bouteloua gracilis, Elymus elymoides, Hesperostipa comata</i>, or <i>Pascopyrum smithii</i>. There is usually only sparse cover of native forbs such as <i>Chamaesyce</i> spp. or <i>Sphaeralcea coccinea</i>. Introduced species such as <i>Bromus tectorum</i> or <i>Salsola kali</i> may dominate the herbaceous layer of some disturbed stands. Stands occur on level to moderately sloping hillslopes, plateaus and bluffs. Aspects are reported from the southeast, south and southwest. Soils are variable and range from sandy to clayey texture and may occur over gravel and cobbles or talus. Disturbance may be important in maintaining this vegetation community as some stands have been created by chaining of trees and improper grazing by livestock. 
Accession Code: urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:31598-{24F26B5E-CA4E-4DA0-A580-258F753E2FB8}
Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 6
      Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization)
Perspective from: 14-Jul-2016 to: ongoing
      Names:   UID: ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.688408 NatureServe ExplorerNatureServe Explorer logo
  Code: CEGL002690
  Translated: Broom Snakeweed - (Prickly-pear species) / James' Galleta Dwarf-shrubland
  Scientific: Gutierrezia sarothrae - (Opuntia spp.) / Pleuraphis jamesii Dwarf-shrubland
(convergence) and Synonyms:
(similar) CEGL002690
(similar) Gutierrezia sarothrae - (Opuntia spp.) / Pleuraphis jamesii Dwarf-shrubland
(similar) Gutierrezia sarothrae - (Opuntia spp.) / Pleuraphis jamesii Dwarf-shrubland